Musical Theatre of Anthem Receives an Astounding

FOURTEEN ariZoni Nominations in their first year of eligibility! 

Anthem, Ariz.  July 26^th, 2010 – In Musical Theatre of Anthem’s (MTA) first year of eligibility for the ariZoni Awards, they received an astounding fourteen nominations! Says Jackie Hammond, MTA’s Producing Artistic Director, “We are thrilled and honored with the amount of nominations, not only because it is our first year of being eligible for the ariZonis, but also because our youth shows are no-cut and feature performers ages 6-14.  This means that we are competing with other youth theaters that cast youth performers up to age 19!”  

 MTA was nominated for their youth AND adult productions.  Nominations were received for four MTA shows.  Little Women nominations include: Overall Production – Youth Musical, Director (Shawna Quain), Musical Direction (Shawna Quain), Choreography (Shawna Quain), Actress in a Major Role (Victoria Fairclough), Guest Actors in a Youth Musical (Geoff Belliston, Sterling Liska, Brandy Haas, Jenny Allen and  Beth Wheatcraft).  Also nominated were Evan Tyler Wilson and Sterling Liska for Actor in a Supporting Role in MTA’s Adult Production of Into the Woods, Kailyn Toussaint for Actress in a Supporting Role – Youth Musical for the Jr. MTA Production of Beauty and the Beast Jr., and Jackie Hammond, MTA’s Producing Artistic Director, for Musical Direction for the no-cut Jr. MTA Production of The Wizard of Oz. 

Congratulations to all of the nominees!  MTA thanks all of the talented performers and production staff, as well as the wonderful family and community members for their support.  We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming auditions and shows! Please visit our website for more information about auditions, performances, and other news and events – www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org 

About the ariZoni Awards

The ariZoni Theatre Awards is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the visibility and growth of theatre in Phoenix and Maricopa County.  They are currently celebrating their 20^th year of their annual awards ceremony that recognizes excellence in categories such as Overall Production, Director, Musical Direction, Choreography, Scenic Design, Actor and Actress in a Major Role, Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role, and much more. 

About MTA

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) is a non-profit theater company located in Anthem, Arizona.  The mission of MTA is to develop youth and adults within the field of performing arts while enhancing their intrinsic creativity and brokering their vast talents.  MTA trains and educates youth so that they can become the artists, patrons, and leaders of tomorrow while providing opportunities to adults that empower them and foster their creativity.  MTA’s principles include casting all who audition in select productions, presenting high quality shows that everyone can enjoy, and providing a positive environment where performers can practice teamwork and communication skills while experiencing the pride of accomplishment.