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 | | The Cabaret has reopened but still needs help info at www.thecabaret.net
The Cabaret Dinner Theatre
701 Main Street
Grand Junction CO 81501
The Cabaret Dinner Theatre in Grand Junction reopened this morning, after having its assets seized by the State of Colorado on Thursday, February 22, 2008 for failure to pay taxes.
The theatre found itself in a major financial hole due in part to a tumultuous fiscal 2007 and sluggish ticket sales in January, 2008. Through major corporate restructuring in 2007, the Cabaret reduced its overhead substantially. However the company was temporarily unable to make its required regular tax payments.
Through support from the community, and a new investment program, Executive Producer and Managing Member Kirk McConnell was able to secure enough funding to pay off the back tax debt to the state and reopen on Monday, February 25, 2008 at noon.
But the theatre is still in need of help. The Cabaret lost over $25,000 during the forced closure because of the cancellation of five shows and the temporary shut-down of the Spotlight Lounge. This, coupled with the past debt load leaves the business with a major financial burden.
Anyone who wishes to assist the Cabaret in overcoming its current financial problems may do so in any one of several ways:
Non-tax-deductible donations may be made to the Cabaret Community Support Fund at Grand Valley National Bank in Grand Junction.
The Cabaret also has a new program, which allows interested parties to invest in individual productions. These investments yield attractive returns for short-term investments.
Businesses can help by purchasing advertising and corporate sponsorships, and by booking private houses.
Finally, patrons and supporters may still help by continuing to buy tickets, bringing their friends, and purchasing season tickets.
The outpouring of support from the community at large has been remarkable. With that continued support, the Cabaret will continue to delight audiences for years to come.
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| | Boulder's Dinner Theatre nabs 20 Henry Award nominations
And 13 are for "Ragtime" alone
By John Moore
Article Last Updated: 06/20/2007 06:01:24 PM MDT
Wayne Kennedy, Jeffrey Nickelson and Shelly Cox-Robie are each nominated for Henry Awards for their work in "Ragtime." (Boulder's Dinner Theatre)
Boulder's Dinner Theatre has earned 20 nominations for the Colorado Theatre Guild's second annual Henry Awards, including 13 for its musical "Ragtime," staged in an unofficial collaboration with the Shadow Theatre Company. Curious was close behind with 15 nominations.
Joanie Brosseau-Beyette pulled off an extraordinary trifecta: She was nominated for best lead actress in two musicals -- Country Dinner Playhouse's "Evita" and Boulder Dinner Theatre's "Sweet Charity" -- while also nabbing a nom for supporting actress in BDT's "Ragtime."
The nominations were decided by a panel of 10 judges who had to have seen a minimum of 50 productions opening between June 1, 2006, and May 31, 2007. Nominees have to be members ofg the Colorado Theatre Guild, the companies must be within the seven-county metro area, and individual nominees must have resided in Colorado for a minimum of six months during that time to be eligible.
Two weeks ago, after the first round of nominating voting had been completed but not yet announced, the Denver Center Theatre Company and its sister producing partner, Denver Center Attractions, withdrew from consideration, forcing a re-vote and a lengthy delay in the announcement of the nominees. The DCTC objected to the residency rule.
The top five in each category advanced, plus ties, which explains why some categories have up to eight nominees.
Winners will be announced at a gala July 9 at the Aurora Fox, 9900 E. Colfax Ave. The entertainment and awards program begins at 7 p.m. Call 303-739-1970 for ticket information.
Supporting Actor in A Play
John Arp, "Almost, Maine," Aurora Fox
Steven J. Burge, "Dog Sees God," The Avenue
Jason Henning "tempOdyssey," Curious Theatre
Cajardo Lindsey, "Lobby Hero" Miners Alley Playhouse
Seth Maisel, "No Sex, Please, We're British," Victorian Playhouse
Supporting Actress in A Play
Erica Sarzin-Borrillo, "The Price," Germinal
Elgin Kelley, "Dog Sees God," The Avenue Theatre
Billie McBride, "Over the Tavern," Arvada Center
Simone St. John, "A House with No Walls," Curious
Mare Trevathan, "Aphrodisiac," Curious
Sound Design
Brian Freeland and Lorrin Dyer, "The Turn of the Screw," Modern Muse
Brian Freeland, "tempOdyssey," Curious
Dave Johnson, "Dog Sees God," The Avenue
Iaedon Hovorka, "A House With No Walls," Curious
Patrick Selvage and Judson Webb, "Defiled," Theatre 13
Lighting Design
Nicholas Kargel, "Ragtime," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Charles Dean Packard and Jennifer Orf, "The Wiz," PHAMALy
Charles Dean Packard, "I Am My Own Wife," Curious
Shannon McKinney, "tempOdyssey," Curious
Jacob M. Welch, "A House With No Walls," Curious
Costume Design
Kevin Copenhaver, "Seascape," Modern Muse Theatre
Nicole Harrison, "As You Like It," Colorado Shakespeare Festival
Linda Morken, "Ragtime," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Linda Morken, "Plenty of Time," Shadow
Mallory Kay Nelson,"The Wiz," PHAMALy
Scenic Design
Amy Campion, "Crazy for You," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Kent Homchick, "Over the Tavern," Arvada Center
Brian Mallgrave, "Do I Hear a Waltz?" Arvada Center
Brian Mallgrave, "My Fair Lady," Town Hall Arts Center
Charles Dean Packard, "I Hate Hamlet," Aurora Fox
Charles Dean Packard, "tempOdyssey," Curious
Christopher Wink, "Hedda Gabler," Paragon
Choreography
Juliana Black, "Urinetown," Score Marketing
Alicia Dunfee, Michael J. Duran, "Crazy for You," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Alicia Dunfee, "Ragtime," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Kitty Skillman Hilsabeck, "Swing," Country Dinner Playhouse
Kitty Skillman Hilsabeck, "Thoroughly Modern Millie," Arvada Center
Ensemble Performance
"Almost, Maine," Aurora Fox
"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," Aurora Fox
"Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead," The Avenue
"Ragtime," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
"Winter in Graupel Bay," Buntport
"Something Is Rotten," Buntport
"Swing," Country Dinner Playhouse
New Play
"Something Is Rotten," Buntport
"Winter in Graupel Bay," Buntport
"Someone Else's Life," Conundrum
"tempOdyssey," Curious
"How We May Know Him," Paragon
Actor In A Play
Thomas Borrillo, "Frankie & Johnny," Paragon Theatre
Scott McLean, "Tuesdays With Morrie," Miners Alley Playhouse
Chris Reid, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," Aurora Fox
Erik Sandvold, "I Am My Own Wife," Curious
Roger L. Simon, "Tuesdays With Morrie," Miners Alley Playhouse
Actress In A Play
Barbra Andrews, "Hedda Gabler," Paragon
Dee Covington, "tempOdyssey," Curious
Emily Paton Davies, "Frankie and Johnny," Paragon
Diana Dresser, "Bad Dates," Modern Muse
Laura Norman, "The Weir," Victorian Playhouse
Terry Ann Watts, "Dead Man Walking," Victorian Playhouse
Actor In A Musical
David Ambroson, "My Fair Lady," Town Hall Arts Center
Leonard Barrett, "Ragtime," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Wayne Kennedy, "Ragtime," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Geoff Kent, "Urinetown," Score Marketing
Jeffrey Nickelson, "Ragtime," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Nick Sugar, "Cabaret," Town Hall Arts Center
Actress In A Musical
Joanie Brosseau-Beyette, "Evita," Country Dinner Playhouse
Joanie Brosseau-Beyette, "Sweet Charity," Boulder Dinner Theatre
Michelle Merz, "Urinetown," Score Marketing
Shelley Cox-Robie, "Ragtime," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Juliet Villa, "The Wiz," PHAMALy
Supporting Actor in a Musical
David Ambroson, "1776," Town Hall Arts Center
John Arp, "Cabaret," Town Hall Arts Center
Brandon Dill, "Ragtime," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Wayne Kennedy, "Sweet Charity," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Joel Sutliffe, "1776," Town Hall Arts Center
Supporting Actress in a Musical
Genevieve Baer, "Urinetown," Score Marketing
Joanie Brosseau-Beyette, "Ragtime," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Beth Flynn, "Thoroughly Modern Millie," Arvada Center
Barb Reeves, "Cabaret," Town Hall Arts Center
Reynelda Snell, "Ragtime," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Production of a Play
"Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead," The Avenue
"Something Is Rotten," Buntport
"I Am My Own Wife," Curious
"How We May Know Him," Paragon
"Frankie and Johnny at the Claire de Lune," Paragon
Production of a Musical
"Ragtime," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
"Crazy For You," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
"Swing!" Country Dinner Playhouse
"The Wiz," PHAMALy
"Urinetown," Score Marketing
Direction of a Play
Terry Dodd, "The Weir," Denver Victorian Playhouse
Wendy Franz, "How We May Know Him," Paragon
Christy Montour-Larson, "I Am My Own Wife," Curious
Warren Sherrill, "Hedda Gabler," Paragon
Nick Sugar, "Dog Sees God," The Avenue
Direction of a Musical
Michael J. Duran, "Ragtime," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Michael J. Duran, "Crazy For You," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Nick Sugar, "Cabaret," Town Hall Arts Center
Bob Wells, "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," Town Hall Arts Center
Dan Wiley, Cathy Reinking and Terry Dodd, "Urinetown," Score Marketing
Christopher Willard, "My Fair Lady," Town Hall Arts Center
Season for a Theatre Company
Aurora Fox
Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Curious Theatre
Miners Alley Playhouse
Modern Muse
Paragon Theatre Company | |
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| | Country Dinner Playhouse closes doors
Article Last Updated: 05/22/2007 09:50:37 PM MDT
The Country Dinner Playhouse, the second-largest theater in the state, abruptly closed its doors Tuesday after having entertained more than 5 million theatergoers in Greenwood Village for the past 37 years.
Majority owner David B. Lovinggood posted a padlock and a note stating the renowned theater that had staged more than 220 productions, mostly family musicals and many featuring TV and Broadway stars, had run out of money. Lovinggood and co-owners Bob and Joan Buffington are expected to file for bankruptcy.
"This just hurts my heart," Denver actor Amy Board said of a 470-seat theater that has drawn up to 150,000 theatergoers a year. That's second only to the Denver Center Theatre Company. It also drew more than 100,000 in the past 10 years just for children's programming.
The Barn, as it is affectionately known, has been home to Mickey Rooney, Morgan Fairchild, Mary Jo Catlett, Ted Shackleford, Lee Horsley, Rachel deBenedet, Paige O'Hara and nearly every significant local musical-theater performer in Colorado including Annaleigh Ashford, who last month made her Broadway debut in "Legally Blonde."
The news was greeted by shock and anger. The CDP, which carries a staff of about 50, just opened a production of "Evita" on May 9 that was to have run through July 8. Customers likely won't get refunds and, while actors were paid through Sunday, staff and crew have not been paid for the past two weeks and have not been offered severance.
"So we have no warning, no pay, no job, and they didn't even call," said deck manager Josh Fugazzotto. "The owners didn't even have the decency to give us a heads up. I wouldn't be so bitter if they would have at least paid us. I have been expecting this check for two weeks and now I am (expletive)."
The CDP was the only year-round union theater in the state, and its closing leaves Boulder's Dinner Theatre and Golden's Heritage Square Music Hall as the only major dinner theaters in the metro area.
"This affects us all in a really profound way," said Boulder's Dinner Theatre artistic director Michael J. Duran. "When any theater goes down, it hurts the whole community. It's one less place for actors to work and one less place for audiences to see theater. A lot of actors, musicians and staff are now out of work. It's just bad all around."
Dinner theater fortunes in Colorado have plummeted in the past three years. Colorado now has just seven, down from 10 in 2004. Others operate in Greeley, Longmont, Fort Collins, Manitou Springs and Grand Junction. In 2004, Colorado dinner theaters cumulatively generated just under $10 million in revenues and drew 351,794 -- accounting for 22.1 percent of the state's overall theater attendance.
"It's pretty
The Country Dinner Playhouse was opened in 1970 by Bill McHale, left, Hilda Newton and Sam Newton. (Denver Post file photo) devastating," said producer Paul Dwyer, who was among the unaware. He was en route to New York to observe off-Broadway's "Altar Boyz," part of CDP's recently announced 2007-08 season, when he got the call.
Dwyer, who put in a rejected bid to buy the Playhouse himself three years ago, said "it's not out of the question" that he might try to raise a new ownership group to fill the dinner-theater void in the metro area, but given the age and condition of the CDP, he thinks it's unlikely anyone would make a run at the present facility. He said more likely new owners might want to start a new facility.
Lovinggood owns 65 percent of the Playhouse, followed by the Buffingtons at 35. But since September 2005, the land the Playhouse sits on has been owned by Uhlmann Offices Inc., of Sherman Oaks, Calif. The land had been owned by founder Sam Newton.
Because Lovinggood never negotiated a lease with Uhlmann and has since operated month to month, it has been feared Uhlmann might shutter the Playhouse for development. Rather, officials were recently assured that Uhlmann had no plans to do anything with the property until at least May 2008. Still, there was no lease.
Tuesday's decision was Lovinggood's, one he called "difficult but unavoidable." The note he posted on the door stated: "Negotiations with our landlord have been underway for several months to no avail. Without a lease in place, we cannot sell season tickets. This has put us in a position of having no funds to continue operation of this business."
The Country Dinner Playhouse opened in 1970 by Sam and Hilda Newton with the legendary director Bill McHale, who operated a small chain of dinner theaters around the nation. By September 2005, Sam Newton sold the land that CDP sits upon to the California group for $3 million. Newton, 87, sold his 5.82 acres Uhlmann for $3 million. Lovinggood has been on a month-to-month lease ever since.
"The Country Dinner Playhouse has been a part of my life for all of my life," said Carla Kaiser Kotrc, who went from audience to actor when she appeared as Domina in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" in 2005. "Some of Denver's finest talent has performed on that stage, and they and introduced the thrill of professional theater to thousands of families."
Lovinggood and Buffington were meetings all day with a bankruptcy attorney and did not return calls. Landlord Chuck Uhlmann was out of the country.
"The CDP will be greatly missed," said Denver's Deb Flomberg. "I remember my mom taking me to see Annie when I was 3 or 4 (would have been 1982 or so, if my memory is right) and that was the first time I was exposed to theatre. I remember being amazed at the vitality of the whole thing."
Theater critic John Moore can be reached at 303-820-1056 or jmoore@denverpost.com.
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Key developments
April 1970: Sam and Hilda Newton open the Country Dinner Playhouse with Mary Boren and Bill McHale. David Lovinggood, a Dallas native, joins a few months later.
1995: Lovinggood, John Rutter and Robert and Joan Buffington buy the Playhouse from founders Sam Newton and Mary Boren. Rutter is made majority owner.
December 2002: John Rutter dies suddenly, setting in motion protracted ownership struggle between Rutter's wife, Eileen, and then-CEO David Pritchard, over Rutter's shares, valued at more than $1 million.
October 2004: Lovinggood completes purchase from Eileen Rutter. As part of the settlement, Pritchard is paid $425,000 to go away. Lovinggood now owns 65 percent. The remaining 35 percent belong to executive staff members Robert and Joan Buffington. The group names Paul Dwyer producer and artistic director.
December 2004: Pritchard opens open the rival Pinnacle Dinner Theatre, which closes under a mountain of debt 10 months later.
September 2005: The 5.82 acres the Playhouse sits upon is sold by original owner Sam Newton to Uhlmann Offices Inc., of Sherman Oaks, Calif. for $3 million. Uhlmann expresses no immediate desire to develop the property, but never settles on a satisfying lease arrangement with Lovinggood.
May 22, 2007: The Country Dinner Playhouse closes. Lovinggood claims to be out of money and the lack of a lease was hindering season-ticket sales. Others say Uhlmann had assured CDP officials that the property was safe through at least May 2008. | |
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| 2006 Denver Post Ovation Awards |
By John Moore
Denver Post Theater Critic
DenverPost.com |
| Article Last Updated:12/31/2006 11:54:01 AM MST |
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Bonnie Metzgar gets a wild hair, and wild things start to happen. First, one of New York's bluest chips falls out of the clear Colorado blue sky and onto the Curious Theatre Company's poker table. Suddenly its hastily created new associate artistic director has some of America's leading playwrights dropping in to teach teen playwrights in its Curious New Voices writing program.
Next Metzgar gets a wild hair to put together an eclectic team of 10 playwrights each to write about war. In April, Curious debuts "The War Anthology," the first known collaboration among at least three Pulitzer Prize winners. You should have friends like Tony Kushner, Paula Vogel and Suzan-Lori Parks. Not to mention Will Eno and Denver's own Melissa McCarl.
During that time, Metzgar gets a wild hair to blow the dust off Parks' "365 Plays" cycle. "If it was Bonnie," Parks says, "then it must have been magic dust."
"365" was a muscular demonstration of writing discipline: Parks wrote one short play per day every day for a year, without exception. She did it for her own sake with no expectation of performance. But during "The War Anthology," Metzgar has this epiphany that these plays need to be staged. ... All 365 of them. ... And not just once. All over the country. Simultaneously.
In November, this Curious-born curiosity launched as "365 Days/365 Plays" - the largest ongoing theater festival in history. By November, more than 700 theaters in 15 U.S. cities will have performed a sliver of Parks' cycle. The Colorado fest will rally 56 Colorado troupes and, if the current numbers hold, nearly 500 actors from Gunnison to Lafayette.
"The War Anthology," and particularly "365," made Metzgar and Parks the darlings of the international theater media this year, and they used the forum to champion not only Curious but theater all over Colorado.
For her creative and community-building efforts, Metzgar has won The Denver Post Ovation Award as the 2006 theater person of the year.
Curious, Buntport and Town Hall Arts Center won four Ovation Awards each, with Buntport claiming its first "best year by a company" honor.
"I have been incredibly impressed with the level of theater excellence in Colorado since I've been here," said Metzgar, whose personal life brought her here from New York's Public Theatre in 2004. "I've been spreading the word back to my colleagues on the East Coast about what's happening here. It's long overdue for people to see what's going on."
Metzgar admits that before moving here, she was "New York-centric - as so many theater artists are," she said. "I really had blinders on to any other city than say Chicago or L.A. I credit my experience here in Colorado with opening my eyes to this huge wealth of work that's happening not only here but all over the country."
That joy of discovery has been fueled by "365," which was born of "The War Anthology." For that project, Metzgar assembled an all-star, all-local cast to tackle short scenes that covered everything from the Civil War to Iraq in theatrical styles ranging from literal to surreal. While it was a profound collaborative experience, it didn't completely congeal. Reaction ranged from awe to confusion.
"I am incredibly proud of Curious because we are artists, and if we don't try new things and take risks, we don't grow," Metzgar said. "Artists have a true vision of the world, and that is a painful burden. When times get really complicated like right now with the Iraq war, it is important that the voice of artists be heard. 'War Anthology' comes out of that belief. It had an urgency and a life energy that made it an extraordinary experience for all of us."
"365" has been all about connecting artists and isolated communities in ways never before imagined. Each participating theater company is given seven of Parks' short, often strange experimental pieces, and each is allowed to perform them any way, anywhere they see fit. It's a tiny chain reaction of profound experiences that happen and then just ... go away.
"I am just filled with this incredible gratitude at the possibility that is inside this project at this point," said Metzgar, who begins 2006 directing Curious' "Aphrodisiac," a dark comedy about how violence against women continues to exist in the shadows of our culture, even under our brightest lights in Washington.
Next up? Curious will write and stage the first musical in its nine-year history: "Mall Mart."
"Curious has this role in the community where we do theater with a certain kind of planned abandon," Metzgar said, "with an appetite for taking on new challenges. We take that responsibility very seriously, and we keep saying yes in the face of it."
Wild.
Theater critic John Moore can be reached at 303-954-1056 or jmoore@denverpost.com.
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| | Sneed Appointed Producing Artistic Director for CSF
Dean Todd Gleeson (College of Arts and Sciences, University of Colorado at Boulder) has recommended the appointment of Philip Charles Sneed as Producing Artistic Director for The Colorado Shakespeare Festival. The appointment is contingent on the approval of CU Chancellor Bud Peterson. Sneed will succeed 17-year veteran PAD, Richard M. Devin, who plans to remain based in Boulder, but travel widely as a lighting designer and arts advocate. Devin said, "I could not be more pleased with this announcement. I have known and admired Phil Sneed and his work in California for many years. I look forward to a very smooth and exciting transition in the coming weeks."
Sneed's experience incorporates a long career of acting, producing, directing, and theatre administration, including a total of sixty-six productions of twenty-two of Shakespeare's plays. He served for twelve years as artistic leader of The Foothill Theatre Company (FTC) of California, a 29-year-old non-profit professional theatre company, with four performance venues in two states, and an annual budget of one million dollars. For seven of those years, he functioned as Producing Artistic Director, with full responsibility for the financial as well as the artistic aspects of the company. Sneed's responsibilities included overseeing all productions of the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and the Sierra Shakespeare Festival (which he founded in 1997).
Prior to that, he was a freelance actor, director and teacher based in San Diego. His involvement in the theatre has included work with some of the country's largest and best-known companies, including the Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Alliance Theatre, and the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Sneed acted at The Colorado Shakespeare Festival from 1978-80, while earning his BFA at CU. He holds his MFA from the University of California, San Diego, and has taught and/or directed at several major universities, including UC-Berkeley.
Sneed said, "I am delighted to be given this chance to return to Boulder, where I received my early theatre training in the undergraduate degree program at CU, and also onstage at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. I consider it a rare opportunity, and a privilege, to be asked to lead one of the country's best-known festivals, especially as it approaches its 50th-anniversary season in 2007. I look forward to working with Dick Devin and the staff in the coming weeks and months, as we seek to honor the traditions of the first half-century, while also moving the Festival in bold new directions for the next fifty years." | |
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| | DANIEL L. RITCHIE TO SUCCEED DONALD R. SEAWELL
AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CEO OF
THE DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
DENVER, CO — Daniel L. Ritchie has been tapped to succeed Donald R. Seawell as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer of The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) effective January 2007. Mr. Seawell, who has been the only person to hold these positions at the DCPA since its founding in 1972, will remain an integral member of the Board serving as Chairman Emeritus.
"I could not be more delighted by the fact that Dan Ritchie has agreed to succeed me as Chairman and CEO of The Denver Center,” Mr. Seawell said. “We are extremely fortunate in having a leader of his proven caliber. The Center surely will achieve new heights under his leadership."
During his 16-year tenure as Chancellor of the University of Denver (DU), Ritchie oversaw the school’s legendary success. Prominent in the Denver civic and cultural community, Mr. Ritchie proved a strong advocate for the University where his persuasion was instrumental in securing major gifts. Under his guidance, DU experienced a successful fundraising campaign that raised $274 million and a $430 million program devoted to buildings for student residence, business, science, law and music education; a center for athletics, recreation and wellness; a performing arts center, and more funds for scholarships. His personal dedication to DU includes a $50 million gift and a salary waiver for his term as chancellor. He continues at DU as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chancellor Emeritus.
His civic involvement is considerable. In addition to his involvement at DU, he served as president of Independent Higher Education of Colorado and is president of the Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation and sits on the boards of the Central City Opera Association and the National Park System. A long-time patron of the arts, Mr. Ritchie joined the DCPA Board in 2005.
Mr. Ritchie was CEO of Westinghouse Broadcasting for eight years before moving to Colorado in 1987, which capped a career of nearly 30 years spent in executive positions with MCA, Inc. and Westinghouse. He holds undergraduate and MBA degrees from Harvard University.
“Donald Seawell has created a cultural legacy in the Rocky Mountain West that is both undisputed and unrivaled,” said Mr. Ritchie. “It is my great honor to succeed him and take The Denver Center for the Performing Arts to the next level that will emphasize new play development and collaboration both locally and nationally. It will take additional resources to ensure these goals, and I will play a major role alongside the Board, staff and volunteers to secure those resources.”
Donald R. Seawell is the founder of both the Denver Performing Arts Complex — the world’s largest such complex under one 80-foot-tall glass roof — and The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) — the theatrical tenant of the Arts Complex. Mr. Seawell has led the Center in a number of accomplishments including the 1998 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre presented to the Denver Center Theatre Company; the 2000 world premiere and tour of TANTALUS in conjunction with Britain’s Royal Shakespeare Company; the recent announcement of the world premiere of Disney’s The Little Mermaid set to open in Summer 2007 prior to its Broadway debut; establishment of the National Theatre Conservatory, the nation’s only Congressionally-chartered graduate acting school in 1984; outreach to more than 90,000 children annually through the Center’s educational programs; creation of the National Center for Voice and Speech, the world’s only voice research laboratory and clinic associated with a performing arts center in 1983, and the honors of Denver Center Media, including 16 regional Emmy Awards and several nationally-broadcast documentaries.
The North Carolina native was one of the first attorneys for the Securities and Exchange Commission, a speechwriter for Franklin Delano Roosevelt, on General Eisenhower’s staff in World War II, and a prominent theatrical attorney and producer in New York and London. He came to Denver in the early 1960s at the request of Helen G. Bonfils, owner of The Denver Post, where he became publisher as he led a successful fight to protect her interest in the paper.
Upon her death in 1972, he conceived the idea of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, which is now a four-block, 12-acre site that is home to ten performances spaces, more than 10,500 seats, and performances by Colorado Ballet, Opera Colorado, Colorado Symphony Orchestra and The Denver Center for the Performing Arts theatrical divisions — Denver Center Theatre Company, Denver Center Attractions and the National Theatre Conservatory.
Mr. Seawell’s most notable arts awards include the 2005 Founders Award for Outstanding Contribution to the American Theater from the Theater Hall of Fame, the 2002 Honorary Award of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a 1983 Tony Award for co-producing On Your Toes, the 2000 Mayor’s Millennium Award, and the 2005 Outstanding Achievement in Theatre Award from the Colorado Festival of World Theatre among many others.
As Chairman of the Board, Mr. Ritchie will build upon the strong foundation that has been laid by one of the city’s great visionaries and will continue to make The Denver Center for the Performing Arts synonymous with excellence in theatre, education and community service.
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| | Democrats to be Denver’s Largest Convention
The Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Denver on Aug. 25-29, 2008, will be the largest traditional convention in Denver’s history, according to the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are thrilled and honored to have been selected for this convention after intense competition with some of the largest cities in the country,” said Bureau president & CEO Richard Scharf. “The DNC will bring a huge economic boost and national and international exposure to Denver during a week that is traditionally very slow for the city’s hospitality industry,” he said.
Denver’s Largest Convention
“Denver has routinely hosted conventions of 28,000 to 30,000 people. However, with an estimated attendance of 35,000, the DNC will be the single largest traditional gathering in the city’s history,” Scharf said.
World Youth Day in 1993 attracted an estimated 90,000 youths from around the world, however the majority of them stayed in private homes, campgrounds and other facilities created specifically for this event. The DNC will be the largest event using hotel rooms.
Other notable Denver conventions have included Lions International with 30,000 in 1988 and 2003; the Consumer Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) with 28,000 in 2006; and the Imperial Shrine with 30,000 in 1994 and 2005.
Denver Is Ready to Handle the DNC
Scharf has no doubts about Denver’s ability to handle a group this size. “Metro Denver has added over 5,000 hotel rooms since 2000 and there are another 2,000 rooms set to come on line before the DNC. We currently have more than 40,000 hotel rooms in the metro area. The DNC is requesting only 18,000 rooms for their meeting. Boston hosted this meeting in 2004 with 35,000 hotel rooms,” Scharf said.
The week the DNC is coming to Denver is a traditional slow period for the city’s hospitality industry. “The week before Labor Day is generally slow because many schools have started classes and it is the tail end of the summer season,” Scharf said. “The DNC will give Denver a real economic boost during a week that would normally have been slow,” he said.
Scharf also stated that at this time of year, the DNC will not have a huge impact on city traffic. “In September, we have times where there are events at Coors Field, INVESCO Field at Mile High and the Pepsi Center all on the same day. That type of situation can bring more than 120,000 people into downtown, most of them locals driving cars. Compared to that, we will have relatively few people coming in and out of the downtown area, the vast majority of them using buses,” he said.
Economic Impact and Media Impact to be Huge
Based on previous DNC conventions, the Bureau estimates that the 2008 DNC convention in Denver will have an economic impact of $160 million in direct and indirect spending. This does not include media coverage.
“This will unquestionably be the biggest media event in the city’s history, with reporters, broadcasters and photographers attending from virtually every country in the world,” Scharf said.
Based on previous Democratic conventions, Scharf said it is not unreasonable to expect many national network morning shows and many national network evening news shows to broadcast live from Denver. “There will certainly be a lot of news stories about why Denver was chosen and how the city stands as a shining example of the best that America has to offer,” Scharf said.
“Denver has grown so much in the past decade, that it is difficult to get the word out about how much the city has changed. This will be an incredible opportunity to tell the world about the new Denver,” Scharf said.
DNC has Special Significance to Convention Bureau
The DNC meeting in 2008 will be the 100 year anniversary of the last time the Democrats held a national convention in Denver – a date that has special significance to the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our Bureau was founded in 1909, one year after the Democrats first met here, primarily because the Democratic convention was such a huge economic success for Denver,” Scharf states. “In 1909, some Denver businessmen got together and decided that if the Democratic convention was a hit, they should encourage more conventions and meetings to come to Denver. At that time, it was only the sixth convention bureau formed in America. Today, there are more than 400 convention and visitor bureaus,” Scharf said.
2008 to be Year of “Big Events”
The DNC will just be one of several major events that will focus national and international attention on Denver in 2008.
“Denver will be hosting the NCAA Frozen Four ice hockey tournament on April 10-12, 2008, as well as a very prestigious convention of Congressional Medal of Honor winners on Sept.14 -19, 2008. We have two of the largest and most important cultural meetings in the nation: the annual meeting of the American Association of Museums on April 27-May 1, 2008 and the National Performing Arts Convention in June 11-14, 2008. These two meetings will bring major media attention to all the new additions to Denver’s cultural scene, from the new Denver Art Museum to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House,” Scharf said.
He also noted that 2008 will begin the ceremonies associated with the 150th anniversary of Denver’s founding in 1858.
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| | THE MARLOWE AWARDS FOR 2006
This reviewer would like to thank each and all in the theatre community who contributed to the
superb 2006 theatre season. Due to an embarrassment of riches there are several categories which
honor several artists.
Theatre Person of the Year: Billie McBride
Best Production of a Play Drama: "Hedda" Paragon Theatre; "A Delicate Balance," Germinal Stage
Denver
Best Production of a Play Comedy: "Moon Over Buffalo," Country Dinner Playhouse; "Beyond
Therapy," The Avenue Theatre; "Over The Tavern," Arvada Center
Best Production of a Musical: "The Music Man," Boulder's Dinner Theatre; "The Wiz," PHAMALy;
"Phantom," Country Dinner Playhouse; "Urinetown," Score Marketing
Best Director, Drama: Warren Sherrill, "Hedda," Paragon Theatre; Ed Baierlein, "A Delicate
Balance," Germinal Stage Denver
Best Director, Comedy: Billie McBride, "Moon Over Buffalo," Country Dinner Playhouse; Bob Wells,
"Beyond Therapy," Avenue Theatre
Best Director, Musical: Michael Duran,"The Music Man," BDT; Steve Wilson, "The Wiz," PHAMALy;
Paul Dwyer, "Phantom," Country Dinner Playhouse, Dan Wiley, "Urinetown," Score Marketing
Best Actor Drama: William Hahn, "Frozen," Curious Theatre; Warren Sherrill, "The Caretaker"
Paragon
Best Actress Drama: Barbara Andrews, "Hedda," Paragon; Erica Sarzin-Borrillo, "A Delicate
Balance," Germinal Stage Denver; Martha Harmon Pardee, "Fiction," Curious Theatre
Best Supporting Actress Drama: Deborah Persoff, "A Delicate Balance," Germinal Stage Denver;
Erica Sarzin-Borillo, "The Price", Germinal Stage Denver
Best Supporting Actor Drama: Paul Page, "1984", Miners Alley; Michael Morgan, "Turn of the
Screw," Modern Muse; Jim Hunt, "The Caretaker," Paragon
Best Actor Musical: Brian Norber, "The Music Man", Boulder's Dinner Theatre; Zander Meisner,
"Urinetown," Score Marketing, Scott Beyette, "Crazy For You," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Best Actress Musical: Joanie Brosseau-Beyette , "Sweet Charity," Boulder's Dinner Theatre;
Janelle Kato, "Chess," Next Stage, Teresa Cope, "The Music Man," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Best Supporting Actress Musical: Lea L. Chapman, "Sweet Charity," Boulder's Dinner Theatre; Beth
Flynn, "Thoroughly Modern Millie," Arvada Center; Deborah Persoff, "Cinderella," Town Hall Arts
Best Supporting Actor Musical: Jeffrey Atherton, "Pippin," Arvada Center; Leonard Barrett, "The
Wiz," PHAMALy; John Scott Clough, "The Music Man" Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Best Actor Comedy: Kevin Hart, "Beyond Therapy," The Avenue Theatre; Jason Henning, "Temp
Odyssey," Curious Theatre; Michael Shaloub, "Tartuffe, Born Again," Germinal Stage Denver
Best Actress Comedy: Megan Van de Hey, "The Smell of the Kill," Avenue Theatre; Sharon Kaye
White, "Moon Over Buffalo," Country Dinner Playhouse; Erin Rollman, "Winter in Graupel Bay,"
Buntport Theatre
Best Supporting Actress Comedy: Billie McBride, "Over The Tavern," Arvada Center; LuAnn
Buckstein, "Beyond Therapy," The Avenue Theatre; Edith Weiss, "Moon Over Buffalo," Country
Dinner Playhouse
Best Supporting Actor Comedy: Josh Robinson, "Moon Over Buffalo," Country Dinner Playhouse;
Darren Shroader, "Moon Over Buffalo," Country Dinner Playhouse; Josh Hartwell, "Beyond Therapy,"
The Avenue
Best Actor Children's show: Chris Boeckx, "Destination Dinosaurs," The Avenue Theatre
Best Actress Children's Show : Bren Eyestone Burron, "James and the Giant Peach,"Arvada Center For the Arts
Best Solo Performance (male) Eric Sandvold, "I Am My Own Wife," Curious Theatre
Best Solo Performance (female) Alex Ryer, "Pure Piaf," Town Hall Arts
Best young actor, comedy: Noah Wilson, "Over the Tavern," Arvada Center
Best young actor, musical: Kaleb Tank, "The Music Man," Boulder's Dinner Theatre
Most Auspicious Debut by an Actor: Jeremy Make, "Sailor's Song," Paragon Theatre
Best Scenic Design: David La Font, "Sailor's Song," Paragon Theatre; Charles Dean
Packard, "I Hate Hamlet," Aurora Fox Theatre
Best Ten Minute Quickie: "Don't Throw the Cheese," Mark Ogle, Write Angle Productions
Best Lighting Design: Jacob M. Welch, "Sailor's Song," Paragon Theatre
Best Videography: Brian Freeland, "Destination Dinosaurs", The Avenue Theatre
Best Theatre Event: "Miscast," Gene Kato and Next Stage
Best Sound Design: Brian Freeland, "The Turn of the Screw," Modern Muse
Best Costume Design: Linda Morken, "Crazy For You," BDT
Best Music Direction: Neal Dunfee, "Sweet Charity," Boulder's Dinner Theatre; David Nehls,
"Thoroughly Modern Millie," Arvada Center For the Arts; Amanda Farnsworth, "Urinetown," Score
Marketing
Best Choreography: Kitty Skillman Hilsabeck "Swing," Country Dinner Playhouse; Nick Sugar, "Guys
On Ice," Aurora Fox Arts; Lindsey Hanahan, "Chess," Next Stage
Best New Play: "A Folded Flag," Jim Cannon, Night Hawk Productions
Best New Musical : "BFE, The Town Christmas Forgot," Jeff Kosloski and Dave Shirley, The Avenue
Theatre
Best remount: "Escanaba in Da Moonlight", The Aurora Fox Theatre
Best Children's Production: "Destination Dinosaurs," The Avenue
Best Actor Children's Production: Chris Boeckx, "Destination Dinosaurs," The Avenue Theatre
Best Actress Children's Production: Bren Eyestone Burron, "James and the Giant Peach," Arvada
Center for the Arts
Best Touring Production: "Les Miserables," Denver Center Attractions
Best Improv Comedy: "How I Lost My Denverginity," Denver Center Attractions
Best Production of a Play DCTC: "After Ashley"
Best Actor DCTC: Tobias Segal, "After Ashley"
Best Actress DCTC: Marlene Warfield, "Gem of the Ocean"
Best Supporting Actress DCTC: Kim Staunton, "Gem of the Ocean"
Best Supporting Actor DCTC: David Ivers, "After Ashley"
Best Director DCTC: Kent Thompson, "Measure For Measure"
Best Scenic Design DCTC :Alexander Dodge, "The Clean House"
Best Costume Design DCTC: G.W. Mercier, "Measure For Measure"
Best Lighting Design DCTC: Dan Darnutzer, "Measure For Measure"
Best Sound Design: Matt Swartz, "Gem of the Ocean"
Best Direction of a Ballet: Gil Boggs, "Giselle," Colorado Ballet
Best Production of an Opera:
"Norma," Opera Colorado
"The Coronation of Poppea," Central City Opera
Best Direction of an opera:
James Robinson, "Norma," Opera Colorado
Ken Cazan, "The Coronation of Poppea," Central City Opera
Best Diva: Hasmik Papian, "Norma", Opera Colorado
Maria Kanyova, "The Abduction From the Seraglio," Opera Colorado
Joyce Castle, "The Ballad of Baby Doe," Central City Opera
Marcia Ragonetti, "The Coronation of Poppea," Central City Opera
Best Male Opera Vocalist: Philip Cokorinos, "Don Giovanni," Central City Opera
Kevin Langan, "The Coronation of Poppea," Central City Opera
David Walker, "The Coronation of Poppea," Central City Opera
David Korn, "The Coronation of Poppea," Central City Opera
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| | Moisés Kaufman and Company to Work with Naropa University MFA Students
“The Laramie Project” troupe also working on, publicly reading new play while in Boulder
BOULDER, Colo. (March 7, 2007)—Moisés Kaufman, a Tony- and Emmy-nominated director and
award-winning playwright, will visit Naropa University’s MFA in Contemporary Performance as an
artist-in-residence in April of 2007. Traveling with Kaufman will be the members of his Tectonic
Theater Project, whose mission is to ask, “What can theater do that is uniquely theatrical, that
cannot be realized in any other medium?”
