The National Conference team at TCG has been focused on deepening our partnerships with our host cities and drawing on them for inspiration in many ways. We’re so excited to join you and nearly 1,000 other theatre makers in Phoenix, Arizona June 4-6, 2020! Phoenix is an awesome city (which is why we decided to hold our Conference there) but we also want to highlight the rest of what Arizona has to offer in its theatre scene, natural beauty, political complexities, and cultural vibrancy. This blog post is a (necessarily incomplete) list of some resources you can check out to begin learning the landscape of Arizona. Stay tuned for American Theatre’s May/June issue on Arizona which will dive deeper into the state’s theatre community and political atmosphere.
Know Before You Go
Don’t sweat the heat.
This 2019 New York Times article explores how Phoenix is responding to rising temperatures. Plan for some early mornings to explore the city and catch the spectacular sunrises. Don’t worry though, businesses will open early and stay open late to accommodate the weather, Phoenicians take hydration very seriously in summer months, and indoor spaces always have air conditioning.
Interested in Arizona’s Native and Indigenous communities?
There are 22 officially recognized Native American tribes in Arizona, which make up 10% of the Native population in the United States.
Learn more about the Gila River Indian Community and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community from the museums located on their reservations by clicking HERE and HERE.
The Heard Museum’s website provides a brief overview of historical, geographical, and cultural background for each of the tribes. You can read more about it and explore the Heard Museum’s collection by clicking HERE.
Our friend Carlos Valencia, the Student Advisor at Pascua Yaqui Guadalupe Offices, appeared on a podcast in 2018 to discuss the Yaqui Pride movement he started. Listen by clicking HERE.
Look out for a future post on ways to learn from and engage with Native and Indigenous communities in Arizona, as well as a deeper dive from American Theatre magazine.
Interested in Arizona’s political landscape?
Check out this episode of Crooked Media’s podcast, The Wilderness, about the changing political demographics of the Southwest, and particularly important role Maricopa County will play in 2020.
This American Life has covered Arizona politics in a few ways over the years. Here’s one story about families divided by the border, a story from 2012 about HB56, the “self-deportation bill”, and here’s another about former AZ Senator, Jeff Flake.
Interested in Arizona’s arts community?
The Herberger Institute at Arizona State University produced a 10-part podcast series on the Arizona Creative Communities Institute experience. Each episode documents a community’s transformative work with the arts. Find the entire series by clicking HERE.
Natalie Diaz is a professor at ASU and enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community, as well as a MacArthur Foundation Fellow. Natalie said about her work: “for me writing is kind of a way for me to explore why I want things and why I'm afraid of things and why I worry about things. And for me, all of those things represent a kind of hunger that comes with being raised in a place like this.” You can read her poetry and learn about her books by clicking HERE.
Jimmy Eats World lead singer and Phoenix local Jim Adkins called the city a “rock mecca”. If you’re looking to get into the state’s groove, check out bands with Arizona connections like The Format (or Nate Ruess’s other band - fun.), American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, and Blackfire, a punk rock band founded by Navajo siblings in Flagstaff, Arizona. You can even get in the Arizona spirit by watching your favorite movie featuring Scottsdale born and Valley Youth Theatre alumnus Emma Stone!
To see some spectacular Arizona views, watch the “Mountain” episode in Season 1 of the BBC’s World’s Most Extraordinary Homes. The episode features a home designed by DUST Architects outside of Tucson.
Plan a Pre or Post Conference Trip!
Much of this conference is inspired by Arizona’s stunning natural beauty, as well as the state’s serious conservation challenges. We encourage you to find time to explore some of our nation’s most spectacular natural beauties, as well as
Tucson
Speaking of Tucson… It takes about 2 hours and $20 to get from Phoenix to Tucson by bus. Adventure into the Saguaro National Park or beat the heat at ATC Tucson - The Temple of Music and Art. The Arizona - Sonora Desert Museum is a great option for kids and adults, with outdoor and indoor spaces, including an art gallery, botanical garden, aquarium, and natural history museum.
Sedona & Flagstaff
While not the same city, these two communities are less than an hour apart, and both allow fairly easy access to the Grand Canyon. Sedona is known for its art community and charm, nestled in the southwest’s iconic Red Rocks. Flagstaff is a bit higher in the mountains (therefore cooler) and has more access to outdoor adventures like mountain biking and hikes through Walnut Canyon.
The Grand Canyon
This may not be the most creative travel tip, but as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, this is certainly a bucket list worthy destination. The National Park is three and a half hours away from Phoenix by car and lodging gets booked far in advance, so plan ahead if a trip here sounds like an exciting option for you.
If you’re looking for a slightly less packed outdoor experience, check out the National Parks Service website to learn more about other destinations in Arizona.
The Phoenix Metro Area
Don’t forget to explore the Phoenix Metro Area! Distinct communities like Tempe, Mesa, and Scottsdale sit around Phoenix, each with their own personality. Look out for Conference programming like Field Trips that will explore these areas.
Stay tuned for more information from the Conferences Team, our local Host Committee, and American Theatre magazine about how to connect with Arizona. Don’t forget to register with the code CONF20EARLY before April 15th! Looking forward to seeing you in the Valley of the Sun.
Have a favorite or off-the-beaten path Arizona spot to recommend? Comment below: