North Valley Arts Academies · Theatre
A rigorous, college-preparatory theatre arts program at Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix, Arizona — training the next generation of performers, designers, and technicians on a real mainstage.
Welcome to NVAA Theatre
The North Valley Arts Academy is a specialty arts program in theatre, dance, visual art, and music technology at Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix, Arizona. We offer a rigorous, specialized arts curriculum with all the benefits of a classic high school experience — sports teams, clubs, homecoming, prom, and more.
The NVAA Theatre program offers both performance and technical theatre tracks, with classes in film and television acting, musical theatre, lighting and sound design, and stage design. Students who complete the requirements graduate with an honors NVAA diploma seal recognizing their work as an arts scholar.
2026–2027 Mainstage Season
The breathtaking, real-life story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small Newfoundland town that welcomed them in the days after 9/11. Driven by a soaring, foot-stomping folk-rock score. Suggested for ages 13 and above.
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Shakespeare's beloved comedy of tangled lovers, mischievous fairies, and a play-within-a-play — a joyful showcase of our students' classical training.
View the calendarWhy Join NVAA?
Both pathways are made up of honors-level theatre courses. NVAA is the only theatre program in Arizona to offer honors coursework across every grade, in both performance and technical theatre.
Everything an actor needs, on stage and on screen: movement, voice, Shakespeare, and American realism built on Laban, Viewpoints, Linklater, Meisner, and Chubbuck technique — plus film and television acting, on-camera work, and the business of the professional actor.
Everything behind the curtain: set, costume, makeup, and lighting design, plus construction, sound, rigging, and stage management on a full mainstage production season. Students build portfolios of real, produced work.
ASU Gammage Awards · Best Musical 25–26
Our award-winning production of Hadestown captivated audiences and earned the region's highest honor for high school musical theatre. It's a testament to what our students achieve — professional-caliber work, produced entirely in-house.
"I've very rarely seen a high school cast completely captivate an audience like they did. A theatre experience I won't soon forget."
— Audience Member
"The show is beautiful in every way, and so relevant to this generation. Bravo! The production is a true piece of art."
— Audience Member
"I can't believe these are high school students — they are so professional."
— Audience Member
Interested students in grades 9–12 are encouraged to reach out and learn how to join the NVAA Theatre Program. No experience required — just passion.