Kaufman directed the Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning “I Am My Own Wife” on Broadway, “Gross
Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde” and “The Laramie Project,” which was also made into
an HBO Film.
As an artist-in-residence, Kaufman will work directly with the MFA in Contemporary Performance
students in a workshop-like setting, introducing them to cutting-edge approaches to theater and
helping them hone their abilities. Visiting artists over the course of the year help equip
students with a diverse set of perspectives and experiences in contemporary performance.
While in residence, Kaufman and Tectonic will also be working on a new play exploring the
ongoing controversy over what can and can’t be taught in public school science classrooms.
Company members are drawing text from interviews, court transcripts and local press surrounding
a Pennsylvania battle over the matter in 2004. The visit will include a public reading of the
play, whose working title is “Dover,” Saturday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the MFA Lab Theatre,
studio 9190 at Naropa’s Nalanda Campus, 6287 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, Colo.
Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Naropa University is a
private, nonprofit, nonsectarian liberal arts institution dedicated to advancing contemplative
education. This approach to learning integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational
traditions, helping students know themselves more deeply and engage constructively with others.
The university comprises a four-year undergraduate college and graduate programs in the arts,
education, environmental leadership, psychology and religious studies.
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“Dover” public reading
Directed by Moises Kaufman with members of Tectonic Theatre Project and Naropa’s MFA Theater:
Contemporary Performance
Saturday, April 14 - 7:30 p.m.
MFA Lab Theater, studio 9190
Nalanda Campus, 6287 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, Colo.
General admission $7.00
Naropa students, staff, faculty, and seniors free with ID
Reservations and box office information: 303-245-4798
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| | Plays and Directors Selected for 2007 Playwrights Showcase
ARVADA, CO - The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities and Red Rocks Community College's Theatre Arts and Dance programs are pleased to announce the play titles and directors chosen for the 2007 Playwright's Showcase of the Western Region. The four-day event - featuring staged readings, workshops and panel discussions with experts in the dramatic arts - will take place July 18 and 19 at Red Rocks Community College and July 20 and 21at the Arvada Center.
Thirty plays were selected for staged readings at this year's Showcase. The categories for submissions included Short, One-Act, Children's and Full-length Plays. Playwrights living in 19 Western States (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming) were eligible to participate. Only unpublished plays that have not received a professional production were accepted for the competition.
Directors for the Showcase include many well-known local theater professionals. Among them are local favorite Billie McBride (nominated for Theater Person of the Year in 2003 and 2004), the Arvada Center's own Kat Michels (House Manager) and Craig Bond (Denver area director, founder of Vintage Theatre Productions). A complete list of productions, playwrights and directors is attached.
The 2007 Playwrights Showcase of the Western Region will be open to the general public. To register, call the Arvada Center box office at (720) 898-7200 or visit www.rrcc.edu/playwrightshowcase.
The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities is one of the metro area's largest cultural attractions, devoted to all aspects of the arts. It is generously supported by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) and located two and a half miles north of Interstate 70 on Wadsworth Blvd.
PLAY SELECTIONS & DIRECTORS FOR THE 2007 PLAYWRIGHTS SHOWCASE OF THE WESTERN REGION
July 18 - 21, 2007
FULL-LENGTHS
"Sand Creek Casino" by Stuart Boyce (Boulder, CO)--Directed by Jennifer Orell
"The 'M' Word" by William Missouri Downs (Laramie, Wyoming)--Directed by Scott Lubinski
"Telling Time" by Sally Netzel (Denver, CO)--Directed by Cecilia Pang
"Rendition" by Ryan Kelly (Denver, CO)--Directed by Richard Pegg
"Slice of Immortality" by William Kovacik (Boulder, CO)--Directed by Penny Walrath Cole
"The Shortest Night of Summer" by August Mergelman (Canon City, CO)--Directed by Jim O’Leary
"Hostage Politics" by Robert McAndrew (Boise, Idaho)--Directed by Brenda Cook
"Trenches" by Warren Goldie (Boulder, CO)--Directed by Tracy Shaffer Witherspoon
"Renaissance" by George Taylor (Beaverton, OR--Directed by Kenny Storms
CHILDREN'S
"To Be an Eagle" by Jim Hughes (Albuquerque, NM)--Directed by Jenny Hecht
" Royal Magic" by Rosemary Harrington (Ashland, OR)--Directed by Maggie Cochran
ONE-ACTS
"South Star" by Rebecca Gorman (Denver, CO)--Directed by Madge Montgomery
"Bloody Mau Mau" by Donald Webster (Denver, CO)--Directed by Gregg Vigil
"Y-109 Haunted Basement" by John Wolter (Denver, CO)--Directed by Bernie Cardell
"Zeus's Women" by Jeffery Neuman (Denver, CO)--Directed by Billie McBride
"Open Spaces" by Leigh Fortson (Grand Junction, CO)--Directed by Deb Knapp
"True Blue" by Mary Steelsmith (Los Angeles, CA)--Directed by Craig Bond
"Albert Einstein: Comeback Lecture Tour" by Michael Sadler (Hollywood, CA)--Directed by Richard Pegg
"Bottle Pete" by Louis Cantor (Portland, OR)--Directed by Jerry Schell
"Nocturne, Sort Of" by Scott Gibson (Denver, CO)--Directed by Rick Bernstein
"Catch and Release" by Brenda Hoskins (playwright from Denver, CO)--Directed by Lorraine Scott
"Bel Canto" by Thomas Pierce (playwright from Seattle, WA)--Directed by Stacey Nelms
"Seize the Play" by Constance Gelvin (playwright from Colorado Springs, CO)--Directed by Kat Michels
SHORTS
"If This Had Been a Real Emergency" by Susan Hickey (Denver, CO)--Directed by Susan Lyles
"Slipping into Anarchy" by Jeffrey Wolf (Denver, CO)--Directed by Elizabeth Parks
"Cubs Win Cubs Win Cubs Win!" by Mister Erock (Denver, CO)--Directed by Connie Sander
"Soup du Jour" by Valerie Stocking (Santa Fe, NM)--Directed by Joe Filipone
"Line" by Craig Kenworthy (Bozeman, MT)--Directed by Sarah Roshan
"Demons Lurking" by Paul Liebler (Boulder, CO)--Directed by Lindsey Hanahan
"Your Army *" by Mark and Lauren Arnest (Colorado Springs, CO)--Directed by Steve Paulding
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| | National Youth Theatre is excited to announce the winners of their Second Annual National Youth Theatre Awards to honor outstanding work in youth theatre.
This year more than double the shows from last year were considered for the awards, including 89 youth productions from 56 different theatres in 44 cities spanning 11 states.
The award winners were selected from nominations by a panel of eight judges and reviewers. In addition to the youth who performed in the youth theatre companies, any minor (under age 18) who performed at a show reviewed by a National Youth Theatre judge was also considered for the awards, as well as the adults who participated in the youth theatre productions backstage (directors, set designers, costume designers, etc.).
The winners will be formally presented with their awards at a ceremony honoring their accomplishments on Sunday, August 12 at the Herberger Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical:
Ariel Ellis as Belle in Beauty and the Beast
(The Rising Curtain Theatre & Dance Academy, Denver, CO)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical:
Kelly Oury as Lola in Damn Yankees
(The Rising Curtain Theatre & Dance Academy, Denver, CO)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical:
Bethany Kelly as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes
(Horizon High School, Thornton, CO)
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy or Drama:
Catherine Chengery as Alexa Vere de Vere in As Bees in Honey Drown
(Horizon High School, Thornton, CO)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy or Drama:
Noah Strozier in As Bees in Honey Drown
(Horizon High School, Thornton, CO)
Outstanding Lead Actor (13 and under):
Jackson Lomis as Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, Jr.
(Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids, Denver, CO)
Outstanding Lead Actress (13 and under):
Lizzie Pittman as Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Jr.
(Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids, Denver, CO)
Outstanding Costume Design:
Debbie Faber for The Wizard of Oz
(Northglenn Youth Theatre, CO)
Outstanding Ensemble:
"Damn Yankees"
(The Rising Curtain Theatre & Dance Academy, Denver, CO)
Outstanding Production:
Anything Goes
(Horizon High School, Thornton, CO)
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| | Straight talk about latest newspaper space cuts by John Moore
By now a lot of you have noticed that our Friday Entertainment section was noticeably lacking in all our usual listings, including theater productions and auditions. And no, I don’t think they are ever coming back. It was Black Friday for us in a lot of ways, because as of Feb. 1, both the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News had our editorial space slashed by another 20 percent.
Among the other immediate fallout:
*My Sunday columns have been halved. I now will be writing biweekly, rotating with another columnist. After having writing a column every Sunday but one for the past 6 1/2 years, you can imagine this was a tough one for me.
*As for reviews, it’s yet to be determined, but I could be losing up to half of my print slots (currently I review three shows a week, Monday, Thursdays and Fridays). I may have to go to shorter, or combined, or online-only reviews in some cases. We’ll see.
*We’ve lost our Friday “3 mores” – an opportunity to blurb about other shows opening on any given weekend – as well as our Sunday “critic’s choice.”
I don’t feel that I – or the theater community in general – are being picked on. This is a paper-wide response to a national industry crisis. Frankly, I am one of the highest-producing writers at this paper, so when a 20 percent cut happens across the board, naturally it’s going to come down harder on someone who’s producing more than someone who’s not.
No one is happy about losing the listings. It was a last resort. I am proud that The Post was the last major holdout on print listings and auditions. While Westword and the Rocky slashed those services years ago, we doggedly found ways to keep ours in print. But the space cuts have kept coming, and with this new round, they were vulnerable. Hopefully the enormous advances we’ve made in our ability to provide that same information online quickly and easily will salve the hurt a bit.
The news is not all bad. Here are some ways I intend to compensate for our print-space losses:
*An enhanced listings roundup of all currently running productions: http://www.denverpost.com/theater/ci_8055231
This comprehensive, constantly updated list will tell you every show that’s paying in one click. Each listing will include run dates, address, phone, a direct link to the theater’s home page and …NEW: They now include capsule summaries and star ratings if the play has been reviewed.
*Those handy-dandy schedules we’ve always offered you both by company and opening date are now going to be kept constantly current. Those links are:
by company: http://www.denverpost.com/theater/ci_5265957
by opening date: http://www.denverpost.com/theater/ci_5265957
*Auditions: We now pledge to update direct auditions link several times a week:
http://www.denverpost.com/theater/ci_5265957
(You might want to bookmark all four)
*This is all in addition to the searchable online events calendar you can find on any www.denverpost.com page or by going here http://calendar.denverpost.com. If you’ve used the online calendar before and been frustrated, know that it’s been recently replaced with a state-of-the-art software program. In other words, now it works.
(For those of you who market for your companies, please continue to submit your listings to weekend@denverpost.com, and they will be input by our staff. But keep in mind you can also input your own online listings information yourself. There’s even a way to upload photos to go with them.)
*As for going biweekly on columns, I’m toying with the idea of writing an online-only Sunday notes column on the weeks when I don’t have a lot in the print edition. Mostly just announcement-type things I imagine, not hard news. We’ll see.
So … why is all of this happening?
There are a lot of reasons, but we’re right now in the eye of an imperfect, lousy storm of reasons. Perhaps more so than any other industry, a newspaper’s economic health is directly reflective of the economy of the community in which it resides, and ours is not good. But exacerbating the problem for us is the surge in online readership, which has resulted in historic drops in ad sales and paid print subscriptions. The irony of the world: We’ve just received news that we are at an all-time high in combined print and online readership.
To put it bluntly: You’re reading the newspaper (hooray), but not enough of you are paying for it (and that’s our fault).
How much print editorial space we get every day is determined by a proportion of paid display ads that have been sold. The exact proportion ranges throughout the industry but the standard is about 62 percent ads to 38 percent editorial. When paid readership plummets, as it is now, so then does display advertising, and so then do we get things like Friday’s 20-percent edit space cut.
True confession: We've hastened our own demise by developing such a thorough and convenient online product. I’ve been driving that train in my little corner of the 'net to a large extent. Sure, I get a lot of print space but I’ve gone nuts online with innovations like slideshows, podcasts, new-play samples, our myspace page and a lot more. I’ve even begun starting to write expanded versions of reviews for online since there is unlimited room and print space is finite. I have really put us in a lead position when it comes to evolving into a multimedia age.
And by doing so, I’ve been helping to kill my own newspaper.
Dozens of you have told me how pleased you are that you no longer need to subscribe to the print edition – that our web site is so convenient and encompassing, who needs the print paper? People by the thousands are canceling their subscriptions and just checking in online whenever it’s convenient. The notion goes: why pay $90 or more a year for a print paper when you can get all of it – and more – online for free?
As much as that breaks my heart, it’s a logical argument, and what a Catch-22 for me: Ever since newspapers went online, we’ve been training people to believe that information-gathering is free, and it’s not. We have only ourselves to blame for making access to our web site free for as long as we have.
Eventually, if no one subscribes to the newspaper, and we don’t come up with a compensatory revenue-generating model for the internet, there won’t be a newsroom left to continue to produce the online product that everybody generally agrees is pretty darned good (for now).
So, you might be asking, why did I jump off the multimedia cliff when it’s ultimately ruinous for my business? The truth is: Two years ago, we didn’t have an online product worth squat. If we had gone to readership and asked people to pay for it then, it would have been an affront.
I believe that now, we DO have an online product that is worth asking readers to pay, say, $8 a year for full access. Think about it: Two pints of beer to get everything online, plus all of those extras? Or free if you actually hang on to your print subscriptions. Unfortunately, no one who runs the Denver Newspaper Agency (the third-party business that controls the finances of both the still separate and competing Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News) has come up with a working revenue-generating model for the internet. .
The suits are scared to death that if we even ask you to pay $8 a year to go on our site, we’ll lose 90 percent of current online readership – which is currently paying nothing. So to me, losing them would be like losing 90 percent of nothing. But they are being timid. So a fee to access our site is not even presently on the table. So for now, it remains free. While we in the past few months have undergone our first layoffs in 40 years, and we're now staring down another cataclysmic space reduction.
For those reasons, no, I don’t think Fridays listings are coming back. The only way the print paper becomes a viable and comprehensive full-service product again is if people actually come back to it -- and pay for it. But all the trends say we're going in the other direction. I don’t say any of this to guilt anyone into buying the newspaper – rather, in the interest, as always, of having an open and honest dialogue with readers about whatever is going on. Please feel to offer your feedback.
I never encourage organized reader response to these kinds of changes – editors can smell a campaign a mile away. But my bosses are interested in reader reaction. I mean, if no one complains about losing the listings or auditions, they might just think they were a waste of space all along.
If you feel the genuine urge to express your own individual reaction to this news, I’d love to hear it but know this was is not my call or my decision, nor do I have any power to reverse it. So the best place to send your thoughts is to arts@denverpost.com with a cc to esmith@denverpost.com.
john moore ... denver post ... 101 w. colfax ave. suite 600 ... denver ... 80202 ... 303-954-1056 ...
** Here are your seventh annual Denver Post Ovation Award winners honoring the best in Colorado theater 2007: http://www.denverpost.com/theater/ci_7823607 **
... we do podcasts. check in with us every thursday at www.denverpost.com/theater
... and check out our myspace page on all things Colorado theater: www.myspace.com/runninglines
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CHIP WALTON ONE OF 100 NATIONWIDE INVITED TO AMERICAN VOICES NEW PLAY INSTITUTE
(Denver, CO) Chip Walton, Founding Artistic Director of Curious Theatre Company (1080 Acoma in Denver), is one of just 100 theater practitioners from across the country invited to the second annual American Voices New Play Institute at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C.-- a four-day convening to further the dialogue around new play development.
The convening, entitled From Scarcity to Abundance: Capturing the Moment for the New Work Sector, takes place January 26 – 29, 2011 and will focus on the following:
identifying the rich and vital activity that already exists in the new play sector,
exploring the gaps and challenges facing the field, and
strategizing the means of continued and closer collaboration to advance the new work infrastructure moving forward.
“Once in a blue moon, there is an important convergence of brilliant minds focused on a particular subject,” says Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith. “This convening brings together 100 leading practitioners in new play and new musical development from around America to grapple with the ways we create new work in the theater."
Says Walton, “I’m incredibly excited to be invited to participate in this important dialogue about new works in the American theatre. I’m especially happy to represent Curious on a nationally-recognized level, as well as the theatre community of Denver, whose stature in this field of new works is rapidly on the rise.”
Other participants include Ben Cameron, Program Director for the Arts at the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; Jeremy Cohen, Producing Artistic Director of The Playwright’s Center; Erik Ehn, Head of Playwriting at Brown University; Kamilah Forbes, Artistic Director of the Hip-Hop Theater Festival; Rha Goddess, artist and activist; Wendy Goldberg, Artistic Director of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center; Marc Masterson, Artistic Director of the Actors Theatre of Louisville; Michael Rohd, Founding Artistic Director of Sojourn Theatre; Molly Smith, Artistic Director of Arena Stage; and playwright Lisa Kron, among others.
A full list of participants and the convening agenda can be found at www.arenastage.org/new-play-institute/convenings/new-work.
The events will be live-streamed on NewPlayTV (www.livestream.com/newplay), with commentary shared by commissioned tweeters (#NewPlay) and bloggers on The New Play Blog (npdp.arenastage.org). The new online journal Howlround: The Journal of the American Voices New Play Institute (www.arenastage.org/new-play-institute/howlround) will release a special edition specifically around the convening.
The Institute at Arena Stage is designed as a center for research and development of effective practices, programs and processes for new play development in the American Theater. The Institute operates under the leadership of Molly Smith, driven by Associate Artistic Director David Dower. The Institute includes a suite of interrelated programs, all of which are built upon innovative models currently operating in the field that demonstrate potential for replication in other communities. www.arenastage.org/new-play-institute
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CURIOUS THEATRE COMPANY
Founded in 1997, Curious Theatre Company is a mid-sized professional theatre, producing five main-stage shows per season, as well as myriad events and programs, such as Curious New Voices, the award-winning playwriting intensive for 15 to 21-year-olds. Curious’ mission is to engage the community in important contemporary issues through provocative modern theatre.
In 2008, Curious purchased its home, previously known as The Acoma Center, a renovated church built in 1880. Since its purchase, the building has gone through extensive renovations, including new seating and the addition of a new bar/lounge area, "The Sanctuary," located in the balcony of the theatre.
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CHIP WALTON
Chip Walton founded Curious Theatre Company in 1997 and has served as Producing Artistic
Director for the entire history of the organization. Named Denver’s “2005 Theatre Person of the
Year,” his directing work has garnered over 50 local and national awards, including two BackStage
West Garland Awards, multiple HENRY nominations in the Denver theatre awards, and multiple
Best of Denver awards from Westword Magazine and Ovation Awards from The Denver Post.
In 2008, Curious was honored with the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. He has served
on numerous funding and conference panels, including for the National Endowment for the Arts,
the Arts & Culture Advisory Panel for The Denver Foundation, Theatre Communications Group,
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper’s Arts & Culture Transition Committee, and Western States Arts
Federation.
Walton recently served as the President of the National New Play Network, a network of 24 theatres
across the country dedicated to the development and production of new plays for the American
theatre, and continues to sit on the Executive Committee of the NNPN. Among his significant
accomplishments during his tenure at Curious, Walton was selected in the inaugural class of
Livingston Fellows, as one of five individuals from across Colorado selected by the Bonfils-Stanton
Foundation as exceptional non-profit leaders with significant potential for contribution, change
and leadership in Colorado’s non-profit sector. He has directed in the National New Play Network
Showcase of New Plays, as well as the Kennedy Center’s MFA Playwriting Festival in Washington,
D.C. Most recently, he was thrilled to be in New York to accept a National Theatre Company
Award for Curious from the prestigious American Theatre Wing.
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The Parker Arts, Culture and Events (PACE) Center is proud to announce its inaugural season for 2011-12. The season includes over 60 performances of 28 different shows from a wide range of categories including musical and original theater, comedy, dance, classical and orchestral music, family offerings and more. Patrons can expect a thrilling season of live “entertainment at your own PACE.” Opening in Parker this October, the PACE Center is a new regional arts center offering a variety of local, regional and national programming.
“The 2011-2012 season is exciting not only because it is our first season, but the variety is astounding,” said Jeannene Bragg, Cultural Director. “The PACE Center’s theater lineup is incredible, featuring a partnership with the Aurora Fox to present A Christmas Story and Annie, along with the American premiere of an original musical created for the PACE Center, COUNTRY IS, The Music of Mainstreet by Rick Seeber, a national theater producer based in Denver.”
Lumalights the way for the PACE Center’s first season as the grand opening act on Oct. 28 and two performances on Oct. 29. Luma is creating a special custom light show for the PACE Center’s opening to incorporate local talent, themes and interests.
“There is so much to enjoy in the season and we are happy to bring some of the world’s best artists to Colorado,” Bragg said. Coming to the PACE Center in November all the way from Austria is the Vienna Boys Choir. “It is a wonderful opportunity, especially for the local choir students, to see and hear the renowned Vienna Boys Choir in person.”
Another international act, Direct from Ireland – Celtic Nights – Journey of Hope,tells the story of a rich Celtic heritage through traditional ballads and expert dancing and musicianship. The mix of traditional and contemporary Irish pieces is a glittering celebration of the Celtic experience.
The 2011-12 inaugural season also features family-friendly programming. Audiences of all ages will enjoy seeing Stunt Dog Experience take over the stage with pet tricks and stunts, and Sign Stage’s Stuart Little tells the beloved story of the spirited mouse through hearing and deaf actors who speak and perform sign language simultaneously.
Bragg worked collaboratively with the entire PACE staff on creating a well-rounded season that would be appealing to all audiences, as well as including local arts organizations. Each Artistic Partner will have at least two performances during the inaugural season. The Partners for the season are Apex Contemporary Dance Theatre, Colorado Wind Ensemble, Parker Chorale and Parker Symphony Orchestra.
Other highlights of the PACE Center’s first season include a classical music series with several well-known musicians, the hilarious adult comedy show Defending the Caveman, a combination of arts and science in Garry Krinsky: Toying with Science, the Cashore Marionettes demonstrating life in motion through complex puppets suspended from strings, an Italian Sojourn by the Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado, Cinderella byBallet Ariel and Nutcracker of Parker produced by Colorado School of Dance, a holiday favorite and Parker tradition.
Tickets will be available in August at www.PACEcenteronline.org.
The 2011-12 season by category follows.
FEATURED PERFORMERS:Luma (season opener), Oct. 28-29 (3 performances); Cashore Marionettes, Nov. 5; Vienna Boys Choir, Nov. 11; Direct from Ireland – Celtic Nights – Journey of Hope, Feb. 17; Defending the Caveman, June 1-2 (2 performances)
THEATER:“A Christmas Story” presented in partnership with Aurora Fox, Dec. 2-4 and 9-11 (8 performances); original musical “COUNTRY IS, The Music of Mainstreet,” Jan. 27-29, Feb. 3-5, Feb. 10-12 (9 performances); “Annie” presented in partnership with Aurora Fox, April 12-15 and 19-22 (8 performances)
FAMILY:Garry Krinsky: Toying with Science, Feb. 25; Stunt Dog Experience, March 25 (2 performances); Sign Stage’s “Stuart Little,” April 28
MUSIC:Denver Municipal Band “Tribute to Veterans,” Nov. 10; Parker Symphony Orchestra, Dec. 7; Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado “Italian Sojourn,” Jan. 6; Colorado Wind Ensemble “It’s a Small World,” Feb. 18; Parker Symphony Orchestra, Feb. 24; Parker Symphony Orchestra, April 27; Parker Chorale, April 28; Colorado Wind Ensemble “Carmina Burana,” May 18
CLASSICAL SERIES: Lefthand Trio - Classical Guitar, Flute and Viola, Jan. 19; Musicians of the Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado playing Music of the 17thand 18thCenturies on period instruments, Feb. 16; Fuchs Trio - Piano, Violin, Cello - Music of Mendelssohn, Dvorak, and Piazzolla, March 22; The Confluence Quartet - Violin, Violin, Viola and Cello, May 31
DANCE:Apex Contemporary Dance Theatre’s “A Children’s Show,” Nov. 18-19 (2 performances); “Nutcracker of Parker” produced by Colorado School of Dance, Dec. 15-18 (5 performances); Ballet Ariel’s “Cinderella,” March 23-24 (2 performances); Apex Contemporary Dance Theatre’s “Imagine - Dancing Beyond the Edge of Technology,” April 4-5 (2 performances)
Titles and dates are subject to change as the PACE Center is continuously booking more shows and performances including a culinary series, workshops and classes, local music series, art exhibitions, film and author and speakers’ series.
Located in historic downtown Parker, the PACE Center will open in October 2011. PACE has a 536-seat theater, 250-seat amphitheater, art gallery, event room, dance studio, culinary kitchen and several classrooms. PACE is also available as a rental venue for community, business and social events. For more information about the PACE Center, visit www.PACEcenteronline.org.
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PACE Center Open House
The Parker Arts, Culture and Events (PACE) Center invites the public to a free open house on Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will enjoy facility tours and demonstrations by local arts groups, as well as hands-on arts activities and programs.
The 50,000 sq. ft. PACE Center includes four classrooms, a media lab, dance studio, event room, art gallery, amphitheater, lobby, mainstage theater, dressing rooms, green room and outdoor patios. PACE provides a wide variety of local, regional, national and international cultural, arts, scientific and educational programming to the region and serves as a rental venue for community, business and social events.
The day’s festivities include demonstrations by musicians, artists, dancers and scientists. Apex Contemporary Dance Theatre, along with the Douglas County Libraries, will announce the winning story of their Children’s Writing Contest in which the story will be made into a performance, showing Nov. 19 and 20 at PACE. Attendees will also have a chance to play on the new outdoor Harmony Park musical classroom, experience a concert and learn about these unique instruments from the creators.
The box office will be open for those interested in purchasing tickets for any of the 73 performances on the PACE Center’s Mainstage. Tickets start as low as $5 and are also available online at www.PACEcenteronline.org .
“The Town Council is so pleased to see this important addition to our community come to fruition,” said Mayor David Casiano. “PACE will provide residents of the south-metro region easy access to quality cultural programming that is also affordable for families.”
For more information about the PACE Center, visit www.PACEcenteronline.org .
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New Lone Tree Arts Center introduces Inaugural Season
Opening September 9, 2011
LONE TREE, CO – The new Lone Tree Arts Center is one step closer to opening this fall with the announcement of the Inaugural Season. The Arts Center will present critically-acclaimed national performing artists and will launch new relationships with an impressive group of Colorado’s professional arts companies by inviting them to perform at the Lone Tree Arts Center, the first publicly financed professional arts facility in the South Metro Denver Area. This announcement is only the initial step in the opening season, as presenting arts centers like Lone Tree add to their performance offerings as artists and programs become available.
Opening the new Main Stage Theater will be original cast members of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical RENT, Anthony Rappand Adam Pascal, in a special concert evening on Friday, September 9. Other national touring productions include the acclaimed Celtic group The Tartan Terrors,the indie-pop-musical theatre trio GrooveLily, and International Magicians of the Year – Spencers Theater of Illusion. Additionalhighlights of the Inaugural Season include the award-winning Arvada Center productions of the Broadway musicals Ragtimeand Chess, directed by Rod A. Lansberry; the Creede Repertory Theatre production of Unnecessary Farce, directed by former Denver Center Theatre Company actor/director Jamie Horton; a holiday production of the family musical White Christmas, directed by Paul Dwyer; and performances by Opera Colorado and Stories on Stage.
Lone Tree Mayor Jim Gunning commented, “I am very excited about the performances our new Lone Tree Arts Center will be presenting this fall. This complex is designed to be a regional arts center for the entire South Metro Denver Area. The citizens of Lone Tree are proud to invite Coloradans to visit the new Arts Center and experience these exciting performances.” Added Lone Tree Arts Center Executive Director Lisa Rigsby Peterson, “The variety of programming that we’re bringing to our stages means that first class, high quality entertainment will now be conveniently available within a ten to fifteen minute drive for most South Metro residents. We’re looking forward to presenting a dynamic mix of touring shows as well as some of the region’s most acclaimed companies, all in an intimate and welcoming brand-new theater.”
The Lone Tree Arts Center Inaugural Season
Adam & Anthony Live
Friday, September 9, 2011
Original RENT co-stars Adam Pascaland Anthony Rappreturn to the concert stage in a pop/rock evening celebrating their individual musical careers and the Broadway hit, RENT. These two friends and co-stars share stories about the hit show that brought them together and perform songs from the Pulitzer Prize-winning show as well as contemporary hits and their own original material.
The Creede Repertory Theatre production ofUnnecessary Farce by Paul Slade Smith, Directed by Jamie Horton
Thursday, September 15 – Sunday, September 25, 2011
Two undercover cops stake-out a motel room to catch a crooked mayor on tape. Sounds simple, right? Nope…because his accountant keeps removing her clothes, his head of security has fear issues, and an insane Scottish hit-man keeps locking people in closets. Sometimes, in order for a cop to stay alive, fully-clothed, and in the right motel room, it’s necessary to resort to unnecessary farce.
The Arvada Center Theater production ofRagtime Book by Terrence McNally, Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Music by Stephen Flaherty, Directed by Rod A. Lansberry
Thursday, October 6 – Sunday, October 16, 2011
Winner of 2 Tony Awards. Based on the novel by E. L. Doctorow, this epic musical, set in early 20th Century New York City, shines the spotlight on the intersection of three families – all from completely different backgrounds – during a time in history when social mores, immigration, politics, and industrialization were clashing and undergoing immense and rapid changes. The regional premiere of the 2008 revival, this deeply moving and inspirational musical drama is replete with the rich and lyrical music of the time.
Stories on StageVeterans’ AffairsDirected by Anthony Powell
Friday, November 11, 2011
Denver’s popularStories on Stage presents talented actors reading great short stories by exceptional authors. Veterans’ Affairs is an honest and emotional tribute to the men and women who bravely served our nation. Some came home to parades and honors, some returned to scorn and homelessness – all deserve our gratitude and respect.
Opera Colorado Opera Cabaret
Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13, 2011
Opera Colorado presents their vocal artists in the intimate and informal setting of the Lone Tree Arts Center. Experience the thrill and inspiration of operatic performance up close and personal.
GrooveLily Striking 12
Friday, November 18, 2011
Striking 12is a critically-acclaimed twist on Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Match Girl – a clever mix of musical comedy and pop/rock tunes performed in a concert setting. With backgrounds in classical music, musical theater, jazz, and rock, the three members of GrooveLily are making a new music that’s all their own. Intelligent original songs with no shortage of wit connect lush musical textures and soaring vocals. Off-Broadway 2006, Lucille Lortel Nomination for Outstanding Musical.
Starkey Productions Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Directed by Paul Dwyer
Tuesday, December 13 – Friday, December 23, 2011.
What began as a favorite holiday song became America’s most beloved holiday movie. Now Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is on stage with all the sentiment, humor and unforgettable songs you want to experience every year. Two Army buddies form a hit song and dance team, meet a sister act and help their former commanding general fill his snowless Vermont ski lodge. A musical production that is sure to make “all your Christmases be white.”
Stories on Stage
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Denver’s popularStories on Stage again presents talented actors reading great short stories by exceptional authors. The company returns to the Lone Tree Arts Center to present a collection of stories exclusively by Colorado writers.
The Tartan Terrors
Friday, March 16, 2012
Taking the Celtic scene by storm, The Tartan Terrors are North America’s premiere Celtic event and an annual favorite at the Estes Park Highlands Festival. Bolstered by the blistering piping of a two time world champion bagpiper and the driving tones of drums from around the world, The Tartan Terrors combine musical prowess with championship caliber Highland dancers and comedic performers.
Spencers Theatre of Illusion
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Featuring International Magicians of the Year, Kevin and Cindy Spencer, Theatre of Illusionis much more than a magic show – it is a magical concert for your eyes and one of the largest touring illusion productions on the road. Audiences cross over a threshold of disbelief only moments after the Spencers take the stage. Theatre of Illusion is a place where artistry and theatre converge, where intellect and amazement collide, and where impossibility and inspiration are inseparable.
The Arvada Center Theatre production ofChess: A Musical
The London Version, Music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, Lyrics by Tim Rice, Based on an idea by Tim Rice, Directed by Rod A. Lansberry
Wednesday, April 18 – Sunday, April 29, 2012
Set against the backdrop of a chess tournament between an American and a Russian in the midst of the Cold War era, this rock opera uses the game of chess – with all of its power plays, manipulations, and sacrificial paws – as a metaphor for love and life. With lyrics by Tim Rice, (Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita) and music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, (Mamma Mia!), this regional premiere of a new revision of the London version is rich with dance, penetrating tempos, and the chart-busting pop hit One Night in Bangkok.
