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25 26 IMPACT REPORT

CONNECTING ™ COMMUNITIES

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

Welcome to ASU Gammage’s 2025–2026 Impact Report. The work we do matters. Our community needs an arts champion and I am proud that ASU Gammage continues to answer that call. Every day, we see the power of the arts connect people, inspire new ideas and strengthen our communities. As you turn these pages, you’ll discover stories of lives transformed through the performing arts. You’ll see how our K–12 education programs are helping students build confidence, creativity and leadership skills. You’ll learn how our work reaches across the ASU campus and throughout Arizona, creating opportunities for people of all ages to experience the joy and impact of live performance. You’ll also see how military families, first-time theatergoers and lifelong arts lovers are making lasting memories together because of your support. These accomplishments are not ours alone. They belong to every donor, volunteer, partner, artist, educator and audience member who believes that the arts have the power to change lives. Thank you for being part of our mission of Connecting Communities™. Because of you, we continue to create spaces where everyone belongs, every story has a stage and every performance has the power to make a difference. As we look ahead, we remain committed to being bold enough to dream bigger, brave enough to lead and dedicated enough to ensure the arts remain accessible for generations to come. Together, we are brave enough.

Colleen Jennings-Roggensack ASU Vice President for Cultural Affairs and Executive Director of ASU Gammage

ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

SNAPSHOT BY THE NUMBERS

228,589 5,971

Beyond event participants

School of Music attendees

8,910

7,684

5,840

Broadway event participants

8,903

Convocations and Fall Welcome participants

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

Rental event participants

Students engaged in K-12 Programs

7,728

ASU students and community members involved in programs

Thank you to the donors whose major gifts make cultural participation programs possible. BEYOND Sponsors

High School Musical Theatre Awards

BEYOND Commissioning Club Reginald M. Ballantyne III Joan Cremin Dr. and Mrs. Charles and Laurie Goldstein Joanne and Mark Halberg Michelle Jung and Chris Rodriguez Cheryl Mandala Linda and Chuck Redman Diane Rosztoczy

JA BizTown

BEYOND Cohort Abbett Family Foundation Carstens Family Funds Rojon and Jay Hasker Bryan Hill and Leah Pallin-Hill Rosey and Justin Kerchal JD Laufman Hope and Steven Leibsohn Pit and John Lucking Steve and Rhonda Maun Marcia and Andrew Meyer Margaret T. Morris Foundation Linda and Arthur Pelberg Rod and Julie Rebello Brenda and Jim Rowland Martin L. Shultz Mary and Bill Way

Schlotzsky’s Michelle Jung and Chris Rodriguez

Foundation Sponsors Arizona Community Foundation Vet Tix

Christopher Rivas

HOW TO GET FREE sponsored by Joan Cremin and the Abbett Family Foundation Residency sponsored by Michelle Jung and Chris Rodriguez

The Molly Blank Fund Lee Bowman Jim and Brenda Rowland

The Barlow Family, In Memory of Robert H. Barlow

Kaleidoscope

The Molly Blank Fund Janet and Douglas Baughman Hope and Steven Leibsohn Penni Graham

Military Family First Nights

Performances for Students The Molly Blank Fund APS SRP The Seiden Family Endowment Target

School to Work

Blue Cross Blue Shield Abbett Family Foundation

Tech Tours APS

ASU Gammage Herberger Scholarship Students

Krueger Family Endowment ASU Gammage Scholarship Robert L. and Tamara S. Scrivner Scholarship for Theater and Dance

Camp Broadway

The Rosenbluth Family Foundation Susan and William Ahearn Russell A. Robbins Isaac and Allison Gabriel

Disney Musicals in Schools Abbett Family Foundation Disney Theatrical Group Cheryl Sucato The Hoffman Family Katie and Tim Hill Walter and Elizabeth Kras

ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

CAMP BR

A Week of Confidence, Creativity and Broadway Magic at Camp Broadway

“My favorite part is seeing how the campers change from the first day to the last day,” Avery said. “They’re always very shy at first. It’s not just about learning dances and music. It’s watching them grow socially. By the end of the week they’re making friends, talking to everyone and cheering each other on.” Campers also enjoyed experiences beyond rehearsals.

