Deeper Learning

Exclusive to The Holland Center: Signature Programs – each providing more focused and tailored learning experiences that build upon your interests and talents in a specific subject area: theater arts, desert awareness, or leadership.

  • Signature Programs are their own entities with their own advisory board and volunteers. This means more skilled & passionate people are collectively dedicated to curating high-quality, in-depth experiences – beyond what would be possible in a traditional community center structure.
  • Led by highly-qualified and enthusiastic experts in their fields who are invested in the growth and long-term success of the programs – many of whom have been a part of building the programs for decades. 
  • Unique opportunities for experiential learning, such as off-site field trips, hand-on learning, interactive events, and internships.
  • More opportunities to bond with others who share similar interests and passions. 

Desert Foothills Theater

Desert Foothills Theater (DFT) has been the North Valley’s community theater destination since 1975. From budding young artists to senior citizens, all members of the community are invited to participate in DFT’s theater arts opportunities – whether onstage, backstage, through classes, as a volunteer, or as an audience member of one of the high-quality productions. DFT provides training for young artists, helping them learn discipline, self-confidence, how to work collaboratively, and, for those who might want a career in theater, specific skills in dance, acting, and voice. Many mature community members are finding themselves more active in retirement than expected as they pursue new experiences at DFT! And for the many other amazingly talented artists in our community who have not followed performance as a career, DFT offers a creative outlet that allows them to continue to participate in productions. 

– Showtimes & tickets
– Youth summer camps
– More information

Desert Awareness Committee

Desert Awareness Committee (DAC) has been the community’s resource and advocate for the Sonoran Desert since 1974. Through classes, workshops, events, interpretive hikes, and publications, DAC teaches residents and visitors of all ages how to understand, conserve, and preserve our fragile desert and all its plants, animals, water, and wildlife. DAC maintains stewardship of Desert Awareness Park in Cave Creek. And its annual Prickly Pear Festival is a treasured event that offers tastings, demonstrations, and seminars about this abundant fruit. 

– Upcoming events
– Publications & other resources
– More information

Desert Foothills Leadership Academy

The Desert Foothills Leadership (DFL) Academy is an experiential leadership development program that ensures a pipeline of leaders equipped with the skills, experiences, and networks needed to positively impact civic, business, philanthropic, non-profit, and cultural organizations. The academy includes 15 hours of leadership skills training, presentations from civic leaders, and behind-the-scenes experiences that help participants feel strongly connected to their community. Topics include leadership styles, organizational culture, strategic planning, commerce, government, energy & conservation, education, water management, public safety, and more.  

– Program overview
– Academy registration
– FAQs