All artists, performances and dates for the Lone Tree Arts Center Inaugural Season are subject to change.
In addition to the presented season, the Arts Center will also be the new home of the Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra and will host many community performances including The Douglas County Libraries Author Series, Kantorei, the Colorado Chamber Players, the Denver Concert Band and local youth groups. Additionally the Lone Tree Arts Center will feature extensive educational and family programming including the launch of creative classes for families and children. A family performance series will be announced early this summer and will begin with an inaugural performance by Lone Tree’s own Dr. Noize. The Arts Center will also be available as a rental facility for local businesses, civic groups, and social gatherings.
Opening this August, the new Lone Tree Arts Center will be a professional, innovative and environmentally “green” venue designed by Westlake Reed Leskosky, a leading national designer of performing arts centers. Included in the Arts Center are a grand entry hall event and gallery space; a 500 seat main stage theater with orchestra and balcony seating, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, an orchestra pit, fly space and expertly designed acoustics; and an adaptable 150-225 seat event hall for intimate performances, events and meetings that opens through a glass wall to a 300-350 seat outdoor terrace theater.
An innovative Season Ticket Package with a theater subscription and the option to purchase priority seating to single performance events will go on sale in late May with the launch of the new website at www.lonetreeartscenter.org or by calling 720.509.1000.
Tickets to single performances will go on sale beginning in July.
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Chris Wiger
Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Lone Tree Arts Center
City of Lone Tree
9220 Kimmer Dr., Suite 100
Lone Tree, CO 80124
ph 303 708 1818
cell 303 489 2597
chris.wiger@cityoflonetree.com
www.lonetreearts.org for more information
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THE BOOK OF MORMONTO LAUNCH NATIONAL TOUR
DECEMBER 2012 AT THE
DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
DENVER — THE BOOK OF MORMON, the new Broadway musical nominated for 14 Tony Awards including Best Musical and winner of the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Musical, will launch its national tour in December 2012 at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA). A complete tour schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.
“We can’t tell you how much it means to us to open the tour in the state in which we grew up. It’s a homecoming,” said “South Park” creator Trey Parker. “We can’t wait to play the show across America and the fact that we’re getting the chance to start where we grew up is an incredible bonus and very humbling.”
"I am honored that Matt, Trey and the entire team have given Denver the nod to open their national tour at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts," said Randy Weeks, President of the DCPA. "The Book of Mormon has reinvented Broadway. It's fantastic that the folks in Colorado will have the first opportunity to see the tour."
THE BOOK OF MORMON features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone are the four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of Comedy Central’s landmark animated series, “South Park.” Tony Award-winner Lopez is co-creator of the long-running hit musical comedy, Avenue Q. The world premiere musical is choreographed by five-time Tony Award-nominee Casey Nicholaw (Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone) and is directed by Nicholaw and Parker.
THE BOOK OF MORMON, which follows a pair of mismatched Mormon boys sent on a mission to a place that’s about as far from Salt Lake City as you can get, has been nominated for 14 Tony Awards, including Best Musical; 12 Drama Desk Awards, including Best Musical; 6 Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Musical and the Drama League Award for Best Musical. On May 9th, THE BOOK OF MORMON won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Musical.
THE BOOK OF MORMON features set design by Scott Pask, costume design by Ann Roth, lighting design by Brian MacDevitt and sound design by Brian Ronan. Orchestrations are by Larry Hochman and Stephen Oremus. Music direction and vocal arrangements are by Stephen Oremus.
Ghostlight Records will release the Original Broadway Cast Recording for THE BOOK OF MORMON digitally on Tuesday, May 17 and physically on Tuesday, June 7.
THE BOOK OF MORMON will be part of the Denver Center Attractions 2013 season. Subscribers who renew into the 2012 Denver Center Attractions season will get the first opportunity to purchase tickets. Please visit our website at www.denvercenter.org.
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New Lone Tree Arts Center to launch season ticket packages
and premiere new website on June 15
LONE TREE, CO – The new Lone Tree Arts Center is closer to opening this September with the announcement of the Inaugural Season Ticket launch, and the premiere of the Arts Center’s new website – www.lonetreeartscenter.org .
The Arts Center will present critically-acclaimed national performing artists and will unveil new relationships with an impressive group of Colorado’s professional arts companies by inviting them to perform at the Lone Tree Arts Center, the first publicly financed professional arts facility in the South Metro Denver Area.
An innovative Season Ticket Package with a theater series and the option to purchase priority seating to up to seven additional single performance events will launch online Wednesday, June 15 with the highly anticipated premiere of the new Lone Tree Arts Center website at www.lonetreeartscenter.org. Season Ticket Packages may be purchased online 24 hours a day or by calling 720.509.1000, Monday – Friday from 10am to 4pm. Two “sampler” mini-packages will also be available. Tickets to single performances will go on sale July 29.
Opening the new Lone Tree Arts Center will be original cast members of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical RENT, Anthony Rappand Adam Pascal, in a special concert evening on Friday, September 9. Other national touring productions coming to Lone Tree include acclaimed Celtic group The Tartan Terrors,the indie-pop-musical theatre trio GrooveLily, and International Magicians of the Year – Spencers Theater of Illusion. Additionalhighlights of the Inaugural Season include the award-winning Arvada Center productions of the Broadway musicals Ragtimeand Chess, directed by Rod A. Lansberry; the Creede Repertory Theatre production of Unnecessary Farce, directed by former Denver Center Theatre Company actor/director Jamie Horton; a holiday production of the family musical White Christmas, directed by Paul Dwyer; and performances by Opera Colorado and Stories on Stage.
In addition to the Lone Tree Presents season, the Arts Center will also be the new home of the Lone Tree Hosts series featuring the Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra, Colorado Stage Company and community performances including The Douglas County Libraries Author Series, Kantorei, the Colorado Chamber Players, the Denver Concert Band and local youth groups. Additionally the Lone Tree Arts Center will feature extensive educational and family programming including the launch of creative classes for families and children. A family performance series will be announced early this summer and will begin with an inaugural performance by Lone Tree’s own Dr. Noize. Tickets for Lone Tree Hosts series events will go on sale this summer as single ticket performances. The Arts Center will also be available as a rental facility for local businesses, civic groups, and social gatherings.
Marketing and box office staff members have been implementing the Arts Center’s new online ticketing and fundraising software from Toronto based AudienceView Ticketing, a leading provider of advanced and flexible ticketing services to venues worldwide. AudienceView recently became the ticketing provider for The Denver Center for the Performing Arts and Aspen Show Tickets – including online ticketing for Theatre Aspen, Aspen / Santa Fe Ballet and the Aspen Institute.
All artists, performances and dates for the Lone Tree Arts Center Inaugural Season are subject to change.
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| | DENVER’S DIVISION OF THEATRES AND ARENAS ANNOUNCES PLAN TO ACQUIRE
CROSSROADS THEATRE IN FIVE POINTS
DENVER, CO — DECEMBER 14, 2009 — The City and County of Denver’s Division of Theatres and Arenas – proprietors of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Colorado Convention Center and the Denver Coliseum – today announced an intent to acquire the struggling Crossroads Theatre in the historic Five Points neighborhood. With the support of Crossroads’ current owner Kurt Lewis and landlord Hope Communities, Theatres and Arenas is working to take possession of the space as early as January 2010.
“Assuming the lease and management of Crossroads Theatre is one of the most creative endeavors Theatres and Arenas has undertaken,” said Jack Finlaw, Director of Theatres and Arenas. “Our agency’s mission is to provide cultural and public assembly facilities to Denver’s diverse communities. Adding Crossroads to the catalog of venues we manage on behalf of the City will greatly advance our goal of offering affordable spaces, and will enable us to foster a diversity of programming for residents and visitors to Denver.”
“The construction of Crossroads Theater at Five Points implemented the idea of a convergence of diverse cultures and art forms in an intimate performance space located in the heart of the city,” said Kurt Lewis, current owner and operator of the venue. “Since its opening, Crossroads has hosted poetry, music, theater, film, dance, visual art, storytelling, lectures and community meetings for all cultures in the city. I am excited to see Theatres and Arenas take the baton so that Crossroads can continue to provide an intimate affordable venue for Denver’s artists and performers to tell the story of our city.”
The 100-seat Crossroads Theatre has served small, independent performing arts groups and the Five Points community since 2007. When Kurt Lewis began searching for an entity to take over his stake in the venue, Theatres and Arenas recognized an opportunity to partner with and serve two vital Denver communities: the Five Points neighborhood and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Tier III performing arts organizations. With collaboration from Denver’s Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA), the Denver Office of Economic Development, the new Five Points Business District, District 8 Councilwoman Carla Madison and Mayor John Hickenlooper, Theatres and Arenas aims to preserve an important cultural space and contribute to the economic development of one of Denver’s most treasured neighborhoods.
“Crossroads Theatre is an incredible cultural asset of the historic Five Points neighborhood,” said André Pettigrew, Executive Director of the Denver Office of Economic Development. “Its continued success is paramount, as it further activates the neighborhood and provides a spark for future growth, as outlined in our office’s Neighborhood Marketplace Initiative District Development Plan for the area.”
"Crossroads has been an important part of the revitalization of Five Points; it was part of the reawakening of the cultural center that Welton Street had been known for," said City Councilwoman Carla Madison. "When it looked like Crossroads was going to close, neighbors felt like it was a huge step backward. We are so grateful to Theatres and Arenas for stepping up and not only preserving live theater, but continuing Kurt Lewis' vision of creating a community-based theater. This is a great solution for local theater groups and the community at large."
Rather than take possession of the space with a programming agenda already in place, Theatres and Arenas will gather community input through public meetings to determine how the Five Points and SCFD Tier III communities would like to see the space utilized. Theatres and Arenas will make every effort to provide a venue where these communities can develop organic, sustainable programming that will enhance the cultural economy in Denver, while promoting and preserving the heritage of the neighborhood surrounding Crossroads Theatre.
“The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs is greatly supportive of the decision by the Division of Theatres and Arenas to take over management of the venue,” said Erin Trapp, Director. “We believe the move will be mutually beneficial to the Five Points community and the local arts organizations that choose to use the space. DOCA’s own use of the space through the 5 Points Jazz Festival has been a strong success and we hope that other performance groups will benefit from this important community resource.”
All events currently scheduled at Crossroads Theatre will take place planned. For location, event and ticket information, visit www.denvercrossroads.com. Information on public meetings related to the space will be announced soon.
The City of Denver’s Division of Theatres and Arenas owns and operates Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the Colorado Convention Center and the historic Denver Coliseum. For more information visit www.redrocksonline.com, www.artscomplex.com , www.denverconvention.com and www.denvercoliseum.com .
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| | CANDLELIGHT DINNER PLAYHOUSE
EQUITY ANNOUNCEMENT
The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is dedicated to providing high caliber professional shows and a wonderful evening of great food and family entertainment for our patrons. We are also dedicated to providing quality employment to our many employees who in turn provide the high level of customer service and entertainment value for which the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse has become known. In these current economic times, we take this responsibility very seriously and continue to look at ways of making our business economically viable while still providing our expected high level of service.
With these goals in mind, we have recently decided to discontinue our participation in the Actor's Equity League when we start our next season which begins June 4, 2010. Our current participation in the Actor's Equity League is very minimal (2-3 actors per show) so, while we will certainly lose and miss the wonderful talent from our equity actors we have used in the past, we are confident in the great talent that is still available to fulfill our goal of providing professional shows.
We are proud that our second season (ending May 30, 2010) audience attendance is about 50% higher than our first season attendance. In addition, each show this season since The Wizard of Oz last summer has set new attendance records from previous shows. To meet our goal of our next season exceeding the last, we continue to review and modify our business plan and our services. We and our employees are dedicated to continue the high level of productions and ideals as we have had in the past. We are confident in our ability to continue to present professional theater and provide great entertainment value to our customers.
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First reading of Denver Center Theater Company commissioned Buntport Theatre Company new play
will be June 11 in the Jones Theatre
DENVER – Denver Center Theatre Company Artistic Director Kent Thompson commissioned Denver’s award-winning Buntport Theater Company to develop and create an original multimedia production earlier this year.
The Buntport ensemble and DCTC’s Resident Multimedia Specialist Charlie Miller will present a first reading of this untitled new play at the Jones Theatre in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex (Speer and Arapahoe) at 12 noon on Friday, June 11, 2010.
This is an opportunity for members of the audience to experience an innovative new play in the early experimental stages. The commissioned work explores the end of the life of Nikola Tesla, whose many inventions include the radio. Tesla is not seen in the play but is heard commenting on the production in a radio broadcast. During this work-in-progress reading, audience members will have the opportunity to listen to Tesla’s voice through the Denver Center’s listening devices commonly used to amplify sound for patrons. Because all of the listening devices will be used in the reading, they will unfortunately not be available for the hearing impaired.
A talkback following the reading and audience feedback will assist in the development of the play and the interactive technology that will be a central part of future productions.
The reading is complimentary and reservations are not being accepted. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will open at 11:30am. (The number of listening devices are limited.)
This reading is made possible by funding from the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust. Associate Artistic Director and Director of New Play Development Bruce K. Sevy and Dramaturg and Literary Manager Douglas Langworthy have more than 20 works in development, many of which will be featured at future Colorado New Play Summits with the potential of being considered for fully staged productions at the Denver Center or other theatres across the country. For more information on the new play program, visit www.denvercenter.org .
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| | Curious Theatre Company Announces Playwright-in Residence as part of the NNPN 2008/2009 Emerging Playwrights Program
Denver, CO- Curious Theatre Company announces the arrival of its new Playwright-in-Residence, Jennifer Fawcett. Supported financially by the National New Play Network (NNPN), the NNPN’s Executive Committee has chosen Curious, along with Florida Stage (Palm Beach), InterAct Theatre Company (Philadelphia), and Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey (Madison) to participate in the Emerging Playwrights Residency (EPR) program during the 2008/2009 season, the second year for the program focusing on helping recent playwright graduates from qualified MFA programs launch their careers with the support and collaboration of NNPN member theatres.
“The position is multi-pronged,” says Curious’ Artistic Director, Chip Walton, “while Jennifer is here, she’ll have an ‘artistic home’ with access to the great amount of talented artists we work with at Curious.” Walton says of the anticipated work with Curious’ Artistic Company and Curious New Voices youth playwrighting program.
“I’m really looking forward to working with small groups of writers, and doing some mentoring within the community here,” says Fawcett, “that sort of direct interaction really helps me learn a lot about my own writing.”
Most importantly, Fawcett will work on developing a single play over the course of her season at Curious through table readings, workshops, and public ‘In the Works’ readings. Along with developing her own writing and working with Curious New Voices, she will act as dramaturge on EURYDICE and 26 MILES as well as take on the role of ‘Literary Manager’ at Curious, reading the multitude of scripts that come in while working closely with Walton to discover how a season is built, and how new works are developed in the Denver community. “This is something I’m most interested in, how a community takes to a work of art given the economic situation, how their board reacts to the material, and what kind of risk is really being taken on new works!”
“In fact,” says Walton, “one great exploration Jennifer will be able to really dive into is developing relationships with writers, not just the plays they are writing.”
Fawcett is a graduate of the University of Iowa Playwrights’ Workshop. Productions include THEN/AFTER/WATER (Available Light Theatre), GOAT SHOW (Riverside Theatre, Blyth Festival), THE DISAPPEARANCE OF JANEY JONES (Waterfront Theatre, Hatchery Festival), and THE TOYMAKER’S WAR (Iowa New Play Festival). Her short play, THE ECHO was produced at the 59E59 Theatre (NYC) as part of the Theatre Master’s National MFA Playwrights’ Festival. She is the winner of the inaugural KCACTF National Science Playwriting Award for her play TWENTY MOMENTS IN THE SPACE BETWEEN. This play was commissioned by Union Eight Theatre (Toronto/Owen Sound) and will be produced in 2009.
Most recently, Fawcett’s play THE TOYMAKERS WAR, was announced as part of the National Showcase of New Plays (NSNP), a rotating festival, or trade show, that showcases new plays, new playwrights and theatres from across the country in a staged reading format. NSNP creates a unique and invaluable opportunity for dozens of production-ready new plays to be viewed by artistic directors, literary managers, literary agents, publishers, and independent producers from around the country.
To date, 67 plays have been showcased, of which 35 have been subsequently produced at professional theatres inside and outside NNPN. This years showcase takes place at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, December 5-7, 2008. | |
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| | DENVER’S BUELL THEATRE GREETS THE FALL SEASON WITH A FACELIFT
DENVER – With new seats, carpeting and lobby doors, the Buell Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex is greeting fall theatergoers with an inviting new look. Home to touring Broadway theatre productions, concerts, lectures and much more, the 17-year-old venue received its first major update since the building’s 1991 opening.
Owned and operated by the City and County of Denver’s Division of Theatres and Arenas, the 2,843-seat theatre underwent renovations during the summer of 2008. The $1.2 million project was financed by Theatres and Arenas’ capital budget and the Buell Foundation. Upgrades at the venue include:
Original seats were replaced with self-rising, cherry-stained wooden seats. Moving away from the teal décor of the theatre’s early-90s beginnings, the new seats feature deep red upholstery, creating a new look for the venue’s interior that is reminiscent of traditional theatre color schemes. Most seats now include cup-holders to accommodate patrons at shows that allow beverages to be taken into the house.
The worn carpet found inside the theatre was replaced with approximately 4,000 yards of new carpet. The carpet complements colors already found in the main lobby, and the installation of a similar carpet is planned for the venue’s lobbies in 2009.
New doors were added to the main lobby entrance of the theatre, creating a vestibule that will enhance energy efficiency and create additional space for patrons in the lobby.
Walls located in the mid-Orchestra and rear of the Mezzanine and Balcony sections were removed, allowing for additional wheelchair seating and making the venue more flexible and accessible for patrons with disabilities.
The Buell Theatre provides an ideal setting for amplified musicals, dramatic plays, music performances and comedy acts and consistently ranks as a top-grossing theatre for its size nationally.
Denver Center Attractions, the Broadway touring division of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and one of the Buell Theatre’s main tenants, presents The Drowsy Chaperone at the venue October 14 – 26. The first theatrical offering in the venue since its renovation, the Tony Award-winning musical was one of the most celebrated productions of the 2006 Broadway season. Upcoming Denver Center Attractions shows at the Buell include Jersey Boys, The Color Purple, Spring Awakening, the new musical Little House on the Prairie and eagerly awaited return engagements of Wicked and The Phantom of the Opera. For information on season ticket packages, visit www.denvercenter.org
An increasingly popular concert venue, several major music events will also be held at the Buell Theatre this fall. KBCO (97.3 FM) presents the Studio C 20th Anniversary Concert on October 30, featuring Alanis Morissette, G. Love and Special Sauce and Newton Faulkner; ticket information is available at www.kbco.com. Live Nation presents Jackson Browne on November 1, and AEG Live presents Vince Gill on November 2, and k.d. lang on November 8; tickets for all three shows are available at www.ticketmaster.com.
The City of Denver’s Division of Theatres and Arenas owns and operates the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Colorado Convention Center and the historic Denver Coliseum. For more information visit www.artscomplex.com , www.redrocksonline.com , www.denverconvention.com and www.denvercoliseum.com .
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| | Colorado's Tony Awards!
The Colorado Theatre Guild
presents the
2nd Annual “Henry Awards”
named in honor of Henry Lowenstein.
Celebrating Excellence in Colorado Theatre
Monday, July 9, 2007 at 6 p.m.
at the Aurora Fox Theatre, 9900 E. Colfax
- Cocktail begin at 6:00 p.m.
- Ceremony begins at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets are
- $18 for CTG Members
- $25 for Non-members
- We also have a $100 VIP Ticket that includes 2 tickets, reserved seating and 4 drink tickets.
To reserve seats or purchase by credit card, contact Gloria Shanstrom at 303-778-7724 or email shanstrom@comcast.net.
Stay tuned... more info to follow.
We apologize for the inconvenience of the date change for this event, but as many know, we were originally scheduled to hold this event at the Country Dinner Playhouse which was tragically closed a few weeks ago. We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to reschedule this important event for our community. | |
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| | (Denver, CO) Charles D. Packard, Producer at the Aurora Fox Theatre and an acclaimed set and lighting designer, was voted the new President of the Colorado Theatre Guild (CTG) during January’s board meeting.
Outgoing President Steve Wilson stepped down Monday after six years as board chair. “It’s been a sincere privilege to serve as President to the CTG. I’ve loved my time as chair, but it’s just time for new blood. Charlie brings a wealth of knowledge and ingenuity to the job. I have enormous respect for him and look forward to supporting him as an at-large board member.”
Packard is highly regarded in the theatre community both as a designer and producer. Under his leadership the Aurora Fox transformed into a professional venue employing some of the region’s top actors and directors.
“My particular mission,” says Packard, “is to reach a new audience for Colorado theatre. I want to make people aware of the hundreds of productions happening in our state on any given weekend, and what impact it can have on their lives.”
All are welcome to visit with Packard at the CTG General Membership Meeting on Monday, January 22, 2007 at 6pm at the Aurora Fox, 9900 E. Colfax Ave in Aurora. Kay Miller, Project Manager for East End Arts District Development (City of Aurora) will give a brief overview of the city’s plans and lead a tour of a potential theatre space one block from the Aurora Fox.
The meeting will be followed by the Industry Night performance of the Physically Handicapped Actors & Musical Artists League production of Thornton Wilder’s "Our Town” at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased at 303-739-1970. More information: www.phamaly.org.
The Colorado Theatre Guild encourages growth and excellence in live theatre in Colorado through collaborative efforts in education, advocacy and promotion. For more information about events and services offered by the Colorado Theatre Guild, visit www.coloradotheatreguild.org .
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| | In January we started the CTG Data Base as a resource for those who work off the stage as a way for producers to find the people they need and to assist everyone who works off the stage and behind the scenes to find work.
In March CTG had a booth at the 2nd Building Creative Businesses Expo and will do so again this year.
We set up a tour of the Historic Elitch Theatre.
After 7 months of work, the first two plays chosen for the (then called) CTG Playwright Showcase, a program for Colorado Playwrights to have their plays read in front of producers, directors and the public for potential production.
In April CTG in conjunction with the Denver Public Library's Fresh City Life Series presented a staged reading of "MURPHY'S ELK" by Steve Hunter at the downtown Denver Public Library on Monday, April 23 .
Our First Marketing Fundamentals for Small & Mid- Sized Theatres was held on Saturday April 28 at Miners Alley Playhouse
In June we held the combined auditions with DCTC and the first CTG showcase "DUSK TO DAWN AT THE SUNSET" by Terry Dodd at the Crossroads Theatre.
Gloria Shanstrom was a panelist on BEYOND THE TRIED AND TRUE: PRODUCING NEW PLAYS speaking about the new CTG play showcase at The Colorado Community Theatre Coalition in Idaho Springs.
On July 9th the 2nd Annual Henry Awards were presented at the Aurora Fox.
In August we did our second Marketing Fundamentals for Small & Mid- Sized Theatres and presented a FREE staged reading of "Alligators" by Carol Roper on August 20 at the Avenue Theater.
Our popular CTG Speed Schmoozer, a "speed networking" event, was back and held at the Mercury Café in September.
October was very busy as The Guild and local theatre community presented "Play in a Day", Friday-Sunday, October 5, 6 and 7 in celebration of ArtsWeek.
We collaborated with the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center offering our members a discount to their museum and the production of Brighton Beach Memoirs.
CTG christened our play reading showcase "The New Venture Series" and dedicated it to the memory of Al Brooks and Maxine Munt. Our third offering, "A Field of Buttercups" by Walter Newton was presented in the Pluss Theatre at Mizel Center on October 17.
As a new benefit to our advertisers the weekly DNA as was posted at the top of the CTG newsletter for the viewing pleasure of those who might not be subscribing to the Rocky or Post.
Our November New Venture Series occurred on November 13 presenting "Security Measures" by Lee Patton at the Bug Theatre.
With a very nice pick up in the Holiday Guide of 5280 we launched the on sale of Theatre Night Out series for Jan - June 2008.
And in December we announced that beginning January 1st the Colorado Theatre Guild was offering a new benefit to our actor members.
Actor members head shot and resume would be copied to a CD that, in turn, will be distributed to our member theatre companies.
All this and a beautiful Website and informative Newsletter.
This year the Guild is looking to those who use this site to find auditions, jobs, classes and shows to become members and break all previous records.
If you like our website and find it beneficial - then become a member.
If a picture of you dog (or cat) has been featured - then become a member.
If you found a job or got a role - then become a member.
If you've been meaning to join or renew - now is a great time.
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| | Philip C. Sneed Elected President of Shakespeare Association of America
Boulder, Colo. Colorado Shakespeare Festival Producing Artistic Director Philip C. Sneed was recently elected president of the Shakespeare Theatre Association of America (STAA) after having served as vice-president for one year.
Established in 1991, STAA provides a forum for theatres that produce Shakespeare’s plays. This forum allows the artistic and managerial leadership of theatres to discuss issues, share methods, resources and information. STAA has over 100 member theatres representing all of the major Shakespeare companies, including Canada’s Stratford Shakespeare Festival and Shakespeare’s Globe in London.
As president of STAA, Sneed will work on planning the 2009 conference, hosted by Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, Mass. He will also work with the National Endowment for the Arts to implement grants.
“Being elected to the presidency is a great honor, conferred by my peers at Shakespeare theatres large and small, across the country,” Sneed said. “I look forward to serving STAA and its membership, and helping lead the effort to increase awareness of Shakespearean theatre in America.”
About the Colorado Shakespeare Festival:
The Season: June 20 – August 16
Holiday dates 2008 TBA
The Season’s Plays:
Macbeth
Love’s Labour’s Lost
Henry VIII
Woody Guthrie’s American Song
The Three Musketeers
A Child’s Christmas in Wales (Holiday Season 2008)
Adult Ticket Prices:
$9 - $52
Kids’ Ages 5 – 12 Ticket Prices:
$5.00, any play, any day in Orchestra and Upper Circle
Teens Ages 13 – 17:
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| | CSF Fight Director elected president of the Society of American Fight Directors
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s fight director, Geoffrey Kent was elected president of the Society of American Fight Directors this fall and took office January 1.
Kent is the youngest president the SAFD has ever had since its founding in 1977. He will oversee all direction and day-to-day operation of the SAFD for the next three years. Kent will also teach at National Stage Combat Workshops as a Master Teacher when he is available.
The SAFD is a non-profit organization that promotes safety and excellence in the art of directing staged combat and theatrical violence. The SAFD has 100 certified teachers and fight directors that teach fight workshops and direct fights throughout the world. Throughout its years, the SAFD has trained over 10,000 actors.
“The role of a fight director is twofold,” said Kent. “First, you have to create fights that are safe for the performer and the audience. Second we have to create something that suites the story of the play and is thrilling to watch.”
Kent has been with CSF for the past five seasons. This summer he will play MacDuff in “MacBeth” and Aramis in “The Three Musketeers” as well as direct the fights for the entire season. Last summer he played the King of France in “All’s Well that Ends Well” and Octavius in “Julius Caesar.”
“‘The Three Musketeers’ is chock full of sword fights,” Kent said. “By the time it is over, some of the actors may have spent over half of the rehearsal period slinging steel and rehearsing choreography.”
CSF audiences have seen his stage fighting work in such scenes as the comic swashbuckling fight in “Comedy of Errors”, the smothering of Desdemona in “Othello,” a croquet mallet battle in “Twelfth Night” and the bloody assassination of Caesar in “Julius Caesar.”
Kent has also directed fights in Martin McDonagh’s “Skull in Connemara,” “The Lonesome West” and “The Pillowman,” at the Denver Center Theatre Company (DCTC.) He staged the eye gouging for “King Lear” and the arm decapitation for the world premiere of “1001” by Jason Grote, also at the DCTC.
Kent is currently staging fights for three world premieres for DCTC: “Our House,” “Lydia” and “Plainsong.” Next month he will act in and stage fights for the regional premiere of McDonagh’s bloodiest play, “The Lieutenant of Inishmore,” for Curious Theatre.
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| | PHAMALY Has Big Plans for the Future
(Denver, CO) - PHAMALY (The Physically Handicapped Actors and Musical Artists League) has appointed Melanie Mayner to the newly created position of Executive Director beginning November 1.
Melanie Mayner recently completed her 14th season as PHAMALY’s Production and Marketing Manager overseeing all aspects of the companies 16 major productions. She currently serves on the Board of Directors, a position she will relinquish as she moves into her new role.
As a vital member of the cultural community for many years, Ms. Mayner has been media representative for numerous area theatres and several hundred shows. She produced many critically acclaimed plays through her company Tri-M Productions and presented the Denver Drama Critics Circle Awards for six years. She is past president of the Colorado Theatre Guild, a statewide organization dedicated to the promotion of Colorado’s theatre. The CTG honored her with the 2003 "Community Contribution Award" for her extensive work in the theatre community. Melanie held the position of Marketing Manager for the SCFD Tier II Community Awareness Project from October 2001- October 2006 and currently acts as the Cultural Liaison for the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau.
When asked about her new position, Ms. Mayner said, “The growth of the organization in recent years has been significant. I am honored to be chosen to lead PHAMALY as we create more opportunities for individuals living with disabilities not only here in Colorado but throughout the country and beyond.”
“The PHAMALY Board of Directors is looking forward to the company’s third decade of success,” said Steve Lawrence, board chairperson. “Melanie brings a trifecta of management experience, respect in the community, and a 14-year track record of contributing to our success. We are confident in her ability to implement programs and discover new opportunities that support PHAMALY’s mission.”
Lawrence went on to state, “Additionally, the PHAMALY Board has voted to extend the contract of Artistic Director Steve Wilson. Under the artistic leadership of Steve Wilson, PHAMALY’s actors have delivered consistently higher levels of production quality. His creativity and sensitivity contribute to the “family” nature of PHAMALY. We are pleased that Steve will be with us for another three years and look forward to a broader range of stage productions as well as school and community outreach offerings.”
PHAMALY’s staff is rounded out by Administrative Director Regan Linton, who was brought on board full-time in January of this year.
In its 18-year existence, PHAMALY has gained national recognition and received numerous honors including the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. In 2006, the company was honored with two Denver Post Ovation Awards and received National recognition with a profile of “The Wiz” on PBS’s The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer. The company’s inspirational 2005 production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” was named Best Musical of 2005 by The Denver Post; one of the top ten productions of 2005 by the Rocky Mountain News and Best Overall Production of 2005 by the Daily Camera.
PHAMALY’s mission is to enable people with disabilities to showcase their talents and abilities through live productions and to make the performing arts more accessible to everyone.
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| | “STEALING BABY JESUS” approved for
Colorado Film Production Incentive
DENVER, CO, JULY 2007 -The Denver indie holiday film, Stealing Baby Jesus is one step closer for production to begin Winter, 2007. Mel Aman, the film’s Director and Producer, was notified that the film project has been approved for the coveted Colorado Film Production Incentive program awarded through the Colorado office of Economic Development and International Trade. The Colorado Film Incentive program rebates 10 percent of the below-the-line cost of producing a film, documentary or television program when:
• The project is produced and filmed in Colorado
• The production company spends 75 percent of its below-the-line budget with Colorado businesses
• The production company hires 75 percent of their crew locally
“It’s so fitting that the first ‘investment’ made in Stealing Baby Jesus be the state of Colorado, as the film pays an homage to this great state.” Aman says. “We are thrilled that Colorado is quickly becoming known for its unwavering support of our talented independent film community.” She adds, “The resources, talent and crew here is unbelievable and I can’t wait to add this Denver-centric film to our credit list. We hope to pay the city a Woody Allen- or Scorcese-esque homage that leaves the visitors in the audience properly introduced and the natives proud.”
The story of Stealing Baby Jesus takes place in Denver, during the holiday season of 1999. A rash of nativity scene baby Jesuses begin disappearing all over the city creating a frenzy - some people claiming a miracle, others, a felony. Convinced it’s all a publicity stunt, radio DJ Warren John announces his intent to broadcast live from the top of a billboard until the baby-nappers come clean. As a nasty blizzard threatens Warren John, the seemingly disconnected stories of his listeners culminate with the shocking revelation of who really is Stealing Baby Jesus.
The full-scale production is slated to begin Winter 2007. “There’s a great buzz already starting about Stealing Baby Jesus,” Aman says. “To get Denver involved in making the film, we have a lot of surprises planned, including a competition to win a speaking role.” She adds that the audience will love the story, written by Denver’s favorite playwright, Terry Dodd. “It’s one of those holiday movies that is best watched curled on the couch, drinking hot coco in front of a roaring fire with a Denver blizzard out the window. In short, a classic.”
For investment, casting and crew information, please contact Mel Aman, Producer/Director at fromthelittlehouse@yahoo.com. For more information about the Colorado Film Incentive Rebate program, visit www.coloradofilm.org. A portion of the proceeds upon the sale and distribution of Stealing Baby Jesus will be donated to
Denver’s family crisis program, Warren Village of Denver, where Mel and her family lived while she was in High School.
For more information about Warren Village, visit www.warrenvillage.org.
“STEALING BABY JESUS” approved for
Colorado Film Production Incentive
Denver Indie holiday film one step closer to production
FILMMAKER BIOGRAPHIES
CONTACT: Mel Aman, Producer/Director
(303) 882-1012, fromthelittlehouse@yahoo.com
MEL AMAN - Producer/Director
A Denver native, Mel Aman graduated from Denver’s East High School and continued her education at UCD and Metropolitan State College of Denver, while working for The Denver Film Society, The Denver International Film Festival and The Mayan Theatre, sparking an interest in pursuing a film career. After a screening of the her first short film, a documentary about two city girls working on a farm in Missouri, a buddy bet her she could get into NYU Film School. Taking the bet, Mel applied and was accepted into the prestigious New York University, Tisch School of the Arts Film program where she earned her BFA in Film/TV production and was a National Merit Honors Scholar. Since her graduation in 2001, she has produced more than a dozen award-winning film projects all over the world (narrative and documentary) that have traveled and won awards on the festival circuit including: Tribecca, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Rio de Janerio, Boston, Seattle, Harlem, Australia, and many more. Mel has also worked extensively in marketing, advertising, publicity and event/festival production (Denver’s LoDo Music Festival, Westword’s Music Showcase, Global Groove World Music Festival, Buskerfest) as well cable television working in Creative Services for Hallmark Channel in Los Angeles, CA. Her most recent film which she Co-Produced, The Hip Hop Project presented by Bruce Willis and Queen Latifah, was released May 11, 2007 nation-wide by the THINKFilm Company in 14 urban markets including New York City, Los Angeles and Washington DC. A DVD release scheduled. DAILY VARIETY calls the Hip Hop Project, “A beat-driven, inspirational organism that develops and blossoms along with its subjects.”
For more information: www.hiphopproject.com (Credit under her maiden name, Melissa Van Allen). She currently manages the productions of Janicek-Marino Creative in Littleton, Colorado. Recent productions include: Disney’s Baby Einstein series, My Friends Tigger & Pooh: Super Sleuth Christmas DVD bonus extras, Tiny Miracles fundraising documentary for John & Anna Sie, Tom & Michelle Whitten and The Children’s Hospital.
Mel’s newest film project, Stealing Baby Jesus will be her first Denver feature production. A portion of the proceeds upon the sale and distribution of Stealing Baby Jesus will be donated to Warren Village of Denver. The non-profit organization helps motivated low-income, single parents move from public assistance to self-sufficiency
through subsidized housing, on-site childcare, counseling, and education or job training. Many years ago, Warren Village provided Mel and her family with the helping hand they needed, creating the opportunity for the success Mel has enjoyed to date.
Mel lives with her husband, local keyboardist Chad Aman (of Cocktail Revolution, Byron Shaw Projex, Harmonious Junk, 3D Lounge) in Lakewood, CO.
