Our family had a bad experience with Copperstar Repertory's summer theater kids' camp. The attitude of everyone in the company can be summed up by something I heard one of them say to the kids, which was "I'm not going to tell you what you're doing right because you're already doing it right. I'm just going to focus on what you're doing wrong." At the beginning of camp I felt good about the fact that most if not all of the company members have "day jobs" in schools/as teachers and that probably meant they would be good with kids but I was so wrong! This was just not a nice group. I witnessed kids crying because they got in trouble for doing the normal and harmless kinds of things kids do and heard about others that were made to feel bad by the adults in charge. The really sad thing is that it seems some parents didn't even realize how bullied their children were because I asked the family of one of the girls who had been made to cry what they thought of it and they said it was great and they were going to sign up again. At pick up one day the director announced to the collective group of parents and kids that some of the kids had attitude problems. I thought that was a very unprofessional way to handle it, I myself work with kids and it would have been better to speak to the individual kids about specific actions and if necessary contact their parents rather than be unprofessional, vague and offensive to the whole group. Thinking back, our problems started before camp even began when we received the wrong confirmation emails with info that didn't apply to us and when I emailed questions to clear up the confusion I never heard back. The Higley Performing Arts Center itself is a very nice theater, although I was a little nervous about the many theater employees, like stagehands, etc. that were not affiliated with the camp roaming around because I would assume they don't have the necessary fingerprint clearance cards to be around children. One of them was even sound asleep in the lobby one morning during drop off! My concerns escalated on the field trip when we were in the restroom and my child was falsely marked as present and the group began the long walk back to the light rail station. Fortunately I was there and we were able to catch up. If you have kids that are interested in theater, look elsewhere. Summer Stars was not worth the tears, aggravation or money! read more

NEVER AGAIN! If you are considering enrolling your son or daughter in a Copperstar Repertory camp JUST RUN THE OTHER WAY! My granddaughter was in tears almost every day because of the public shaming Copperstar gave her every time she had something to say, whether it was a legitimate question for them or just quietly chatting to a friend when she didn't have anything to do. I don't know how anyone could expect young children to just be silent, watching the same thing rehearsed over and over, waiting for their turn to play their part. When I told her school teacher about it, her teacher was as shocked as I was because she has always been a great student who listens well, is mature for her age and aims to please. (This teacher recommended some kind of theater because she thought my granddaughter would like it and be good at it.) We talked about coping strategies because I thought maybe it would be good to follow through with the commitment and she went ahead and finished camp. I talked to some of the other parents whose kids were having the same problems. I thought at least the performance would be rewarding but sadly all the fun had been taken out of it for my granddaughter. I wish we had never signed up because now she is put off by theater all together. read more

Copperstar Rep. has been a transformative experience for both my kids! They have gained a ton of confidence, learned about the importance and value of commitment to a goal, and were encouraged and supported every step of the way. I couldn't be more proud as I watched them perform knowing how hard they worked and how good they felt about their performance. They worked hard, but loved every minute of it. I was amazed at how much support and acceptance was given despite this being a new adventure for them. My son has special needs, and I have never seen a group of strangers be more accepting of him - he accomplished far more than I could have imagined because of it! This is a very professional organization designed to produce actors with high standards and real skills no matter their age or previous experience. We are so fortunate to have this company in the east valley! read more

I had to take my kid's lunch in one day and stayed for a bit to watch what they did during camp. In the short time I was there 3 different instructors made 3 different kids cry. The reasons? The first little girl was told off for beginning to fidget with something in her pocket after she'd been standing on stage, not doing anything in the back, for a while because the instructors were working with another group on stage. The second little girl got told off on stage for not getting to her place fast enough because she was tying her shoe. The third found a piece of star shaped confetti on the ground in front if the stage and had it taken away. And that's how they acted knowing a parent was watching so imagine what they're like when there isn't one. Not surprisingly, they strongly discourage observation and eventually told me to leave. read more

