“Made in Wickenburg” Residency Welcomes Vivid Stage

The Webb Center welcomes New Jersey-based theater company Vivid Stage to participate in their first “Made in Wickenburg” artist residency Oct. 27 – Nov. 10, 2024. The celebrated artist-in-residence program features free “Behind the Scenes” events, allowing the public an insider look as the company creates a new performance piece, tentatively titled “Arizona Project,” on the Webb Center stage.

While one of the resident acting company’s members, Harry Patrick Christian (aka Camp Imagination’s Director Mr. Harry) has been visiting our community for 17 years, this will be a new experience for the other nine participants. Among the company members are playwright Barbara Blumenthal-Ehrlich, play director Betsy True and Vivid Stage’s Producing Artistic Director Laura Ekstrand.

Celebrating 30 years of innovative and engaging performances, Vivid Stage’s professional actors and production team curate a year-round schedule of events that include plays, improv comedy, new play readings, and a summer youth program at their home theater in Summit, New Jersey.

During the two-week “Made in Wickenburg” residency, the company will offer two, free “Behind the Scenes” open rehearsals. Staff will be at the Webb Center on Wednesday, Oct. 30 and Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 2 – 5 p.m. to welcome the general public into the auditorium. These events are an Open House for all ages with a casual come-and-go pace. Those in attendance can expect an exclusive view into the creative process as the award-winning theater troupe creates a new family-friendly piece crafted from the stories and experimentation of the ensemble on stage.

In conclusion of their residency, Vivid Stage will present a public performance on Saturday, Nov. 9. The evening will consist of a full company reading of a play they have previously produced followed by the work-in-progress “Arizona Project.” After the 70-minute performance, audience members are invited to stay for a 20 minute “Post Show Talk Back” with the actors and creative team. Audience members are encouraged to offer feedback as the play continues to be developed and polished prior to its official world premiere on Jan. 28 at the Oakes Center.

Funded with grant support from the RH Johnson Foundation, the “Made in Wickenburg” residency hosts artistic companies providing for production costs, artist stipends, as well as lodging and meals at the historic Flying E Guest Ranch.            

Through the generosity of sponsors, tickets for Vivid Stage’s public performance on Nov. 9 are subsidized at a discounted price of $15 for adults and $5 for youth 18 & under. They are on sale now at the Webb Center Box Office 928.684.6624 or by visiting webbcenter.org/. “Behind the Scenes” events on Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 do not require tickets or reservations.