The Berger Performing Arts Center in Tucson, Arizona, will remain a vibrant hub for the arts as Saguaro City Music Theatre takes over operations. This development comes after the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) announced its move to Oro Valley, leaving the future of the Berger Center uncertain. The center, known for its accessibility, will continue to serve as a venue for inclusive arts education.
Steven Dewakuku, a 1992 ASDB graduate, fondly recalls his time performing at the Berger Center. The building, constructed in 1991, has been a cornerstone for local concerts and plays, offering a space that accommodates performers with various disabilities. Dewakuku, who is visually impaired, highlighted the center’s excellent acoustics and accessibility features.
Saguaro City Music Theatre, a nonprofit organization founded in 2021, has signed a one-year agreement to utilize the Berger Center. The theater company provides tuition-free arts education to children aged 7 to 17, with a significant portion of its students having mobility, auditory, or visual impairments. Drew Humphrey, CEO and producing artistic director, emphasized the importance of the center’s structure in facilitating their programs.
“We strive to keep our organization barrier-free and adaptable to children of all abilities,” Humphrey stated. The Berger Center’s design allows children with mobility issues to navigate the space without elevators or stairs, which is crucial for their activities. Without this venue, Saguaro would have to drastically reduce its capacity, serving fewer children.
The theater company has already lined up 44 entities interested in booking the space for next year. Their upcoming production of “The Addams Family” is scheduled for June 26-28, with plans to expand their offerings in the future. Humphrey expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue telling stories and emphasized the transformative power of the arts for children.
In addition to the news about the Berger Center, the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) has announced a $3,000 raise for teachers, funded by a $45 million override approved by voters. This move aims to bring educators’ salaries closer to the national average. Furthermore, TUSD and other local school districts will offer free meals to students during the summer, ensuring that families have access to essential resources.
Original reporting: Arizona Luminaria — read the source article.
