Addiction is a tough sell…people don’t want to think about it, or be reminded of it…kinda like death…it’s truly an awkward subject but one that BEGS to have the bright light shown on it. This play stirred me up…made me truly more empathetic to the complexity of addiction and the demons we all face due to our common human nature and vulnerability. And who would believe that a little nuclear, intact, all-American family could be such a dangerous place to grow up? This play drove that home in a very believable way. 

And now the production. WOW! BRILLIANT! MAGICAL, BUT MEASURED…just enough of everything (props, costumes, lighting, blocking and movement) to make our suspension of disbelief effortless. Anything else would have been clunky and awkward. The magic of live theater is that it’s LIVING! And your actors made it so real that we felt a little like peeping Toms (and Tomasinas). That miraculous vantage point we were afforded and the intimacy of the setting propelled us into authentic empathy…not just toward the actors and the characters they played but toward the future players we will meet on our own life stages. 

In my opinion, that is the measure of a successful play: the degree to which we internalize, empathize, and assimilate and share the experience long after we exit the theater. THIS will be one of those plays for me. Your actors were phenomenal. Taigé was incredible! It must feel like being possessed…having another person take over your body and your mind for several hours…Taigé really inhabited Sarah’s persona (and vice versa, I’m sure!) How exhausting, physically, mentally and spiritually it must be to become the medium for the message. She was so convincing and real. Sarah will forever be a friend of mine…one I believe in and one I’m proud of. I am quite certain I will meet MANY Sarahs along the way (as well as ALL of those amazing characters brought to life by your expert and clever cast) and I will now know more empathy and have better tools for celebrating their victories and easing their pain. Like I said…that HAS to be the point of good theater and story telling! Thanks soooo much for this unforgettable experience. I am truly changed.

– Martin Brown

Read the entire review here: https://tucsonstage.blogspot.com/2024/05/taz-theatre-company-makes-its-debut.html

“This company has carved out a place in Tucson theatre and audiences need to see this show. Robert Encila has staged an intimate and powerful production. PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS is that rare play that audience members may find themselves wanting to return to for an additional viewing.” – By: Zach Wetzel, Broadway World.

Read the entire review here: https://www.broadwayworld.com/phoenix/article/Review-PEOPLE-PLACES-THINGS-at-TAZ-Theatre-Company-20240517

By: Zach Wetzel May. 03, 2024

TAZ Theatre is ready to bring PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS to Tucson. The play is written by Duncan Mcmillan and directed by industry veteran Robert Encila. This powerful piece won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play in 2018. 

Read the article – click here.

For more information see: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health-awareness-month

Join us as a volunteer usher and enjoy the show for free!

What is the play about?

• The play is called “People, Places and Things”, a contemporary drama by Duncan MacMillan.
• It is a powerful and honest exploration of addiction, recovery, and identity.
• It follows the journey of Emma, a struggling actress who checks into a rehab facility to confront her demons.

When and where is the play?

• The play will run from May 16 to May 26, 2024, at the Scoundrel and Scamp Theatre, 738 North 5th Avenue, Tucson, AZ.
• There will be 10 performances, from Thursday to Sunday, at 7:30 pm with for matinees at 2:00 pm.

What are the benefits of being an usher?

• You will get to watch the play for free.
• You will meet other theatre lovers and make new friends.
• You will support the local arts and culture scene.
• You will receive our heart-felt thanks in letter from the Executive Producer.

What are the responsibilities of an usher?

• You will report to the Front of House Manager.
• You will arrive at the theatre at least one hour before the show starts.
• You will greet the patrons, check their tickets, and guide them to their seats.
• You will distribute programs and answer any questions about the play or the theatre.
• You will help with any emergencies or issues that may arise during the show.
• You will stay until the end of the show and help with the cleanup.
• Dress code for ushers is black, slacks, or skirt, close toed shoes, and white dress shirt or sweater.

How to apply as an usher?