There is something special about Camp Broadway at ASU Gammage. It’s a week filled with excitement, nerves, laughter, sore feet, new friendships, unforgettable performances and, of course, plenty of singing, dancing and acting. On the first day of camp, many first-time campers arrive feeling shy and unsure of what to expect. Returning campers quickly ease those nerves, greeting old friends with hugs and welcoming new faces into the Camp Broadway family. Before long, everyone settles into the fast-paced rhythm of camp. Each day is packed with acting, singing and dance classes as campers, divided into the Shuberts, Jujamcyns, Nederlanders and Dodgers, prepare for their final performances. For second-year camper Sydney Dickerson, returning to camp made the experience even more enjoyable. “It was just as exciting as ever,” she 5

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

said. “Being a second-year camper gave me a better idea of what camp was going to be like. I knew the schedule and knew it was going to be an exciting, tiring and fun day.” When asked to describe Camp Broadway in three words, Sydney didn’t hesitate: “Fun, interesting and entertaining.” Second-year camper Verona Ong agreed. “It was less stressful because I knew what was happening,” she said. Assistant Stage Manager Avery Fisher understands that journey better than most. Once a Camp Broadway camper herself, she now helps guide the next generation of young performers. “I knew about Camp Broadway from seeing shows with my family when I was little,” Avery said. “I went to camp as a kid, and now getting to come back and work with the campers has been really special.”

On Wednesday, they attended Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at ASU Gammage, filling the theater with cheers and laughter. The next day, eight cast members joined campers for lunch, answering questions and sharing stories about auditions, backstage mishaps and building a career on stage. For Sydney, meeting the cast was the highlight of the week. “It was so cool,” she said. “You see them in the show, and then you get to talk to them. Hearing their stories made the show even more exciting.” A new buddy program paired older campers with younger ones. Verona made new friends through the experience. “Yes,” she said. “I wish we could spend more time together.” As rehearsals intensified, campers prepared for Friday’s Family Finale. Younger campers performed SHREK, while older campers staged THE ADDAMS FAMILY. Friday began by recognizing returning campers and presenting the Legacy Robe before both groups took the stage.

ROADWAY Like every Camp Broadway week, there were challenges. “Walking around because my feet hurt,” Verona laughed.

For Avery, the most rewarding moment comes during dress rehearsal. “That’s when you see all the kids in their costumes and everything finally comes together. You can see on their faces how excited they are that all of their hard work paid off.”

Both productions showcased the campers’ growth through the week, earning enthusiastic applause from family and friends. While the Family Finale is a favorite for many, Verona’s favorite moment came earlier. “My favorite part was performing our musical for the older camp group,” she said. Campers also discovered how much they could accomplish in only five days. “I learned three choreographed numbers in one week,” Verona said.

The grand finale brought every camper back to the stage together for one final musical number, celebrating a week of hard work, growth and new friendships. For Sydney, Camp Broadway is about more than learning theater skills. “It’s a fun and exciting experience that helps you become a better actor, singer and dancer while giving you amazing opportunities to interact with a Broadway cast.”

“It’s a week where you can completely focus on putting on a show and giving it your all,” she said. “You learn from Broadway professionals and experienced staff who are invested in helping you succeed. If you put in the work, they’ll put in the work with you. You’ll leave with new skills, new friends and memories that stay with you long after camp ends.”

By the end of the week, campers left with tired feet, lasting friendships, growing confidence and memories that will stay with them long after the final curtain call. Camp Broadway may only last one week, but the lessons, connections and joy it creates last much longer.

Verona offers simple advice: “You should do it because you get better.” Having experienced Camp Broadway as both a camper and staff member, Avery believes there is no better place for young performers to grow.

350

participants

scholarships

family finale ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

In total

musical theater programs have been created thanks to DMIS

Together, we can shape a future where the arts unite communities and leave a lasting legacy. Through ASU’s Changing Futures campaign, we will preserve the performance spaces where memories are made and create innovative arts programs that strengthen connections and nurture well-being for generations to come.

