Our Story.
Since 1914, Willcox has looked to the Theater for entertainment and culture. Today´s Willcox Historic Theater restored the 1937 movie theater inside and out in authentic Art Deco style, with today’s latest in comfort and digital technology, showing first run films seven days a week.
Willcox Theater and Arts “Studio 128” and “Palace”, located in adjacent historic buildings, provide live stage programming, arts workshops, STEAM and digital arts programs. Serving all ages and interests, Willcox Theater and Arts provides everyone with opportunities to enjoy the arts, and to create, learn, and display accomplishments, while helping to keep the Railroad Avenue Historic District a vibrant downtown in Willcox.
Staff
Gayle Berry
Executive Director
Gayle is a retired senior executive. She has served on boards at Southwest Behavioral Counseling and Northern Cochise Community Hospital and is a founding director of Willcox Theater and Arts. She also volunteered at TAG, an arts and humanities program for teens in Willcox.
Gary Clement
Operations Director
Gary´s degree is in Theater and he has experience in the hospitality industry and also headed the City of Willcox Teen Program, TAG. In addition to programming movies, Gary books WTA´s Guest Artists, Stage to Cinema and History Lecture Series. He is our resident film expert.
Brittany Rhoades
Art Program Manager
Britt is WTA´s Arts Program Manager, teaching art in a variety of media at WTA´s Art Studio. They attend EAC as an art major and is currently learning new art methods in their free time. They have a passion for teaching art and helping others and enjoy music, art of all kinds, video games, and caring for animals.
Peter Spitzer
Marketing & Communications Manager
Peter has experience in marketing and videography and has contributed to multiple local heritage projects, including documentaries such as “Story of Willcox” and the recreation of a 1950s map of Willcox. He also has a passion for film and has served as a judge and assisted in planning the Southern Arizona Independent Film Festival. His love of history and the arts has helped drive his shared goal of promoting WTA as a hub for culture and learning.
Wesley Schofield
STEAM & Digital Media Program Manager
Wesley has been creating video content for 10+ years. Born and raised in Willcox, Arizona, he spent his life learning to create graphics, videos, and audio content. Wesley is a passionate creative with a desire to teach others. In 2018 Wesley entered the professional world of videography, producing hundreds of videos from advertisements, music videos, an award winning documentary, and tutorials spanning both the fine arts and digital arts worlds. Community and economic development has been a driving force in Wesley’s life. Belonging to his hometown’s Skatepark Committee and Downtown Revitalization Project, he cares deeply about the communities he is a part of.
Paola Barraza
Development & Engagement Director
Paola has worked with Willcox Theater & Arts since 2021, contributing in a variety of roles ranging from makerspace programming and summer education to community engagement and event coordination. She holds a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Law from Northern Arizona University, and brings a strong passion for leadership, accessibility, and community-centered work to everything she does. Her interest in law, advocacy, and community impact shapes her approach to her work at WTA, where she is committed to making arts and educational experiences more accessible and engaging for Willcox and its people.
Kalee Retana
Administrative Director
Kalee has a Bachelor´s Degree in Hospitality Business Management and a strong tie to the Willcox Community. She helps with keeping our website up to date, our Newsletter, and various tasks for the Annual Shindig. In her off time, Kalee enjoys traveling, attending concerts and sporting events, and spending time with her family.
Lizzie Allred
Financial Administrator
Lizzie has volunteered and worked at WTA for years and loves watching it continue to grow. She earned a degree in Psychological Sciences from Northern Arizona University, where she also participated in NAU’s cello studio. At WTA, Lizzie manages all things bookkeeping and enjoys being part of a team that brings arts and opportunities to rural communities. In addition to her work at WTA, she directs orchestra for grades 5-12, practices jiu-jitsu, is currently training for a HYROX event, and loves spending time with family and being actively involved in her community.
Landon Hooper
Makerspace Coordinator
Landon enjoys creating engaging projects and experiments that inspire creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. He is a high school junior, and is dedicated to helping learners of all ages explore new ideas and discover the excitement of making and creating. Outside of STEM, Landon has been involved in shooting sports since the 6th grade and actively participate in 4-H, where he continues to develop leadership, responsibility, and teamwork skills.
Theodore
Theater Bear
Theodore the Theater Bear arrived at WTA pretty early and got right to work after earning his name at a community contest! He works in concessions, marketing, and has even starred in his own movie. Theodore is passionate about his sense of style and especially enjoys all the other volunteers and team members he works with.
Cindy Rae
Volunteer
Cindy Rae has worked and lived in Willcox for over 50 years. She has made an impact on the Willcox Community through volunteer work at various local events, and now by volunteering at Willcox Theater and Arts. She enjoys playing music, reading, and serving the community!
Board
Board President
Eddie Browning
Eddie Browning was born in the saddle and operates a family cow/calf operation. He was Economic Development Director for Willcox, headed Arizona´s Rural Development Office, and was branch manager for Western Bank. He is the driving force behind the Willcox Cowboy Hall of Fame, dedicated to preserving ranching heritage.
Vice President
Joel Todd
Joel Todd has been an educator for 30 years. He has been a teacher, coach, high school principal, and since 2008, the superintendent of Cochise Technology District. He grew up on ranches in Montana and Arizona and enjoys living in the country. He and his wife, Jenisa, have four children who keep them very busy and entertained.
Secretary
Jocelyn Allred
Jocelyn Allred is a primary school teacher at Willcox Elementary School. She is very involved in her church and the schools her children attend. Most of her focus over the past seventeen years has been on raising her five children with her husband, Justin. Jocelyn received a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1997.
Member
Ron Berry
Ron Berry is a retired aerospace engineer, having held positions with Garrett Turbine Engine Co., Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and Morton-Thiokol, among others. He holds several patents and serves as the Theater´s and the Board´s technical resource and facility engineer. He holds a Master´s Degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.
Member
Patina Thompson
Patina Thompson is a Cochise County native with a bachelor´s degree in Wildlife, Watershed and Rangeland Resources from the University of Arizona. She works in the agriculture insurance field and volunteers for many community organizations that benefit youth and agriculture. She is a hunter, photographer and conservationist in southeastern Arizona.
Treasurer
Shelley Thompson
Shelley Thompson has more than 37 years of experience in the financial services industry and became the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Cochise Credit Union in 1997. Shelley is married to her husband of 39 years, Billy. They have one son, Blaine, and one daughter Danelle, who have blessed them with four beautiful granddaughters.
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WILLCOX HERITAGE PATHWAYS (WHP)
WHP is a multi-year project that will capture on video the living memories of Willcox from mid-20th century to present day. The videos, along with historical photos and memorabilia, will form the core of an exhibit at the Center of Art and Heritage, scheduled to open in 2025.
Engineering & Technology Institute
Students in the E&TI experience different engineering disciplines, jobs and companies, with site visits, projects, and challenges, learning about the careers and opportunities available in our area
Our Youtube channels
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A channel dedicated to original content. Everything from podcasts to tutorials can be found here!
A channel dedicated to news updates and announcements. Keep up with the latest and greatest here!
