Dorn Homes Blog

The Performing Arts in Arizona’s Mile-High City

Posted by Dornhomes on Sep 6, 2017 11:00:00 PM

As we discussed in a recent post, Prescott is fortunate to have a vibrant local art scene. The Mile-High City’s embrace of the arts does not stop there. In fact, Prescott also boasts a lively performing arts pedigree. While the signature event is undoubtedly Acker Night, Prescott also regularly hosts visiting performers, comedians, and shows. Whether you’re looking for entertainment, or you’d rather immerse yourself in the performing arts through community theater, Prescott offers something for everyone.

Elks Theatre

Elks Theatre is downtown Prescott’s signature performing space and is listed in The National Register of Historic Places. The theatre is centrally located a block from the Courthouse Square and within walking distance of all of downtown Prescott’s finest restaurants, which you can read more about here(link to Small Town, Big Tastes). The theatre frequently features regional and national touring acts, tribute groups, and holiday performances when winter arrives. You can find more information about their upcoming slate of shows by stopping by the box office or visiting their website here

Prescott Center for the Arts

Yavapai College Performing Arts CenterThe Prescott Center for the Arts strives to create opportunities for the greater community to engage in and experiences all facets of the arts by providing both venues and theatre programs. The PCA Mainstage Theatre & Art Gallery is housed in a building listed in The National Register of Historic Places that completed construction in 1894. PCA also provides their Stage Too Theatre, which is a “Black Box” style theatre that offers more intimate performances and special engagements. PCA provides a multitude of opportunities for young performers-to-be, including Theatre Classes, a Scholarship Competition, and a Young Playwrights Festival. In addition to engaging young performers through education, the PCA also presents The Family Theatre season (in addition to their traditional theatre season), consisting of two or three productions targeted toward young people and their families. Information about upcoming performances, program participation, and auditions can be found here

Yavapai College Performing Arts Center

The Yavapai College Performing Arts Center offers a variety of performances throughout the year including theatrical productions, ballet, and live music. The YCPAC also hosts the visiting Phoenix Symphony and is the venue for Prescott’s 8th Annual Prescott Idol Finale. In addition to their full slate of events, YCPAC generously provides students with the opportunity to enjoy the performing arts through their Curtain Up! Education Series. Curtain Up! shows are open to students of public, charter, private, and home school and tickets are provided at no cost through the Forest Fee Management Association Grant or the Yavapai College Foundation grant. You can find more information about upcoming shows and purchase tickets by visiting their website here

Acker Night

No discussion of the performing arts in Prescott would be complete without Acker Night. First started in 1988, Acker Night (or the J.S. Acker Musical Showcase) has become one of the town’s most incredible annual traditions with hundreds of performers partnering with hundreds of downtown venues. Along with being a fun, family-friendly tradition, Acker Night combines participating downtown businesses with the support of hardworking musicians who donate their time and talents. Their mutual goal is to keep music alive and thriving for the youth of Prescott. Funds raised on Aker Night provide scholarships for music lessons, instruments, and local youth performing arts programs. To experience the event yourself, simply mark your calendar for December 8th, 2017. For more information about the performance schedule or to volunteer your time, visit the Acker Night website

Dorn Homes is a proud supporter of the arts and would encourage any of you reading this to learn more about Prescott’s fine and performing arts offerings. For more information about any of the events or programs above please visit their websites. For more information about Dorn Homes or anything else that Prescott has to offer, please contact one of our Online Home Advisors today.