PRESCOTT, AZ—June 21, 2023—Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) announced today that they have signed an agreement with the Prescott Unified School District (PUSD) to stage performances at the Ruth Street Theater (RST) for the next three seasons. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to perform in this outstanding community theater,” commented Henry Flurry, AZ Phil Executive Director. “We find the acoustics the best of any large venue in town. The intimate feel and upgraded facilities will enhance audience and musician experiences, and support the mission of AZ Phil as we grow ‘Prescott’s Philharmonic’,” Flurry added. Season tickets to AZ Phil’s 6th season are now available through July 10 at AZPhil.org.

AZ Phil last performed at Ruth Street Theater in 2021, after AZ Phil and other local performing arts organizations participated in the discussion of upgrading the RST facilities in order to broaden the stage options within Prescott. “This has been a multi-year intentional effort involving a number of performing arts organizations,” added Flurry.

Since then, PUSD has made multiple improvements, repainted and re-carpeted. They will have a completely new sound system installed, as well as a new lighting system before the following season.  “There is not a bad seat in the house, and the multiple accessibility options make seating choices optimal for those with ambulatory concerns,” added Amy Van Winkle, PUSD Community Theater Events Manager. There have been many improvements made to enhance the visitor experience, including both upper and lower parking lot entrances with no steps.

“The Ruth Street Theater was built with the vision to be a gathering place of the community, for the community. The Arizona Philharmonic is a world-class organization that brings this vision to fruition, showing our students the musical bar for excellence, and modeling for the entire region how the fine arts round out a strong community. This is the beginning of a great era,” commented Joe Howard, PUSD Superintendent.

About Arizona Philharmonic

Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is beginning its sixth season in 2023-2024 as Prescott’s regional professional orchestra, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. Based in Prescott, AZ Phil draws musicians from across Arizona and is committed to offering transformative music, while nurturing community participation and supporting the needs and growth of the Prescott area performing arts scene. Recognized in 2021 by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Arts and Culture, Arizona Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.

About Ruth Street Theater

Born from the dreams, talents, and hard work of Prescott High School Fine Arts students and staff from the 1940’s to the 1990’s, the 45,000 square foot Ruth Street Theater and Fine Arts Complex opened its doors in the Fall of 1993. The large stage with fly space, intimate seating for nearly 700 people, and exceptional acoustics was an instant “jewel” of the Prescott Unified School District and surrounding community. The vision for a state-of-the-art educational facility where students could learn their craft and have a hand in running the venue, from front-of-house to technical sound and lighting design, has always been the goal. Upgrades, both aesthetic and technical, in 2022 and 2023 are further evidence of PUSD’s commitment to the artistic future of our children and our community. More information on upcoming events, concerts, and rental opportunities for the Ruth Street Theater can be found at prescottschools.com.