For more information visit: asugammage.com/changingfutures or scan the QR code.

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

DISNEY MUSICALS IN SCHOOLS On a warm February evening, ASU Gammage buzzed with excitement. More than 140 elementary students from across the Phoenix area took the stage at ASU Gammage for the 2026 Disney Musicals in Schools Student Share. The showcase featured students from five schools who spent the past 17 weeks rehearsing their musicals as part of the Disney Musicals in Schools (DMIS) program, presented locally through a partnership between ASU Gammage and Disney Theatrical Group.

schools

141

“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Colleen JenningsRoggensack, Vice President for Cultural Affairs at Arizona State University and Executive Director of ASU Gammage. “Disney Musicals in Schools connects communities and gives students the opportunity to discover their creativity and confidence on stage.” Since launching the program in Phoenix four years ago, ASU Gammage has partnered with 17 elementary schools and introduced more than 700 students to musical theatre. Principal’s representative Jennifer Tom said the experience helped students imagine new possibilities for themselves. “Many of our students have never seen a musical before,” Tom said. “But they know Disney. When they see stories like Marvel’s Echo, where the main character is Indigenous like them, it helps them think, ‘I can be up there too.’” The program has helped students discover new confidence.

On stage at ASU Gammage, the students sang and danced with enthusiasm and pride. They saw a brave Jasmine, a multitalented Aladdin, a lively Baloo from THE JUNGLE BOOK, and a group of charming kittens from THE ARISTOCATS JR. For many of the students, it was the performance of a lifetime. During the Student Share, each school presented one musical number from its production before returning to the stage together for a grand finale performance of the Disney Musicals in Schools theme song, “It Starts With a Dream,” written by composer Alan Menken. For the students performing under the lights at ASU Gammage, the evening marked the culmination of months of dedication and the beginning of new dreams. As many educators shared throughout the night, the program does more than teach theatre. It helps students discover their voices.

students

929 attendees

ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

EXPRES For 16 years, the Tempe theater has opened its doors — and its stage — to ASU students, staff, professors and members of the Tempe community, giving them the opportunity to stand in the spotlight where so many stars have performed. Gary Beckert, former ASU Gammage Food and Beverage Manager, traditionally opened the show during his time on staff. Though he has since retired, Expressions wouldn’t be

103 participants

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

Expressions without his inaugural performance, and he continues to return each year to begin the evening. Equipped with his trusty guitar, Beckert breaks the ice with a joke or two before strumming and singing an original piece. On this particular evening, he performed “Go Home,” a song he wrote with his late partner. After the final note, Beckert reassures the audience, “from this point on, there’s nothing but fun and merriment,” a gentle shift from the song’s somber tone to the highenergy performances still to come.

Throughout the evening, original works fill the stage alongside beloved favorites, including “Burn” from HAMILTON and “It Couldn’t Please Me More” from CABARET. Some artists perform with backing tracks, while others accompany themselves — like Grace Mickelson, who delivered a stunning rendition of Hozier’s “Take Me to Church” while playing piano. Husband-and-wife duo James and Emma Mattison performed their original song “I Get a Fever,”

I didn’t think I’d be able to be on a stage like this during my college career, so I’m really thankful.

SSIONS the only slide guitar piece in their repertoire. After the crowd’s cheers subsided, Emma shared,

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to perform on this stage. Thank you.” Comedian Joley Paige earned some of the loudest laughs of the night with the line, “You don’t end up on the Gammage mic if P.E. was easy for you.” A sentiment that felt both true and relatable to almost everyone in the room. For more than two hours, 23 local performers showcased their talents. Singers, pianists, guitarists, spoken word artists, stand-up comedians and dancers — performing as solo acts, duos, and trios — paraded across the stage. The talent is undeniable, but what’s even more magical is the audience.

briefly crept in as she admitted, “I don’t know how you all did this,” prompting even louder cheers of encouragement from the crowd.

