VYTal Affair Raises More Than $175K for Young Performers Across Arizona

Valley Youth Theatre’s annual VYTal Affair raised more than $175,000 to support professional-level theatre and performing arts opportunities for young people across Arizona. Held at the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix, the signature fundraiser welcomed more than 250 civic, business and community leaders, longtime supporters and friends of the arts. The event was co-chaired by Ryan Tubbs and Tracy Zeeck and featured Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Paradise Valley Mayor Mark Stanton and former Paradise Valley Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner among its guests.

This year’s event took its inspiration from Valley Youth Theatre’s 2026-27 season opener, “Matilda the Musical.” Cast members from the production performed throughout the evening, offering guests a glimpse of the young talent at the center of VYT’s mission.

For Valley Youth Theatre, fundraising is about more than putting on shows. The organization works to make sure financial circumstances don’t prevent young people from participating. Unlike many theatre programs, VYT does not charge young artists to participate in its mainstage productions or require ticket or advertising quotas, costume deposits or script deposits. That model allows young performers to participate in professional-quality theatre regardless of their family’s ability to pay.

“I know firsthand what Valley Youth Theatre can mean in a young person’s life because I was one of those kids,” Executive Director Leigh Ann Dolan said. “Seeing the cast of ‘Matilda the Musical’ perform was a wonderful reminder of why this organization matters. These young people are finding their confidence, taking risks and discovering what they are capable of. The support we received helps us continue creating that kind of experience for the next generation of young performers.”

The evening also recognized two community champions through VYT’s VYTALITY Awards. This year’s recipients were Deveney Majerle of Downtown Phoenix Partnership and the Fiesta Sports Foundation, honored for their ongoing impact on VYT and the broader community. Abbie S. Fink, chair of the Valley Youth Theatre board of directors, said the organization’s impact can be seen in the confidence young people gain through their experiences.

“As board president, I’ve had a front-row seat to what happens when a young person finds a place where they belong,” Fink said. “You see kids step outside their comfort zones, find their voices and realize they are capable of more than they imagined. VYTal Affair brings together a community that believes those experiences matter, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s event a success.”

The more than $175,000 raised will help Valley Youth Theatre continue providing opportunities for young people to develop their talents, build confidence and experience the performing arts without the financial barriers that can keep some children from participating. For more behind this Frontdoor, visit vyt.com.