TERRY DODD – Author/Producer
Terry’s work, from pen to stage, has been integral to Denver’s cultural fabric for more than 20 years. As a writer, director and educator, Stealing Baby Jesus is just the tip of his talent. The Colorado native has been winning awards for more than two decades. Terry has sold a screenplay to 20th Century Fox to producer Laura Ziskin (Spiderman) and producer Mark Gordon (Speed and Grey’s Anatomy). Another of his screenplays, Closer to Heaven, was the 2002 Colorado Council on the Arts Fellowship winner. He was commissioned to write the play First Night or Whatever that opened the Newman Center (University of Denver) in 2004 and his play, Goodnight, Texas was work-shopped with Annette Benning at the Denver Center before its world premiere there, directed by Bruce Sevy. His play, Amateur Night at the Big Heart, had its world premiere at the Arvada Center and was directed by David Ogden Stiers (M*A*S*H, Beauty and the Beast). His new play, Home By Dark, will have its world premiere at the Miner’s Alley Playhouse theatre in Golden, CO, in September 2007. He has directed more than 50 plays on popular Denver stages – from The Vic to the Arvada Center – the most recent of which include: A Raisin in the Sun, Angels in America, Wit, Lobby Hero, Driving Miss Daisy and The Caretaker. Terry was the 2007 Denver Post Ovation Award Winner for Best Season for a Director. He was also the 2007 Best of Westword recipient for Best Theatrical production, The Caretaker, and Best Season for a director. Westword said, “In addition to a deep love and respect for theatre, Dodd brings to his work a gentleness and sensitivity unique in this area.”
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ARVADA, CO * Gene Sobczak, currently executive vice president of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, has been named the new Executive Director of the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities.
Sobczak brings 19 years of private sector and non-profit management experience to the position.
In addition to his position with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Sobczak has held the position of vice president or director of Marketing with three organizations*the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, MediCredit and Fred Sands Realtors. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and English from Rutgers University.
According to Bill Ray, Arvada's Deputy City Manager, "An extensive national search was conducted because we wanted a broad field of candidates with varying styles and experiences. From a very high quality and large pool of candidates, Gene Sobczak was selected because of his private and non-profit sector work experience, and his knowledge of the Denver area cultural arts industry.
It was also an added bonus that Gene is an Arvada resident and is already familiar with the Center and the Arvada community."
Sobczak comes to the Arvada Center as it's poised to reposition itself in the marketplace. The recent expansion has provided new programming opportunities for which to cultivate a broader audience base. The Arvada Center is already ranked the 8th largest Denver-Area Cultural Attraction, but there's room for growth in the marketplace and the Arvada Center wants to assume a more aggressive growth strategy.
"The Arvada Center is one of the region's great cultural treasures serving thousands of Coloradans annually. I am very excited about this appointment and look forward to leading this organization to a higher level of prominence in the region," says Sobczak.
Sobczak will begin with the Arvada Center on September 4, 2007.
The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities is one of the metro area's largest cultural attractions, devoted to all aspects of the arts. It is generously supported by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) and located two and a half miles north of Interstate 70 on Wadsworth Blvd.
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| | The Board of Directors of The E Project is very pleased to announce Bonnie Greene as the new Executive Director for the organization. In this position, she will be responsible for fundraising, marketing, volunteer management, staff coordination, and other aspects of running the company.
Ms. Greene has been active in theater in the Denver area since 1996, and began working with The E Project in 2002 as a performer, stage manager, graphic designer, proofreader, and in other capacities. Her professional background includes editing, project management, customer service, graphic design and production, and other highly detail-oriented activities.
The E Project, Inc. was founded to promote the performing and visual arts. The company seeks to produce, and to provide and promote opportunities for all aspects of theatre, music, dance, and other performance and visual arts. The E Project is especially focused on providing opportunities for all to both enjoy and participate in the arts with emphasis on underserved communities. In addition, The E Project provides classes and seminars for children and adults and has a Teens Onstage Program that provides opportunities for teens and young adults to participate in full scale theatrical productions at no tuition cost.
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| | El Centro Su Teatro’s Executive Artistic Director among inaugural class of United States Artists Fellows
On December 4, 2006 Anthony J Garcia, Executive Artistic Director of El Centro Su Teatro, was honored as part of the inaugural class of United States Artists fellows for artistic achievement in Theater Arts. In 2005, a small group of people set out to provide significant financial support for America’s finest artists, armed with twenty million dollars from the presidents of the Ford, Rockefeller, Prudential and Rasmuson Foundations, they decided to grant fifty individual artists with $50,000 unrestricted fellowships. After a year-long process, and gaining valuable assistance from experts in their respective fields, fifty artists were chosen.
The diverse array of artists selected range in discipline, and career stages, but all are chosen for the excellence of their work. El Centro Su Teatro is incredibly proud that Resident Playwright and Artistic Director Tony Garcia has been selected for this prestigious honor.
Su Teatro was borne out of the Chicano Movement as a creative expression of the politics of the time. In 1972, Tony Garcia joined as a guitar player, but his true passion was writing. Tony started writing plays and directing them through other leaders in the group. As his work developed, so did the respect of the group and soon he became the director. Nearly thirty five years later, he has written nearly 30 plays, including Intro to Chicano History:101; Papi, Me and Cesar Chavez; La Carpa Aztlan Presents: I Don’t Speak English Only; Ludlow: El Grito de las Minas; Lydia Mendoza: La Gloria de Tejas; and Little Hands Hold the Wind. At El Centro Su Teatro, the 2005-2006 season, has been focused on his original work, featuring his newest plays El Sol Que Tu Eres, The Westside Oratorio, and When Pigs Fly and Men Have Babies, along with classics such as Serafin: Cantos y Lagrimas, The Day Ricardo Falcon Died and The Miracle at Tepeyac. For Mr. Garcia, a great benefit has been having a group of artists available to collaborate in the creation process.
In addition to being an accomplished playwright, he is also a well respected director. In the 2005- 2006 season, he directed the world premieres of El Sol Que Tu Eres (Su Teatro/ University of Colorado-Denver), When Pigs Fly and Men Have Babies (Su Teatro/Los Locuranderos), Fear of a Brown Planet (Chicano Messengers of Spoken Word), and En Mis Palabras (Central City Opera); along with The Westside Oratorio. As a director, he has worked on both his original plays and many other works by Latino/Chicano playwrights. He is a past Theater Communications Group Directors fellow, in which he worked with El Teatro Campesino (San Juan Bautista,CA), the Los Angeles Theater Center, and the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center (San Antonio, TX).
Through Garcia’s words you learn about the Chicano experience, you learn history; you learn the story of the United Farmworkers, of the Ludlow massacre, and of a Mexicano immigrant who dies a lonely drunk. You learn pride in the story of Las Adelitas, of Lydia Mendoza, and in the young Chicana who travels to Mictlan for love. You learn about the politics of today and yesterday, you learn about a U.S. where no other culture is allowed, about the murder of Chicano Movement leader Ricardo Falcon, and about a barrio that was uprooted for a university.
His artistic vision, his commitment to his people and his determination have taken Su Teatro from a nomadic theater group to a multidisciplinary Cultural Arts Center and in route to a regional cultural center.
“Anthony Garcia’ s work with El Centro Su Teatro is characterized by a layered approach to community activism and artistic excellence. Born out of the Chicano movement, his artistic voice has alternately provided a lens and a mirror for Colorado’s Mexican and Chicano community, blending humor, music, and storytelling to provide multiple points of entry to a deeper reconsideration of the human condition as affected by current social and political realities” – Wesley V. Montgomery, US Artists Program, 2006
Tony attended the celebration of the USA Fellows this evening at the Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City, along with the other 49 fellows who included such artists as Singer Lourdes Portillo, Spoken Word Artist Mark Bamuthi Joseph, SITI Theater Company director Anne Bogart and Choreographer/Dancer Ronald Brown. El Centro Su Teatro will host a champagne reception in celebration of this prestigious honor on Saturday December 16, 2006. In addition, a party celebrating Tony and his accomplishments will kick off Su Teatro’s 35th Anniversary celebratory year in January.
For more information about United States Artists, and Mr. Garcia’s fellowship check out their website: www.unitedstatesartists.org or contact El Centro Su Teatro at (303) 296-0219.
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| | PAUL CURRAN JOINS CENTRAL CITY OPERA STAFF AS ARTISTIC CONSULTANT
Denver, Colo.— General/Artistic Director, Pelham (Pat) G. Pearce, is pleased to announce that Central City Opera has appointed Paul Curran as the company’s Artistic Consultant. “During my tenure with Central City Opera, I am proud to say that we have continued to broaden our reach internationally, both in our roster of artists and in our audiences that attend the festival,” states Pat Pearce. “As we look to the future during this anniversary year, we are thrilled to have Paul Curran join our staff. I consider him among the finest young directors in the field of opera today, and with his experience and contacts all over the world, I know his expertise will be invaluable as Artistic Consultant.”
A new position created for Mr. Curran, he will assist with scouting talent, specifically in Europe, and will aid Mr. Pearce in regards to planning repertoire for future festivals. An internationally-renowned stage director, Paul Curran will also direct upcoming opera productions for Central City Opera, beginning in 2008.
A native of Scotland, Paul Curran studied dance in London and Helsinki. He then went on to study Directing from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, Australia, where he graduated in the same class as actress Cate Blanchett. Mr. Curran assisted director/filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, known for his films such as “Strictly Ballroom,” “Romeo & Juliet” and “Moulin Rouge,” as well as for his re-invention of the opera La Boheme, filmed in 1993 for PBS’ Great Performances. Since then, he has gone on to direct all over the world, including at La Scala in Milan where his production of Tannhäuser in 2005 was lauded by Opera (Italy) as “A magnificently hit bullseye!...Dense and rarefied…this production flows with a powerful and expressive fluidity.” Additional companies where he has staged productions are Flanders Opera in Antwerp, Teatro Sao Carlos in Lisbon, at the Kirov Opera in St. Petersburg, London’s Royal Opera at Covent Garden and in addition to Central City Opera, in the United States at Santa Fe Opera, Chicago Lyric Opera and the Spoleto Festival. Recent credits include Il Trovatore in Tokyo, The Coronation of Poppea at the Benjamin Britten Music School, Royal College of Music London, with his next forthcoming engagements of Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk for Canadian Opera Company and Tosca for the Kirov Opera at the Mariinsky Theatre in Russia.
Mr. Curran made his Central City Opera and United States debut as stage director and set designer of Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2002). Paul Curran received accolades for his debut as “a winner in virtually every regard… Deserving much of the credit is stage director Paul Curran, who strikes just the right tone, adroitly balancing the competing levels of this story” by The Denver Post. He then returned to CCO to direct another successful production of Les Contes d’Hoffmann (2004). Also highly touted, the Rocky Mountain News wrote of Curran and the creative team, “They created a world of fantastic illusion that nimbly illustrates the deteriorating mind of a hopeless romantic.”
“Having worked closely with Pat (Pearce), I’m thrilled to be a part of his team to expand the borders of Central City Opera,” comments Paul Curran. “I think it’s great that Pat Pearce and the company recognize opera as a truly international art form.”
Quotes From the Field
Soprano, Sondra Radvanovsky
“I first worked with Paul Curran in Ancona, Italy with his production of Il Trovatore. Paul made me take away the standard "stock" movements that I do and made me really think more about the character as well as her feelings. His interpretation of the story was the first time I felt a director really "got" the heart of such a difficult opera. Leonora is a character I feel very close to but Paul really made her more a complete, living, breathing character with his direction. Overall, I really enjoyed developing a character with Paul and feel that he is a very strong but sympathetic leader. Central City Opera is very, very lucky to have Paul Curran working with them.”
Conductor, Steuart Bedford
“Central City Opera is to be congratulated on such a splendid appointment. Paul is a delight to work with and a real expert in his craft. He will be a tremendous asset to Central City Opera.”
Conductor, Jeffrey Tate
“Paul is a highly unusual mixture of energy& talent as director, musician and dancer: I have rarely worked with someone so fully equipped to deal with the complete operatic spectrum. We have worked together on two most successful productions and I have no doubt that his input to your company will be stimulating and imaginative at the highest level.”
2007 Festival Ticket Information
Central City Opera’s monumental 75th year is celebrated with the world premiere of Chinese opera, Poet Li Bai, presented in partnership with the Asian Performing Arts of Colorado as a special offering with only six performances. The company’s regular 2007 festival season features three new productions, including Verdi’s La Traviata, Massenet’s Cinderella and Menotti’s The Saint of Bleecker Street. Four operas will be presented in one festival for the first time in the history of Central City Opera during the 2007 Festival, which runs June 30 through Aug. 19. Subscriptions to see La Traviata, Cinderella and The Saint of Bleecker Street (with exclusive subscriber-only pricing for the world premiere of Poet Li Bai) start at just $107 and go up to $215. Single tickets go on sale Jan. 2, 2007 and range from $43 to $87. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Central City Opera Box Office at 303-292-6700; 800-851-8175 or go online to www.centralcityopera.org.
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Celebrating its 75th year in 2007, the Central City Opera House Association is the nation’s fifth-oldest opera company, located just 35 miles west of Denver in one of Colorado’s official National Landmark Historic Districts. The company continues to pursue its four-part mission to present artistically excellent professional opera; to offer career-entry training to young singers; to produce education and community service programs; and to preserve and maintain the Opera House and 30 other Victorian-era properties. For more information on Central City Opera, visit www.centralcityopera.org or call
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| | MAYOR HICKENLOOPER APPOINTS NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF DENVER OFFICE OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS
(DENVER) Mayor John Hickenlooper is pleased to announce that Jan Brennan, formerly of Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA), has been appointed Deputy Director of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs.
“I’m thrilled with the mix of skills that Jan brings to our team,” said Erin Trapp, Director of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs. “Her strong background in the non-profit and arts sectors means that she can seamlessly step in and help us fulfill our mission to advance the arts and culture in Denver.”
Prior to joining the staff, Jan Brennan was the Membership & Communications Director for Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA), promoting the arts as a tool for innovative and creative business success. Brennan recently headed CBCA’s Economic Activity Report on Metro Denver Culture, documenting the economic value of arts and cultural activities and organizations to the Denver metro region.
Jan brings a passion for the non-profit and cultural community. As Director of the Gill Foundation’s Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, she oversaw significant investments in Colorado’s art organizations and led development of a national model promoting branded philanthropy. Brennan also brings experience in corporate and non-profit communications and advocacy, having held positions with Vote for America, Pikes Peak Broadcasting and The Gazette newspaper in Colorado Springs.
Brennan is privileged to serve as a member of the Denver County Cultural Council directing Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) funding to local non-profit cultural organizations. She also serves on the Advisory Council of the Fine Arts Foundation and is a participant in the University of Colorado Leeds Business School’s 2007 50 for Colorado leadership program.
The mission of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs is to advance the arts and culture in the City and County of Denver.
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- MAYOR HICKENLOOPER LAUNCHES HOT DAM: ARTS AT ALTITUDE
(DENVER) Mayor Hickenlooper launched today Hot DAM: Arts at Altitude, a six-month collaborative initiative to promote regional arts activities supporting the opening of the Denver Art Museum’s new Frederic C. Hamilton Building. Accompanied by Lewis Sharp, Director of the Denver Art Museum, and Richard Scharf, President\CEO of the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Mayor announced the program website—www.ArtsAtAltitude.org—and the initiative’s first event—Best of Colorado exhibit at Denver International Airport.
Hot DAM: Arts at Altitude is a six-month celebration showcasing Denver’s thriving cultural scene utilizing the Denver Art Museum expansion as a catalyst to inspire and unify local arts organizations and art galleries to create simultaneous events and programs, focusing national and international attention on Denver. From September 2006 through March 2007, over 100 participating organizations will offer creative programming exemplifying the energy and innovation of the new Hamilton Building and the Denver Art Museum’s collections. The initiative is intended to increase public awareness of Denver’s cultural amenities through a focused promotional effort.
Hot DAM: Arts at Altitude topics include architecture, art, space, design, history and movement. Following are several examples of events taking place as part of the initiative:
On September 15th, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra will open its season with the world premiere performance of a commissioned piece, Refracted Skies, by composer Daniel Kellogg, commemorating the opening of the Hamilton Building
On September 28th, the Denver Art Dealers Association juried exhibition opens at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center featuring many works by artists in the Denver Art Museum collection
On October 21st, Opera Colorado, the Colorado Ballet and Tattered Cover Book Store present From the Page to the Stage featuring local celebrities reading from Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are celebrating the famed children's book illustrator and author
On January 21st, Colorado Chamber Players and the Clyfford Still Museum present The Tiger's Ear: Listening to Abstract Expressionist Paintings featuring Bruce Adolphe's music for strings, winds, and piano accompanied by slide show of paintings in this dynamic new performance
On February 10th, Stories on Stage and Art Students League of Denver present Words of Art featuring Denver’s top actors performing short fiction in front of a kaleidoscopic array of artwork produced by noted regional artists
The new Denver Art Museum complex opens on October 7th with a free, 35-hour opening celebration. The Frederic C. Hamilton Building, designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, will join the existing North Building to make the Denver Art Museum the largest comprehensive museum of art between Chicago and the West Coast. The Museum anticipates more than one million visitors from around the world in its first year after opening. “We are proud to welcome visitors not just to the Museum, but also to the many wonderful arts and cultural organizations throughout the city,” stated Lewis Sharp, Director of the Denver Art Museum.
Hot DAM: Arts at Altitude is a collaborative effort among the Denver Art Museum (DAM), Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA), Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB), local art galleries and nonprofit cultural organizations within the seven-county metro Denver area.
For complete Hot DAM: Arts at Altitude program descriptions and calendar listings, visit www.ArtsAtAltitude.org .
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Scientific and Cultural Facilities District Board Selects Suzanne "Sue" Bodis to be Recipient of the
2011 Rex Morgan Award
DENVER -The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Board of Directors at their meeting on September 22, 2011 selected Suzanne "Sue" Bodis of Aurora to be the recipient of the 2011 Rex Morgan Award. The award honors a person residing within the boundaries of the SCFD seven-county district whose volunteer leadership has been of significant impact to the cultural community. The award was named after Rex Morgan, an SCFD founder, who pursued a regional vision of cultural support for the benefit of the community.
Board Chairman, James Harrington, stated, "Nominations were received for nine deserving individuals, each with lengthy and significant accomplishments. While the Board salutes all the nominees, we selected Sue Bodis for her extensive leadership to numerous organizations over the past 30 years. Mrs. Bodis' efforts included her service as Board President of the Molly Brown House and service on commissions such as the Aurora Cultural Affairs Commission and the Art in Public Places Commission. She was also instrumental in the founding of the Aurora Museum Foundation. Additionally, Mrs. Bodis served for 16 years on the Arapahoe County Cultural Council."
Alice Lee Main, Executive Director of the City of Aurora Cultural Services Division and a nominator, stated, "We're so pleased that Sue's work on behalf of metro area citizens, which has impacted hundreds of cultural providers annually and enabled a vast array of programming for the citizens' enlightenment and enjoyment, is being recognized with this award."
The Rex Morgan Award will be presented to Mrs. Bodis at a community reception to be held on October 19, 2011 at the Chambers Grant Salon in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. All 2011 nominees will be acknowledged at the ceremony. In addition to Mrs. Bodis, they are: Katherine Bruno of Parker, Mary Jo Giddings of Arvada, Christopher Hunt of Denver, Patricia Jenkins of Littleton, Timothy Kelly of Denver, Carla Madison (posthumously) of Denver, Denise Sanderson of Denver, and JoAn Segal of Boulder. The Award ceremony will be preceded by the Dedication of the SCFD Rex Morgan Tribute, a sculpture created by Colorado artist, Patrick Marold, to honor the citizens of the district, the legacy of Mr. Morgan and the recipients of the Rex Morgan award.
Suzanne Bodis will join the roster of past Rex Morgan Award recipients:
2010 Floyd Ciruli
2009 Gully Stanford
2008 Bob Greenlee
2007 Maruca Salazar
2006 John Hayes
2005 Mike Moore
2004 Rosalie Keith
2003 Edward P. Connors
2002 Barry & Arlene Hirschfeld
2001 Harry T. Lewis, Jr.
2000 Wilbur Flachman
1999 Jane Hansberry
1998 Nancy Parker
Greater Denver Metro area voters created the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District in 1988 to provide public financial support to scientific and cultural organizations. Between 1989 and 2010, SCFD distributed over $668 million to more than 500 unique organizations via the 1¢ on $10 retail sales and use tax in the seven-county district. Counties within SCFD include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas (except for Castle Rock and Larkspur) and Jefferson. The SCFD facilitates distribution of the voter-approved tax funds to eligible organizations that provide for the enlightenment and entertainment of the public through the production, presentation, exhibition, advancement or preservation of art, music, theater, dance, zoology, botany, natural history or cultural history.
Further details on the Rex Morgan Award and Tribute can be found on the SCFD website at www.scfd.org .
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Northglenn, CO „o The Northglenn Arts and Humanities Foundation (NAHF) is pleased to announce that NAHF Director Michael Stricker has received two prestigious awards for his role as Jaime in Long Day’s Journey Into Night this past year at Paragon Theatre: Best Supporting Actor, Dramatic Role from the Denver Post; and Best Supporting Actor, Drama from local theatre, opera, and ballet reviewer David Marlowe. Michael is a Paragon Theatre co-founder, ensemble member, and Executive Director. 2010 Paragon Theatre productions The Sound of a Voice, The Real Thing, and (W)hole also won numerous awards.
Michael’s Paragon directing credits include A Moon for the Misbegotten, the world premier of (W)hole, and the Henry Award-winning Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune. Paragon acting credits include Long Day's Journey Into Night, The Mercy Seat, A Tuna Christmas, Mojo, Vieux Carre, Look Back in Anger, and The Night Heron. Michael has received several acting nominations from The Denver Post, Boulder Daily Camera and the Colorado Theatre Guild's Henry Awards, and received Best Actor nods from Colorado Backstage and Outfront Magazine. He has acted on professional and non-professional stages in Colorado and Illinois and has worked in film. Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre at the University of Northern Colorado. In Chicago he completed a one-on-one master acting class with Tony Award winner Rondi Reed at Steppenwolf Theatre. Michael is currently the Director of the Northglenn Arts and Humanities Foundation and Cultural Programs Supervisor for the City of Northglenn.
The Northglenn Arts and Humanities Foundation (NAHF) is a 501(c)3 organization that provides funding for quality youth theatre, public art, and other cultural endeavors in our community. NAHF was founded in 1990.
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PERFORMING ARTS DIRECTOR
The Fine Arts Center hires Scott Levy to lead Theatre Company
COLORADO SPRINGS (Jan. 31, 2011) – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center announces the appointment of Scott R.C. Levy as Producing Artistic Director of the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company and director of the performing arts department.
Levy has served as the Producing Artistic Director at the Penobscot Theatre in Bangor, Maine, since 2005, where he doubled box office receipts producing a seven-show season and directing many of the productions. Prior to his tenure in Maine, Levy was the co-producer of the Playwrights Horizons Theater School at New York University (2001-2005), and was a teaching artist with the Guggenheim Museum (1999-2005).
“We are delighted to have Scott join the staff at the Fine Arts Center,” said Sam Gappmayer, FAC President and CEO. “He brings a tremendous background to the theater company and will, I am confident, contribute deeply to our ongoing growth and development.”
Levy will begin his duties at the FAC on Monday, June 6.
· As a director, actor and/or producer, Levy has worked on, off and off-off Broadway, at the New York and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals and in over 60 cities across the United States and Canada.
· He developed a New Play Festival at the Penobscot Theatre, called Northern Writes, which receives submissions from around the country. The festival is now in its fifth year.
· The Penobscot Theatre also offers numerous workshops for all ages as well as the Penobscot Youth Theatre program.
· He holds a Master’s in Arts degree in Educational Theatre and a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in Acting, both from New York University.
· Levy has sought collaborative partnerships within the arts and culture community, by co-founding and chairing, Bangor Arts, and serving as Vice-Chair of the Great Bangor Convention and Visitors Bureau.
· For his work at Penobscot Theatre, Levy has received the community revitalization award from Maine Preservation, the organizational impact award from the Bangor CVB, Fusion Bangor’s Horizon Award and named to MaineBiz’s NEXT list, as one of the top 10 people shaping the future of Maine’s economy.
“Truthfully, I couldn't be more thrilled to become a part of the Fine Arts Center in Colorado Springs,” said Levy. “The rich history of the organization and the building coupled with the possibilities for the future are beyond fabulous. I can't wait to continue to build on the high-quality theatre and performing arts experiences that Colorado Springs audiences have been enjoying for 75 years. I'm honored by the news of this appointment and thank you for choosing me to be a part.”
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Su Teatro’s Executive Artistic Director awarded prestigious Livingston Fellowship
The Bonfils -Stanton Foundation announced its seventh class of the prestigious Livingston Fellowship awards. The 2011 class includes Su Teatro’s Executive Artistic Director Anthony J Garcia.
Livingston Fellows receive awards of $20,000 to enhance their leadership skills and an additional $5,000 supports related development activities. Since 2005, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation has funded 35 nonprofit executive fellowships. The fellowship experiences have included seminars at leading universities, visits to nationwide best-practice sites, mentoring with thought leaders, and executive coaching. Fellows from previous years will serve as mentors to the 2011 class, creating a growing network of inspired leaders to strengthen Colorado’s nonprofit community.
Garcia has served as the Executive Director of El Centro Su Teatro since 1989, wearing both administrative and artistic hats he has led Su Teatro from its roots of a nomadic acting troupe to a regional Cultural Arts Center. During his nearly forty years with Su Teatro, Tony has become a leader in the community, receiving numerous accolades for his artistic pursuits, he has also been active in the nonprofit sector. He served as a faculty member for the National Association Latino Arts and Culture Leadership institute for its first eight years, he is a consultant for the Colorado Creative Industries’ Peer Assistance Network, and has served on several grant panels for the CCA and NEA. He is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Western State Arts Federation, former Vice Chair of the NALAC Board of Directors, and is an associate professor at Metro State College of Denver. Garcia’s leadership and passion was the driving force that led Su Teatro from El Centro Su Teatro, its home for 21 years located at the Elyria Elementary School to its new home at the Denver Civic Theatre in El Corazon de la Ciudad, in the Santa Fe Drive Arts District.
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| | Denver’s Buntport Theater Company receives
Denver Center Theatre Company new play commission
for collaborative multimedia project
Watch 10 MINUTES TO CURTAIN http://www.denvercenter.org/10Minutes
DENVER – Denver Center Theatre Company Artistic Director Kent Thompson has commissioned Denver’s award-winning Buntport Theater Company to develop and create an original multimedia production. The Buntport ensemble will collaborate with DCTC Resident Multimedia Specialist Charlie Miller to develop this new work through the Denver Center’s new play development program. Announcing the commission, Thompson commented that “the Denver Center’s new play development program and technological resources will provide Buntport with the support and space to succeed in this ambitious project. We are excited to help the company explore new theatrical ground and are proud to support this highly original group of local theatre artists.”
The commissioned work will explore the life and inventions of Nikola Tesla, inventor of the radio and first alternating current power system and the visionary whose ideas inspired the fields of robotics, radar, computer science, and nuclear physics. In 1899, Tesla moved his research laboratory from New York to Colorado Springs where he spent a year performing high-voltage experiments before he ran out of money and returned to the east coast. Telsa later died penniless, alone and forgotten. This production will incorporate technology in unexpected ways and is intended to attract a new generation of theatergoers while engaging audiences that do not traditionally attend the theatre. Buntport will workshop the script in the early summer of 2010, culminating in a public reading at the Denver Center.
Buntport Theater Company is a unique six-person ensemble that has been writing, designing, and performing original work in Denver for nine seasons. The company members met as undergraduates at Colorado College and founded the company shortly after graduation. Often experimenting with form and content, they have created and produced 27 original productions including Kafka on Ice, Titus Andronicus! The Musical! and 100 episodes of a live bi-monthly sitcom. Buntport has garnered more than 50 awards including a number of “Best Theatre Season” awards from The Denver Post and Westword.
With funding from the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, Associate Artistic Director and Director of New Play Development Bruce K. Sevy and Dramaturg and Literary Manager Douglas Langworthy are developing one of America’s most ambitious new play commissioning programs with more than 20 works in development, many of which will be featured at future Colorado New Play Summits and eventually at the Denver Center and other national stages in full productions.
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| | The Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs offers our deep regrets at the recent passing of three important cultural figures in the metropolitan area. Jeffrey Nickelson, Paula Sperry and Doug Rosen created a rich legacy of contributions to our community and their loss will affect all of us greatly.
Jeffrey Nickelson was the Founder and Artistic Director of Shadow Theatre, the area’s only African-American theater company. More than a decade ago he began the operation with a $500 cash donation, and he grew the operation into the recently opened 169 seat state-of-the art facility located at 1468 Dayton St. in Aurora. As an actor, director and producer he received numerous awards and accolades, including the Denver Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2005, awarded to the Shadow Theatre Company for its visionary work. Jeffrey’s passion and desire to expand the artistic bar for all who came in contact with him have resulted in a model of inclusive excellence that we all can aspire to match.
Paula Sperry, originally from Wichita Falls, Texas, was a long time professor in the University of Denver Theatre Department. At the University Denver, she also taught in the Women’s College, in the Division of Arts and Humanities, and in the Gender and Women’s Studies program. She was an actress, director and producer whose commitment to theater spanned multiple decades. While at the University of Denver she was responsible for educating and launching the careers of many successful theater artists. As a producer in the 1980s, she opened up the Little Theatre at DU to local groups including Su Teatro and City Stage Ensemble to perform and produce original and risk taking productions.
Doug Rosen was a performer and teacher who worked at numerous theaters in the Denver area, including the Arvada Center, Town Hall Arts Center, in productions as diverse as Hair, God's Country, The Raft of the Medusa, Torch Song Trilogy and the Fantasticks. A graduate of the prestigious New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, he brought that training to a generation of young people for whom he was an inspiring influence.
The passing of these near-legendary individuals, within such a short time, has placed the arts community at center stage in the public’s consciousness, calling attention to the important role that the cultural arts continue to play in the life of our city and surrounding communities. Every day, thousands of artists in our community teach, entertain, challenge and console, all seeking to make the world we live in a better place. Jeffrey Nickelson, Paula Sperry and Doug Rosen are shining examples of that kind of work. We, as arts commissioners, are grateful and proud to live in a city in which these individuals chose to share their talents. All three served in many ways as the voice of disenfranchised communities, which tells us much about the arts as a vehicle for inclusion. Throughout their lives they used their art to heal us, and now we have to use what they taught us to heal our own pain in the wake of their passing.
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| | THE ART OF HENRY: 25 YEARS OF SCENERY AND COSTUME DESIGN
DESIGNS OF HENRY LOWENSTEIN, PATRIARCH OF DENVER THEATER
EXHIBITION ON DISPLAY AT DENVER CENTRAL LIBRARY
JANUARY 21 – MARCH 29, 2009
Denver -- The Denver Public Library today announced it will host an exhibition of more than 50 design renderings from one of Denver’s cultural pioneers, Henry Lowenstein. On display from January 21 – March 29, 2009, the exhibition will be on display at Denver Central Library, in the Gates Reading Room Gallery.
These expressive and well executed scenic and costume designs demonstrate Lowenstein’s remarkable creative output. Most of these renderings are gouache and ink of set and costume designs for Bonfils Theatre Main Stage Theatre and Children’s Theatre productions from 1956 to 1975, as well as designs for regional opera, ballet and special events. These pieces represent many aspects of theater design. These working drawings allowed for quick and accurate set construction. They reflect the considerable artistic talents of Henry Lowenstein in the pre-computer era and provide insight into creating the magic of good theater.
Henry Lowenstein played a major role in Denver’s long march from cow town to emerging sophisticated city. His story is a classic American immigrant saga, of a boy forced to leave his family to escape Nazi Germany’s Berlin in 1939 to England, and ultimately to the US in 1947 with no money and no education. He worked as a gravedigger and manual laborer in his early years in the United States. But Henry rose to become a major force in transforming Denver’s theater and cultural scene.
After serving in the Air Force he was admitted, in 1953, to Yale’s famous Drama School on the basis of one of his designs for a Kurt Weill production, without ever graduating from college. After Yale he was recruited by Helen Bonfils for the prestigious Bonfils Theatre on East Colfax Avenue. From 1956 to 1975 Lowenstein designed hundreds of plays, operas, and ballets. In 1967 he became general manager of the Bonfils Theater until retiring in 1986, and then created the Denver Civic Theatre where he designed and produced more than 90 shows of all types until again retiring in1995.
Henry Lowenstein lead the way by presenting quality and innovative arts from the emerging Native American, African, and Latino cultures. He delighted in presenting diverse programming ranging from Albee to Sondheim, Lerner and Loew to Puccini, Lorraine Hansberry to Neil Simon, and hosting performances by John Houseman’s City Center Acting Company, the Teatro Campesino, the Guthrie Theatre, and Black Arts West, as well as our homegrown Cleo Parker Robinson Dancers, the Covillo Parker Ballet Company (which evolved into the Colorado Ballet), and the National Chicano Dance Theatre. Henry was involved in more than 800 productions over his entire career.
Exhibition / Gallery Hours
Exhibition Name: “The Art of Henry: 25 Years of Scenery and Costume Design”
Exhibition Dates: January 21-March 29, 2009
Venue: Denver Central Library • Gates Reading Rm., Level Five • 10 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy. (80204)
Gallery Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon. – Tues. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat.
10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Wed. – Fri. 1 – 5 p.m., Sun.
Henry Lowenstein Exhibition: “The Art of Henry: 25 Years of Scenery and Costume Design”
Denver Central Library: Runs January 21 – March 29
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COMMENTS / IMAGES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
“Street Scene” 1953
When Henry became eligible for discharge from the US Air Force in 1953 he phoned the Yale Drama School to ask if he might be accepted without an undergraduate degree. They suggested that he send in a portfolio of his work. Although Henry had many samples from his years as Artist Illustrator for the US Air Force, he had nothing related to theatre. Having known Kurt Weill as a regular visitor to his parents’ apartment in Berlin in the 1920s, he designed Kurt Weill’s opera “Street Scene” that evening. A few days later they called to ask if he could be in New Haven the next Thursday to start the fall semester. Thus began his life in the world of theatre.
Around The World In 80 Days (1970)
The Bonfils version of Around the World in 80 Days was first presented on Broadway in the 1940s by Michael Todd with music by Cole Porter and Orson Welles in the lead role. It was a retelling of the Jules Verne 19th century classic with a script that depended on quick, visual cameo depictions of many locations. Aristocrat Phileas Fogg and his manservant Passepartout attempted to win a bet by accomplishing the impossible and circumnavigate the earth within 80 days.
The action had to flow smoothly without noticeable breaks while almost constantly changing scenery. Henry used a full stage, speed and direction- controlled treadmill style belt to move sets, props, and people, across the stage, while a 30-ft. roll of acetate film with hand painted images scrolled across a projector focused on the backdrop. Directed by Bob Ba
Denver Public Library
Open daily; closed on major holidays. Denver's award-winning public library features a whimsical Children's Library, Summer of Reading programs; storytimes, public computers and cultural programming for children and adults. DPL holds world-class Western History materials including art, maps, rare books and manuscripts.
www.DenverLibrary.org
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| | DENVER OFFICE OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS ANNOUNCES
2008 RECIPIENTS OF MAYOR’S AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS
Free community reception February 18
(DENVER) Mayor John Hickenlooper, the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs and Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs are pleased to announce the 2008 recipients of the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts. The 2008 honorees are Charles Burrell, Denver Young Artists Orchestra, Su Teatro and The Bloomsbury Review. In addition, the Mayor’s Cultural Legacy Award will be presented to Noël Congdon. More information on the honorees is included below.