She persevered and finished strong. “I didn’t think I’d be able to be on a stage like this during my college career, so I’m really thankful,” she later shared, which brought another wave of applause. Expressions is truly one of a kind — not just as an event, but in the way each evening unfolds differently. While some performers and audience members are veterans, newcomers continually step into the spotlight, leaving you eager to return again and again to witness fresh talent on a historic stage.

“I challenge you, if you choose to accept it, to meet someone new tonight,” Samuel Peña, the evening’s emcee, encouraged as the stage was set for the next performer. Like clockwork, audience members turned to greet one another. Smiles spread, laughter echoed and genuine human connections formed. A room that began as a collection of strangers transformed into a supportive, connected community. One of the final performances of the evening came from student Lindsey Stevens, who sang “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac. During an instrumental break, nerves ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

A NIGHT OF

The 2025–2026 ASU Gammage High School M

14 25 awards

schools

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the ASU Gammage stage came alive for one of the most fun, loudest, dance-filled and awe-inspiring nights of the year. The ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards brought together students, educators, families and arts supporters from across the Valley of the Sun to celebrate the incredible talent found in high school musical theater programs. Each participating school performed one number from their musical and every student onstage gave it their all. The night was packed with unforgettable moments. There was a dancing SpongeBob, a chillingly brilliant Sweeney Todd, perfectly choreographed birds, laugh-outloud moments from “A Musical” in 11

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

SOMETHING ROTTEN!, a heartfelt medley from HADESTOWN and a glimpse into the world of demigods with THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL. Costumes wowed throughout the evening with HELLO, DOLLY! delivering some especially stunning looks. One of the most unforgettable moments of the night came when the finalists for Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress took the stage. Still processing the news that they were finalists, and Jimmy Awards nominees, they somehow found the courage to step forward and sing their hearts out. These students were brave, vulnerable and incredibly talented. When it came time for the awards ceremony, the energy in the theater shifted. As each category was announced and finalists were asked to stand, the room was filled with nervous anticipation. Win or lose,

applause erupted as students cheered loudly for their peers. Tears and cheers filled the theater as winners were celebrated, reflecting the deep sense of community that defines this program. The evening built to its final moment with the long-awaited announcement of Best Musical. A moment schools and students had been working towards all year had finally arrived, and you could feel the energy radiate throughout the theater as the envelope was opened. When Chaparral High School’s HADESTOWN: TEEN EDITION was called, the joy onstage was undeniable. The pride shared by the students and their teachers spoke to months of hard work, collaboration and passion. An emotional peak was reached with the announcement of Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress. As the winners were revealed, balloons rained down and confetti

BIG TALENT

Musical Theatre Awards filled the air while the audience erupted in celebration. Best Lead Actor Brayden Nesbitt of Chandler High School and Best Lead Actress Brooklyn Martin of Mountain Ridge High School took the stage visibly shaking with excitement, overwhelmed and thrilled by the moment. Their joy spread through the crowd, drawing thunderous applause.

These two remarkable students represented ASU Gammage at the Jimmy Awards in New York City this summer, carrying the energy of this unforgettable night with them.

425 1,867 students

attendees

ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

JUNIOR ACH

JA BizTown gives students a real-world look at big dreams and bigger possibilities When students walk through the doors of Junior Achievement (JA) BizTown in Tempe, they aren’t just visiting a field trip destination—they’re stepping into a future full of possibilities. For one day, students become CEOs, marketers, development officers, business leaders and entrepreneurs, taking on real-world responsibilities in a fully immersive simulation. They apply for jobs, interview with teachers, manage business loans, pay bills and work together to keep their businesses running. But the work begins long before they arrive. Throughout the year, students spend approximately 14 hours in the classroom learning financial literacy, banking fundamentals, interviewing skills and business concepts that prepare them for the experience. The impact extends far beyond a single day. 13