• If you are interested in being an usher, please contact the Front of House manager, Abigail Dunscomb, by email at adunscomb91@gmail.com and leave your name, phone number and email address and which performances between May 16 to May 26 (Thursday through Sunday) that you are available.
• You will be contacted by Abigail to confirm your availability and schedule.

Thank you for your interest and support!

Contact: Mary Davis Mary@taztheatre.com (520) 270-9662

(March 27, 2024) Tucson, Ariz. — TAZ Theatre Company announced its next production, “People, Places & Things,” written by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Robert Encila. The show performs at Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre Thursdays – Sundays, May 16 — 26, 2024. For tickets, visit www.TAZTheatre.com.

Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, “People, Places & Things” follows a young woman in the throes of addiction as she navigates the rocky road to recovery. The narrative delivers an episodic and sometimes surreal series of snapshots that explore the harrowing journey Emma must take if she imagines a life worth living. In an interview with NPR, Macmillan stated that he wanted to “find a way to accurately and respectfully represent the daily struggle and the daily work of living in recovery.” By most critical accounts he has succeeded, albeit leaving us with more questions than answers. Kind of like life.

What you…get is a scrupulously clear-eyed account of one person’s seduction by mind-altering narcotics, and the ugly fight to unfasten their grip. — Washington Post

The cast features a Who’s Who of local talent, including Taigé Lauren, Susan Arnold, Steve McKee, Clark Ray and Richard Thompson, along with an ensemble cast portraying multiple characters.

“TAZ is an important addition to a wonderfully diverse and eclectic theatre community,” notes Executive Producer Bill Dell. “Its focus is to produce challenging and thought-provoking storytelling that entertains while at the same time inspiring conversation. This play sets the tone for the type of work we like to produce.”

“People, Places & Things” is made possible, in part, through the generous support of Hope, Inc., a Center for Excellence for peer-driven behavioral health services with centers across Arizona.

About TAZ Theatre

TAZ Theatre was founded in 2019 by Bill Dell, a long-time theatre supporter and founder of TucsonStage.com and the Tucson Theatre Announcements List. Dell has also worked on dozens of theatre productions throughout Tucson since 1996.

TAZ Theatre staged its first parlor reading of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” in 2020 and was Associate Producer of Next Stage Theatre Southwest’s production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” in 2022. “People, Places & Things” is TAZ’s first main stage production.

A Stage Set by Passionate Locals

TAZ Theatre is not just a venue; it’s a dream brought to life by a dedicated community that holds a deep love and appreciation for the arts. The theatre stands as a testament to the power of unity, showcasing what can be achieved when individuals with a shared passion come together.

A Symphony of Support

Behind the scenes, TAZ Theatre has been nurtured by a strong and loving community that understands the transformative power of live performances. From local artists to theatre enthusiasts, everyone has played a part in shaping this cultural hub. The grand opening is not just about inaugurating a building; it’s about celebrating the spirit of collaboration and artistic expression.

May Unveils the Magic

As May approaches, the excitement in Tucson is palpable. The doors of TAZ Theatre will swing open to reveal a space where creativity knows no bounds. The inaugural live performance promises to be a captivating experience, setting the stage for many more to come. The anticipation is akin to tuning a guitar before a mesmerizing musical performance, each string resonating with the promise of a magical night.

An Arts Oasis in the Desert

Tucson has long been a canvas for artistic expression, and TAZ Theatre adds a vibrant stroke to this cultural masterpiece. Like a well-played chord, the theatre harmonizes with the community’s appreciation for the arts, creating a space where stories come to life, and emotions unfold under the spotlight.

Embrace the Arts, Tucson

As TAZ Theatre opens its doors, it extends an invitation to the entire Tucson community. Embrace the arts, savor the magic, and become a part of a cultural journey that promises to leave an indelible mark on the city’s creative landscape.

TAZ Theatre’s grand opening is not just an event; it’s a celebration of the arts, a reflection of community spirit, and the beginning of a new chapter in Tucson’s cultural legacy. As the curtains rise and the spotlight illuminates the stage, let the magic of TAZ Theatre enchant you and become a lasting memory in the heart of Tucson’s artistic tapestry.