Arizona Broadway Theatre buys residence to house performers
Nov 24, 2024, 5:30 PM
PHOENIX — Arizona Broadway Theatre acquired a residence in Peoria where directors, designers, performers and apprentices from other states can live.
The nine-bedroom, four-bathroom house located near Bloomfield Road and 75th Avenue, just three miles from the theatre, also features a casita and kitchenette and can comfortably house a production’s entire cast.
Approximately $1 million was spent on the property as well as necessary renovations, and it was the first ever purchase of this kind for the Arizona Broadway Theatre, a nonprofit organization.
In the past, the theatre has had to rely on using Peoria-area apartment buildings to house cast members. Acquiring the house will save the theatre about $10,000 per month in rent.
“We’ve been looking for a property to fit our unique needs for about 10 years, but it was a tall order to fill,” Arizona Broadway Theatre CEO Kiel Klaphake said in a press release.
“This house is a niche property that was able to be adapted to accommodate our requirements and will help us expand our organization, increase revenue and attract more talent to our theatre both now and in the future. When I visited the property, I saw enormous potential to create an artist’s oasis.”
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The house was built in 1984 and is approximately 2,000 square feet, while the total property is nearly a half-acre and also has a swimming pool, hot tub, barbecue area, covered dining space and parking.
Local contractors spent the last six months working on repairs and renovations.
In addition to creating additional bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways, adding a new HVAC system, commercial sink, two ovens, two industrial refrigerators, two microwaves, one freezer, new cabinets, a kitchen island, water filling station and industrial ice makers are some of the new amenities.
“For the past two decades, we have used short-term rentals like local apartments to house talent who come from other states to work, but unfortunately this comes at a significant cost,” Klaphake said. “Plus, it’s complicated to navigate planning for rehearsals, costume fittings and performances when a show’s cast is spread across several locations. This new housing solution will help alleviate a lot of these challenges.”
“Purchasing this property not only saves the theatre money and builds equity, but it also reinforces our commitment to the West Valley and ensures the theatre will remain a staple in the community for many years to come,” Klaphake added.
The cast of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” will be the first group of performers to live in the Arizona Broadway Theatre House. The production will feature on stage from Nov. 15-Dec. 29.