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

“We celebrate those dreams, and we’re very big on ‘yes, and...’ here,” shared Eddie Mehta, Development Director at Junior Achievement of Arizona, while discussing conversations with students about their future ambitions. “Kids talk about wanting to be influencers… and we say, ‘That’s a great dream. Also, did you consider that if you’re an influencer, you are running your own business?’” That philosophy—meeting students where they are and helping them expand their understanding of future possibilities—is central to JA’s mission and made possible through community support and partnerships. Organizations like ASU Gammage play an important role in bringing these experiences to life. Through its presence in BizTown, students gain exposure to careers in arts

and culture while stepping into roles in marketing, ticketing and development. For many, it’s their first introduction to the wide range

HIEVEMENT of opportunities behind the scenes in the performing arts industry. “Having a real marketing employee from ASU Gammage here makes it even more relatable. Students see that what they’re doing is a real job. It exists,” Mehta shared.

That real-world connection leaves a lasting impression. “It’s rewarding to see it come to fruition because I helped design this space six years ago,” shared Desiree Ong, ASU Gammage Education Program Manager, while visiting the student-run space. For educators, the impact is immediate. “Students that maybe aren’t motivated by a traditional event at school come here and suddenly you see the click happen—they are really caught in,” shared Michael Linn, a teacher at Kiva Elementary School. “They’re having fun.” Programs like BizTown help bridge educational gaps for students who may not otherwise have access to financial literacy and career readiness opportunities. “For students who don’t get this kind of education at home, you hope they learn it at school,” Mehta explained. Through philanthropy and community partnerships, organizations like ASU Gammage

help keep these opportunities accessible, opening doors to experiences that inspire confidence, spark curiosity and help young people imagine what’s possible. The student serving as ASU Gammage’s Chief Marketing Officer for the day reflected on what she learned, sharing, “It’s really important to advertise and make sure you tell people what your product is and what you do.”

to spark confidence, curiosity and future career aspirations. Students may have arrived focused on paying off a business loan, but they leave with something far greater: a stronger understanding of themselves, their potential and the many paths their future can hold.

When asked whether she would want to work in marketing one day, she replied with an eager “yes” and a smile. These moments demonstrate the power of hands-on learning

246 25,673 schools

students

ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

KALEIDO

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

OSCOPE The Molly Blank Fund

Through The Molly Blank Fund Kaleidoscope program, ASU Gammage transforms Broadway productions into immersive educational experiences that connect students to the performing arts while building creativity, leadership and collaboration. During the 2025–2026 season, the program engaged more than 180 high school students from schools across the Valley through curriculum inspired by the Broadway productions & JULIET and SIX. Working alongside their teachers, students explored every aspect of theatrical production from directing

and choreography to costume, lighting and stage management while using Broadway as a catalyst for interdisciplinary learning. Rather than simply studying theater, students also became creators. They developed original artistic interpretations, collaborated to solve real-world challenges and gained hands-on experience leading productions from concept to performance. Throughout the process, they strengthened communication, critical thinking and leadership skills that extend well beyond the stage.

& JULIET

SIX

students

100 88

Each program culminated in a unique opportunity for students to attend the shows at ASU Gammage and present selections from their work inspired by the productions to members of the North American touring cast and creative team. Students also participated in conversations with Broadway professionals, gaining insight into careers in the performing arts while receiving encouragement and feedback on their work. As one participating educator shared, “It’s not just about theater. It’s about learning how your actions affect other people; how to lead, how to communicate and how to problem solve in real time.” By bringing Broadway into classrooms, The Molly Blank Fund Kaleidoscope program expands access to arts education and empowers young people to see themselves as artists, collaborators and leaders. For many participants, the program provides a first professional theater experience and the confidence to imagine new possibilities for their futures. ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

MILITARY FAMILY FIRST NIGHTS At ASU Gammage, we recognize that military service is never carried by service members alone. Behind every deployment is a family navigating long periods of uncertainty, missed milestones, and the daily challenges that come with supporting a loved one serving our country. Their sacrifices are often unseen, yet they are an essential part of the cost of protecting our freedoms. Military Family First Nights was created to honor those families by giving them something they rarely prioritize for themselves: an evening to reconnect, celebrate, and simply enjoy being together. Through the shared experience of live theater, the program offers moments of joy, respite, and community for families whose resilience is tested every day. The program was conceived by The Broadway League and continued as a part of our annual programs by ASU Gammage Executive Director and daughter of a career military father, Colleen JenningsRoggensack. The program reflects a deeply personal commitment to recognizing the contributions of military families. Military Family First

Nights has welcomed more than 2,000 military family members to Broadway performances, complete with pre-show receptions and cast meet-and-greet opportunities.

