Welcome to the Mingus Performing Arts Department!

We are committed to bringing live theatre and music to the Verde Valley and beyond. Our varied selections and venues provide insight to people from all beliefs and walks of life. We create a positive performance opportunity for high school students to thrive and prepare for a career in the performing arts.

PUMPKIN KING STEALS CHRISTMAS

This holiday season, step into a world where Halloween and Christmas collide! Mingus Union’s ATORT and CCBA (Concept, Contemporary, & Ballet Academy) proudly presents The Pumpkin King Steals Christmas, an all-dance spectacular inspired by Tim Burton’s beloved classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Through breathtaking choreography and imaginative storytelling, this spectacular transforms the stage into a vivid world where Halloween Town meets Christmas Town. The show runs from December 6th through 14th in the Mingus Union High School Auditorium.
In The Pumpkin King Steals Christmas, we follow Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who has grown tired of his same old frightening routine. One day, he stumbles upon Christmas Town — a dazzling place filled with joy, color, and cheer. Captivated by this new discovery, Jack decides to take over Christmas and put his own spooky spin on the holiday. But as skeleton reindeer take flight and ghostly elves prepare haunted presents, Jack’s well-meaning plan begins to unravel. Meanwhile, Sally, a kind-hearted rag doll, tries to warn him that his obsession with Christmas could spell disaster for both worlds. Through this hauntingly beautiful dance retelling, with a few musical surprises, audiences will witness Jack’s journey of self-discovery as he learns the true meaning of joy, identity, and belonging. The Pumpkin King Steals Christmas combines the artistry of contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and ballet styles, with stunning visual effects and inventive choreography that bring the story to life.
This production features 50 student dancers and a crew of over 30 students, each contributing their unique talents to create a show full of heart, humor, and the holiday spirit. The fusion of dark fantasy and festive charm makes it a must-see for audiences of all ages — whether you’re a longtime fan of the classic film or discovering the story for the first time.
Tickets are on sale now at atort.ludus.com; $12 for Adults, $11 for Seniors, and $8 for students and children. Use promo code “GiveThanks” at checkout to save 10% off your tickets. Join us for an unforgettable evening of dance, imagination, and holiday magic in The Pumpkin King Steals Christmas — where Halloween meets Christmas, and the spirit of both shines bright. ​

ATORT AWARDS

2025 - Best of the Best - Live Theatre Performance - Readers of Kudos/Verde Independent
​           - HSMTA - ASU Gammage Leadership Award - Mekenzie Combs
​             Best Lead Female - Mekenzie Combs - Jimmy Awards Nominee 2025
2024 - Best Live Theatre in the Valley - Kudos Award
2024 - HSMTA - Best Hair and Make-up: Jade Burris-Passmore - Rock of Ages
2023 – AZ Thespians – Theatre Teacher of the Year – James Ball
2023 – HSMTA – Marry Poppins – Best Supporting Actor, Riley Rathsman
           Best Hair and Make-up: Mia Martinez & Melissa Perez,
           Best Costumes: Addi Hughes and Team
2022 - HSMTA - Best Hair and Make-up for "Big Fish",
          Runner-up Best Lead Male: Jarrett Moncibaez
2021 - AZ Thespians - Best Musical - "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee",
          Theatre Teacher of the Year: Jeff Neugebauer
2019 - HSMTA - Best Musical "Newsies", Best Dancer: Preston Chalmers, Best
          Supporting Actor: Preston Chalmers, Best Set/Props: Shenoah Williams,
          Best Hair & Make-up: Natalee Powell , Best Sound Design: Alex Goltz
2018 - HSMTA - Best Sound Design: Alex Goltz
2016 - AZ Thespians - Best Musical - "Peter and the Starcatcher"
2016 - HSMTA - Best Sound Design: Paul Amato
2015 - HSMTA - Best Lead Female: Gloria Alcala, Best Dancer: Alyssa Ebel,
           Honorable Mention: Peyton Drake, Best Sound Design: Paul Amato,
           Best Hair and Make-up: Mariah Jones,
           ASU Gammage Leadership Award: Dylan Capello
2014 - AZ Thespians - Best Play - "Much Ado About Nothing",
           Theatre Teacher of the year: James Ball
2014- Yavapai County Teacher of the Year, Runner up: James Ball
2011 - Kudos, "Best Live Theatre in the Valley" 

HSMTA - ASU Gammage High School Music Theatre Awards
AZ Thespians - Awards from the State Educational Theatre Society

Mingus Union High School

We are the performing arts department from Mingus Union High School District #4. Located in Cottonwood, Arizona, we serve over 1,250 students and offer a variety of academic classes, technical classes, and performing and visual arts classes. For more information on the school, please follow the link below to the school's homepage. 
​www.mingusunion.com