Thumbs way, way down! My neighbor and I signed up all of our kids to go to camp together. They did enjoy being together and love to tell friends they were in a real "show". We moms/dads had fun watching. But the general consensus of kids is that they thought it would be a lot more fun than it actually was. When we were getting in the car to go they asked us if we would take them to the park to play instead, with much groaning and moaning when we told them they had to go to camp. So not what a parent wants to hear! Especially after spending all that money! Unimpressed by this camp's ability to engage generally willing kids. You would think that would be hard to do when theater itself is so inherently enjoyable and it's something they all really wanted to do in the first place. read more

This review is for the kids camp. It was the worst experience I've had as a parent and I see I'm not the only one here with complaints. Camp @ Copperstar Repertory was the opposite of what I wanted and the opposite of what I was told it would be like when I called in advance to get info. The people here are not great with kids- from my perspective they didn't look or act like they even wanted to be there. Their tone is very patronizing. My daughter says they were very impatient and sometimes angry with the kids. She did not have fun and does not want to go back. I'm searching for a positive drama type of class or camp with kid friendly instructors so I appreciate recommendations if you have any! read more

The adults at this camp would do well to remember that they are working with children, not professional, grown-up actors. My son loves to sing, it's all he does at home all day long and he has been longing to be in a show, so I thought he would enjoy Copperstar Repertory camp. I (mistakenly) assumed that because this was a "camp," because there was no audition and I was paying for my son to be entertained during school break that the emphasis would be on fun. I couldn't have been more wrong. The emphasis was all on the show, with the entertainment and happiness of the kids sacrificed for it. "Boot camp" would have been a much better description. I'm rather disgusted. read more

I have gone to a few Copperstar productions and was blown away every time. This is COMMUNITY theater? wow. I had no idea we had this kind of local talent?! Besides the stellar performances I was amazed by the set and costuming and professional quality of everything. The programs are 8 page color playbills for crying out loud and they sell show tshirts at intermission. I'm so glad I found this company- a thoroughly enjoyable experience!! read more

Every show we have seen by this company has been astounding! Copperstar puts everything into their shows from custom made costumes, to hand-painted sets to well prepared actors of all ages. The end result is highly entertaining shows that my kids love to see. There's nothing like good live theater and Copperstar brings it to the Higley Performing Arts Center. read more

These are classy, professional shows. We saw Sound of Music, Music Man, and Into the Woods last year. The sets, the costumes, the actors, everything was top notch. Two years ago, we saw Joseph and the Amazing Technocolor Dream Coat, and all I can say is wow! This is good family fun and great entertainment that you don't get in the burbs that often. read more

Copperstar continues to wow me with their amazing stage productions. Into The Woods had an incredible cast and set. I absolutely loved Music Man, the costumes were fantastic. And the Sound of Music let me relive some great childhood memories. If you haven't see one of their shows yet, you really should try. Definitely worth the money. read more

My son recently was in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Copperstar, and it was a great experience! It is a very professional company, and they turn out amazing shows. All instructors are very well qualified, and were great with the young kids. I would definitely have my kids audition for Copperstar again! read more

Fabulous! I am so impressed with Copperstar all around. They have so much talent in the community and are utilizing the state of the art HPAC. The producers, drectors, musicians and actors put on high quality professional shows (without the price tag)! Our family doesn't miss a show. read more

Copperstar Repertory programs provide the community with high quality shows and the participants with well developed training and direction. Everything from scenery, make-up and costumes to voice, dance and stage directions - all excellent! read more

Every Copperstar show I've seen has amazed me! They're all fast moving candy for the eyes and ears. Every few seconds is a new delight. The cast, the orchestra, the sets, the costumes, the lighting, and the sound are always top notch. read more

I've experienced Copperstar both as a spectator and a performer. This group is professional and family-oriented. Every show they produce is quality down to the smallest detail. Great family entertainment at an affordable price! read more

I watched The Music Man last year, and it was fantastic! In fact, so good that when they announced they were doing Into The Woods, my wife took the entire high school drama class all the way from Surprise! read more

What a wonderful group of people to work with who put on shows that are Broadway quality. This is an undiscovered gem and once people find out, getting a seat to one of their shows will be impossible. read more

Copperstar has only been around for a few seasons but the are a well honed group that adds so much to the community with their professional productions, great workshops and amazing staff! read more