Yuma Community Theater

Yuma Community Theater (YCT) is a nonprofit community theater organization based in Yuma, Arizona, United States. It began performing in Yuma in 1980, founded by its original members, and incorporated in 1983 as a 501(c)(3) organization in the State of Arizona. According to state records cited by the organization, it is the oldest continually operating community organization in Arizona. YCT is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors that meets monthly at the theater building at 2874 E. 16th St. (Highway 95). The organization produces live theatrical performances for audiences across Yuma County, reaching all ages and economic groups through public service announcements, newsletters, emails, newspaper, magazine and radio advertising, and media-donated public appearances. All actors and members are volunteers from the local community; per its by-laws, YCT has no paid staff and no members are remunerated for their time, efforts or talents. Musical productions sometimes incur the cost of hiring a pianist or musicians for rehearsals and performances. Each person participating in a performance must join Yuma Community Theater, with annual member dues of $1 and voting membership at $10 per year. YCT's mission is to enrich and inspire the diverse community of Yuma County by providing inclusive, high-quality theatrical experiences for all ages, fostering creativity, nurturing local talent, and building a vibrant cultural hub. Its season has included productions such as The Sound of Music (October 2–4, 2026) and Murder on the Nile (January 22–31, 2027). The theater is supported by community partners, donors and sponsors, including the Shadle Family Foundation as executive producer and other named supporters. In recent years the organization has been more nomadic than desired, performing at venues such as Gila Ridge High School and Woodard Jr. High. It purchased a property in 2015 at 2874 E. 16th St. with the elements necessary to create its own theatrical space. YCT remains a volunteer-driven cultural institution serving residents and seasonal visitors who enjoy seeing friends and neighbors present live, local theater productions.

Yuma Community Theater (YCT) began performing in Yuma, Arizona, during 1980, when it was founded by its original members. The organization incorporated in 1983 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the IRS in the State of Arizona. According to state records cited by YCT, it is the oldest continually operating community organization in Arizona. YCT is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors, which meets on the second Monday of every month at the Yuma Community Theater building at 2874 E. 16th St. (Highway 95). The organization markets its productions throughout Yuma County to all ages and economic groups through public service announcements, newsletters and emails to members, advertising in newspapers, magazines and radio, as well as public appearances donated by the media. All actors and members are volunteers from the local community interested in helping preserve and promote live theater in Yuma, Arizona. Audiences are a diverse mix of residents and seasonal visitors who enjoy seeing friends and neighbors present live, local theater productions. Per its by-laws, YCT is a volunteer group with no paid staff, and no members are remunerated for their time, efforts and talents. Musical productions sometimes incur the cost of hiring a pianist or musicians for rehearsals and performances. Each person who participates in the creation or execution of a performance must join Yuma Community Theater; annual member dues are $1, and voting membership is $10 per year. In recent years, YCT has been more nomadic than desired, performing at venues such as Gila Ridge High School and Woodard Jr. High. The organization purchased a property in 2015 at 2874 E. 16th St., which has the elements necessary to create its own theatrical space. YCT continues to stage seasons of musicals and plays, including The Sound of Music (October 2–4, 2026) and Murder on the Nile (January 22–31, 2027), and is supported by community partners and donors such as the Shadle Family Foundation.

• 2026

  The Sound of Music scheduled for October 2–4, 2026.

• 2015

  YCT purchased a property at 2874 E. 16th St. with the elements necessary to create its own theatrical space.

• 1983

  YCT incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the IRS in the State of Arizona.

• 1980

  Yuma Community Theater began performing in Yuma, Arizona, founded by its original members.

• Murder on the Nile scheduled for January 22–31, 2027.

Volunteer-run, inclusive community theater serving Yuma County with high-quality live theatrical experiences for all ages.

• The Sound of Music

• Murder on the Nile

• Bite of Broadway

1. 1Yuma Community Theater | actors | 2874 East 16th Street, Yuma, AZ, USAyctaz.org
2. 2Our Story | YCTyctaz.org
3. 3Yuma Theater - Wikidatawikidata.org