Alice Cooper opens unique teen arts center in West Valley
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Goodyear is ready to rock and roll with the Grand Opening of a new center for teens.
Alice Cooper’s ‘Solid Rock’ is the first of its kind in the West Valley. It focuses on the arts, and once you walk into the center, you’ll quickly see that there’s no place like it.
“Everything about this place is community,” Alice Cooper said. “Every kid has talent, you just need to find it.”
On any given day, children between the ages of 12 and 20 are invited to the center to grow their love for the performing arts. They can play instruments, dance, paint, sing, or produce music at the center. Classes are also offered for anyone interested in a variety of topics.
“This is their place,” he said. “This is their clubhouse. This is where they can hang out and be safe. We also have a recording studio in here, so a guitar player will find a bass player who will find a drummer and singer. They’ll write some songs, and they can go in and record them. This is an all-purpose place.”
It’s a place that also provides everything needed for the student. Cooper says all anyone needs to bring with them is passion.
“You must be a teenager between the ages of 12-20 years old,” Sheryl Cooper said. “That’s it. You have to open the door and walk in.”
“Everything you need is here already, pianos, drums, bass, guitars, art classes, video classes, dance,” Alice Cooper said. “There are a couple of guitar players I’d put in my band right now, they’re that good.”
The center is Alice Cooper’s third Arizona location and first in the West Valley. The goal is to provide an inclusive space where artists can grow without having to worry about costs.
“That’s because we realize a lot of kids have a lot of talent,” Cooper said. “But they can’t take it any further because they can’t afford it. Well, this is all free and we have the best teachers around.”
Even ones that could be unexpected.
“We’ve had Rob Halford come in, John 5,” Sheryl said. “You never know what to expect.”
“Johnny Depp said put in a black box theater and I’ll come teach improv,” Cooper said.
There’s no pressure on the kids, it’s just about having fun. It gives them the chance to live their dreams, create their own, and sometimes turn them into reality.
“Teen centers normally suggest a room center with a pool table,” Sheryl said. “This is a mini Juilliard and the standard of training is excellent, and it’s so much fun.”
The City of Goodyear said it is excited to welcome the new addition to the area.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to officially welcome Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Center to Goodyear,” said Mayor Joe Pizzillo. “It’s a place where young people can discover their passion, express themselves creatively, and find a positive path forward. Thank you to Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock team and city staff for bringing such a quality amenity to the city.”
A Grand Opening event is taking place Saturday, April 26th, 2025. Everyone is welcome from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 14455 W Van Buren St Ste 101 in Goodyear. Kids can also check out the website for all the information, including upcoming classes.