The 2008 Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts reception will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 14th St. & Curtis St. Mayor Hickenlooper will present the awards to the honorees at the event. The public is invited to attend this free community celebration. Seating will be first-come, first-served; no RSVP necessary.
Performances for the evening will include: Rocky Mountain Children’s Choir, Sweet Edge Dance Company and Purnell Steen & Le Jazz Machine.
Since 1986, the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts annually recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions to the arts in the City and County of Denver.
2008 Awardees:
Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts
Charles Burrell
Growing up in Detroit, jazz and classical bassist Charles Burrell fell in love with music early. “I wanted to be the first Black to play in a major orchestra so my Black brothers would have someplace to go,” stated Burrell. His first bass teacher, principal bassist of the Detroit Symphony, agreed to teach him on the condition that he promise not to play the classics. He practiced the forbidden pieces at home.
Burrell attended the New England Conservatory of Music before serving for four years in the Navy. He later completed his degree requirements at Wayne State University in Detroit, only to be told by the Administrator for the Detroit School System that a Black would not teach music there as long as he was Administrator.
Burrell came to Denver in 1949 to pursue his teaching certification. He joined the Denver Symphony shortly thereafter, helping to break the color barrier for orchestras nationwide. Burrell set a musical standard of excellence for himself and others, mentoring many, including family members George Duke and Dianne Reeves to successful careers.
At 88 years old, Burrell continues to share his gift with the people of Denver.
Denver Young Artists Orchestra
Denver Young Artists Orchestra (DYAO) was founded in 1977 and has become one of the country’s leading youth orchestras. DYAO’s mission is to provide the finest possible youth orchestra programs, inspiring and educating young musicians through the performance of great works of music and offering valuable cultural opportunities to the community.
DYAO’s Music Director is Scott O’Neil, associate conductor of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. DYAO’s more than 170 musicians form three ensembles, DYAO, the Conservatory Orchestra, and the String Ensemble. Members range in age from 8 to 23, and represent over 60 schools from across Colorado. Each season DYAO presents seven concerts in venues such as Boettcher Concert Hall.
DYAO is Colorado’s only youth orchestra to perform “side-by-side” with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, DYAO has performed numerous international concert tours, most recently to Argentina in 2007. Alumni of DYAO have matured into performing with prestigious orchestral organizations such as the Chicago and Boston Symphonies.
DYAO has a strong commitment to reach out to the community through a variety of outreach programs, including providing free tickets to senior centers, schools and nonprofit organizations. Last year DYAO reached nearly 10,000 people through its combined activities.
Su Teatro
Su Teatro was formed in 1972 in a University of Colorado classroom and quickly became an important artistic arm of the Chicano self-identity and civil rights movement of the time. Su Teatro is the third oldest Chicano theater company still in existence—after Teatro Campesino and Teatro Esperanza—and has been recognized as a significant force in both the Chicano arts aesthetic and American Theater. Su Teatro’s mission is to create, produce and promote theater and other art that celebrates the experiences, history, language and heritage of Latinos in the U.S. and the Americas.
In 1989, Su Teatro emerged as the larger cultural arts center, El Centro Su Teatro. They expanded their offerings to include annual projects such as the XicanIndie FilmFest: Latino World Cinema, Neruda Poetry Festival, which includes the Barrio Slam competition, St. Cajetan’s Reunification Project, Chicano Music Festival and Auction and a multi-tiered arts education program called the Cultural Arts Institute.
The organization is poised to expand once again with the purchase of a new space on Santa Fe Drive in Denver’s historic Westside neighborhood. Though the organization continuously experiments with form and content, Su Teatro remains committed to education, social justice and community enrichment.
The Bloomsbury Review
The Bloomsbury Review (TBR) is a book magazine based in Denver, published since 1980 and distributed across the U.S. and Canada.
Tom Auer had the idea for the magazine when he was a student at DU in the 1970s working in a bookstore/pool hall by the campus. There he had the opportunity to read many excellent books that no one had ever heard of and did not buy. Auer decided to publish a review of these books featuring new and underappreciated writers from small, large, regional, and university presses. Over the years, TBR has been blessed to have friends, volunteers and interns, many long-standing, who come together in a wonderful, ever-changing synergy to produce this magazine.
Tom, sadly, died in 2001 at the age of 50—but the Auer family and his extended literary family, always involved and supportive, continue his dream. The community he created and that we celebrate spans the world in terms of writers, readers and reviewers, but its heart has always been in the independent spirit of the American West.
Mayor’s Cultural Legacy Award
Noël Congdon
For more than 40 years, Noël Congdon has played a leadership role in the growth of both the fine and performing arts in Colorado. Her work has transformed the physical cultural infrastructure in the city of Denver, helping to create the vibrant cultural landscape enjoyed by today’s citizens.
Congdon was an energetic backer of the Trident Theatre’s pioneering efforts to establish a permanent, professional repertory company in Denver. In the 1980s she served on the Advisory Council of the Denver Center Theater Company. She joined the Board of Opera Colorado at its inception, continuing in this capacity for 20 years.
Involved in community development for more than a decade, Congdon is a past director of the Westside Economic Development Corporation. She served as a consultant to the Downtown Denver Partnership on the 16th St. Mall project.
Congdon chaired the Board of Trustees of the Colorado Rocky Mountain School in Carbondale from 1979 to 1985. She also chaired the then Denver Commission on Art, Culture and Film (now Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs) under both Mayors Webb and Hickenlooper, as well as serving as a trustee of the Denver Civic Arts Foundation, spearheading the commission of some of the city’s most beloved works of public art. In addition, Congdon was a trustee of the Aspen Music Festival and school for 12 years and chair from 1996 to 2000.
Noël and Tom Congdon have two daughters and four grandchildren.
The mission of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs is to advance the arts and culture in the City and County of Denver. www.denvergov.org/DOCA
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| | Chameleon Stage Announces its Newest Member
Denver, Colorado, March 1, 2008-Chameleon Stage, the local playwright driven theatre group, is proud to announce that Warren Goldie has joined Chameleon Stage as its newest member.
Warren Goldie was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in Baltimore. His first play, Trenches, was produced in at Fell's Point Theatre in Baltimore, and he was a featured playwright in the Playwrights Showcase of the Western States, 2007. He has worked as a writer for Steven Spielberg’s Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation and as a script analyst for Bedford Falls Company in Santa Monica, Calif. His first novel, Waking Maya, published in 2008, won Book of the Month honors at Bookview.com.
Chameleon Stage is a theatre company dedicated to producing original stage readings and work involving the playwright as an integral part of the production process, and to fostering new plays, new playwrights, and audiences for new plays. The Chameleon Stage Playwrights are: Tami Canaday, William Missouri Downs, Judy GeBauer, Warren Goldie, Joan Golden, Ellen K. Graham, Steve Hunter, Leroy Leonard, Ben Mendell, and Tracy Shaffer Witherspoon. Chameleon Stage Members at large are: Jeannene Bragg, Olivia Laney Edwards, and Pat Gabridge
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| | Denver Center Commissioned Playwright
Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder wins
American Theatre Critics Association
Osborn Award
Gee’s Bend currently at DCTC
DENVER – The American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA) has named Gee’s Bend playwright Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder the winner of its 2007 M. Elizabeth Osborn New Play Award for an emerging playwright.
The award was presented to Elyzabeth, a Denver Center Commissioned Playwright, at the Humana Festival of New American Plays at Actors Theatre of Louisville on March 29.
Denver Center Theatre Company Artistic Director Kent Thompson, who commissioned Wilder to write Gee’s Bend when he was artistic director at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, said, “I'm delighted that Elyzabeth has received this award – she is a remarkable young playwright. Elyzabeth writes with such authenticity – she has the Southerner's love of idiosyncratic language and story-telling. I expect great things from Elyzabeth and know this award will help her achieve them.”
From the official press release –
While the award is based in part on Wilder's career, it focuses on her 2007 play, Gee's Bend, which depicts the turbulent history of African Americans in the 20th century by focusing on a single family in the real community of Gee's Bend, Alabama. Although it is fiction, Wilder did on-the-ground research with the women of the town who earned national recognition through exhibits of the quilts made by several generations.
Wilder was told by quilter Mary Lee Bendolph, “Just write it honest.” Even in an early reading, the play moved Orlando Sentinel critic Elizabeth Maupin to write, “Gee's Bend is a lovefest – between the characters and the land they live on, between the actors and the characters they're portraying, between the play and the audience.”
The Osborn award is designed to recognize the work of an author who has not yet achieved national stature - e.g., has not had a significant New York production, been staged in more than a few regional theaters or received other major national awards. Last year's Osborn Award went to Ken LaZebnik, author of Vestibular Sense.
The Osborn Award was established in 1993 to honor the memory of Theatre Communications Group and American Theatre play editor M. Elizabeth Osborn. It carries a $1,000 prize, funded by the Foundation of the American Theatre Critics Association. Honorees are recognized in The Best Plays Theater Yearbook, the annual chronicle of United States theatre edited by Jeffrey Eric Jenkins, now in its 89th year. Making the selection from plays nominated by ATCA members is the ATCA New Plays Committee, which also selects honorees for the Harold and Mimi Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award. –
Wilder is working on a new commissioned work for the Denver Center Theatre Company, whose working title is The Bone Orchard.
This is the second time the Osborn Award has been presented to a Denver Center Commissioned Playwright. In 2001, S.M. Shephard-Massat won the award for the Denver Center world premiere Waiting to Be Invited.
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| | Kurt Lewis producer ad owner of the CROSSROADS THEATRE announced today the naming of Hektor Munoz AS THE DIRECTOR OF NEW WORKS. Munoz will handle day-to-day operations and work closely with NEW RESIDENT PLAYWRIGHT JONSON Y. KUHN. Together they will develop and create new works to showcase both new and established artists.
In addition Munoz will curate art exhibits in the new exclusive CROSSROADS THEATRE “ARCOS AZULES” gallery. Opening Friday, August 1, 2008 is the long awaited BOYS IN THE LABYRINTH OF PAN, featuring new artwork by Adam Buehler, Brian D. Curran, Chadstract, Jon Kiricos and Eric Whitfield, and featuring a new performance piece “FAUNO URBANO” by Hektor Munoz.
Born in Mexico, raised in Texas and first produced in New York City by The African American Players and The Black Theatre Alliance at the age of 18, Munoz is a graduate of the Metropolitan College of Denver, where he graduated with honors and a double major in COMMUNICATONS and CHICANO STUDIES, where he received the ESPIRITU DE ATZLAN award for community service. In 2002, he received the DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PEACE AWARD for community service. Most recently he was a finalist in the COLORADO ROCKIES HISPANIC LEADERSHIP AWARD where a game was dedicated to him on September 16th, 2007.
As an artist Munoz’ work has been produced, exhibited and censored throughout the United States and Mexico. While in New York City, he had the honor of sharing a stage with Allan Ginsburg and Andy Warhol. His poetry has been published throughout the United States, since he was 13, where he was published in “YOUNG AMERICA SINGS.”
His impressive resume includes teaching poetry and art to children throughout the city, most recently with CROSSROADS ANCHOR PROJECT, a community art workshop, where he donates his time.
His paintings and installations have stirred up controversy, anger and sometimes laughter. His short films and some performances may be seen on youtube.com/hektorm and some of his poetry may be seen on myspace.com/hektormunoz.
In October 2007, his work PENISES TACOS and OTHER MEXICAN FOODS, was produced by GLBT Student Services of Auraria, Ink,etc. productions, Jordan river Productions and CENSORED by the CHICANO HUMANITIES and ARTS COUNCIL, where he was a member.
He is currently a MASTERS of HUMANITIES Candidate at University of Colorado Denver.
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| | Red Rocks Community College Faculty Named Theatre Educator of the Year
LAKEWOOD, CO – Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) faculty member Pamela Jamruszka Mencher has been chosen by the Alliance for Colorado Theatre (ACT) as the 2008 Colorado Higher Education Theatre Educator of the Year. A professional organization for theatre educators, ACT recognizes instructors for their outstanding achievements in theatre education and within the community at large.
Mencher, a RRCC faculty member since 1986, is the founder and director of the college’s Theatre Arts and Dance department, the most comprehensive theatre education program at a two-year college in the state of Colorado. Since 1991, Mencher also has served in varying capacities on the Board of Directors for the Rocky Mountain Theatre Association (RMTA), including roles as President and Director for Grants and Development.
Recent endeavors by Mencher include producing the 19-state Playwrights Showcase of the Western Region in 2004, 2005, and 2007 with the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities; co-hosting RMTA’s annual conference in January 2008 with the Lakewood Cultural Center; and creating a world premiere production of original works co-presented by RRCC Theatre Arts and Dance and the E-Project, the resident company at the E-Vent Center in Lakewood, Colorado.
In addition to her professional activities and teaching a variety of practical college classes such as Acting Skills for Trades and Business and Playwriting, Mencher is also an actor, playwright, director, and costume and set designer.
Since 1969, Red Rocks Community College has delivered quality education to students of all ages and backgrounds. RRCC offers more than 150 programs and 650 courses leading to two-year degrees or professional certificates. RRCC serves 13,000 students per year at campus locations in Lakewood and Arvada.
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| | NEW FAC CEO
NEW FAC CEO
Sam Gappmayer will lead the Fine Arts Center as director
COLORADO SPRINGS (Aug. 18, 2008) – The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center announces the appointment of Sam Gappmayer as Chief Executive Officer today.
Gappmayer, who has over 20 years experience as a curator and museum director, will come to Colorado Springs from the Sun Valley Center for the Arts in Ketchum, Idaho, where he served as the Executive Director since 2002.
"I’m completely honored by the invitation," said Gappmayer, "I was drawn to the Fine Arts Center for many reasons: the beautiful, iconic building; the unique multidisciplinary nature of the Center; and the strong and dedicated staff and community volunteers.
"Plus, I have a strong affinity to the Rocky Mountain Corridor; I grew up in Montana and I have a tremendous appreciation for the art and culture of the region."
Gappmayer replaces Shawn Raintree, who has been serving the FAC as the Interim President/CEO since September of 2007. Gappmayer is expected to begin his duties in early October.
"Sam Gappmayer has a significant history of achievement in taking the arts organizations he has served to higher ground," said Jon Stepleton, Chair of the FAC Board of Trustees. "And he has done so in a highly collaborative way, with great integrity, openness and sense of community connection.
"He truly understands and shares the high aspirations of the FAC in our museum, performing arts and education programming. Throughout the interview process, the Search Committee and staff found Sam to be an individual with vision, integrity and boundless energy for the arts. Sam is an engaging relationship-builder. We are on our way to becoming an even more extraordinary place of discovery and inspiration."
At the Sun Valley Center for the Arts, Gappmayer was known for his innovative, community-oriented collaborations and strategic partnerships with programming. This approach resulted in sustainable growth; the Sun Valley Center more than doubled its annual income from 2002 through 2008.
The Center, under Gappmayer’s direction, has featured:
- • World-class art by leading contemporary artists such as Shahzia Sikander, Walton Ford and Kiki Smith in exhibition galleries in both Ketchum and Hailey;
- • A Performing Arts department that offers classical music, dance, film and a summer concert series that has included Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett;
- • An Education Program with classes, workshops and lectures that has featured humanists and authors like Dr. E.O. Wilson, Terry Tempest Williams and Louise Erdrick;
- • An annual wine auction was recently recognized by Wine Spectator as the seventh best charity wine auction in the country; net income tripled for the event in six years;
- • Plus, an annual Arts & Crafts Festival currently in its 40th year.
SAM GAPPMAYER BIO
Prior to his position at the Sun Valley Center, Gappmayer was the Executive Director at the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center (1999-2002), Fresno Art Museum (1996-1999), and Salt Lake Art Center (1992-1996). He has mounted exhibitions ranging in scope from regional to national in focus and has served as guest essayist for a number of outside projects. He is very active as a volunteer within his community, including work with the American Red Cross, the Rotary Club, Muscular Dystrophy and more. He serves on the board of the Idaho Humanities Council and has served two years on the Western Museum Association’s annual meeting planning committee. He earned a BA in visual arts from Montana State University (1982) and an MA in Art History from the University of Oregon (1984). He enjoys rock climbing, sailing, astronomy and reading. Sam and his wife, Ann, have five children: Katherine, Michael, Thomas, Matthew and Benjamin. | |
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| | Donald Todd was an accomplished educator, theatre director and stage actor who always strove for excellence and to instill that same quality in the students he taught, the actors he directed as well as to those he privately mentored after his early retirement.
After a distinguished career as a college instructor at Morehouse, Spelman and other black colleges was cut short by bone cancer, Mr Todd, or B'wana Todd, as many of his protege artists called him, returned to Denver and taught many in his unassuming home on Humbolt Street near Manual High School in the 1980's.
He tutored or mentored to a list of those who would read like a who's who of accomplished African-American performing artists in Denver. Jo Bunton Keel, Reynelda Muse, Donnie Betts, Jeffery Nickleson, Hugo Sales, among others, even Cleo Parker Robinson says that he mentored her through her father - the two were good friends. Jo Bunton Keel called her theatre company The Donald Todd Theatre, before re-naming it Eulipions.
Unusually strong willed, he reportedly lived longer and more productively with this particular bone cancer than any known medical patient.
Now, 20 years after his passing in July 1988, and years after the construction of the Blair Caldwell African American History and Research Library, his effects are being donated to this library, having languished for years in boxes in the homes of Damani B Camara and Mary Beth Mitchell.
This all after David McClinton, Artistic Director for Brooks Center Arts and a one time youthful mentee of Todd and a fellow DU alumus, sought to plan an honorarium event for him and learned of these effects whereabouts in talking to many concerned individuals around town.
"I've encouraged and arranged for the donation of these items and have coordinated with the library to receive them and we are working to start a biographical-historical file on this one time local legend of an educator and thespian."
The items include the many books from the library of a top drawer educator, director and actor, news clippings, photograhs and the Denver Post Larry Tajiri Award trophy as well as a United Negro College Fund award trophy and others.
With Charleszine Terry Nelson, Curator-Manager of the historical and research floors of the library, we are also planning and seeking grant funding for an honorarium reception event and speaking engagement at the Blair Caldwell Library to be called "Rememberance" - where those who are the many he touched will be invited to speak, share their rememberances and some to possibly perform.
Those involved include admirer Gully Stanford and colleague Henry Lowenstien, who has provided his photos on CD for donation to the library, taken from Donald Todd's last theatrical effort, which was staged at Bonfils Theatre in the 1981-82 season. A play appropriately enough entitled Rememberance, in which he portrayed the lead role, a teacher of like temprament set in the Carribbean.
We can plan for the event to take place within about a year - further updates will be sent out.
- David McClinton
A biographical brief on Donald Todd is below...
Donald Todd
1927-1988
Manual HS - Denver
BA & MA - University of Denver
Credo: "Strive for excellence"
Taught: Spelman; Morehouse; Atlanta Univ; Lincoln Univ (Missouri); Wiley College (Tex); Southern Univ (Louisiana); CU Denver - in semi retirement.
Educational Leadership Award from UNCF
Best Director at Arvada One-Act Festival
Denver Post Tajiri Award for Performing Arts
Colo Council of the Arts & Humanities Artist of the Year Award
EDen Theatrical Workshop Director's Award.
Who's Who in the West
Who's Who Among Black Americans
Dictionary of International Biography
Dictionary of American Scholars
International Who's Who In Education
"One of the most productive directors in Colorado History"
Donald Todd Theatre, dedicated to his honor, later became Eulipions
Productions of note:
The Dutchman, award winning, first interracial cast at Arvada One-Act Festival.
Behold The Vandekellens Cometh - contributing to William Mackey's success as a playwright.
The Revolutionist by Corkey Gonzales, which toured Colorado & raised funds for migrant workers cause. | |
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| | NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NAMED FOR TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER
The Board of Directors of downtown Littleton’s Town Hall Arts Center (THAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nancy Stalf as Executive Director. Nancy recently returned to the Denver metro area following six years in Grand Junction where she was Executive Director of the United Way of Mesa County.
Prior to that, Nancy was associated with a number of local arts organizations, including the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, the Colorado Children’s Chorale and the Central City Opera House Association.
Ed Chambers, President of the THAC Board, said, “We are delighted that Ms. Stalf has joined our talented staff. The board looks forward to working with her as we continue to develop our full potential.”
In addition, Catherine Lambert has been named Director of Operations for THAC.
Now in its 27th season, The Town Hall Arts Center provides family entertainment with theatre, music and dance productions presented in the intimate setting of the historic Town Hall building on Littleton’s Main Street. The current show, The Full Monty, runs through October 26th. For further information about the entire season, visit www.townhallartscenter.com .
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THEATREWORKS Takes it Up a Notch, Becomes Only Professional Actors' Equity Theater in the Region
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We are proud to announce that THEATERWORKS has executed a seasonal agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. We are the first theater in the Pikes Peak Region to operate under a seasonal agreement with Equity.
The Small Professional Theater Agreement (SPT Tier 5) is the standard contract for developing regional theaters and enables the theater to engage as many AEA actors as needed. Non-union actors will still be eligible to work for THEATREWORKS as long as the minimum number of Equity contracts are satisfied.
“We pursued this agreement when it became clear that we wanted to hire more professional actors than our current “casual” contracts would allow,” says THEATREWORKS Executive Director, Drew Martorella. “In the ensuing negotiations with Equity, we arrived on a contract used for developing theaters, the Small Professional Theater Contract. This agreement will enable us to engage more top quality artists from around the country. Furthermore, this will “raise the bar” for our regional non-Equity artists as well."
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Evergreen Players Goes International with Parallel Lives!
The Evergreen Players will perform Parallel Lives as the showcase event at an International Theater Festival at the Roadside Theater in Heidelberg, Germany. This festival features a weekend full of one act plays from around the world from October 5-9, 2011. Evergreen Players is the only US theatre company to be invited to Heidelberg for this year’s festival.
On March 12, 2011the Evergreen Players' production of "Parallel Lives" took top honors at the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) Regional Theater Festival. The show went on to the National Festival in Rochester, New York, June 22-26, 2011. Only twelve companies around the country are chosen to participate at the National Festival.
Evergreen Players received their invitation shortly after returning from New York. The invitation to perform in Germany was extended by Jim Sohre who has been the Army Europe Command Entertainment (Theatre and Music) Director since 1995, first in Heidelberg, and currently in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Jim is the Region X Representative on the American Association of Community Theatre Board (AACT) and chairs the International Committee.
Lisa DeCaro, the President of Evergreen Players, stated, “We are the only show from the United States to participate in this festival! This is such a great honor and we are appreciative and thankful for the worldwide recognition we have received.”
Board member John Davis tells us, “There is a flurry of activity as we get ready to take Parallel Lives to Germany. We just received confirmation that the proper licensing agreements have been completed allowing us to perform the production. While this was not a concern, it is nice to know that we are now legal to perform the production. This is an easy step in the United States but a little more difficult with a performance in Germany,”
Gail Montgomery, one half of the Parallel Lives team, leaves for Germany this week. Lisa DeCaro and director Len Matheo leave early next week.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHnzcxoB6Fo&feature=youtu.be
THE ROADSIDE THEATER, HEIDELBERG & THE OFF MAIN STREET THEATRE,
The Heidelberg/Mannheim Entertainment Branch is a part of the U.S. Army Garrison Baden-Württemberg Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation program. Since 1957, they have served servicemen, their families, civilians, and their invited guests in and around the Heidelberg area.
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| | DENVER’S DIVISION OF THEATRES AND ARENAS TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING FOR
CROSSROADS THEATRE ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 12
DENVER, CO — January 6, 2010 — The City and County of Denver’s Division of Theatres and Arenas will hold a public meeting to discuss the operation of Crossroads Theatre in Five Points. The 100-seat venue was recently acquired by the City agency, and rather than take possession of the space with a programming agenda already in place, Theatres and Arenas will gather community input to determine how the Five Points and local performing arts communities would like to see the space utilized. Theatres and Arenas intends to provide a venue where these communities can develop organic, sustainable programming that will enhance the cultural economy in Denver, while promoting and preserving the heritage of the neighborhood surrounding Crossroads Theatre.
WHAT: Public meeting to discuss the future programming and operation of
Crossroads Theatre in Five Points
WHEN: Tuesday, January 12, 2010
6 – 8 PM
WHERE: Crossroads Theatre, 2590 Washington Street, Denver, 80205
Business owners and members of the Five Points community, neighbors, arts groups and members of the media are invited to participate in this conversation with City officials and Theatres and Arenas staff.
The City of Denver’s Division of Theatres and Arenas owns and operates Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the Colorado Convention Center and the historic Denver Coliseum. For more information visit www.redrocksonline.com, www.artscomplex.com, www.denverconvention.com and www.denvercoliseum.com.
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The founders of Gravity Defied Theatre are excited to announce a new leap into our future! With an incredible bright future ahead of us, this leap comes with many new changes, including the formation of a new production company. We are pleased to introduce to you our new organization, Lucent Performing Arts! Under that organization we will bring you Ignite Theatre and later this year, Lucent Performing Arts will launch a second program called Illumination, a Theatrical Show Choir ensemble à la the hugely successful television series, Glee.
Our mission is to “Connect and Strengthen our Community through the Performing Arts.” We will do this by sparking passion and creating connections in all of our productions. We will also continue to produce outreach performances for the community, benefiting other nonprofit organizations and continuing to make our communities stronger and to help those in need.
With this new name, mission and focus we will continue to bring you the hottest productions. Not only will we continue our incredible season, including Edges of Love, Pippin and A Chorus Line, but we’re ecstatic to be able to announce that in 2012 we will present our first nonmusical piece called The Busy World is Hushed, directed by Bernie Cardell, as well as the Tony Award winning Spring Awakening in August 2012. Please visit our new website www.lucentperformingarts.orgor www.ignitetheatre.com.
Since 2009, the founders of Gravity Defied Theatre have brought you amazing productions under the wing of Rocky Mountain Arts Association. Due to incredible growth and a need to focus on our new mission and direction, we are moving up on our own, and the leaders of Lucent Performing Arts know that our new structure is what we need to better meet the artistic needs of our community. We wish Rocky Mountain Arts Association well.
Again, please visit our new web pages at www.lucentperformingarts.orgor www.ignitetheatre.com, visit and “Like” our new Facebook Page (Find Ignite Theatre) and please refer all of your friends to sign up for our new email list. There is still a lot of construction in progress!
We have Defied Gravity, and now we are ready to set your passion ablaze.
Welcome to Lucent Performing Arts and Ignite Theatre! See you in the audience!
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Just In Case You Missed It...
Paragon Theatre Has A New Home!
That's right! Paragon will kick off its 11th season in its new home
located in the fast-growing RiNo Arts District at
2810 Larimer Street.
At our new space we will offer our patrons comfortable auditorium seating,
air conditioning, gated private parking and terrific acoustics!
We hope you are as excited as we are! Stay updated on our progress by liking us on Facebook and keep your eyes open for more email blasts!
If you missed the article in The Denver Post here is the link
http://www.denverpost.com/theater/ci_18957045
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DENVER’S SECRET BURIED TREASURE: WHO IS THE NTC?
Sean Lyons
National Theatre Conservatory
Class of 2010
Hello Denver, our name is NTC, also known as the National Theatre Conservatory, and I don’t think we’ve met. It’s unfortunate our friends in New York and Los Angeles haven’t told you about us. We’ve been living in your backyard for over 25 years now, attached to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Due to lack of funding, the Denver Center has determined it can no longer afford our program. As of 2012, the National Theatre Conservatory will no longer be in existence, so I think we should try and get to know each other with the little time we have left.
Who we are:
We are a 3 year graduate theatre program that culminates in a master’s degree in fine arts. We are a student body of 3 different classes comprised of 28 elite actors - the top 1.5% of auditioned applicants. We are the future of American Theatre, and we live here, in Denver. The NTC is one of over a hundred MFA acting programs in the country, and according to “mfaactor.com” we’re one of the “big 10,” and according to “studydiscussions.com” we’re currently ranked in the top 4.
What we do:
For the first two years of our education, we train twelve hours a day six days a week. We study the craft of acting: how to exist truthfully under imaginary circumstances. We study characterization: the physicality, idiosyncrasies, habits, speech patterns, and vocal placements of people in order to portray anyone on stage. We study voice and speech. We study and analyze the classical texts of Shakespeare, Chekhov, and Moliere to name a few. We study the movement technique of Skinner Releasing which teaches us a grace and fluidity on stage. We study various dance disciplines as well as multiple forms of stage combat. We are also the only MFA program to study low-flying trapeze, a unique acrobatic training which lends itself beautifully to the storytelling process. In our final year of study, we join the Denver Center Theatre Company. We work behind the scenes, as understudies and as full cast members, honing our craft in professional productions. It is a unique opportunity to be taught and mentored by professionals in our trade while, in return, providing a youthful energy and vitality to the productions and the acting company at large. Finally, we complete our training with a showcase of our talent in New York City before agents, casting directors, and other industry elite, creating the first link to our professional career.
What makes us special:
Our faculty. The Dean of the National Theatre Conservatory, Daniel Renner, has spent his long career acting, directing, producing, teaching, and involving himself in the arts administration of regional theatres throughout the country. He is nationally recognized as an innovator in his field and has been a key element in creating a cohesive program at the NTC. We are blessed to have two master acting professors, Lawrence Hecht and Sabin Epstein, who have a combined teaching experience of over 70 years. Before the NTC, they successfully ran the American Conservatory Theatre graduate program in San Francisco until Mr. Hecht came to Denver and Mr. Epstein moved elsewhere, ending up at the University of San Diego Old Globe graduate program. They finally reunited full-time in 2009 to lead an excellent core staff: Acting professor Ashlee Temple from Yale, Voice and Speech professor Michael Cobb from Harvard ART, and Movement and Trapeze professor Bob Davidson, a world renowned trapeze artist and master teacher of the Releasing Technique for more than 30 years.
Our financial freedom. Not only are we the premiere training program within the Rocky Mountain region, we are one of the few that provide such training for free. This plays a large factor when faced with the economic realities of the professional acting world. According to the SETC 2009 presentation by Tom Loughlin of SUNY Fredonia and Scott Walters of UNC Asheville, 85.2% of Equity actors are unemployed during any given week; 55.1% of Equity actors didn’t work at all last season; and the mean annual income for an Equity actor who did work last season was $7,340. While the NTC ranks among the biggest names of top graduate programs in the country such as Yale, Julliard, and NYU, on average, each of these other programs costs over $40,000 dollars a year to attend. The National Theatre Conservatory is fully scholar-shipped. This allows the NTC to select the most gifted, diverse, and well-rounded students regardless of their ability to pay into the program, thus allowing each student to focus solely on their craft without being burdened by over $100,000 of debt upon graduation.
Our ensemble. At the end of the three year tenure at the NTC, a graduating class will have worked with the students who entered the program before and after them in skills classes, scene studies, and projects. For example, last year the first and second year classes combined to work together and perform in the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical known as HAIR in a way you’d never see on Broadway. Our projects consist of a completely collaborative process with simple costumes, minimal props, and whatever set we can scrap together from tables, chairs, and benches. And despite our $50 dollar budget given for each project, the story still gets told, also devoid of gender and racial boundaries. Over one third of our student body is African-American, a rare site within the graduate theatre world today. But most importantly, we are a family. We learn from each other. We support each other. We love each other. Over 500 applicants wanted to be a part of our family next year, but a new class will not be coming in. Unfortunately, for the first time, our family won’t be complete.
Why we matter:
Setting aside our alumni’s impact on the nation as a whole, we are also a thriving part of Denver’s theatric community. In our first year, we participate as House Managers for the Denver Center, learning about all aspects of theatre and developing one on one relationships with our audience and the volunteer community so vital to the Denver Center as a whole. We interact with thousands of children in the Denver area annually teaching with the Denver Center Theatre Academy during Family Fun Forums and the highly successful summer programs. We co-collaborate with Denver University Theatre Arts majors to write and perform Cabaret productions throughout the year. We utilize our training to connect the Denver Center to the next generation of theatergoers and performers through the education process, shaping and molding children of all ages. Our local alumni continue to have a large impact on young actors throughout Denver and Colorado as well. They train students at the Denver School of the Arts, deepening the impact of the mentorship and inspiration already imparted by current NTC students. They have also toured throughout the metro area and the state in educationally based productions for elementary to high school levels. They are the core teaching artists with the Denver Center Theatre Academy, training up and coming local actors, as well as teachers and business professionals daily. They have created three local theatre companies: Creede Repertory Theatre, Shadow Box Theatre, and Modern Muse as well as many more nationwide. Additionally, while our alumni continue to nurture and shepherd their own homegrown companies, they perform in and enrich other local theatres such as the Arvada Center, Curious Theatre, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Buntport Theatre, and others. All in all, we are not just a limb connected to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, we are the most vital organ pumping creative and artistic life into a city that doesn’t even know we exist.
We are not just actors, we are artists. We are painters, writers, and film-makers. We are social activists, and in 30 years we’ll be running the show. The Great Depression of the 1930’s saw a resurgence of theatre with the help of such playwrights as Clifford Odets and Eugene O’Neill. The arts industry has proven itself to be extremely powerful, resilient, and indispensable. We matter because we can change the world.
Before the lights go down on the NTC, please come and be an active part of the creative process. Show your support for this passionate art form. Join the class of 2010 as they perform Hamlet and Tartuffe in repertory April 7 – 24. Discover the beauty of low-flying trapeze with the class of 2012 on April 21 and 22 as they perform self choreographed vignettes. For the next two years, attend as many studio plays, cabarets, and other student productions as possible; and should you be so inclined, contact the board of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and ask them to reconsider before this buried treasure right in your backyard is gone forever.
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The NEW Playwrights Boot Camp of the Western Region
July 13-16 2011 at Red Rocks Community College
Playwrights Boot Camp of the Western Region is a writer’s seminar and conference, spanning four days of intensive training, workshops, and panel discussions conducted by nationally recognized industry professionals. And, that’s not all! Due to popular demand, we are also featuring the Boot Camp Showcase on July 16, a theatrical performance that highlights the work of selected Boot Camp participants who participate in the popular Boot Camp Challenge.
Originally titled the Playwrights Showcase of the Western Region, this year’s offering features many of the best aspects of our previous events. In the past, we had adjusted showcase activities in response to feedback from previous participants and adapted to changes in the industry. Due to the significant increase of original play reading festivals created in our region since we offered our first highly successful Playwrights Showcase of the Western Region in2004, we have re-formed and re-named our conference to uniquely serve our participants.
Don’t miss this year’s new event: the Playwrights Boot Camp of the Western Region!
Register today; space is limited!
The Playwrights Boot Camp of the Western Region will be held just minutes from downtown Denver at Red Rocks Community College’s beautiful campus in Lakewood, Colorado
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Northglenn Youth Theatre Wins National Youth Arts Awards
NORTHGLENN, CO — The D.L. Parsons Theatre, north metro Denver’s oldest theatre providing entertainment year-round to patrons of all ages, is proud to announce that the theatre’s resident youth theatre company, the Northglenn Youth Theatre (NYT), has been honored with two awards and two nominations from National Youth Arts (formerly National Youth Theatre) for their work in the past year. More than 200 productions were considered for the awards, including shows from more than 100 different theatres in more than 50 cities spanning 12 states. This year's award winners were selected from nominations by a panel of twenty-four judges and reviewers. In addition to the youth who performed in the youth theatre companies, anyone age 18 and under who performed at a show reviewed by a National Youth Arts judge was also considered for the awards, as well as the adults who participated in the youth productions backstage (directors, set designers, costume designers, etc.) and a limited number of guest adult performers in professional productions designed for youth. Information at www.artsdig.com .
