Through a partnership with Phoenix Theatre, past and present community college students are receiving creative direction from director and choreographer Robert Harper, a resident artist at Phoenix Theatre. Harper has also enlisted the help of a "Dream Team" in professional theatre production that is providing an invaluable learning experience for the backstage teams and performers. They include Music Director Alan Ruch, Set Designers Gregory Jaye and T. J. Welzien, Light Designer Mike Eddy and Sound Designer Dave Temby, who together with Robert Harper have won over 90 Zoni awards.

"We are thrilled for our students to have the opportunity to be part of this rich learning experience" said Gene Fazio, faculty at Mesa Community Colleges. "Phoenix Theatre is helping us create a fantastic opportunity for students at the Maricopa Community Colleges who wish to learn about professional theatre, from set design and lighting to costuming and acting."

Also, a group of faculty and staff members in the Maricopa Community Colleges are doing fundraising to advance literacy in Maricopa county with programs that include free tutoring for school children struggling with reading and writing, training for writing tutors, literacy training and instructional materials for parents, and scholarships for students doing community service in literacy. The silent auctions at these performances will support these programs.