& JULIET

CLUE

DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

attendees

This season, participating families attended performances of & JULIET, CLUE and Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

“ASU Gammage is honored to open its doors to military families,” says Colleen Jennings-Roggensack. “These families sacrifice so much in service to our country. Providing an evening where they can laugh, connect and create lasting memories together is one small way we can express our gratitude.”

96 80 80 17

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

ASU Gammage Herberger

SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS Giana Garcia Giana Garcia is a dance education student at Arizona State University and is taking classes at Rio Salado college to start her psychology degree. She has been dancing for six years with her main style being hip hop. Her life goals are to one day teach dance in a studio and open her own office where she will do dance and music therapy. She also works doing production for ASU’s dance and theatre shows. She has maintained straight A’s for the past three years which contributes to her 4.0 GPA. Some fun facts about her are she loves great danes and her favorite colors are blue and black.

Johann Choi Johann Choi is an MFA in Theatre (Dramatic Writing) student at Arizona State University. He is a published writer of both academic and popular works, including short stories in two graphic novel anthologies published by The New Press. After earning a PhD in Religion at Emory University, Johann joined the U.S. Air Force. There he sustained an injury that led to his subsequent medical retirement, forcing him to consider different career paths. Accidentally, he came across a book on playwriting one day that inspired a return to writing and served as a catalyst to pursue continued education at ASU. Johann is a native of Seoul, South Korea, and happily calls Arizona his home today.

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

SCHOOL TO School to Work is always a standout day at ASU Gammage, and this spring’s program once again showed students just how many careers exist behind the curtain. Designed to introduce high school students to the wide range of roles that power a performing arts center, the experience offered an energetic, hands-on look at what it really takes to bring live theater to life. The ASU Gammage promenade was filled with excitement as students from Queen Creek and South Mountain High Schools arrived, taking in the scale of the building, the pace of campus life and the feeling that, for the day, they were stepping into something real. That idea was reinforced immediately during the welcome from Michael Reed, Senior Director of Programming and Organizational Initiatives. “You are our staff today,” he told the group, setting the tone and drawing smiles across the room. He encouraged students to ask questions, take risks and imagine themselves in the roles they were about to explore. Looking ahead, he added with a grin, “One day, we want you to take our jobs.” 21

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

The students were assigned to a department in either marketing, development, operations, business services or audience services. In their groups, they began to see how each department connects to the next. In marketing, students brainstormed social media captions and content ideas, quickly realizing how much planning and creativity goes into every post. Marketing Coordinator Katelyn Aleksa shared that one of her favorite parts of School to Work is showing students “how far in advance we’re working and how much strategy is happening behind the scenes before a show is even announced.” Development, led by Gabi Herder, Development Specialist, and Megan Loponen, Donor Relations Coordinator, invited students into the world of donor events and philanthropy. The team joked up front that they would skip the tax forms and spreadsheets, then took students on a tour highlighting projects made possible through giving and spaces where donor recognition lives throughout the building. When students were asked to help plan a donor event, they

jumped right in. Megan laughed later, saying, “They got really into it, even saying things like, ‘we definitely can’t serve that dessert to donors in the summer.’” Operations offered a technical walkthrough of the building with Production Manager Shaun Schultz, who explained what his team looks for before doors open each night. When a small issue (just a vent cover that needed repair) appeared during the tour, Shaun turned it into a teachable moment. “This is exactly why we do walkthroughs,” he said. “Everything has to be ready before the audience gets here.” One student summed up the experience perfectly, calling the building “big as heck.” Audience Services, led by VIP Ticketing and Assistant Office Manager Matt Venrick and ASU Gammage House Manager Kaylee Alger, took their group through the elements of a performance night, from ticketing to managing house staff. Matt shared how many theater careers begin in unexpected places. “You don’t have to be an actor to be part of this world,” he said. “It

O WORK 124 takes all of us working together to make a show happen.” Students leaned in, asking questions about leadership, guest experience, the artwork and what it’s like to grow within the organization.

