Creative Youth Theatre

Creative Youth Theatre received 9 AriZoni nominations including two awards for Best Director (A Little Princess) and Best Overall Production (A Little Princess)  for a Children's Non-Musical.

At the tender age of only 16 years old, Danielle Stout received the coveted 2006-2007 AriZoni Award for Best Director in a Children's non-musical play for A Little Princess.  Ms. Stout also received an AriZoni nomination for Best Director (Puss in Boots) and an AriZoni nomination for Hair and Make-up Design (A Little Princess).  Danielle explained, "All of the elements in A Little Princess contributed to its huge success with the judges and our audiences." Way to go Danielle! 

CRYT is proud of the actors, staff, and supporters who made the 2006-2007 a huge success.  A Little Princess is only 1 of 3 non-musical children's productions to receive an AriZoni nomination for best overall production. 

We were thrilled to host Channel 12 KPNX yesterday at the theatre. They were taping a segment on our popular No Bully Zone. The feature will air on 12 News during the 6pm evening newscast on Friday, April 6. We hope you'll tune in!

Here is a great photo from our rehearsal on Tuesday night. Pictured are Samantha Tibbs as Miss Minchin (on the right) and Hespera Purdin as Becky (on the left).

Below is our press release announcing A Little Princess to the world, or at least, the local media.

Creative Youth Theatre is proud to announce the final production of their 2006-2007 Main Stage season, A Little Princess. The children's classic opens at the theatre located in the heart of Phoenix on Friday, April 6 and continues until Saturday, April 21.

This version of A Little Princess is a modern adaptation of the beloved tale of Sara Crewe by Frances Hodgson Burnetts. Others know the Sara's character by way of Shirley Temple, who starred in an endearing 1939 version, entitled The Little Princess. Sara's story is one of love, loss and hope for the return of that which was lost. It is a story of transcendence. This wonderful, creative interpretation is infused with charm, comedy and a good dose of drama as we follow Sara through her challenges and travails, and we are there with her as she tries to regain all that she has lost, including her father.

The cast of A Little Princess is comprised of 12 children, ages 10-18, and one adult guest actor. The budding actors and actresses hail from Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria and Scottsdale. Several have been previously involved with Creative Youth Theatre or have previous performing arts experience at their school or other local theatre. The lead role of Sara is played by AriZoni nominated actress, Athena Purdin, a talented young lady from Glendale. Sara's nemesis, Miss Minchin, is played by the energetic Samantha Tibbs, a first-time performer at Creative Youth Theatre. They are joined by an amazing cast of kids who have given their all during rehearsals to make this the finest play that Creative Youth Theatre has had the honor of producing.

"The amount of energy and enthusiasm that these kids have is heart-warming and inspiring," said Paul Stout, Creative Youth Theatre's founder. "The excitement of opening night and a 3-week run has taken hold in these kids, their parents and the entire team at Creative Youth Theatre. We can't wait to present this version of A Little Princess to the public."

Tickets for A Little Princess can be purchased at the box office for $10 or for a discounted price of $8 via a secure, online ticket booth at Creative Youth Theatre's Web site - http://www.cryt.org – or, you may call 623-363-8385 for more information. A Little Princess open at 7pm on Friday, April 6 and runs through Saturday, April 21 with appearances every Friday at 7pm and every Saturday at 1pm and 4pm.

The first week of rehearsals for A Little Princess has concluded, and what a great week it has been! The cast is full of talent, enthusiasm and positive energy. We are simply thrilled about this production. The weeks ahead will offer loads of opportunities and challenges, yet we know that every single one of these kids is a star. We can't wait for the debut on April 6. We hope you'll join us.