Deer Valley Unified School District

The mission of the Great Arizona Puppet Theater is: * to advance and promote the art of puppetry *to celebrate the great state of Arizona - its culture, heritage and ecology - through the art of puppetry * to educate children and their families * to make a positive impact on the cultural climate of Arizona.

This exciting summer camp will be held in the Black Box and Main Auditorium at O’Connor High School Learn how to act, sing, and dance while performing in a blockbuster musical. Performances on Thursday 6/20/24 & Friday 6/21/24 at 1:30 p.m. Space is limited. Subject to availability. Performance times subject to change.

This year's summer camp will feature Junie B. Jones The Musical JR.** Don't miss your chance to participate in our musical production of Junie B. Jones The Musical JR.** Specially adapted from four of Barbara Park's best selling books, this summer camp features many lovable characters and fun-filled songs. Join Junie B. on her first day of first grade, where many changes are in store. Performances on Thursday 6/13/24 & Friday 6/14/24 at 1:00 p.m. Space is limited. Subject to availability Performance times subject to change. **Rights pending.

In partnership with Deer Valley Education Foundation (DVEF), SPLAT Productions was created to honor long-time former DVUSD employee and theatre lover, Mr. Gary McSpadden. Students will learn all of the important behind the scenes aspects of stage production, including: sound; lighting; tech; costumes; props; and sets. Limited to only 15 students, the crew will participate in all productions for both Theatre Rocks! summer camps. Performances are scheduled for: Camp A - Thursday 6/13/24 & Friday 6/14/24 at 1:00 p.m. Camp B - Thursday 6/20/24 & Friday 6/21/24 at 1:30 p.m. Camp times may vary on performance dates. Space is limited. Performance times subject to change. **Rights pending. Gary McSpadden was the face behind the camera at almost all DVUSD events! He loved all of the arts, but especially had a passion for technical theater (lighting, sound, stage craft, etc.). He began working back stage when he was in high school. Over the years, he ran sound and/or lights at several community theaters. He worked as a Tech Director for several theaters as well, including Barry Goldwater High School. He was the Lighting Director at his church for almost 8 years. He also ran the sound system for Sandra Day O'Connor's Eagle Pride Marching Band. He was a part of almost every DVUSD production. Prior to moving to a position at the district office as the district's webmaster/photographer, he was a teacher for many years, touching the lives of countless students. Sadly, Gary passed away in July 2020. His wife Jenny and the Deer Valley Education Foundation thought that since Gary loved working in theater so much, and since he has helped so many students pursue their own love of theater over the years, the perfect way to honor him would be to set up SPLAT Productions. This way, Gary's legacy continues on and a new generation of students can learn about the joys of stage production.