Dr. Anne Suzuki, Vice President of Student Affairs | Paradise Valley Community College
Dr. Anne Suzuki, Vice President of Student Affairs | Paradise Valley Community College
Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) Theatre's production of "Shakespeare in Love" has been recognized as the Best Play by BroadwayWorld Phoenix in their 2024 Regional Awards. This accolade highlights the creativity and talent within PVCC’s theatre program.
The BroadwayWorld Regional Awards honor regional productions, touring shows, and more across over 100 cities worldwide, including America, Canada, Central and South America, Europe, and Asia. The award emphasizes PVCC’s standing among top theater programs globally.
"The success of our fine and performing arts program is a testament to the level of talent and sophistication our entertainers bring to the Center for the Performing Arts. Their hard work and dedication inspire our community and exemplify the excellence we strive for at PVCC,” stated Dr. Jana Schwartz, President of PVCC.
In November 2023, PVCC’s Theatre Company staged "Shakespeare in Love," an adaptation of the 1999 Academy Award-winning romantic comedy. The play captivated audiences with its mix of comedy, drama, romance, music, dance, and fight scenes. Adapted from Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard's screenplay by Lee Hall for the stage, it reimagined William Shakespeare's world through a witty narrative exploring his creative struggles and love life.
The production was distinguished by dynamic fight scenes choreographed by advanced stage combat students at PVCC. Music was performed by a two-person orchestra with student contributions in lighting design, props, and makeup making it a collaborative effort. Andrea Robertson, PVCC Theater Director who chose "Shakespeare in Love," aimed to give students opportunities to display their skills in various theatrical disciplines.
"I'm so proud of all the work that went into our production of Shakespeare in Love," said Robertson. "It was a large cast of 24 actors who not only played the characters but also performed as musicians. Several stage combat students got the opportunity to choreograph the fights, and students designed the lights, props, and makeup. This show was a true collaboration of like-minded passionate individuals that wanted to put on the best show they could."
PVCC is pioneering Stage Combat Education as the first college nationwide offering a Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Stage Combat. Robertson is one of only two Certified Teachers with the Society of American Fight Directors in Arizona.
This award demonstrates the exceptional opportunities available to students at PVCC. For more information on PVCC’s Fine and Performing Arts programs visit their website.
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