THE NCPA WAY

Our Mission

At North Central Performing Arts, we are committed to creating a positive theater experience where each child feels valued and an important part of the community we create together. We take pride in producing high quality performances that are achieved through team building, hard work and fun! Every child enrolled in one of our sessions will have a part in the final production.

Meet the Team

  • Liz Gengle

    OWNER/DIRECTOR

    Liz is a Phoenix native who grew up in the theater world. She was involved in local productions throughout her childhood and into college where she decided to get her degree in teaching. Liz has a passion for working with young people and has been a teacher for 14 years where she has worked with students ages 6 through 14. Liz has been teaching theater and choir in the public school setting for many years and is currently the theater teacher at Madison Meadows Middle School. She is excited to bring her expertise to North Central Performing Arts.

    Through her work with young people, Liz has developed many skills to make students feel safe to take risks and push themselves to reach their full potential. Liz is committed to making NCPA a place where students can explore their creativity, build confidence and forge lifelong friendships.

  • Teresa Simmons

    ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

    Teresa has spent most of her career coaching and teaching children. She was both a gymnastics coach and elementary school teacher for many years. She has a passion and love for guiding and supporting students in their learning journeys, and loves celebrating all of their accomplishments. She is excited to be a part of the team at North Central Performing Arts and to share the joy of performance and theater with children through music, dance, and acting.

    She is the proud mother of two children and five grandchildren. She recently retired from education where she ended her career as an elementary school principal. Her life has always been surrounded by children and she’s excited to continue having fun with the students at North Central Performing Arts.

  • Meryl Temple

    VOCAL DIRECTOR

    Meryl has lived in Arizona all her life; she spent her own childhood acting in community theater productions and singing in school choirs. Nowadays she sings in a local community chorus, which she loves and has been part of for 10+ years. Meryl is beyond thrilled to be able to share her love of performing with North Central Performing Arts! 

    Meryl has worked with children of all ages for over 20 years, first as a teacher and now as a therapist. Although she loves her career, it has been her dream to work with children in the theater setting, where creativity, focus, and fun come together to build lifelong skills, confidence, and relationships. Meryl is passionate about supporting and empowering children to become and be their most authentic selves, both on stage and off.