ASU Gammage at JA BizTown
Inspiring the Next Generation of Theater Leaders
At ASU Gammage, we believe the magic of theater extends far beyond the stage, and thanks to our partnership with Junior Achievement of Arizona, students now have the chance to experience that magic firsthand.
Inside JA BizTown, a hands-on learning simulation that serves thousands of K-12 students across Arizona, a replica of ASU Gammage introduces young minds to the world of arts administration, production, and community engagement. As the first arts organization represented in BizTown, ASU Gammage offers students the opportunity to step into roles like President, CFO, Theater Manager, and Development Officer.
Real-World Learning Through Theater
Students don’t just imagine careers in the art. They experience them. During their BizTown simulation, students apply for jobs, manage a theater business, promote shows, and even watch a clip from Disney’s The Lion King inside a fully recreated mini-auditorium—complete with authentic seats and design elements from ASU Gammage.
They earn and manage their own "BizTown bucks," make purchasing decisions, pay off loans, and can even choose to donate to support the arts, earning their name on a donor recognition wall just like in our real venue.
Access for All Learners
Junior Achievement primarily serves low-income schools, and the BizTown program is designed to align with Arizona’s learning standards. Students leave with a deeper understanding of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and the wide range of careers that bring live theater to life.
This collaboration embodies our mission of Connecting Communities™ and investing in the next generation of leaders, creatives, and changemakers.