NYT Awards:
Supporting Actor – Junior Division: Spencer Spotts for James and the Giant Peach
Set Design: glenn g. grassi for James and the Giant Peach
NYT Nominations:
Supporting Actress – Junior Division: Madison Ault for James and the Giant Peach
Ensemble: James and the Giant Peach
The winners were presented with their awards at a ceremony honoring their accomplishments held at the Herberger Theatre Center in Phoenix, Arizona at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 21.
NYT is a nationally recognized dynamic theatrical experience for children ages 8-18 operating since 1994. The D.L. Parsons Theatre is a 300-seat venue owned and operated by the City of Northglenn located ½ mile south of 120th Ave. and Grant St. in Northglenn. Find us on Facebook at DL Parsons Theatre and Northglenn Youth Theatre.
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Congratulations to all the 2011 Critics Choice Winners!
Best Set/Audio-Visual Design
Paul Abeyta and James Amos, “Cyrano De Bergerac”, Impossible Players
Best Costumes
“Dracula”, Impossible Players
Best Juvenile Performance (8th grade and younger)
Ruby Fries, “Captain Bree and her Lady Pirates”, SCTC & Pueblo City Schools
Best Children's Production
“Captain Bree and her Lady Pirates” SCTC & Pueblo City Schools
Best Direction - Theatre
Jason Laughrey, “Winter Wonderettes” Steel City Theatre Company
Best Direction- Choral or Instrumental Music
Michael DeLuca, “Hairspray”, Pueble City Schools and Pueblo Parks & Recreation
Best Performance - Musical Theater Production
Bethany Nafziger, “Winter Wonderettes”, Steel City Theatre Company
Best Performance – Comedy/Drama (Non-Musical)
Marvin Hays, “Roman Conquest”, Impossible Players
Best Solo Performance- Dance or Musical Production
Jolynn Crownover, “Composing Duo’s”, Steel City Theatre Company
Best Play (Non-Musical)
“Love Letters”, Steel City Theatre Company
Best Musical
“Wedding Singer”, Steel City Theatre Company
Best Concert or Revue
“Goin’ For Baroque featuring Michelangelo Lentini”, Pueblo Symphony Orchestra
Best Dance Performance
“Christmas in the Ice Kingdom”, Sarah Shaw Dancers
Best Ensemble
“The Wedding Singer”, Steel City Theatre Company
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| | GIRLS ONLY IS HEADING TO CANADA
AFTER A SMASH HIT 2007 FRINGE DEBUT,
COMEDY TO RETURN TO WINNIPEG MARCH 18-APRIL 3
DENVER — After leaving 2007 Winnipeg Fringe Festival audiences in stitches, GIRLS ONLY – The Secret Comedy of Women will return to the hometown of one of its authors for a triumphant return engagement. The hit comedy was created by Winnipegger Barbara Gehring (formerly Melnyk) and Colorado native Linda Klein, both of whom will star in the Winnipeg production. GIRLS ONLY will play at the Tom Hendry Theatre at the Manitoba Theatre Centre Warehouse March 18-April 3, 2010. The Denver production of the show will continue to play its regular schedule at Denver’s Garner Galleria Theatre.
“We couldn’t be happier to have our first international production of GIRLS ONLY take place in creator Barbara Gehring’s hometown,” said Randy Weeks, President and COO of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. “The show continues to enjoy a long running engagement in Denver, we had a very successful extended run in Des Moines, and now we are excited to bring this delightful show to audiences in Manitoba.”
GIRLS ONLY, an original comedy written by Gehring and Klein, is a delightfully candid look at just what it means to be female. From diaries and first crushes to “the change” and the never-ending battle with pantyhose, GIRLS ONLY covers it all in a side-splitting take on the things all women go through together. Born out of the earnest and sweetly absurd writings the two authors discovered in their girlhood diaries, GIRLS ONLY is a mix of sketch comedy, improvisation, audience participation, and lively songs and videos.
GIRLS ONLY plays the Manitoba Theatre Centre March 18-April 3. Tickets start at just $18, plus GST, and are available from the MTC Box Office now. For show and ticket information, call the MTC Box Office at 204.942.6537, toll free at 1.877.446.4500 or visit www.mtc.mb.ca.
GIRLS ONLY is now playing in Denver at the Garner Galleria Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Tickets start at just $29. To charge by phone, call Denver Center Ticket Services at 303.893.4100. TTY (for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons): 303.893.9582. Groups of 15 or more, call 303.446.4829. Tickets may also be purchased at the Denver Center Ticket Office, located at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex Lobby, or at TicketsWest outlets, located in all King Soopers stores. Buy and print online at www.denvercenter.org.
Denver Center Attractions, the Broadway show division of The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, presents touring productions at The Buell Theatre and The Ellie Caulkins Opera House. A top market for touring shows, DCA presented the 2007 pre-Broadway engagement of Disney’s The Little Mermaid and launched the national tours of Sunset Boulevard, Barrymore, the revivals of Hello, Dolly! and A Chorus Line, and Disney’s The Lion King. DCA also produces cabaret shows at The Garner Galleria Theatre, including Denver’s two longest-running musicals, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, which ran for over four years. GIRLS ONLY is generously sponsored in Denver by MillerCoors. Denver Center Attractions is supported in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Please visit our website at www.denvercenter.org.
This show is lovingly intended for female audiences.
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| | POPULARITY OF NEW ARTS COMPLEX TOUR PROGRAM
NECESSITATES CHANGE BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 11
The initial success of The Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ new tour program is adapting to meet public demand. Beginning September 11, backstage tours of the Denver Performing Arts Complex will now be available without reservations and with no minimum number of participants on Mondays at 10am (major holidays excluded). Booked tours for groups of 10+ will continue to be offered on a daily basis with two weeks notice.
Coordinated in conjunction with the City of Denver’s Office of Theatres and Arenas, the backstage tours showcase this four-block, 12-acre site that regularly hosts Colorado Ballet, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Opera Colorado and The Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ theatrical divisions — Denver Center Attractions, the Denver Center Theatre Company and the National Theatre Conservatory.
The options of the tour program are:
• Walk-up tours — Mondays at 10am beginning September 11. No reservations, no minimum number.
• Booked tours — Available daily for groups of 10+ with reservations two weeks in advance: Backstage Pass (10am), Art & Architecture (1pm), and Building and History (3pm).
All tours are 90-minutes in length and cost $6 per person. Tours begin at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex box office at Speer & Arapahoe. Due to performance related activities, theatre access changes daily and access may not be available for all spaces. For additional information or to make reservations please contact Heidi Bosk, Tour Administrator at 720.931.TOUR, tours@dcpa.org or visit www.denvercenter.org/tours. | |
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| | PARAGON ANNOUNCES NEW SEASON AND NEW HOME
After another successful year of bold, intimate theatre offerings, Paragon Theatre embarks on its 2010 season at a new location, a cultural and performance center shared with Kim Robards Dance. Located at 1385 S. Santa Fe, the new center (official name yet to be announced) is in the same building as Foothills Lighting between Mississippi and Florida. This new venture with Kim Robards Dance will provide Paragon with more permanency than it has ever had before, with such amenities as its own office, rehearsal and storage spaces. The facility will allow both companies to cut costs by sharing the main performance space, scene shop, dressing rooms, kitchen, etc., and will present many new collaborative opportunities for both entities.
“Paragon Theatre is absolutely thrilled and quite honored to take residency in the cultural and performance center that Kim Robards Dance has acquired,” said Warren Sherrill, Paragon’s artistic director. “This is such an incredible opportunity for Paragon both artistically and financially, and the beautiful shared space will allow for collaboration on many levels with Kim Robards Dance while giving us the freedom to maintain and grow the Paragon brand.” Kim Robards, Artistic Director/CEO of KRD said “We are delighted to be sharing the space with Paragon Theatre knowing their artistic quality and mission, and looking forward to potential collaborative efforts.”
Paragon christens its new location with the American classic Long Day’s Journey Into Night by Eugene O’Neill. In Mr. O'Neill's autobiographical, Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, we join the Tyrones in their seaside Connecticut home over the course of one fateful day. With heartbreaking humor, the family’s sins and secrets are gradually revealed to explosive effect. Starring Denver favorites Jim Hunt, Kathryn Gray, Michael Stricker, Brandon Kruhm and Holly Ann Peterson, directed by ensemble member Jarrad Holbrook. February 13 – March 13, 2010.
In May, Paragon will stage The Sound of a Voice by David Henry Hwang. A beautiful woman living alone in the woods offers food and shelter to an aging samurai who happens upon her. Despite the eerie sounds he hears each night, the samurai decides to remain with his benefactress. As this gorgeous and haunting Japanese fable unfolds, the samurai learns the tragic truth behind his mysterious lover and the noises surrounding her. Directed by Paragon’s Artistic Director, Warren Sherrill. May 8 – June 5, 2010
Paragon’s summer offering welcomes back award-winning DCTC favorite, Sam Gregory* to star in the hilarious The Real Thing by Tom Stoppard. Max and Charlotte’s marriage is on the rocks. Or is it? Henry and Annie are fighting. Or are they? In Tom Stoppard’s passionate exploration of love and honesty, nothing is as it seems—even when it seems like the real thing. Directed by ensemble member Wendy Franz, The Real Thing features a powerhouse group of actors including Sam Gregory, Emily Paton Davies, Warren Sherrill and Barbra Andrews among others. July 17 – August 14, 2010.
Finally, Paragon is proud to present (W)hole by local playwright Tracy Shaffer who gave us Saints & Hysterics six years ago. In (W)hole, Ames is an artist whose life is shattered by the self-destructive model she hires. Yet amid the rubble of her relationships, Ames discovers what it means to become truly whole. Ensemble member Michael Stricker directs 2009 Ovation Award Best Actress nominee and ensemble member Carolyn Valentine with other Denver favorites. October 16 – November 13, 2010.
Subscriptions are on sale now. For more information about Paragon Theatre, please visit us at www.paragontheatre.org
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Denver Center Theatre Company announces
an upgrade of Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex lobby to provide better service to audience members
DENVER – Since the closing night of the current Denver Center Theatre Company season on May 15, the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex lobby has been filled with construction workers rather than audience members. The lobby will be upgraded and reconfigured to better serve patrons for the first time since new carpeting was installed in 1997.
Denver Center for the Performing Arts President Randy Weeks, Artistic Director Kent Thompson and Director of Facilities Clay Courter announced that revenue from the City and County of Denver’s Facilities Development Admissions Tax (commonly known as the seat tax), collected in the three Helen Bonfils Complex theatres and restricted for use only on improvements to the building, will be used to completely finance the project.
In addition to new carpeting, furnishings and considerably more energy efficient lighting, the scope of the lobby project will also include switching locations of the box office and café along with bringing the lobby up to date with current digital display technology. The new café location (to the left as you enter the lobby) will allow for improved service, an expanded menu and a new ambience. Relocating the box office to the center of the lobby (to the right of the main entrance) will allow audience members better access to ticketing and patron concierge services and for the first time will serve the more than 70,000 patrons who attend events in the Seawell Grand Ballroom each year. Architect for the project is Semple Brown Design – architects for the Quigg Newton Auditorium/Ellie Caulkins Opera House, the renovation and modernization of Denver Pavilions, Denver Union Station North & South Wing Buildings, and the Parker Arts & Cultural Arts Center.
Starting in May, the Denver Center and EJCM Construction crews will carefully schedule construction activity around special events scheduled for the lobby, including performances of the PHAMALy production of Beauty and the Beast. Completion of the project is scheduled for late August.
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| | THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR VOICE AND SPEECH
ANNOUNCES NEW PRACTICE OF ANDRE L. REED, M.D.
Center also welcomes new director
The Center for Voice and Swallowing Services has opened a new private, vocal health facility at the National Center for Voice and Speech (NCVS). Under the leadership of medical director Dr. Andre L. Reed, the practice will treat voice and swallowing problems as well as vocal complications associated with neurological disease. Joining Dr. Reed is newly appointed Voice Clinic Director Douglas Montequin, PhD. A Clinic Grand Opening Party will occur Tuesday, September 12 from 5-7pm at 1101 13th Street.
A voice affliction of his own spurred Dr. Reed's appreciation for the complexities of the human voice. While rehabilitating a paralyzed vocal cord, Dr. Reed became aware of his calling to treat vocal abnormalities. He then completed a residency in Otolaryngology and a Fellowship in Neurolaryngology at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institution before moving to Denver. He opened private practices that worked in conjunction with Swedish Medical Center, Colorado Neurological Institute and Craig Rehabilitation Hospital. By opening the Center for Voice and Swallowing Services - Reed's private practice that operates within the National Center for Voice and Speech - Reed has aligned himself with some of the world's foremost vocal health practitioners who actively conduct research to forward advancements in the vocal care and habilitation field.
Working in tandem with Dr. Reed at the NCVS is newly-appointed Voice Clinic Director Doug Montequin, PhD. Before joining the Center staff, Dr. Montequin served as a clinical speech pathologist and lecturer in the Department of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison. Dr. Montequin has been a part of the clinic since January 2006 and has coached voice and dialect for the Denver Center Theatre Company's productions of Clean House, The Ladies of the Camellias and Amadeus.
The Center for Voice and Swallowing Services located within the NCVS is now accepting patients. The practice is open Monday-Friday at 8:30am and will schedule appointments no later than 4:30pm. For information, call 303.446.4834 or email Suzanne Collins at scollins@dcpa.org. Feel free to visit the National Center for Voice and Speech website at www.ncvs.org.
The National Center for Voice and Speech is a division of The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the only such facility in the world associated with a performing arts center. Its mission is to conduct research, disseminate information, educate special populations and provide clinical service in the area of voice and speech.
You are cordially invited to
THE GRAND OPENING
of the
Center for Voice & Swallowing Services
at the National Center for Voice and Speech
Please join medical director Andre Reed, MD
- a Johns-Hopkins-trained and board-certified neurolaryngologist -
and his staff for wine, hors d'oeuvres and a tour of our facility.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Press reception: 4-5pm
1101 13th Street, 4th Floor
Denver, CO
R.S.V.P. (303) 446-4886
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| | SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL FACILITIES DISTRICT ENCOURAGES CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY
DENVER, October 4, 2006 Scientific and Cultural Facilities District is currently accepting applications from organizations seeking eligibility for funding. There is no deadline, but to ensure that applications can be reviewed, processed and approved prior to the 2007 grant deadlines, SCFD would like to receive eligibility applications by Friday, December 16, 2006. Applications should be submitted to SCFD, 899 Logan Street, #500, Denver, CO 80203. Information about eligibility criteria and the application may be downloaded from http://www.scfd.org/eligibil.shtml.
Eligibility criteria include: organizations whose primary purpose is the enlightenment and entertainment of the public, and the advancement, preservation, presentation, production or exhibition of art, music, theatre, dance, zoology, botany, natural history or cultural history, are located within Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson Counties, and who are 501(c)(3) organizations or agencies of local government, and have been operating and providing services for three years.
SCFD distributed over $5 million to local cultural organizations in 2006. The application process consists of establishing eligibility and is then followed by the submission of a grant application. Grant deadlines vary by county and begin at the end of February and finish at the end of May.
Metro Denver voters created Scientific and Cultural Facilities District in 1988 to provide financial support to scientific and cultural organizations. Since then, Scientific and Cultural Facilities District has funded over 300 organizations via the 0.1% sales and use tax in the seven-county district. Counties within Scientific and Cultural Facilities District include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, northern Douglas and Jefferson.
SCFD facilitates the distribution of over $38 million in tax funds annually to organizations that provide for the enlightenment and entertainment of the public through the production, presentation, exhibition, advancement or preservation of art, music, theater, dance, zoology, botany, natural history or cultural history.
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| | SCFD Distributes over 5.5 million to Cultural Organizations in the Seven County Metro Area
SCFD DISTRIBUTES $780,449 TO ADAMS COUNTY CULTURAL GROUPS
SCFD DISTRIBUTES $1,146,287 TO ARAPAHOE COUNTY CULTURAL GROUPS
SCFD DISTRIBUTES $559,691 TO BOULDER COUNTY CULTURAL GROUPS
SCFD DISTRIBUTES $145,643 TO BROOMFIELD COUNTY CULTURAL GROUPS
SCFD DISTRIBUTES $1,631,844 TO DENVER COUNTY CULTURAL GROUPS
SCFD DISTRIBUTES $327,406 TO DOUGLAS COUNTY CULTURAL GROUPS
SCFD DISTRIBUTES $985,688 TO JEFFERSON COUNTY CULTURAL GROUPS
SCFD DISTRIBUTES $780,449 TO ADAMS COUNTY CULTURAL GROUPS
DENVER, OCTOBER 13, 2006 - Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Board of Directors approved distribution of $780,449 for Adams County cultural organizations at their meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2006. Thirty-five (35) cultural groups receiving funding will provide a variety of cultural services to Adams County. A reception with the Adams County Commissioners, County Cultural Council members and grant recipients will be held Thursday, October 19, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. at the Riverdale Golf Club and Restaurant, 13300 Riverdale Road, Brighton.
Adams County Commissioners appoint citizens to a County Cultural Council to review local requests for SCFD funds; the Council reviewed 100 grant requests and made 98 awards. Adams County Cultural Council members are: Chairman James Younger ,Scott Perriman, Holly Osgood, James Thomas, Norma Authier, Robin ODorisio, Roberta Lutgens, and Armene Brown. Adams County Commissioners review and approve the funding plans prior to sending them to SCFD for distribution.
Among this years awards for programs are Ballet Nouveau Colorado $113,053; Downtown Aurora Visual Arts $83,730; Commerce City Cultural Council $39,901; Brighton Cultural Arts Commission $31,089; and Westminster Community Artists Series $56,628.
Greater Denver Metro area voters created the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District in 1988 to provide public financial support to scientific and cultural organizations. Since then, SCFD has funded over 300 organizations via the 0.1% (1" on every $10) retail sales and use tax in the seven-county district. Counties within Scientific and Cultural Facilities District include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson.
SCFD facilitates distribution of the voter-approved retail sales and usage tax funds to organizations that provide for the enlightenment and entertainment of the public through the production, preservation, exhibition, advancement of art, music, theater, dance, zoology, botany, natural history or cultural history.
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SCFD DISTRIBUTES $1,146,287 TO ARAPAHOE COUNTY CULTURAL GROUPS
DENVER, October 13, 2006 - Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Board of Directors approved distribution of $1,146,287 for Arapahoe County cultural organizations at their meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2006. Sixty-nine (69) cultural groups receiving funding will provide a variety of cultural services to Arapahoe County. A reception with the Arapahoe County Commissioners, County Cultural Council members, and grant recipients was held on Thursday, October 12, 2006 at 6:30pm at the Arapahoe County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street in Littleton.
Arapahoe County Commissioners appoint citizens to a County Cultural Council to review local requests for SCFD funds. Arapahoe County Cultural Council members are: Chairwoman Ellen Westbrook, Vicki Harimon, Sue Bodis, Linda Berry, John Odenheimer, Gordon Tucker, Hanna Goldberg, Roy Bartee, Larry Steele, Diane Maywhort, Ellen Westbrook, Kathryn Peterson, Peter Faris and Jim Neely. The Council reviewed 83 grant requests and made 79 awards. Arapahoe County Commissioners review and approve the funding plans prior to sending it to SCFD for distribution.
Among this years awards are Museum of Outdoor Arts $115,000; Arapahoe Philharmonic $54,714; City of Englewood Parks & Recreation Cultural Arts Divisions $18,000; Downtown Aurora Visual Arts $78,000; South Suburban Parks and Recreation District Culture and Enrichment Division $25,000; Aurora Symphony Orchestra $25,000; Grand Design $18,000; and Young Audiences $24,000.
Greater Denver Metro area voters created the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District in 1988 to provide public financial support to scientific and cultural organizations. Since then, SCFD has funded over 300 organizations via the 0.1% (1" on every $10) retail sales and use tax in the seven-county district. Counties within Scientific and Cultural Facilities District include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson.
SCFD facilitates distribution of the voter-approved retail sales and usage tax funds to organizations that provide for the enlightenment and entertainment of the public through the production, preservation, exhibition, advancement of art, music, theater, dance, zoology, botany, natural history or cultural history.
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SCFD DISTRIBUTES $559,691 TO BOULDER COUNTY CULTURAL GROUPS
DENVER, OCTOBER 13, 2006 - Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Board of Directors approved distribution of $559,691 for Boulder County cultural organizations at their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2006. Fifty-nine (59) cultural groups receiving funding will provide a variety of cultural services to Boulder County. A reception with the Boulder County Commissioners, Cultural Advisory Committee members and grant recipients was held Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 6:00pm at the Dairy Center for the Arts, 2850 Walnut Street, Boulder,CO.
Boulder County Commissioners appoint citizens to a Cultural Advisory Committee to review local requests for SCFD funds. 2006 Boulder County Citizens Cultural Advisory Committee members are: Chairwoman Darcie Sanders, Mariagnes Aya Medrud, Barry Knapp, David Hare, Nicole Adams, Kathy Kucsan, Lynn Fetterman and Gina Delli-Gatti. The Council reviewed 109 grant requests and made 93 awards. Boulder County Commissioners reviewed and approved the funding plans prior to sending it to SCFD for distribution.
Among this years awards are Boulder Historical Society/ Boulder Museum of History $12,670; Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art $10,960; Colorado Mahlerfest $7,160; Dairy Center for the Arts $23,950; Open Studios $14,320; Thorne Ecological Institute $11,560; Lafayette Cultural Arts Commission $8270; Longmont Symphony $22,000; St. Vrain Historical Society $5,700; WOW! Childrens Museum $20,940; Louisville Arts and Humanities Council $8,820; Wild Bear Science School $13,000; and Lyons Arts & Humanities Council $5,500.
Greater Denver Metro area voters created the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District in 1988 to provide public financial support to scientific and cultural organizations. Since then, SCFD has funded over 300 organizations via the 0.1% (1" on every $10) retail sales and use tax in the seven-county district. Counties within Scientific and Cultural Facilities District include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson.
SCFD facilitates distribution of the voter-approved retail sales and usage tax funds to organizations that provide for the enlightenment and entertainment of the public through the production, preservation, exhibition, advancement of art, music, theater, dance, zoology, botany, natural history or cultural history.
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SCFD DISTRIBUTES $145,643 TO BROOMFIELD COUNTY CULTURAL GROUPS
DENVER, OCTOBER 13, 2006 - Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Board of Directors approved distribution of $145,643 for Broomfield County cultural organizations at their meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2006. Eighteen (18) cultural groups receiving funding will provide a variety of cultural services to Broomfield County. A reception with Broomfield City Council, County Cultural Council members, and grant recipients will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at 6:00pm at the City and County Building, One DesCombes Drive in Broomfield.
Broomfield City Council appoints citizens to a County Cultural Council to review local requests for SCFD funds. Broomfield County Cultural Council members are: Chairwomen Colleen Sawyer, Gary Klotz, Kerry Rathmell, Lisa Abeyeta, Donna LaVigne, Esther Worker, and Howard Zoufaly. The Council reviewed 60 grant requests and made 47 awards. Broomfield City Council reviewed and approved the funding plans prior to sending it to SCFD for distribution.
Among this years awards are City of Broomfield-Cultural Affairs $44,923; Broomfield Council on the Arts and Humanities $17,288; Broomfield Civic Orchestra $2,457; and Ballet Nouveau Colorado $56,288.
Greater Denver Metro area voters created the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District in 1988 to provide public financial support to scientific and cultural organizations. Since then, SCFD has funded over 300 organizations via the 0.1% (1" on every $10) retail sales and use tax in the seven-county district. Counties within Scientific and Cultural Facilities District include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson.
SCFD facilitates distribution of the voter-approved retail sales and usage tax funds to organizations that provide for the enlightenment and entertainment of the public through the production, preservation, exhibition, and advancement of art, music, theater, dance, zoology, botany, natural history or cultural history.
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SCFD DISTRIBUTES $1,631,844 TO DENVER COUNTY CULTURAL GROUPS
DENVER, OCTOBER 13, 2006 - Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Board of Directors approved distribution of $1,631,844 for Denver County cultural organizations at their meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2006. Ninety-Seven (97) cultural groups receiving funding will provide a variety of cultural services to Denver County. A reception with Denver City Council, County Cultural Council members, and grant recipients will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 5:30pm at Four Mile Historic Park, 715 South Forest Street in Denver.
Denver City Council appoints citizens to a County Cultural Council to review local requests for SCFD funds. Denver County Cultural Council members are: Chair Martin Robbins, Jayne Buck, Bernard Karshmer, Maruca Salazar, Steven Reiquam, Brian Freeland, Harriet Hogue, Mandy Rafool, Benjamin Phelan, Peggy Chiu, and Rosalind Bee Harris-Diaw. The Council reviewed 101 grant requests and made 98 awards. The Council presents the funding plan to the Denver City Council.
Among this years awards are Art Students League of Denver $38,800; City Park Jazz $6,814; Bug Performance and Media Art Center $14,700; Chicano Humanities and Arts Council $9,999; Curious Theatre Company $34,920; Denver Urban Gardens $33,950; James P. Beckwourth Mountain Club $28,982; Museo de Las Americas $34,920; PHAMALy $22,310; and Very Special Arts of Colorado $22,212.
Greater Denver Metro area voters created the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District in 1988 to provide public financial support to scientific and cultural organizations. Since then, SCFD has funded over 300 organizations via the 0.1% (1" on every $10) retail sales and use tax in the seven-county district. Counties within Scientific and Cultural Facilities District include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson.
SCFD facilitates distribution of the voter-approved retail sales and usage tax funds to organizations that provide for the enlightenment and entertainment of the public through the production, preservation, exhibition, or advancement of art, music, theater, dance, zoology, botany, natural history or cultural history.
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SCFD DISTRIBUTES $327,406 TO DOUGLAS COUNTY CULTURAL GROUPS
DENVER, OCTOBER 13, 2006 - Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Board of Directors approved distribution of $327,406 for Douglas County cultural organizations at their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2006. Thirty (30) cultural groups receiving funding will provide a variety of cultural services to Douglas County. A reception with the Douglas County Commissioners, County Cultural Council members and grant recipients was held Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at 1:30 pm at the Douglas County Administration Building ,100 3rd Street, Castle Rock, CO 80104.
Douglas County Commissioners appoint citizens to a County Cultural Council to review local requests for SCFD funds. Douglas County Cultural Council members are: Chairwoman Kathryn Spuhler, Carl Nelson, Chris Eppers, Debbie Lewis, Diana Wiens, Ginger Hodges, Patricia Braden, Jack Christensen, and Clark Griggs. The Council reviewed 45 grant requests and made 38 awards.
Among this years awards are Castle Rock Players $15,000; DEMTA $2,000; Douglas County Childrens Chorus $4,000; HawkQuest $9,000; Highlands Ranch Concert Band $5,000; Highlands Ranch Cultural Affairs Association $51,500; Town of Castle Rock Parks & Recreations Cultural Arts Division $15,000 and Parker Cultural Commission $35,000.
Greater Denver Metro area voters created the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District in 1988 to provide public financial support to scientific and cultural organizations. Since then, the SCFD has funded over 300 organizations via the 0.1% (1" on every $10) retail sales and use tax in the seven county district. Counties within the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson.
The SCFD facilitates distribution of the voter-approved retail sales and usage tax funds to organizations that provide for the enlightenment and entertainment of the public through the production, preservation, exhibition, or advancement of art, music, theater, dance, zoology, botany, natural history or cultural history.
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SCFD DISTRIBUTES $985,688 TO JEFFERSON COUNTY CULTURAL GROUPS
DENVER, OCTOBER 13, 2006 - Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Board of Directors approved distribution of $985,688 for Jefferson County cultural organizations at their meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2006. Seventy-Three (73) cultural groups receiving funding will provide a variety of cultural services to Jefferson County. A reception with Jefferson County Commissioners, County Cultural Council members, and grant recipients will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 10:00 am in the Jefferson County Administration Building, Hearing Room 1, 100 Jefferson County Parkway in Golden.
Jefferson County Commissioners appoint citizens to a County Cultural Council to review local requests for SCFD funds. Jefferson County Cultural Council members are: Chair Louise Lederhos, Don Moore, Lucinda Newton, Karen Helm, Sherry Peng, Michael Krieger, and Paul P.K. Worley. The Council reviewed 125 grant requests and made 112 awards. Jefferson County Commissioners reviewed and approved the funding plans prior to sending them to SCFD for distribution.
Among this years awards for programs are Art for the Mountain Community $4,140; Colorado Wildlife Federation $15,070; Foothills Parks and Recreation-Cultural Arts Agency $20,360; Lakewood Arts Council $11,390; Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission $3,100; Foothills Art Center $111,570; and David Taylor Dance Theatre $56,550.
Greater Denver Metro area voters created the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District in 1988 to provide public financial support to scientific and cultural organizations. Since then, SCFD has funded over 300 organizations via the 0.1% (1" on every $10) retail sales and use tax in the seven-county district. Counties within Scientific and Cultural Facilities District include Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson.
SCFD facilitates distribution of the voter-approved retail sales and usage tax funds to organizations that provide for the enlightenment and entertainment of the public through the production, exhibition, advancement or preservation of art, music, theater, dance, zoology, botany, natural history or cultural history.
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| | The Board of Directors of The E Project is very pleased to announce Bonnie Greene as the new Executive Director for the organization. In this position, she will be responsible for fundraising, marketing, volunteer management, staff coordination, and other aspects of running the company.
Ms. Greene has been active in theater in the Denver area since 1996, and began working with The E Project in 2002 as a performer, stage manager, graphic designer, proofreader, and in other capacities. Her professional background includes editing, project management, customer service, graphic design and production, and other highly detail-oriented activities.
The E Project, Inc. was founded to promote the performing and visual arts. The company seeks to produce, and to provide and promote opportunities for all aspects of theatre, music, dance, and other performance and visual arts. The E Project is especially focused on providing opportunities for all to both enjoy and participate in the arts with emphasis on underserved communities. In addition, The E Project provides classes and seminars for children and adults and has a Teens Onstage Program that provides opportunities for teens and young adults to participate in full scale theatrical productions at no tuition cost.
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| | CENTRAL CITY OPERA ANNOUNCES CASTING FOR
75TH ANNIVERSARY 2007 FESTIVAL
LA TRAVIATA /POET LI BAI-World Premiere/CINDERELLA/THE SAINT OF BLEECKER STREET
2007 Festival Features Four Operas with World Renowned Artists
(*=Central City Opera Debut)
Denver, Colo.— The artists have been selected for Central City Opera’s (CCO) historic 2007 75th Anniversary Festival. This monumental year is celebrated with the world premiere of Chinese opera, Poet Li Bai, presented in partnership with the Asian Performing Arts of Colorado as a special offering with only six performances. The company’s regular 2007 festival season features three new productions, including Verdi’s La Traviata, Massenet’s Cinderella and Menotti’s The Saint of Bleecker Street. Four operas will be presented in one festival for the first time in the history of Central City Opera during the 2007 Festival, which runs June 30 through Aug. 19 at the Central City Opera House in Central City, CO.
“As we celebrate a landmark anniversary for Central City Opera, we are proud to showcase some of the best artists from around the globe,” states General/Artistic Director Pelham G. Pearce. “The high caliber of singers, designers and directors we have contracted for 2007 is a testament to how far this company has come in its 75 years and to the direction we are going in the future.”
La Traviata (June 30 – Aug. 12) – The 2007 Festival opens with Verdi’s popular Italian opera about a young courtesan stricken with consumption and her tumultuous love affair with a nobleman in Paris. This new production commemorates Central City Opera’s first festival, which opened to great fanfare on July 23, 1932 starring Lillian Gish in the lead role of the play Camille. Both Camille and La Traviata are based on the novel La Dame aux Camélias by French writer Alexandre Dumas fils.’ A new production sung in Italian with English supertitles.
Performing Artists
Known for his interpretations of 19th century Italian repertoire, Martin André* makes his Central City Opera debut conducting La Traviata. An international performer, he spent many seasons as resident conductor at Welsh National Opera and has the rare distinction of having performed for all of the major British opera companies. Soprano Jennifer Casey Cabot returns to CCO as Violetta, after her lauded debut with the company as Alma in Hoiby’s Summer and Smoke in 2002. Having enjoyed great success in this leading role, Ms. Cabot has performed Violetta with the New York City Opera, Washington Opera, Utah Festival Opera and Opera Festival New Jersey, to name a few. Tenor Chad Shelton returns as Violetta’s love interest, Alfredo, after performing the role of Don Ottavio in last year’s Don Giovanni. A former CCO Apprentice Artist, Mr. Shelton has since gone on to make his international debut with the Australian Opera and is slated to make his debut with San Francisco Opera in 2008. Baritone Grant Youngblood returns as Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont, after his most recent performances with CCO as The Four Villains in The Tales of Hoffmann. Known for his interpretation of the role, he has performed it with New York City Opera, Orlando Opera, Tulsa Opera, Opera Memphis and Virginia Opera.
Production Team
Australian director Justin Way* makes his CCO debut as stage director. In addition to his role as Staff Director for Royal Opera Covent Garden, his work has been staged at Opera Australia, Washington National Opera and Chicago Opera Theater. Peter Harrison, who most recently created the critically-acclaimed set for The Coronation of Poppea (2006), designs the scenery reminiscent of the original Camille production that opened the company in 1932. Costume designer for all three productions in 2006, Alice Marie Kugler Bristow returns to design this Festival opener.
Poet Li Bai (July 7 – July 28) – The second opera of the 75th year will be the world premiere of a piece by one of today’s most well-known Chinese composers, Guo Wenjing, whose works have been featured at major international festivals and venues in Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, Edinburgh, New York, Aspen and London, among others. Co-commissioned with Asian Performing Arts of Colorado (APAC), Poet Li Bai tells of an introspective conversation between this Tang Dynasty poet (701-763 AD) and his two companions: his favorite fruit-based alcohol, personified by Wine, and his flights of fancy, personified by Moon. The three characters piece together the life stories, the hopes and fears of a legendary man who loved life with a passion to the very end. Libretto is by Diana Liao and Xu Ying, who have collaborated on the writing of a number of operatic librettos, including Tan Dun’s Tea: A Mirror of Soul which will make its American premiere at Santa Fe Opera this summer. A special addition to the festival with six performances: July 7, 13, 15, 20, 26 and 28.
Performing Artists
Dutch conductor Ed Spanjaard* makes his Central City Opera debut conducting the world premiere of Poet Li Bai. Mr. Spanjaard has premiered many interesting compositions, including the internationally acclaimed chamber operas of Guo Wenjing’s Wolf Cub Village and Night Banquet. Making his CCO debut in the title role will be Denver University alumnus Hao Jiang Tian*, one of today’s most sought after basso cantante who is performing in December at the Metropolitan Opera opposite Placido Domingo in Tan Dun’s world premiere of The First Emperor. Having recently performed Pamina in Opera Colorado’s The Magic Flute and making her debut with the Metropolitan Opera this month in the same role, soprano Ying Huang* will make her CCO debut in the role of Moon. Tenor Jiang Qihu*, a leading member of the China Peking Opera Company, will recite Li Bai’s poem in the best tradition of Peking opera. Central City Opera will collaborate with the Chorus of University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music*, directed by Catherine Sailer*, for this premiere.
Production Team
This new production will be directed by Lin Zhaohua.* Considered one of the most prominent figures in the history of Chinese drama his work, from Peking opera to modern drama, has been showcased on stages worldwide. Set and costume designer Yi Liming* has created more than 100 productions, ranging from opera to dance to experimental theater. His refreshing ideas have charmed audiences not only in China, but also in New York, Berlin, London, Paris and Rome. Lighting designer David Martin Jacques returns for this world premiere production after his most recent appearance with the company lighting Madama Butterfly and Vanessa in 2005.
