Oct 8, 2026 · 14 min · 11 segments
A stage built in just 16 hours. A fog machine that barely worked. And a group of volunteers determined to bring live theater to Sierra Vista…
Now, let's jump into today's feature story.
What started as a dream for a handful of local theater enthusiasts has become a thriving home for the performing arts in Cochise County.
And as Herald Review contributor Wanda J.
Better reports, its success has been built almost entirely on volunteer talent, creativity, and determination.
The theater began when three founders recognized something missing in Sierra Vista, a permanent, recognizable home for live performances.
There had been occasional productions around town, but no central place where audiences could consistently experience community theater.
Their solution was to build one.
Then, during the summer of 2020, the organization moved into its current, larger location inside the mall.
And that's where the real work began.
Vice President Suzanne Lusk remembers that the original stage was constructed in just 16 hours.
She also remembers an early performance of Baskerville, when the production called for atmospheric fog.
Unfortunately, the theater's tiny fog machine produced little more than a puff of smoke, leaving someone crouched beside the stage trying to spread it around.
Those days are now part of the theater's growing collection of behind-the-scenes stories.
Today, the company operates with upgraded lighting and sound, elaborate scenery, revolving panels, and a dedicated group of roughly 70 core volunteers.
That number can climb to around 100 when occasional participants are included.
And
every one of
them is
a volunteer.
From the
organization's president to the people operating the lights, building sets, sewing costumes and managing performances, the theater depends on community members donating their time and skills.
The nonprofit receives support from business sponsors, private donors and local residents who believe live theater belongs in Sierra Vista.
Now, let's jump into today's feature story.
What started as a dream for a handful of local theater enthusiasts has become a thriving home for the performing arts in Cochise County.
And as Herald Review contributor Wanda J.
Better reports, its success has been built almost entirely on volunteer talent, creativity, and determination.
The theater began when three founders recognized something missing in Sierra Vista, a permanent, recognizable home for live performances.
There had been occasional productions around town, but no central place where audiences could consistently experience community theater.
Their solution was to build one.
Then, during the summer of 2020, the organization moved into its current, larger location inside the mall.
And that's where the real work began.
Vice President Suzanne Lusk remembers that the original stage was constructed in just 16 hours.
She also remembers an early performance of Baskerville, when the production called for atmospheric fog.
Unfortunately, the theater's tiny fog machine produced little more than a puff of smoke, leaving someone crouched beside the stage trying to spread it around.
Those days are now part of the theater's growing collection of behind-the-scenes stories.
Today, the company operates with upgraded lighting and sound, elaborate scenery, revolving panels, and a dedicated group of roughly 70 core volunteers.
That number can climb to around 100 when occasional participants are included.
And
every one of
them is
a volunteer.
From the
organization's president to the people operating the lights, building sets, sewing costumes and managing performances, the theater depends on community members donating their time and skills.
The nonprofit receives support from business sponsors, private donors and local residents who believe live theater belongs in Sierra Vista.
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