The Fountain Hills Youth Theater celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Among the honorees was artistic director Ross Collins. The theater was established in 2002, after which Collins quickly established it as an extraordinary youth organization.

Fountain Hills Youth Theater presents multiple productions each season, and has earned dozens of AriZoni Award nominations and wins.

Incorporated into the youth seasons, was a YABOY program (Young Actors Benefitting Other Youth), in which the youth theater would present plays that directly confronted issues facing today’s youth. Homelessness, runaways, drug awareness and even teen suicide have been among the topics addressed.

Each YABOY production partners with another non-profit organization to provide expertise, input and assistance by helping the young actors understand the issues and how they could help. A portion of ticket sales is always donated to the partnering organization.

These accomplishments were made possible through the inspiration and dedication of Collins. Many theater alumni were present to honor him and describe the positive influence and lasting life lessons they acquired working on productions under his guidance.

Now after 20 years and thousands of kids who have passed through the doors both as actors, techs and audience, Fountain Hills Youth Theater remains a vibrant program devoted to the needs and talents of the youth community.

The theater’s 2022-23 season will soon be announced.