A Death in the iTheatre Collaborative Family

director's chair

iTheatre Collaborative Artistic Director Christopher William Haines, who produced more than 40 productions for the local theatre company, passed suddenly Jan. 17, 2023. The loss comes as a great shock to the Arizona theatre community. Chris's contributions to the world of local theatre are too numerous to mention. It is with great regret that the reason of this season has been canceled. Tickets for the two remaining shows are no longer being sold.

Chris is survived by his wife, iTheatre Managing Director and Co-Founder Rosemary Close, his daughter Makala Close-Haines and two granddaughters. A celebration of life is being planned. Further details will be posted in this space so be sure to watch here for more information.

Continuing productions next season in the wake of Chris's passing is being discussed. But any discussions are very much in flux at the moment, so soon after Chris's passing. More information about a possible 2023-2024 will be posted here.

Godspeed, Chris. You will be missed by the entire Phoenix theatre community and the many people who experienced the creative vision in your productions. As Makala put it, "A light has dimmed on the Phoenix theatre community."

In Memoriam

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Since its beginning, iTheatre has produced theater that was challenging, thought provoking and maybe changed the way you think about theater and what it can be. And that's certainly not going to change. So, in addition to ticket sales, we rely on public and private grants, sponsorships and individual donations from people like you. Even if it's $5 (no donation is too small) or $5000 (no donation is too large), your contribution will make a huge difference onstage at iTheatre.

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iTheatre’s Mission

iTheatre Collaborative will produce distinctive theatre that cultivates the visceral, innervating and divergent experiences intrinsic to live performance. Our mission is to bring to the Phoenix community live theatrical plays for the general public that are: affordable, of the highest professional quality, and of a diverse and/or multicultural nature, and to provide classes, workshops and forums on theater and performance for the general public. Through these activities iTheatre Collaborative will promote the idea that for all our uniqueness and individuality, we are, first and foremost, human beings.

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iTheatre’s Vision

iTheatre Collaborative will produce and cultivate theatrical experiences that capture and galvanize our local community building a national reputation for imagination, innovation and inclusion.

The iTheatre Collaborative is a tax exempt not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation