Arizona Broadway Theatre, currently in its 20th season, recently purchased a residence in Peoria, Ariz., to house out-of-town directors, designers, performers and apprentices. This is the first purchase of its type for the nonprofit organization. The nine-bedroom, four-bathroom facility with a casita and kitchenette on the property, is located at 12460 N. 74th Ln., Peoria, AZ 85381.
“We’ve been looking for a property to fit our unique needs for about 10 years, but it was a tall order to fill,” said Kiel Klaphake, Arizona Broadway Theatre CEO. “This house is a niche property that was able to be adapted to accommodate our requirements and will help us expand our organization, increase revenue and attract more talent to our theatre both now and in the future. When I visited the property, I saw enormous potential to create an artist’s oasis.”
Originally built in 1984 with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and roughly 2,000 square feet, the property sits on nearly 1/2 acre and includes a large swimming pool, hot tub, covered dining space and barbecue area, lush trees and ample parking.
Over the last six months, Arizona Broadway Theatre enlisted the help of a local contractors to make extensive repairs and renovations including enclosing the carport, office and internal hallways to create additional bedrooms and bathrooms, adding a new HVAC system, renovating the kitchen to include a commercial sink, two ovens, two industrial refrigerators, two microwaves, one freezer, new cabinets and a food-prep island, water filling station and industrial ice maker. With the renovations, the house can comfortably accommodate an entire out-of-town cast.
The total cost of the property and the renovations is estimated at approximately $1 million.
“For the past two decades, we have used short-term rentals like local apartments to house talent who come from other states to work, but unfortunately this comes at a significant cost,” added Klaphake. “Plus, it’s complicated to navigate planning for rehearsals, costume fittings and performances when a show’s cast is spread across several locations. This new housing solution will help alleviate a lot of these challenges.”
Arizona Broadway Theatre has always provided out-of-town performers with housing at various Peoria-area apartment buildings. The cost runs roughly $10,000 per month in rent and compromises the nonprofit organization’s budget because of an in-demand and fluctuating rental market.
The new artist housing complex is only three miles from Arizona Broadway Theatre, easily accessible by car or bike and close to amenities like shopping, restaurants and entertainment.
“Purchasing this property not only saves the theatre money and builds equity, but it also reinforces our commitment to the West Valley and ensures the theatre will remain a staple in the community for many years to come,” Klaphake concluded.
The first group of performers to live in the Arizona Broadway Theatre house will be the cast of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, on stage Nov. 15-Dec. 29, 2024.