Cinderella (July 14 – Aug. 19) – French composer Massenet’s version of this popular fairytale will be seen for the first time in a new production at Central City Opera this summer. With a libretto by Henri Cain, the opera is based on Charles Perrault’s rendition of the rags-to-riches tale complete with the fantasy of the Fairy Godmother, sprites, fairies and the magical glass slipper. Sung in French with English supertitles.
Performing Artists
Central City Opera Music Director John Baril conducts Cinderella following his success with Don Giovanni last summer. Having started his work with the company in 1992, Mr. Baril has conducted over 100 performances during his tenure. He is joined by mezzo-soprano Leah Wool, who returns in her role debut as Cinderella, after her highly-touted performances as Erika in Vanessa (2005). Ms. Wool made her debut with New York City Opera in Il Viaggio a Reims last season and has also recently performed with Santa Fe Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis and Utah Opera. Colorado native and a former Apprentice Artist with CCO, tenor Vale Rideout appears as Prince Charming. Mr. Rideout will also perform this March in Central City Opera’s Opera’s Great Hits II collaboration with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Soprano Heather Buck performs the role of La Fée, the Fairy Godmother. A Central City Opera Studio Artist in 1996, Ms. Buck’s recent appearances include her debut with Santa Fe Opera in The Magic Flute last summer and Semele with Arizona Opera. The role of Pandolfe, Cinderella’s father, will be double-cast. Patrick Carfizzi will perform the role for performances from July 14 through Aug. 11, returning after his most recent performances as The Doctor in Vanessa (2005). Bass-baritone Philip Cokorinos will perform the role of Pandolfe on Aug. 14, 17, 19, and made his debut with the company as Leporello in last summer’s Don Giovanni. Mezzo-soprano Maria Zifchak* will make her company debut as Madame de la Haltière, the stepmother. A frequent performer with the Metropolitan Opera, Ms. Zifchak made several company debuts last season, including in Così fan tutte with Seattle Opera and in Hänsel and Gretel with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.
Production Team
Marc Astafan, who has worked often with Central City Opera directing both festival productions and collaborations with the CSO, returns to create this new production with set designer Caleb Wertenbaker. Frequent collaborators, Astafan and Wertenbaker worked together on last year’s Don Giovanni at Central City Opera and designed a new production of Cinderella for the New England Conservatory in 2005. Costume designer Sara Jean Tosetti* makes her CCO debut with Cinderella. Lauded for her “inventive costumes” in the New York Times, young Tosetti’s credits include Manuscript and The Exonerated at Darryl Roth Theatre and several productions for the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival.
The Saint of Bleecker Street (July 21 – Aug. 18) – Menotti’s contemporary opera set in the 1950s in New York City’s Little Italy is the final offering of 2007. A rarely-performed 20th century piece originally written for Broadway, it follows a young woman, who is blessed with seeing visions of angels and the ability to perform miracles, along with her disbelieving brother and his deadly love affair. This new production will be performed in English with English supertitles.
Performing Artists
Conductor Hal France returns after his most recent performances with the company of L’Italiana in Algeri (2003). Mr. France is currently Music Director of the Orlando Philharmonic and has served on the music staffs of the Aspen Music Festival, Glyndebourne Festival and Netherlands Opera, among others. Soprano Maria Kanyova returns as Annina, the young woman who sees visions, after performing the title role in Madama Butterfly (2005). Recent appearances for Ms. Kanyova include her role debut as Konstanze in The Abduction from the Seraglio with Opera Colorado last spring and La Bohème with New York City Opera. Annina’s brother, Michele, will be sung by tenor Derek Taylor.* Last season, Mr. Taylor performed La Traviata with Opera Illinois and La Bohème with El Paso Opera, as well as concert appearances such as a gala recital for the World Bank to benefit AIDS in Africa. Soprano Christine Brandes returns as the newspaper seller, Maria Corona, after her acclaimed debut as Poppea last summer in The Coronation of Poppea. Mezzo-soprano Kirsten Chavez,* who made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in the world premiere of An American Tragedy last season, makes her CCO debut as Michele’s lover, Desideria. Bass-baritone Philip Cokorinos, also performing in Cinderella, sings the role of the priest, Don Marco. Former Central City Opera Apprentice Artist, Christina Martos, appears as Carmela along with 2006 Apprentice Artist Corinne Wallace as Assunta.
Production Team
Catherine Malfitano, the famed soprano who made her directorial debut with Madama Butterfly (2005) at Central City Opera, returns to direct this production. A champion of 20th and 21st century operas, Ms. Malfitano is intimately familiar with The Saint of Bleecker Street, having performed the role of Annina early in her career at the Wolf Trap Festival and also at the New York City Opera (NYCO). A live televised performance from NYCO helped to catapult her to fame in America, and brought her to the Met soon thereafter. Donald Eastman* is set designer. Having recently designed Turn of the Screw for Seattle Opera and Patience at New York City Opera, Mr. Eastman will design for the first time this year at CCO. Dona Granata*, who has designed costumes for numerous films, such as Robert Altman’s Dr. T and the Women, as well as Broadway theater productions including Canciones de mi Padre with Linda Ronstadt, makes her debut as costume designer.
Ticket Information
Subscriptions to see La Traviata, Cinderella and The Saint of Bleecker Street (with exclusive subscriber-only pricing for the world premiere of Poet Li Bai) during the 2007 Festival start at just $107 and go up to $215. Single tickets go on sale Jan. 2, 2007 and range from $43 to $87. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Central City Opera Box Office at 303-292-6700; 800-851-8175 or go online to www.centralcityopera.org.
75th Anniversary Commemorative Book- Theatre of Dreams
A commemorative coffee table book, entitled Theatre of Dreams, highlighting Central City Opera House Association’s glorious 75 year history, including never before seen photos, will be available to the public in the spring of 2007. A limited number will be published. Prices are $50 plus $8 handling fee ($4 handling fee for each additional book ordered from the same address). To reserve a copy of the book, call 303-292-6700 or go to www.centralcityopera.org.
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Celebrating its 75th year in 2007, the Central City Opera House Association is the nation’s fifth-oldest opera company, located just 35 miles west of Denver in one of Colorado’s official National Landmark Historic Districts. The company continues to pursue its four-part mission to present artistically excellent professional opera; to offer career-entry training to young singers; to produce education and community service programs; and to preserve and maintain the Opera House and 30 other Victorian-era properties. For more information or to purchase tickets to the Central City Opera, visit www.centralcityopera.org or call 303-292-6700.
LA TRAVIATA
(* = Central City Opera debut)
Music by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave
Conductor: Martin André*
Director: Justin Way*
Scenic Designer: Peter Harrison
Costume Designer: Alice Marie Kugler Bristow
Lighting Designer: David Martin Jacques
Chorus Master: Christopher Zemliauskas
Associate Conductor: Christopher Zemliauskas
Musical Preparation: Mark Armstrong and Katherine Kozak
Cast In order of vocal appearance
Violetta Valery: Jennifer Casey Cabot
Flora Bervoix: Erica Brookhyser*
Marquis D’Obigny: Craig Price*
Baron Duophol: Kevin Wetzel*
Doctor Grenvil: Daniel Webb
Gaston, Viscount of Letorieres: Benjamin Hilgert*
Alfredo Germont: Chad Shelton
Annina: Leah Serr*
Giorgio Germont: Grant Youngblood
Giuseppe: TBA
Messenger: TBA
Ensemble Members of Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program
Performances: June 30; July 6m, 8m, 11m, 14m, 18m, 21m, 29m; Aug. 2, 4, 7, 10, 12m, 16, 2007
Family Performance: Aug. 7
Family Performance Conductor: Christopher Zemliauskas
POET LI BAI (WORLD PREMIERE)
(* = Central City Opera debut)
Music by Guo Wenjing
Libretto by Diana Liao with Chinese translation by Xu Ying
Conductor: Ed Spanjaard*
Director: Lin Zhaohua*
Scenic Designer: Yi Liming*
Costume Designer: Yi Liming*
Lighting Designer: David Martin Jacques
Chorus Master: Catherine Sailer*
Musical Preparation: TBA
Cast In order of vocal appearance
Li Bai: Hao Jiang Tian*
Moon: Ying Huang*
Wine: TBA
Peking Tenor: Jiang Qihu*
Chorus University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music Chorus*
Performances: July 7, 13, 15m, 20, 26m, 28m, 2007
CINDERELLA
(* = Central City Opera debut)
Music by Jules Massenet
Libretto by Henri Cain, after the Charles Perrault Fairy Tale
Conductor: John Baril
Director: Marc Astafan
Choreographer: Marc Astafan
Scenic Designer: Caleb Wertenbaker
Costume Designer: Sara Jean Tosetti
Lighting Designer: David Martin Jacques
Chorus Master: Christopher Zemliauskas
Associate Conductor: Christopher Zemliauskas
Musical Preparation: Pedro Yanez and Katherine Kozak*
Cast In order of vocal appearance
Servants of Haltiere: Members of Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program
Pandolfe, Cinderella’s Father: Patrick Carfizzi, Philip Cokorinos (Aug. 14, 17, 19 only)
Madame de la Haltiere: Maria Zifchak
Noemie: Erin Snell*
Dorothee: TBA
Cendrillon (Cinderella): Leah Wool
Voices of Six Sprites: Colorado Children’s Chorale
Voices of the Fairies: Members of Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program
Sprites: Colorado Children’s Chorale
La Fee, Fairy Godmother: Heather Buck
Master of Ceremonies: Joshua Marr
The Dean: Jonathan Tuzo
First Minister: Craig Price*
The Prince: Vale Rideout
The King: Alex Lawrence*
Ensemble Members of Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program
Performances: July 14, 20m, 22m, 26, 28; Aug. 1m, 3, 8m, 11m, 14, 17, 19m
Family Performance: Aug. 14
Family Performance Conductor: Christopher Zemliauskas
THE SAINT OF BLEECKER STREET
(* = Central City Opera debut)
Music and libretto by Gian Carlo Menotti
Conductor: Hal France
Director: Catherine Malfitano
Scenic Designer: Donald Eastman*
Costume Designer: Dona Granata*
Lighting Designer: David Martin Jacques
Chorus Master: Christopher Zemliauskas
Associate Conductor: Christopher Zemliauskas
Musical Preparation: Mark Armstrong and Pedro Yanez
Cast In order of vocal appearance
Assunta , a neighbor: Corinne Wallace
Carmela, Annina’s friend: Christina Martos
Maria Corona, newpaper seller: Christine Brandes
Don Marco, priest: Philip Cokorinos
Annina: Maria Kanyova
Michele: Derek Taylor*
Desideria, Michele’s lover: Kirsten Chavez*
Salvatore: Alex Lawrence*
Concettina, 5 years old: TBA
Ensemble Members of Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program
Performances: July 21, 25m, 27, 31; Aug. 3m, 5m, 9, 11, 15m, 18m, 2007
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| | Curious Theatre tops Ovation finalist list at 15
From the Denver Post
By John Moore
Denver Post Theater Critic
Article Last Updated: 12/18/2006 10:54:04 AM MST
"Urinetown," which closes today, is a Denver Post Ovation Award finalist for best musical, as are Michelle Merz, left, and Zander Meisner for acting in a musical. (Special to The Post / Michael Ensminger)The Curious Theatre Company is a finalist for 15 Denver Post Ovation Awards, followed by Country Dinner Playhouse with 12, and Buntport Theater and Creede Repertory Theatre with 11.
The sixth annual winners will be published Dec. 31. This year, online readers are encouraged to vote in the 17 biggest categories for additional "reader's choice" designations. The ballot can be found at denverpost.com/theater. Voting is open through noon Dec. 27.
This year, 31 Colorado companies and 70 productions received at least one finalist nod. The most decorated musicals of 2006 are Score Marketing's "Urinetown" and the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's "Pirates of Penzance," with seven each, followed by Town Hall Arts Center's
Ovation Awards - Readers' Choice
The Denver Post chooses its favorites from the 164 plays and musicals our critics observed in 2006. The Post's winners will be announced Dec. 31, and this year, readers can weigh in by voting in a separate online poll from among our finalists in 15 categories.
VOTE HERE
"Cabaret" with six. Curious' "The War Anthology" led among plays with six.
The winners will be chosen by theater critic John Moore from among 164 productions observed by five Denver Post critics in 2006. The prestigious "Theater Person of the Year" will be selected from among these five finalists:
Kitty Skillman Hilsabeck, dancer, director and choreographer: This dance legend deserved a nomination simply for her dancing - at age 49! - in Country Dinner Playhouse's sensational, sweaty big-band dance spectacle, "Swing." She also choreographed the show, as well as CDP's "Phantom" and the Arvada Center's "Thoroughly Modern Millie," in which she also performed. Who says dancers are over the hill at 20?
Bonnie Metzgar, Curious Theatre Company associate artistic director: By dreaming up two national theater initiatives, Metzgar brought more national media attention to Denver theater than anything since "Tantalus." "The War Anthology" teamed 10 cutting-edge playwrights, including three Pulitzer Prize winners, in writing about war throughout history. During "The War Anthology," Metzgar got the idea for the largest ongoing national theater festival in history. More than 700 companies, including 56 in Colorado, are performing Suzan-Lori Parks' "365 Days/365 Plays" - her year-long writing exercise beginning in 2002.
Billie McBride, actor, director: This beloved Broadway vet ("Safe Sex") began 2006 with hip replacement surgery - while juggling four projects. She directed Modern Muse's "Vigil," Mizel Center's "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse," Country Dinner Playhouse's "Moon Over Buffalo" and a piece in Theatre Company of Lafayette's original "The Frankenstein Experiment." She also performed in the Arvada Center's "The Full Monty," and "Over the Tavern," for which she is also an Ovation finalist.
Nick Sugar, actor, director, choreographer: The third time was the third charm for Sugar, whose daring "Cabaret" not only shook up Littleton's conservative Town Hall Arts Center but broke 24-year box-office records there. Sugar also directed Aurora Fox's "Guys on Ice" and "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," as well as the Mizel Center's "Gypsy" for young actors. He also choreographed Paragon's "Sailor's Song" and Rattlebrain's "BFE: The Town That Christmas Forgot." Also a finalist in 2005, Sugar capped a remarkable and ongoing string of success by joining Town Hall's board, which should result in more cutting-edge fare there.
Kent Thompson, Denver Center Theatre Company artistic director: His first full year was marked by an unprecedented commitment to women and new works. Thompson has donors excited about his plans, which include commissions of new works from some of America's top playwrights, including Steven Dietz, Lee Blessing and Theresa Rebeck. Onstage, it's been more hit than miss. His foresight allowed Denver audiences to see "A Clean House" months before it became the toast of Broadway, and Shakespeare remains his pedigree. Other choices, such as "Jesus Hates Me" and "Season's Greetings," were more disappointing.
Theater critic John Moore can be reached at 303-954-1056 or jmoore@denverpost.com.
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2006 Denver Post Ovation Award finalists
Finalists were culled from 164 productions opening after Jan. 1, 2006, that were either reviewed or observed by Denver Post critics. Winners have been selected by theater critic John Moore and will be published Dec. 31:
THEATER PERSON OF THE YEAR
Billie McBride
Bonnie Metzgar
Kitty Skillman-Hilsabeck
Nick Sugar
Kent Thompson
BEST YEAR, COMPANY
Buntport Theater
Country Dinner Playhouse
Curious Theatre Company
Creede Repertory Theatre
Germinal Stage Denver
BEST YEAR, ACTOR
(Minimum three roles)
John Arp: "Guys on Ice," "Insignificance," "Cabaret," "Escanaba in da Moonlight"
William Hahn: "Frozen," "Insignificance," "Escanaba in da Moonlight"
Brian Hutchinson: "Urinetown," "Chess," "Cabaret," "James and the Giant Peach," "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown"
Joshua Landay: "Crazy for You," "Jesse James," "Sweeney Todd"
Michael Morgan: "Insignificance," "Turn of the Screw," "Escanaba in da Moonlight"
BEST YEAR, ACTRESS
Patty Mintz Figel: "Vigil," "A Folded Flag," "Hedda Gabler"
Rebecca Gibel: "Death of a Salesman," "Enchanted April," "Crazy for You," "Sweeney Todd," "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
Elgin Kelley: "The Heiress," "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse," "Beyond Therapy," "As You Like It," "The Tempest," "Some Unfortunate Hour"
Michelle Merz: "Chess," "Proof," "Urinetown"
Erin Rollman: "Magnets on the Fridge," "A Synopsis of Butchery," "Starship Troy," "Winter in Graupel Bay"
BEST YEAR, DIRECTOR
Ed Baierlein: "A Delicate Balance," "Quartermaine's Terms," "Tartuffe: Born Again," "The Price"
Terry Dodd: "The Holdup," "The Smell of the Kill," "Private Eyes," "The Caretaker," "The Man From Nebraska," "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," "The Weir"
Paul Dwyer: "Man of La Mancha," "Swing," "Phantom"
Billie McBride: "The Frankenstein Experiment," "Vigil," "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse," "Moon Over Buffalo"
Anthony Powell: "Frozen," "Snake in the Grass," "After Ashley"
BEST DRAMA
OpenStage's "A Bright Room Called Day"
Germinal's "A Delicate Balance"
Bas Bleu's "The Dresser"
Curious' "Frozen"
Theatre Group's "Southern Baptist Sissies"
BEST MUSICAL
Boulder's Dinner Theatre's "The Music Man"
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's "Pirates of Penzance"
Creede Rep's "Sweeney Todd"
Country Dinner Playhouse's "Swing!"
Score Marketing's "Urinetown"
BEST COMEDY
Colorado Shakespeare Festival's "As You Like It"
Second City's "How I Lost My Denverginity"
Country Dinner Playhouse's "Moon Over Buffalo"
Buntport's "Something Is Rotten"
Modern Muse's "Vigil"
ACTOR, DRAMA
Dennis R. Elkins, Colorado Shakespeare Festival's "Merchant of Venice"
Jonathan Farwell, Bas Bleu's "The Dresser"
Bill Hahn, Curious' "Frozen"
Mike Hartman, Creede Repertory Theatre's "cowboyily"
Jim Hunt, Paragon's "The Caretaker"
ACTRESS, DRAMA
Barbra Andrews, Paragon's "Hedda Gabler"
Dee Covington, Curious' "The War Anthology"
Emily Paton Davies, Modern Muse's "Turn of the Screw"
Kathryn Gray, Curious' "Frozen"
Deborah Persoff, Germinal Stage Denver's "A Delicate Balance"
ACTOR, MUSICAL
Joshua Landay, Creede Rep's "Crazy for You"
Zander Meisner, Score Marketing's "Urinetown"
Brian Norber, Boulder's Dinner Theatre's "The Music Man"
Charlie Schmidt, Backstage's "Cannibal the Musical"
Patrick Ryan Sullivan, Creede Rep's "Sweeney Todd"
ACTRESS, MUSICAL
Amy Sue Hardy, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's "Pirates of Penzance"
Michelle Merz, Score Marketing's "Urinetown"
Peggy Pharr-Wilson, Creede Rep's "Sweeney Todd"
Tracy Venner-Warren, Country Dinner Playhouse's "Phantom"
Juliet Villa, PHAMALy's "The Wiz"
ACTOR, COMIC ROLE
Kevin Hart, The Avenue's "Beyond Therapy"
Larry Hecht, Modern Muse's "Vigil"
Jason Henning, Curious' "tempOdyssey"
Verl Hite, Miners Alley Playhouse's "Last of the Red Hot Lovers"
Michael Shalhoub, Germinal's "Tartuffe: Born Again"
ACTRESS, COMIC ROLE
Annie Dwyer, Heritage Square's "Everything Old Is New Again"
Brenna A. Freestone, Bas Bleu's "Life X 3"
Jenny Hagel, Second City's "How I lost My Denverginity"
Megan Van De Hey, The Avenue's "The Smell of the Kill"
Sharon Kay White, Country Dinner Playhouse's "Moon Over Buffalo"
DIRECTOR
Sandra Womochil Bray, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's "Pirates of Penzance"
Michael J. Duran, Boulder's Dinner Theatre's "The Music Man"
Michael French, Theatre 13's "Match"
Francis X. Kuhn, Creede Rep's "Sweeney Todd"
Steven Tangedal, Theatre Group's "Southern Baptist Sissies"
SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA
Brett Aune, Aurora Fox's "Death of a Salesman"
Adam Lee Brodner, Theatre Group's "Southern Baptist Sissies"
Tupper Cullum, Germinal Stage Denver's "The Price"
Warren Sherrill, Paragon's "The Caretaker"
Judson Webb, Theatre 13's "Match"
SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA
Theresa Adams, Miners Alley/Victorian's "Steel Magnolias"
Stephanie Jones, Victorian's "The Holdup"
Heather Lawrence-Wescott, OpenStage's "A Bright Room Called Day"
Erica Sarzin-Borrillo, Germinal's "The Price"
Karen Slack, Curious' "The War Anthology"
SUPPORTING ACTOR, MUSICAL
John Arp, Town Hall Arts Center's "Cabaret"
Leonard Barrett, PHAMALy's "The Wiz"
Craig Lundquist, Country Dinner Playhouse's "Phantom"
A.K. Klimpke, Boulder's Dinner Theatre's "Crazy for You"
Wayne Kennedy, Boulder's Dinner Theatre's "Sweet Charity"
SUPPORTING ACTRESS, MUSICAL
Genenieve Baer, Score Marketing's "Urinetown"
Candice Bondank, Creede Rep's "Sweeney Todd"
Beth Flynn, Arvada Center's "Thoroughly Modern Millie"
Mary McGroary, Town Hall Arts Center's "Cabaret"
Mercedes Perez, Country Dinner Playhouse's "Swing"
SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMIC ROLE
David Ballew, Theatre Group's "Southern Baptist Sissies"
Harvy Blanks, Shadow's "Waitin' 2 End Hell"
Gene Kato, Next Stage's "The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow"
T.J. Mullin, Heritage Square's "Everything Old Is New Again"
Darren R. Schroeder, Country Dinner Playhouse's "Moon Over Buffalo"
SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMIC ROLE
Emily M. Bates, Shadow's "Four Queens - No Trump"
Amanda Earls, Theatre Group's "Southern Baptist Sissies"
Elgin Kelley, Colorado Shakespeare Festival's "As You Like It"
Billie McBride, "Arvada Center's "Over the Tavern"
Edith Weiss, Country Dinner Playhouse's "Moon Over Buffalo"
SOLO PERFORMANCE
Ami Dayan, "The Man Himself"
Hannah Duggan, Buntport's "Something Is Rotten" preshow
Nonie Newton-Breen, "Sister's Christmas Catechism"
Alex Ryer, Alex Ryer's "Pure Piaf"
Erik Sandvold, Curious' "I Am My Own Wife"
BEST NEW WORK
Creede Rep's "cowboyily"
Bas Bleu's "The Man Himself"
Alex Ryer's "Pure Piaf"
Buntport's "Something Is Rotten"
Curious' "The War Anthology"
BEST REMOUNT
(Defined as any production brought back by the same company, creative team or principal cast within the past six years):
Town Hall Arts Center's "Cinderella"
Aurora Fox's "Escanaba in da Moonlight"
Arvada Center's "The Full Monty"
El Centro Su Teatro's "Serafin: Cantos y Lagrimas"
Bas Bleu's "A Tale of a Tiger"
BEST ENSEMBLE
Town Hall's "Cabaret"
Country Dinner Playhouse's "Swing"
Curious' "The War Anthology"
Buntport's "Winter in Graupel Bay"
Score Marketing's Urinetown"
YOUNGER ACTOR
(under 18 in a mainstage show)
Bryce Baldwin, Boulder's Dinner Theatre's "The Music Man"
Melissa Benoist, Town Hall Arts Center's "Bye Bye Birdie"
Eve Lowinger, Mizel Center Wolf Academy's "Gypsy"
Patrick Miranda, Curious' "New Voices from the Battlefield"
Noah Wilson, Arvada Center's "Over the Tavern"
CHOREOGRAPHY
Juliana Black, Score Marketing's "Urinetown"
Alicia Dunfee, Boulder's Dinner Theatre's "The Music Man"
Rick Jewell, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's "Pirates of Penzance"
Kitty Skillman-Hilsabeck, Country Dinner Playhouse's "Swing"
Debbie Stark and Cindy Bray, PHAMALy's "The Wiz"
BEST MUSICAL NUMBER
"It Don't Mean a Thing," Country Dinner Playhouse's "Swing" (Kitty Skillman-Hilsabeck)
"Entr'Acte," Town Hall Arts Center's "Cabaret" (Nick Sugar)
"I Got Rhythm," Boulder's Dinner Theatre's "Crazy for You" (Michael J. Duran and Alicia Dunfee)
"Look at the Sky," Score Marketing's "Urinetown" (Juliana Black)
"Mon Dieu," "Pure Piaf" (Alex Ryer)
SET DESIGN
Amy Campion, BDT's "Crazy for You"
Kent Homchick, Arvada Center's "Over the Tavern"
Robert Mark Morgan, Theatre Aspen's "Dinner With Friends"
Murray Ross and Michael Stansbery, ThetreWorks' "Miss Julie"
Chris Sheley, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's "Pirates of Penzance"
COSTUMES
Brian Colonna and Erin Rollman, Buntport's "Magnets on the Fridge"
Nicole M. Harrison, Colorado Shakespeare Festival's "As You Like It"
Linda Morken, Boulder's Dinner Theatre's "Crazy for You"
Mallory Kay Nelson, PHAMALy's "The Wiz"
Susan Rose, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's "Pirates of Penzance"
LIGHTING
Peter Anthony, Openstage's "Saint Joan"
Shannon McKinney, Curious' "The War Anthology"
Jennifer Otto-Zedalis, Town Hall Arts Center's "Cabaret"
Charlie Packard and Jennifer Orf, PHAMALy's "The Wiz"
Jacob M. Welch, Paragon's "The Caretaker"
SOUND
Ensemble, Buntport's "Winter in Graupel Bay"
Brian Freeland, Modern Muse's "The Turn of the Screw"
Dave Johnson and Alf Kremer, The Avenue's "Beyond Therapy"
Matthew Morgan, Curious' "The War Anthology"
Patrick Selvage and Judson Webb, Theatre 13's "Defiled"
BEST BAND
Next Stage's "Chess" (Amanda Farnsworth, musical director)
Boulder's Dinner Theatre's "Crazy for You" (Neil Dunfee)
Town Hall's "Cabaret" (Donna Debreceni)
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's "Pirates of Penzance" (Jay Hahn)
Arvada Center's "The Full Monty" (David Nehls)
CHILDREN'S PRODUCTION
The Avenue's "Destination Dinosaurs"
Heritage Square Music Hall's "Emperor's New Clothes"
Arvada Center's "James and the Giant Peach"
Mizel Center's "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse"
Buntport's "Trunks"
ACTOR, CHILDREN'S PLAY
Bren Eyestone Burron, Arvada Center's "James and the Giant Peach"
Chris Boeckx, The Avenue's "Destination Dinosaurs"
Daniel Langhoff, Arvada Center's "James and the Giant Peach"
Jess Robblee, Buntport's "Trunks"
Karen Slack, Mizel's "Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse"
Special accomplishments '06
Boulder International Fringe Festival
Curious Theatre Company: genus for "The War Anthology," "New Voices From the Battlefield," "Curious New Voices and "365 Days, 365 Plays"
Todd Debreceni, make-up effects, PHAMALy's "The Wiz"
Theatre Company of Lafayette's "The Frankenstein Experiment"
Brian Freeland, videographer, Curious' The War Anthology" and LIDA Project's "Manson Family Values"
New Denver Civic's "Hats: The Red Hat Society Musical"
Buntport's "Magnets on the Fridge"
Next Stage's "Miscast 2006"
Linda Morken, costumer, Boulder's Dinner Theatre
A note on the awards
Previous incarnations of shows are not eligible in the same categories for which they previously have been considered. So "Cabaret" (best musical 2002) and director Nick Sugar (best actor 2002) are not eligible in those and certain other categories such as best remount (2003 nominee), while any individual new to Town Hall's 2006 production is eligible.
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Best of the Denver Center Theatre Company
BEST PRODUCTION
"The Clean House"
"Crowns"
"Gem of Ocean"
BEST YEAR, ACTOR
Bill Christ: "Measure for Measure," "Ladies of the Camellias," "Amadeus"
Sam Gregory: "Measure for Measure," "After Ashley," "Amadeus," "Season's Greetings"
John Hutton: "Measure for Measure," "Ladies of the Camellias," "Fiction" (Curious Theatre Company)
BEST YEAR, ACTRESS
Charlotte Booker: "The Clean House," "Season's Greetings"
Stephanie Cozart: "Ladies of the Camellias," "Amadeus," "A Christmas Carol"
Romi Dias: "The Clean House," "Living Out"
ACTOR, PLAY
Brent Harris, "Measure for Measure"
Philip Pleasants, "A Christmas Carol"
Tobias Seagal, "After Ashley"
ACTRESS, PLAY
Romi Dias, "The Clean House"
Caitlin O'Connell, "The Clean House"
Marlene Warfield, "Gem of Ocean"
SUPPORTING ACTOR
Jamie Horton, "The Clean House"
Michael Keyloun, "Jesus Hates Me"
Charles Weldon, "Gem of Ocean"
SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Stephanie Cozart, "Amadeus"
Angela Reed, "After Ashley"
Henny Russell, "Season's Greetings"
DIRECTOR
Wendy C. Goldberg, "The Clean House"
Israel Hicks, "Gem of Ocean"
Kent Thompson, "Measure for Measure"
SET DESIGN
Alexander Dodge, "The Clean House"
John Iacovelli, "Amadeus"
G.W. Mercier, "Measure for Measure"
COSTUMES
Kevin Copenhaver, "Crowns"
G.W. Mercier, "Measure for Measure"
David Kay Mickelson, Amadeus"
Best of the national tours
BEST PRODUCTION
"Les Miserables"
"The Lion King"
"Riverdance"
ACTOR
Robert Hunt, Javert, "Les Miserables"
Randal Keith, Valjean, "Les Miserables"
Padraic Moyles, lead dancer,"Riverdance"
ACTRESS
Sachin Bhatt, Akaas, "Bombay Dreams"
Molly Ringwald, Charity, "Sweet Charity"
Laurie Wells, Donna, "Mamma Mia"
SUPPORTING ACTOR
Daniel Bogart, Marius, "Les Miserables"
Timothy McGeever, Zazu, "The Lion King"
Victor Wallace, Enjolras, "Les Miserables"
SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Ta'Rea Campbell, Nala, "The Lion King"
Nancy Hess, Dubonnet, "The Boy Friend"
Melissa Lyons, Eponine, "Les Miserables"
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| | DCPA INTRODUCES 25,000 YOUTH STATEWIDE TO THE MAGIC OF THEATRE THROUGH
SCHOOL TOUR ‹ ONE THOUSAND CRANES
Youth School Tour travels the state March 26-May 25
The Denver Center Theatre Academy¹s 2007 Youth School Tour, One Thousand
Cranes, will run from March 26-May 25. Appropriate for grades 3-8, the tour
will travel throughout the state including Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort
Collins and Pueblo.
Colin Thomas¹ One Thousand Cranes tells the story of children of two
generations who live with the reality of nuclear weapons: Sadako, a Japanese
girl who was living in Hiroshima at the time the atomic bomb was dropped,
and Buddy, a 12-year-old Colorado boy who is obsessed with the present-day
threat of nuclear terrorism.
One Thousand Cranes interweaves these two powerful stories: for Sadako,
1,000 origami cranes are a symbol of good luck and longevity that does not
prevent her death from radiation-induced leukemia. For Buddy, maturation
means going from playing war-games to becoming actively involved in working
for world peace.
In addition to viewing the performance, students will have the opportunity
to participate in a post-performance discussion with the cast. The question
and answer session connects the students to the performance and helps them
understand the creative aspects of the performance process.
The Youth School Tour will be seen in the following schools and counties
(please call 303.446.4886 to arrange a school visitation for
photography/filming):
Imagination Celebration................. El Paso
Lincoln Elementary................. Summit
Irving Elementary................. Pueblo
Columbian Elementary................. Pueblo
Steck Elementary................. Denver
South Park................. Pueblo
Sky Vista Middle School................. Arapahoe
Ricks Center for Gifted Children................. Denver
B. Noel Middle School................. Denver
Colorado Academy................. Jefferson
Aurora Quest Academy................. Arapahoe
Polaris at Ebert................. Denver
Academy of Charter Schools................. Adams 12
Montclair School of Academics ................. Denver
Semper Elementary................. Jeffco
East Middle School................. Arapahoe
Hill Middle School................. Denver
Corwin Middle School................. Pueblo
Sangre de Cristo Arts Center................. Pubelo
Imagination Celebration................. El Paso
Green Valley Elementary................. Denver
Knight Academy................. Denver
Northridge Elementary................. Douglas
Frederick Elementary................. Boulder
Samuels Elementary................. Denver
Lincoln Elementary................. Denver
Manning Middle School................. Jeffco
Side Creek Elementary................. Arapahoe
St. Rose of Lima................. Denver
Phillips Academy................. Denver
Ellis Elementary School................. Denver
Haaff Elementary................. Pueblo
Goodnight PreK-8................. Pueblo
Risley Middle School................. Pueblo
Fallis Elementary................. Denver
Graland Country Day................. Denver
Johnson Elementary................. Denver
Riffenburgh Elementary................. Larimer
Dillon Valley Elementary................. Summit
Summit Cove Elementary................. Summit
Garfield Elementary................. Summit
Rocky Top Middle School................. Adams
Summit Middle School................. Boulder
Friends School Boulder
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts¹ Youth Productions have had the
pleasure of bringing live theatre to more than 450,000 students. The DCPA¹s
Arts in Education programs are designed to provide opportunities for
students to explore different aspects of the human experience and to look
for creative solutions in dealing with life¹s challenges.
The cost of this play is $300 per performance inside the metro area and $350
outside. The Denver Center Theatre Academy offers scholarships to make it
possible for schools to host the production. The DCPA¹s Youth School Tour is
generously sponsored by the Colorado Council on the Arts, U.S. Bank, Xcel
Energy Foundation, Fine Arts Foundation, the Rollin M. Gerstacker
Foundation, the Oscar G. & Elsa S. Mayer Family Foundation and the Hasan
Family Foundation.
For information and to book the tour, call 303.446.4851 or email
msteger@dcpa.org.
###
--
Suzanne Blandon
Associate Director of Communications
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts
1101 13th Street
Denver, CO 80204
www.denvercenter.org
P: 303.446.4886
F: 303.575.0080
E: sblandon@dcpa.org
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| | GRAND JUNCTION WINS GOVERNOR’S ARTS AWARD
Gov. Bill Ritter is pleased to announce that the city of Grand Junction is the recipient of the 2007 Governor’s Art Award, which recognizes a Colorado city or town that effectively employs the arts to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of their community. From 1969 to 2002, Governor’s Arts Awards honored artists and organizations, as well as corporate and civic leaders, for their significant contributions to Colorado’s cultural environment. The award has been reinstated this year with a new focus on the role of the arts in community development.