Business Services gave students a surprisingly fun crash course in the financial reality of theater. Senior Accounting Specialist Tia Ahlquist walked them through contracting and final settlements. “School to Work is such a great opportunity for students to see the kinds of jobs that exist in theater beyond acting,” she shared. “They get to understand what it actually takes to put on a show and how all the pieces come together.” A payroll activity led by Jessica Jones, ASU Gammage Payroll and Office Coordinator, that included guessing union rules and penalties quickly became a favorite, proving that finance can be engaging too. Programming challenged students to think like venue presenters, balancing personal taste with audience expectations. One student reflected that it wasn’t just about choosing shows they liked, but about understanding who the audience is and what would resonate with them.

During group reflections, students were quick to share what surprised them most. Marketing earned new respect for being harder than it looks, operations impressed with the sheer scale of the building and many admitted they had never realized how many people it takes to support a single performance.

For Peyton Morrow, a 10th-grade student from Queen Creek High School, the day connected directly to her own interests. “It was really exciting,” Peyton said. “I’m already part of the theater marketing team at my high school, so this gave me more building blocks to make what we do more enjoyable. I didn’t realize how much ASU Gammage posts or how hard it is to keep things fresh when you don’t always have a lot of raw content. I’m really excited to use what I learned, and I could definitely see myself coming back here.” The day wrapped up with a conversation featuring members of the touring company of HELL’S KITCHEN, including the head carpenter and a swing technician, who shared honest stories about touring life and career paths that began simply by saying yes to opportunities.

participants

schools Their message echoed Michael Reed’s opening remarks: theater is built by people willing to learn, collaborate and step into the work. That evening, students attended the performance of HELL’S KITCHEN, now seeing it through a completely new lens. As the curtain rose, they could recognize the work of every department they had explored that day, fully appreciating how many moving parts come together to make one unforgettable night at the theater.

ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

BEHIND TH

Tech Tours at ASU Gammage

high above it, and even inside it. Participants also have the chance to speak with the technical crew, meet production managers, learn from lighting and audio experts, and connect with stagehands. For Jeff Rollins, Director of Event Operations at ASU Gammage, Tech Tours are a way to give back to the community. Working in a professional environment with major productions, tight timelines and experienced crews, he believes it’s essential to create opportunities for students who are just beginning their journey. Giving them access to a space like Gammage helps make the industry feel real and attainable.

ASU Gammage Tech Tours give high school students a rare opportunity to experience what happens behind the scenes and explore areas of the theater few people ever see. Tours include the loading dock,

dressing rooms, orchestra pit, trap room, fly floor, audio booth, lighting booth and spotlight booth. This all-access, hands-on experience offers an exclusive look not just backstage, but beneath the stage,

472 16 participants

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

schools

One of Rollins’ favorite moments happens almost every time a new group steps onto the stage for the first time. Students look out at the house, and you can see the awe on their faces. As the tour moves through lighting, rigging, set construction, painting and backstage operations, that awe turns into understanding. Students begin making connections, asking questions and imagining themselves in these roles.

HE CURTAIN For Lisa Adamsen, Senior Production Manager, Tech Tours are rooted in tradition. “Theater is a craft,” she says, with knowledge being passed from generation to generation. Someone once shared their expertise with her, and she takes that responsibility seriously. Her favorite moments are when students are fully engaged and not only impressed by the building, but by the realization that everything done at Gammage is something they can do themselves, even on a smaller scale. She hopes students leave with both knowledge and a sense that their presence as audience members is necessary and valued.

