As Arizonans, we are fortunate to have numerous non-profit organizations that contribute to the greater good of the community in various ways. One such organization that truly stands out in the cultural forum is the Herberger Theater Center.

So naturally, we figured we'djump on the "good deeds"; bandwagon and help out in any way we could to help the Herberger help others. That's a hearty helping of goodness.
Not to mention, Greg Marks serves on the Board of Directors as the marketing and technology guru.

Built in 1989 as a key marker of the renaissance of downtown Phoenix, the Herberger is the
only Valley theater dedicated to serving other local, non-profit repertory performing arts companies. It serves as a venue to many performance groups and is home to Arizona Theatre Company, Actors Theatre and Center Dance Ensemble. Indeed, the Herberger provides excellent cultural programs as the host to nearly 700 performances eachyear on three performance stages.

With more than 175,000 attendees yearly and 30,000 children from participating Valley schools,
the Herberger touches a vast and diverse audience. The special collaborations and programs afford it the opportunity to reach out into the communities, bringing theatre and the arts to the forefront for all. Some of the standout programs include:

1. Theater Camp--This
   two-week camp, offered to children living in group homes, shelters and
   residential treatment programs throughout Maricopa County, invites
   campers to learn all facets of the theatre. The experience, offered in
   conjunction with Free Arts of Arizona, gives participants the
2. Wolf Trap Program--;
   The unique program, which reaches approximately 1,500 children
   annually, brings performing artists into preschool classrooms,
   introducing the arts to youngsters and also training parents and
   teachers to use performing arts as an effective teaching tool.
3. Lunch Time Theater--;
   An initiative that treats downtown Phoenix lunch crowds to one-act
   plays, this program fulfills the Herberger's mission to "...support and
   foster growth of performing arts in Phoenix..."; Most importantly, the
   program makes the arts accessible to adults and children at an
   affordable cost.

In addition to the impact of the programs mentioned above, the Herberger is on the cusp of big changes and has many improvements and renovations on the horizon. Future plans include
visible upgrades in the lobby, theaters and restrooms. Renovations also will include electrical, mechanical and other "backstage";improvements.

Because it is imperative that we work as a community to nurture the presence of the arts in the Valley, please visit the Herberger Web site at www.herbergertheater.org and take a moment to learn more about its various performances and programs. If you are interested in donating, there are many ways to do so. Please contact Laurene Austin, director of development at (602)
254-7399 x105 or laustin@herbergertheater.org if you would like to learn more about how to contribute.

Oh,and if you have seen and liked any of the print and promotional items or feel strangely drawn to the Web site, we're the creative geniuses behind that. We promise we're not braggarts. It's just that our parents can't always be around to do it for us.