Tech Tours are especially meaningful for Shaun Schultz, Senior Production Manager, whose connection

comes full circle. As a high school student, he once participated in a Tech Tour at Gammage. Now, he leads them. His favorite moment is watching students arrive, look up into the rigging grid, and collectively say, “wow.” Beyond the excitement, Schultz emphasizes the responsibility that comes with the work. Theater is fun, but safety for everyone on, under, and above the stage is critical. Tech Tours also play an important role in inspiring the next generation of theater technicians.

For Vern Ellingson, Production Manager, Tech Tours are about surprise and perspective. She enjoys taking students into unexpected spaces—such as balconies and technical areas that require creative problem-solving due to Gammage’s

unique design. Because the building doesn’t follow a traditional theater layout, it challenges students to think differently. Her hope is that students gain a deeper appreciation for what goes into a performance. Whether or not they pursue a career in the arts, they leave as future audience members who understand the craft and magic behind each show. Tech Tours are more than just fun experiences. They open doors, spark curiosity and connect today’s professionals with tomorrow’s artists, technicians and audiences. At ASU Gammage, a single step onto the stage can change how students see the arts and their place within them.

ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

The Molly Blank Fund

The Molly Blank Fund Performances for Students program unleashes the power of imagination. This program invites K-12 students to an unforgettable journey into the world of performing arts and offers a gateway to inspiration, creativity and cultural exploration, providing students the opportunity to witness incredible artists from around the globe right here in Tempe.

totals

PERFORMANCES FOR STUDENTS

2,526 3,595 in person

online

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

Trio Guadalevin Grades 3–12 Curriculum Connections: Music, Social Studies and Geography

117

in person

online Jarabe Mexicano Grades K–12 Curriculum Connections: Music, Social Studies and Socio-Emotional Learning

416 1,901 in person

online

Step Afrika! Grades 3–12 Curriculum Connections: Dance, Social Studies and Geography

1,187 745 in person

online

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company Grades K–12 Curriculum Connections: Dance, Art and Language Arts

806 898 in person

online

ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

CHRISTOPHER RIVAS FIRST YEAR RESIDENCY

“So grateful to be making magic with y’all.”

Christopher Rivas is already making waves in his first year of residency with ASU Gammage. Earlier this year Christopher performed his one-man show HOW TO GET FREE, where he explored three stories which reveal how our contemporary lives bear striking parallels to curses of Sisyphus, Tantalus and Narcissus. His mission is to tell stories that create spaces of belonging while disrupting traditionally white spaces. In continuation of creating spaces and connecting communities, he participated in 39 residency activities and engaged with over 375 people. One event included the discussion of his book “Brown Enough” which explores what it’s like to be Brown in America. He joined members of the ASU community at the Multicultural (MCOE) space, exploring how he found his voice as a writer, actor and American.

Looking ahead, Christopher plans to present a new work THE PUNCHLINE on campus. “If we only had a year to live, what would change in us?” He met to talk about the upcoming work with ASU Mirabella, a university-based retirement community, leaving him full of inspiration. There’s even more to look forward to during his residency, from collaborating with Transborder Studies on podcast episodes to leading studentdriven initiatives through ASU Changemaker events. With these opportunities and more on the horizon, his residency promises to make a meaningful impact both on campus and beyond.

activities

375 people

ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

2025–2026

D N O Y BE N O S A E S STILL/ 295 attendees

188 participants residency work

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

HERE

HOW FREE TO GET

120 attendees

528 participants residency work

THE

MIGRATION 1,326 attendees

3,163 participants residency work

ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

TEEN ODYSSEY A

108 attendees

participants residency work

E V E R SO SLIGHTLY

226 attendees

302 participants residency work

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

BROADWA 104 2,006 Talkback Thursdays

performances

Master Classes

Pride Night

students

attendees

205 102

attendees

273,896 attendees

Attendance by show SUFFS

19,272

23,468

& JULIET

CLUE

23,018

22,880

SHUCKED

SIX

19,320

23,679

THE BOOK OF MORMON

THE NOTEBOOK

23,012 33

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES™

21,115

HELL’S KITCHEN

21,235 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

31,590

AY TOTALS

ASU GAMMAGE IMPACT REPORT

PO Box 870205 Tempe, AZ 85287-0205 asugammage.com

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