The Colorado Council on the Arts, a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, annually convenes a panel to review the nominations and select the recipient. The Western Colorado Center for the Arts nominated Grand Junction for this year’s award. In selecting Grand Junction as the recipient, the review panel cited several factors:
· The city’s financial commitment to the arts through the Commission on Arts and Culture, including the city’s “1% for the Arts Program,” artist showcases at City Hall and the Convention Center, the Artist Directory and Event Calendar, grants to local cultural organizations, support for artist-in-residence programs in the schools, business development workshops for artists, and the Economic Impact of the Arts report every five years;
· The breadth of populations served by the variety of arts events and activities offered by the city and the regions’ 20-25 cultural organizations, including the Art on the Corner exhibit, the annual Art & Jazz Festival, the First Friday Art Hop, Thursday Night Farmers Markets, the Art Mobile traveling art exhibits and lessons, the Art Center’s Summer Art Camp, the college’s Business Training for Artists program, and much more;
· The vision and commitment to using the arts as a tool for community enhancement as reflected in the Grand Junction Strategic Cultural Plan;
· The diversity of groups that support and participate in the arts, including the Downtown Development Authority and member businesses, the city’s economic development and tourism agencies, Mesa State College, elected officials, arts organizations, and individual artists; and
· The long term commitment by all of these groups to integrating arts and cultural activities into the community.
The award will be a large painting by Joellyn Duesberry, a Colorado artist nationally recognized for her landscape paintings. Duesberry’s work has been shown widely around the country, including a recent retrospective at the Denver Art Museum. She is represented by galleries coast to coast and several private collections.
The Governor plans to present the award to Grand Junction Mayor Jim Doody and the citizens of Grand Junction at a celebratory event later this summer.
The Colorado Council on the Arts combines state funds with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and invests in communities across the state to ensure that the cultural, educational and economic benefits of the arts are enjoyed by thousands of Colorado youth and millions of Colorado citizens and visitors every day.
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| | NEW ROCKY MOUNTAIN VOICES ONE-ACT PLAY COMPETITION WINNERS NAMED
Westcliffe, Colorado July 12, 2007
William C. Kovacsik of Boulder, Colorado, and Diana Lewis of Santa Fe, New Mexico were named the winners of the 2007 New Rocky Mountain Voices one-act play competition. The program, sponsored by the Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts, attracted 16 plays from 15 playwrights from Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. In addition, Honorable Mentions have been awarded to Kayt C. Peck of Las Vegas, New Mexico, and Leonard Madrid of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Mr. Kovacsik’s play, The Organist’s Daughter, is a delightful love story set in the basement of the Marienkirche (St. Mary’s Church) in Lubeck, Germany, circa 1705. The greatest organist in the world is looking for a worthy replacement and a worthy son-in-law. Mr. Kovacsik, B.A., J.D., M.F.A., currently teaches Playwriting and Beginning Acting at the University of Colorado, and has received multiple awards for his playwriting. His plays have been performed all across the country and in India. In addition to writing and teaching, he has directed several world premiers and had his own Black Sheep Company in New York.
Ms. Lewis’s winning play, A Choice Piece, is an inventive comedic look at playwrights, actors, and “invisible but noisy” people who need to be heard and seen, told from the point of view of a middle-aged woman. Ms. Lewis is a former winner of New Rocky Mountain Voices 2004 for her play Slings and Arrows. She has had several of her plays produced in New Mexico, New Jersey, and Texas.
The winning selections were made by one of the Westcliffe Center’s directors, Steve Miller, and the Center’s Executive Director, Anne Relph, after an initial selection was made by members of the local theater community. Mr. Miller will direct this year’s performances, which will take place in the Westcliffe Center’s Jones Theater on Friday and Saturday, September 7 and 8. The authors have been invited to attend the performances and to participate in a discussion with the audience following the performances. Each of the winning authors will receive a $200 prize.
As an addition to the New Rocky Mountain Voices play competition this year, the two honorable mention plays will be presented as readings in Studio Two of the Jones theater, on Sunday evening, September 9.at7:30 PM. Leonard Madrid’s Volver Volver Volver and Kayt Peck’s The Phone Call were found to be well written and interesting and deserving of an audience. Mr. Madrid is a second-year graduate student in Dramatic Writing at the University of New Mexico and has focused most of his work in the realm of Latino Theatre and the culture of New Mexico. Volver Volver Volver is the story of Junie’s return home, only to discover he has been dead for three years. Ms. Peck is a playwright, novelist, and actress whose The Phone Call takes us into the tense life of Rhonda, a U.S. Navy lieutenant commander, her life-partner Tamara, and their parents, all struggling for understanding and acceptance.
The Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts in Westcliffe, Colorado is a non-profit organization whose mission is to introduce and train young people and adults from Custer County and the region in acting,
directing and production in music, dance and drama. For further information or reservations please call 719-783-3994
Director and general media contact: Anne Kimbell Relph (719.783.3004; arelph@earthlink.net)
New Rocky Mountain Voices contact: Steve Miller (719.783.9344; smiller012@centurytel.net)
For complete information about the Westcliffe Center and its programs, visit the organization’s web site at www.westcliffecenter.org.
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| | Longmont Theatre Company celebrates 50 years of continously producing live theatre in Longmont.
In 1957, with the building of the new Longmont United Hospital, an auxiliary was formed to creatively raise money for furnishing the lobby. Some auxiliary members had backgrounds in theatre, and thus the infant theatre company was born at the Longont hospital as a fundraising endeavor.
During the 1960's the name Potpourri Players was adopted. The Company grew and formalized its organizational structure. They used many locations in town until the old Trojan Theatre on Main Street became available and the Board of Directors decided it was time to purchase and renovate.
In addition to five annual main stage performances, LTC has a strong youth program with summer workshops, a holiday show involving youth and adults and engages in community outreach eandeavors Another big part of LTC is the Taste of Shakespeare educational program, which provides free performances of Shakespeare's plays, including songs, swowrd fights, and scenes. 'Taste' will present "Twelfth Night" and "A Bard's Day Night" this season.
Few community theatres survive beyond seven years; fewer are around to see their 20th season. LTC has developed a fine reputation for their productions throughout the Front Range and attracts actors and technicians from a wide area.
LTC has planned an amazing 50th season as a special gift to the community that has supported them for the last 50 years. The shows they are producing are past favorites, culminating in a in a world premiere musical that will jumpstart the next 50 years.
The Longmont Theatre Company presents its 50th season of timeless favorites "The Foreigner," "Damn Yankees," "Brighton Beach Memoirs," "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," and "Fiddler on the Roof," and presenting the world premiere of "Suspenders," should make Longmont Theatre Company's 50th anniversary season one of the best yet.
For dates and additional show details please visit our website.
Website: www.longmonttheatre.org/
Phone: 303-772-5200
Address: 513 Main Street, Longmont, Colorado
Evening shows start at 7:30pm and matinees(*) start at 2pm.
The Foreigner - September 7,8,*9,14,15,*16,20,21,22
Damn Yankees - October 26,27,*28,Nov. 2,3,*4,9,10,*11,15,16,17
Brighton Beach - January 18,19,*20,25,26,*27,31,Feb. 1,2
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - February 29, March 1*2,7,8,*9,13,14,15
Fiddler on the Roof - April 25,26,*27, May 2,3*4,9,10,*11,15,16,17
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| | CURIOUS THEATRE COMPANY WINS NATIONAL EDGERTON GRANT
DENVER — Curious Theatre Company’s world premiere of Eric Noble’s play “For Better”, which runs Nov. 3-Dec. 15, has received an Edgerton Foundation “New American Play Award,” which nodded to 22 plays and musicals produced by theatre companies throughout the US. The foundation selectively invites theatres that have demonstrated both a track record and a willingness to develop and produce original plays and musicals to apply for grants and will provide up to $7.5m of support to non-profit theatres over the next 10 years for new American play production.
“It’s an incredible honor for Curious to receive this award, and to be included with so many prestigious theatres and projects across American theatre,” says Curious’ Artistic Director Chip Walton. “It’s really visionary of the Edgerton Foundation to recognize the value and impact of this type of support on new plays, and this award is a testament to our continued commitment to developing producing new work, particularly on “For Better” ...which is one of our commissions.”
The goal of this grant is to support the critical final stages of the creative/collaborative process, and because of this additional funding, Curious has extended rehearsal time and designated two additional public previews to enable the playwright to work on-site longer with the director and actors.
About FOR BETTER
Now, in this plugged-in world of email, text-messaging and camera phones, the playwright poses this question: “Do the bride and groom really need to be in the same country to go on a honeymoon?”
Experience the funny, hip and accessible writing in the re-dial and instant-messaging farce about technology, love and personal relationships. Our characters build to a furious climax of 21st Century needs, fears and dreams in a world where no one keeps the same address for more than a few months, but where everyone can be found with the click of a button.
About Curious Theatre
Now celebrating its 10th Anniversary Season, and currently comprised of 19 company members, Curious produces five full productions each season in addition to special projects such as Denver Stories and Curious New Voices. Housed in a renovated church at 1080 Acoma St. in Denver’s Golden Triangle for ten years, Curious has remained committed to bringing the best new plays in contemporary theatre to Denver audiences and engaging the community through the power of professional live theatre. www.curioustheatre.org.
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| | Denver Center Theatre Company
announces four new play readings to join three
world premieres at Colorado New Play Summit
Use this direct link to download PHOTO IMAGES
http://www.denvercenter.org/press_photo and enter the password: bob
DENVER – The announcement of the four new plays to receive readings at the Denver Center Theatre Company’s third Colorado New Play Summit is heightening the national anticipation building around the production of three world premieres – Our House, conceived by Theresa Rebeck and Daniel Fish, written by Theresa Rebeck; Plainsong by Eric Schmiedl, based upon the novel written by Kent Haruf; and Lydia by Octavio Solis. Although the Denver Center has a long history of support for new works, the growth of the Colorado New Play Summit from a two-day event with one premiere and three readings in the 2006 inaugural festival, to a three-day event with three world premieres (all commissions) and four readings in 2008, has theatre professionals paying attention.
The new plays to be read include –
Inana by Michele Lowe A DCTC Commission
On the eve of the US invasion of Baghdad, an Iraqi museum director is desperate to preserve an ancient and valuable statue from the looting he fears is on the horizon. Making a deal with the devil, he flees to London with his young bride. His hopes for a new life are cut short, though, as he finds he must sacrifice his own safety for the sake of his wife and the preservation of the statue of Inana, the Goddess of War.
Michele Lowe is the author of String of Pearls which received an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding Off-Broadway Play and appears in New Playwrights/The Best Plays of 2005 (Smith & Knaus, 2006). She is also the author of The Smell of the Kill (Broadway debut), Mezzulah, 1946 (City Theatre) and Backsliding in the Promised Land (Syracuse Stage). She wrote the book and lyrics for the musical Hit the Lights! (Vineyard Theatre). Other plays include Good on Paper and Map of Heaven. She has been commissioned by Denver Center Theatre Company, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and Geva Theatre. Michele’s plays have been produced at Primary Stages, Vineyard Theatre, Intiman Theatre, Florida Stage, Reykjavik City Theatre (Iceland), Berkshire Theatre Festival and Cleveland Play House among dozens of others. Her work has been developed at the Eugene O’Neill National Music Theatre Conference, New Harmony Project, PlayLabs, New York Stage and Film, and the ACT & Hedgebrook Women Playwrights Festival. Her work appears in Monologues for Women by Women (Heinemann, 2004) and The Best Women’s Stage Monologues 2005 (Smith & Knaus, 2006). Screenplays include The Emergence of Emily Stark and Quitting Texas. Michele is a recipient of the Frankel Award (City Theatre). She is a member of ASCAP, the Dramatists Guild and a Core Member of the Playwrights’ Center. She is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
Shooting Star by Steven Dietz A DCTC Commission
Ex-lovers, stranded at a snowed-in airport, meet by chance after twenty years. Their reunion is bumpy, as they discover to their dismay that their youthful dreams and ideals have been dramatically altered by the years. A comedy with a bittersweet heart, Shooting Star will speak to the romantic in everyone.
Denver native Steven Dietz’s twenty-plus plays and adaptations have been widely produced regionally and Off-Broadway. International productions have been seen in England, Japan, Germany, France, Australia, Sweden, Austria, Russia, Slovenia, Argentina, Peru, Singapore and South Africa. His work has been translated into seven languages. Steven received the Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays Award for Still Life with Iris, and also for Fiction – produced Off-Broadway by the Roundabout Theatre Company; the 1994 PEN USA West Award in Drama for Lonely Planet; and the 1995 Yomuiri Shimbun Award (the Japanese “Tony”) for his adaptation of Shusaku Endo's novel, Silence. Steven’s latest plays include Last of the Boys (Pulitzer-nominee, finalist for the American Theatre Critics/Steinberg New Play Award); Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure (winner of the 2007 Edgar Award for Best Mystery Play); and Honus and Me (adapted from the novel by Dan Gutman). Current projects include several recently completed commissions City of Ghosts (McCarter Theatre, Princeton), Near Aberdeen (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago), and Becky’s New Car (ACT Theatre, Seattle). Steven and his family divide their time between Seattle and Austin, where he teaches playwriting at the University of Texas.
Perilous Night by Lee Blessing A DCTC Commission
Pulitzer Prize nominee Lee Blessing strips away the myths of the madhouse in this harrowing allegory of truth, power and racism in a world gone awry. Patients in a squalid mental hospital engage in a Machiavellian power struggle to defend their status inside a glass cage. A masterwork from a veteran dramatist.
Lee Blessing’s play A Walk In The Woods was produced on Broadway and London's West End. Off-Broadway credits include Going to St. Ives (Outer Critic’s Circle Award/ Best Play, Obie for Ensemble Performance), Thief River (Drama Desk nomination/Best Play), Cobb (Drama Desk Award/Best Ensemble), Chesapeake, Eleemosynary and Down The Road. In the 1992-93 Signature Theatre season, Fortinbras, Lake Street Extension, Two Rooms and the world premiere of Patient A. Recent regional world premieres include A Body of Water at the Guthrie Theater and The Old Globe; Lonesome Hollow, Flag Day and Whores, all at the Contemporary American Theatre Festival; The Scottish Play at La Jolla Playhouse; Black Sheep at Florida Stage; and The Winning Streak at George Street Playhouse. Other plays include Independence, Riches, Oldtimers Game, Nice People Dancing To Good Country Music and Perilous Night. Lee’s other awards include The American Theater Critics Circle Award, the L.A. Drama Critics Award, The Great American Play Award, The Humanitas Award, and the George and Elisabeth Marton Award among others. He has been nominated for Tony and Olivier awards, as well as for the Pulitzer Prize. Lee is married to playwright and TV writer Melanie Marnich and lives in New York. He heads the graduate playwriting program at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University.
Dusty and the Big Bad World by Cusi Cram
“Dusty” is the most popular animated PBS children's television show in America. But when Dusty – the genial hero of the program – goes to visit a family with two daddies, the big bad world brings the hammer down – hard. Based on actual events, Dusty is a hilarious, no-holds-barred dramatization of the clash between freedom of speech, art (or at least kids’ TV), and politics.
Cusi Cram’s plays have been produced and developed at The O'Neill Playwrights Conference, Williamstown Theater Festival, The Public Theater, South Coast Repertory, Manhattan Class Company, The New Group, New York Theatre Workshop, Humana Festival, New Georges, Miranda Theater, PS122 and the Dag Hammarskjold Theater at the United Nations. Her play Fuente is the recipient of the 2004 Herrick Theater Foundation New Play Prize and was produced at Barrington Stage Company. Her play All the Bad Things was part of LAByrinth Theater Company’s 2005-6 season at the Public Theater. And Lucy and the Conquest was produced on the Nikos Stage at the Williamstown Theater Festival in 2006.
This past Spring Cusi performed in LAByrinth’s production of Pretty Chin Up, also at the Public. Dusty and the Big Bad World was workshopped at Juilliard in September of 2007. Cusi has also received two Emmy award nominations for her work on the animated children’s program “Arthur” and currently writes for the show in addition to several other animated
programs produced by PBS. She is a graduate of Brown University and the Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program at Juilliard. She is a member of LAByrinth Theater Company, the MCC Playwrights Coalition, The Laura Strelsin New American Writers Groups at Primary Stages and sits on New Georges’ Artist Council. She lives between Woodstock, NY and Greenwich Village with her husband Peter Hirsch.
With additional funding from the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust and The Women’s Voices Fund, Associate Artistic Director and Director of New Play Development Bruce K. Sevy and Dramaturg and Literary Manager Douglas Langworthy are developing one of America’s most ambitious new play commissioning programs, building a collection of new works to be featured at Colorado New Play Summits and eventually at the Denver Center and other national stages in full productions.
Other playwrights currently working on Denver Center commissions include Constance Congdon – author of the widely produced Tales of the Lost Formicans, who is writing a new play about “water rights in the West;” Ami Dyan – Boulder playwright commissioned to translate and adapt the award-winning Israeli play Conviction by Oren Neeman, after the novel Confession by Yonatan Ben-Nachum; José Cruz González – author of September Shoes; Jason Grote – author of the 2007 Summit’s critically-acclaimed world premiere 1001; Steven Cole Hughes – a company member and author of Slabtown and cowboyily; Julie Marie Myatt – author of Boats on a River and The Joy of Having a Body; Rogelio Martinez – author of Comrades and Worms and They Still Mambo in Havana; and Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder – author of Gee’s Bend (on the Denver Center’s 2007/2008 season) and First Day of Hunting Season.
Theatre professionals, critics and playwrights from around the country have been invited to Denver on February 14, 15 and 16 to explore the next great American plays. “We called the event a ‘summit’ because of the glorious Rocky Mountains, but also have built this event into a ‘peak’ experience – we have created a new play festival that we feel is a must-see event for theatre professionals from across the United States,” said Artistic Director Kent Thompson.
The 2008 Colorado New Play Summit will also include a nationally-known panel of playwrights discussing Switch-Hitters: Writing for the Stage and Television. Panelists include playwrights and television writers Keith Josef Adkins, Bridget Carpenter, Theresa Rebeck and Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder.
For more information visit www.denvercenter.org/summit.
Producing Partner for the Colorado New Play Summit is Daniel L. Ritchie.
Additional generous support for the Colorado New Play Summit is provided by the Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation and The Curtis Hotel.
Lydia is sponsored by The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust.
Our House is sponsored by The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust and The Women’s Voices Fund.
Plainsong is sponsored by The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust and The National Endowment for the Arts.
Producing Partners for Plainsong are Jim Steinberg & Karolynn Lestrud and Terry & Noel Hefty.
Plainsong is the recipient of a major Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award.
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| | DCPA COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING THEATRE-GOING EXPERIENCE
FOR THOSE WITH DISABILITIES TURNS EFFORTS TO WEBSITE
In an ongoing effort to improve the theatre-going experience for patrons with disabilities, The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) has recently finished a major update of its website to make it more accessible to patrons with special needs. The new features, launched December 1, make the website compliant with the design standards put forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act by changing from a Java and graphics based website to a text-based website. This modification creates a website more compatible with new technologies that can turn the information on any page into synthesized speech, braille or a larger visually displayed text, allowing individuals with a variety of sensory and other disabilities to browse the website in a manner that best suits their needs.
The newly refurbished website comes in the last month of a year that saw the DCPA take great efforts to make coming to the theatre more accessible and enjoyable. In August, the Center received an anonymous $15,000 donation that was used for the installation of a new Assisted-Listening System in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex to provide better quality sound for Denver Center Theatre Company (DCTC) patrons who are hard of hearing. The new system can be used with regular headphones or allows for sound to be directly transmitted into a user’s hearing aid by wearing a small wire around his or her neck.
In addition to providing the new Assisted-Listening System for every performance, the Denver Center Theatre Company has expanded its ASL-interpreted and audio-described performances this year to include one performance for every DCTC production (dates listed below). Denver Center Attractions, the DCPA’s Broadway touring division, also has scheduled performances that will create a more pleasant and accessible experience for Deaf, hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired patrons by providing American Sign Language-interpreted and audio-described performances for select Sunday matinees (dates listed below).
Bill Lundgren, longtime DCPA volunteer who serves on the newly formed Denver Center ADA Advisory Committee and also sits on the Denver Commission for People with Disabilities, said he is not surprised about the lengths the DCPA continues to take to improve accessibility. “From the very beginning with [DCPA Founder] Donald Seawell,” said Lundgren, “the DCPA has really been all about trying to find new and creative ways to improve accessibility. That’s why I’m involved with the DCPA, because they’re genuinely concerned about access for the disabled community.”
For tickets to American Sign Language-interpreted or audio-described performances, please call the DCPA box office at 303.893.4100 or the DCPA’s TTY number at 303.893.9582. Tickets also can be found online at The Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ new, more accessible website at www.denvercenter.org.
Denver Center Theatre Company Accessibility Series Performance Dates:
The Diary of Anne Frank, Space Theatre, December 15, 2007
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Buell Theatre, December 30, 2007
Our House, Space Theatre, December 8, 2008
Plainsong, Stage Theatre, February 23, 2008
Lydia, Ricketson Theatre, March 8, 2008
The Merry Wives of Windsor, Stage Theatre, April 12, 2008
Gee’s Bend, Space Theatre, April 19, 2008
Doubt, Ricketson Theatre, May 17, 2008
3 Mo’ Divas, Stage Theatre, June 28, 2008
Denver Center Attractions Accessibility Series Performance Dates:
My Fair Lady, Buell Theatre, April 6, 2008
A Chorus Line, Buell Theatre, May 11, 2008
Sweeney Todd, Buell Theatre, June 29, 2008
Avenue Q, The Ellie Caulkins Opera House, September 21, 2008
The Drowsy Chaperone, Buell Theatre, October 26, 2008
Jersey Boys, Buell Theatre, December 28, 2008
The Last Five Years, Buell Theatre, TBD
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| | DENVER CENTER ATTRACTIONS OPTIONS
WORLDWIDE RIGHTS FOR
GIRLS ONLY – THE SECRET COMEDY OF WOMEN
INITIAL PRODUCTION TO OPEN SEPTEMBER 2008
IN THE GARNER GALLERIA THEATRE
Denver, CO — The Denver Center for the Performing Arts President Randy Weeks and Denver Center Attractions Director of Programming and Operations John Ekeberg announced today that they have optioned the worldwide rights to GIRLS ONLY – The Secret Comedy of Women, by Barbara Gehring and Linda Klein. The initial production under this agreement will open at The Garner Galleria Theatre at the Denver Performing Arts Complex in September 2008, starring the authors.
“We are delighted that we’ve come to this agreement with Barbara Gehring and Linda Klein,” says Weeks. “We look forward to a successful run of the show at the Garner Galleria Theatre and are excited to share this title with our colleagues nationwide to fully realize the potential of this play on a wider scale.”
Called “raucously funny” by the Rocky Mountain News and “intelligent” and “astute” by The Denver Post, GIRLS ONLY – The Secret Comedy of Women is an original comedy that celebrates the honor, truth, humor and silliness of being a girl. With a two-woman cast and female-dominated audiences, the play has found quick popularity in its unique examination of all things girl. GIRLS ONLY – The Secret Comedy of Women is currently enjoying a sell-out extended run at The Avenue Theatre in Denver through March 2. The show was previously seen at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival.
Denver Center Attractions, the Broadway show division of The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, presents touring productions at The Buell Theatre and The Ellie Caulkins Opera House. A top market for touring shows, DCA presented the 2007 pre-Broadway engagement of Disney’s The Little Mermaid and launched the national tours of Sunset Boulevard, Barrymore, the revival of Hello, Dolly!, and Disney’s The Lion King. In May 2008, DCA will launch the national tour of the revival of A Chorus Line. DCA also produces cabaret shows at The Garner Galleria Theatre, including Forever Plaid, Forbidden Broadway, The World Goes ’Round, Swingtime Canteen, Always...Patsy Cline, My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, Denver’s longest-running musical, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, The Second City’s Red Scare and How I Lost My Denverginity, and The Taffetas. DCA also produces original musicals in The Buell Theatre including I Love a Piano, Dorian and Heaven Help Us. For more information, please visit www.denvercenter.org.
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| | Gaslight Theatre Finds Itself in Good Company
The Earl of Leicester's Players, The King’s Men, The Queen’s Men—do any of these famous theatrical company names sound familiar? How about The Denver Center Theater Company? Regardless of their notoriety, or the time period in which they exist, theatre companies contain one common element: a set group of members responsible for all aspects of a production including acting, directing, designing, publicizing, and constructing.
This commonality helped guide company directors Ed Schoenradt and Jane Allard in selecting the ideal people to form the Gaslight Theatre Company. Yet, even with these ideas in place, choosing company members proved no easy task for Schoenradt and Allard.
Where to begin? In December 2007, the directors posted an audition call in several major media sources including the online Colorado Theatre Guild, Your.Hub, the Denver Post, Colorado Backstage, Theatre 411, and Denver Actors’ Forum.
For interested actors, the audition requirements were simple: show up and cold read. As Allard wrote, “Auditions will allow us to evaluate each person’s ability to work as an ensemble. We will select our initial core company based on each person’s audition and eagerness to work within the stated framework.”
The framework Allard referred to included these expectations for company members:
• Provide season support, both technical and acting; be involved in an integral way with each production.
• Serve on one or more of the company’s committees.
• Be dedicated to helping this company achieve its goals.
In exchange, company members receive preferential casting for all roles. However, as Schoenradt stated, “We are not going to try and fit a square peg in a round hole. If we don’t have actors within the company who are right for the parts, we will hold open auditions to fill those roles.”
If an actor could not commit to company membership, Gaslight Theatre Company offered company associate positions as well. These associates are volunteers willing to help out in one or more of these capacities:
• Serve monthly, at a minimum, on one or more committee, such as:
Play reading
Community outreach (Collaborations, children’s productions, workshops)
Fund raising
Publicity
Program/newsletter
Advertising sales
• Work on stage managing, light or sound tech, box office, or set construction.
Next, the directors faced narrowing down the fifty performers who responded to the audition posting to the set of core company members. “The response was overwhelming,” Allard said. “We were amazed not only by the number of responses but by the amount of talent. There were so many talented people, we could have easily selected thirty people, but we wanted to keep our company size reasonable and selected nine.”
Schoenradt added, “Many times it boiled down to availability, skills in other areas that would benefit the company, and age range.”
The nine Gaslight Theatre Company members include: Ed Schoenradt, Jane Schoenradt Allard, Joshua Fisher, Britton Lafield, Mindy Daugherty, Collin (C.P.) Elliott, Jeannette Prentice, Karen Krause and Erika Hoffman.
Associate Company members are Bruce Barton, Greg Christopher, Dan Connell, Val Durfee, Ellen Farnsworth, Nita Froelich, Maru Garcia, Jessica Johnson, Kelly Krause, Jacob Krimbel, Molly Mikan, Debbie Minter, Pat Payne, Deb Pence, Steve Seaholm, Amy Smith, Luke Terry, and Hope Weiss.
Although the first two shows, The Curious Savage and God’s Favorite have already been cast, aspiring actors are encouraged to audition for future productions for Gaslight. Audition notices will appear in local publications as well as on the company’s website www.gaslighttheatrecompany.com .
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| | The GroupMind is in the process of re-organizing. We would like to share with you the goals for 2008 and encourage you to continue supporting improv in our community.
In the past we have sponsored and produced the Denver Improv Festival. We had three wonderful years of this event, bringing in various instructors and performance groups from all over the country. However, there are no current plans to produce a festival this year.
We are continuing the "Improv Sampler" in Boulder. This forum is designed to introduce new audiences to a "sample" of improv. We've had eight shows to date, and have four more on the books. Many thanks to Sam Gordon and his team for organizing these events.
Scholarships were something we introduced during DIF07. It is our hope that we may implement another small scholarship program during 2008 to help improv performers and students take workshops, visit festivals and take their study to the next level. If you would be interested in donating to the scholarship fund please contact the GroupMind Board of Directors.
Keep laughing,
Cindy Laudadio-Hill, Linda Klein and Brian Stout
GroupMind Foundation, Board of Directors
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| | Multi-million dollar, state of the art, professional dinner theater to open June 6, 2008
Premiere season to begin with the musical theater classic, Meredith Willson's The Music Man
January 25, 2008: Announcing the opening of Colorado's own Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, with the premiere performance set for June 6, 2008. The new, state of the art, 5.75 million dollar facility is located just south of Johnson's Corner on I-25, within comfortable driving distance of Denver, Greeley, Loveland, Fort Collins, Longmont, Wyoming and their surrounding areas.
Construction will be finished in late April on the site that boasts scenic views of the Rocky Mountains, on a hill just east of 1-25. The 380 seat Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is in the vibrant and growing Northern Colorado Corridor situated only minutes away from upscale shopping, hotels, and the gateway to the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Special amenities include an elegant lobby, book cased by two large fireplaces, and a 50 seat private balcony which includes VIP rooms, separate dining areas and mezzanine theater seating.
The ownership group for the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse consists of Dave Clark, Chauncey Taylor (owner of neighboring, world famous Johnson's Corner) and Circle Productions, L.L.C., serving as the artistic partners. Circle Productions is the ownership group of Fort Collin's Nonesuch Theater, which includes Nick Turner, Peter F. Muller, Troy Schuh and Gina Schuh-Turner, all proud and active members of the professional Colorado theater community. Clark Construction Co, Inc. of Loveland is the construction manager and general manager for the project.
The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse will open with Meredith Willson's The Music Man. This musical theater classic represents an integral part of the Candlelight's mission, to provide quality, family entertainment to Colorado and its surrounding communities. In achieving these goals, the Candlelight is in contact with Actors' Equity Association, the Professional Union of Actors and Stage Managers, with the intent that they will begin their first production as an Equity Dinner Theater, providing work to the many talented professionals in this beautiful state.
In the weeks and months to follow, more information will be released to you as it becomes pertinent. Coming soon, look for an announcement of the first full season of shows for 2008-09, as well as for employment opportunities for the many facets of the facility.
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| | Regarding space cuts that were initiated at my paper on Feb. 1, some good news.
After several weeks of producing this new Sunday section, it looks like we are consistently having enough room to bring back a second weekly column. So my Sunday theater notes are back to weekly -- though there may be special-edition weeks (like Oscars or spring arts previews, etc.) when there's no room. When push came to shove, I only lost one Sunday column -- and I had a feature story that week anyway, so theater was represented.
Better news: Previously, you never knew where my notes column might be found on Sunday. But for now, my boss has decided to anchor them on Page 2 of the A&E section -- every Sunday. Nothing's forever, but that's a prominent spot, so, kinda cool.
The powers that be here have also listened to reader feedback on the loss of our Friday listings, and while that space isn't coming back anytime soon, my boss has initiated a reasonable compromise, I think. You'll notice that starting in today's print paper, in varying disciplines including theater, we have restored full-on capsule listings for all shows that are "opening this weekend." So that's good.
And too date, I haven't lost any review slots. That was in doubt because my Monday and Thursday review holes go in specialized non-entertainment sections run by other editors. But our Fitness and Room section editors have been quite sympathetic about the need to maintain those holes for theater. So, hooray for Suzanne Brown and Elana Ashanti-Jefferson for their generosity.
Just thought you'd want to know. As I said in the beginning, nothing is forever in this changing biz, and I am sure we'll continue to make tweaks to make sure we are making the best use of whatever space we have.
john moore ... denver post ... 101 w. colfax ave. suite 600 ... denver ... 80202 ... 303-954-1056 ...
** Here are your seventh annual Denver Post Ovation Award winners honoring the best in Colorado theater 2007: http://www.denverpost.com/theater/ci_7823607 **
... we do podcasts. check in with us every thursday at www.denverpost.com/theater
... and check out our myspace page on all things Colorado theater: www.myspace.com/runninglines | |
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| | Candlelight Dinner Playhouse reaches agreement with Actors’ Equity Association
Marcus Waterman named director of inaugural production
March 4, 2008: The Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement with Actors' Equity Association to use their members under the Agreement and Rules Governing Employment in Dinner Theaters. This agreement makes the Candlelight the only professional Equity Dinner Theater in Colorado. Under this agreement, the Candlelight can choose from the entire pool of wonderful Colorado-based talent.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse into the Equity family, “said Doug Carfrae Actors' Equity Association Western Regional Vice President. “The opening of Candlelight is a cause for celebration because professional theater is an important part of the Colorado theatrical landscape and this theater will surely be a successful and meaningful addition.”
In addition to this exciting news, the Candlelight is also privileged to announce that Marcus Waterman will be the director of their inaugural production, The Music Man. Marcus is a long standing member of the Colorado theater community. He received his training at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the National Shakespeare Conservatory in New York but has always made his home and cultivated his career in Colorado. As an actor, he has appeared in Colorado's finest theaters, including the Country Dinner Playhouse, The Arvada Center, Curious Theatre Company and The Denver Center Theater Company. Marcus made his directing debut at The Arvada Center with Wait Until Dark and is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association.
For more information, the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse now has a website at www.ColoradoCandlelight.com. Users can sign up for a mailing list and personalize the type of information they'd like to receive. For up to the minute news, including employment opportunities, audition notices and construction photos, the Candlelight also has pages on www.myspace.com and www.facebook.com that are updated as information becomes available.
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| | Breck-born “Crazy Bag” Takes a Road Trip
(Breckenridge, CO) Breckenridge resident Murphy Funkhouser, currently appearing in “Reefer Madness” at the Backstage Theatre, is touring her autobiographical one-woman show “Crazy Bag” nationwide through the fall.
At its premier last summer at the Colorado Theatre Festival, the show won “Best Director” (Ovation winner Christopher Willard), and “All State Actress” (Funkhouser) honors. From there, “Crazy Bag” played to full houses in June 2007 at the Backstage Theatre, where Willard is Artistic Director.
Now the play has been accepted to the prestigious San Francisco Fringe Festival (September 3-14).
Funkhouser is also performing the show throughout Colorado (an extended run at Denver’s Vintage Theatre is scheduled for June), New Mexico, Oklahoma and Oregon, with other stops still being scheduled.
Asked about the play’s genesis, she says, “It started with the word baggage.” “Christopher [Willard] proposed a one-woman show and I blurted out with false confidence: ‘Well, surely I can pull something out of the bag!’” A military minister’s daughter, Funkhouser is a single mom who has called six cities home in ten years. “I knew a little something about baggage,” she quips. “And I knew I needed to do some unpacking.”
Funkhouser- also a stand up comedian- makes healthy use of humor while unloading her burdens. Reviewed as both “touching” and “hilarious”, the show is a fast-paced revelation of her remarkable, frequently outrageous journey from barroom to motherhood, rebellion to redemption.
“This is a fun, funny, poignant show,” she says. “But it also has the capacity to be life changing—which is the part that is really compelling to me.”
To maximize this potential, she crafted a FREE workshop she offers in conjunction with performances of “Crazy Bag”. Participants of the “Claim Yourself” workshop use personal life experiences (“pulled from dusty trunks,” says Funkhouser) to create comedic theatrical pieces.
“The term ‘baggage’ is fraught with negative connotations. I believe in reclaiming the word. Our baggage is the treasure of our travels… our souvenirs.”
Funkhouser will surely be collecting some more mementos as she takes her show on the road. “I’ve quit my job and am devoting the next year to being a writer and performer. It’s time to sink or swim. “
“It’s exhilarating.”
For a detailed tour schedule and further information, visit www.crazybag.net .
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| | Next Stage
http://nextstagedenver.com
(303) 364-9998
After four years of service and artistic leadership to Next Stage, company founder, Gene Kato has resigned as Artistic Director and will be pursuing other artistic endeavors. Mr. Kato has driven the artistic development and growth of this company from its inception in the summer of 2004. His vision to create a company whose mission is to introduce Denver-area audiences to quality new works and reviving unfamiliar and thought-provoking pieces, has been realized through his powerful direction and daring play selection. Company success under his tenure includes the world premiere production of “Just for Laughs” (summer 2004), the regional premiere of “Recent Tragic Events” (March 2005), the 2005 Henry Award-Winning production of “Assassins” and subsequent 2007 remount at the Aurora Fox Theater (August 2007), “Chess” (April 2006), the regional premiere of “The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow” (October 2006), the regional premiere of “Frame 312” (February 2007), and “Falsettos” (April 2008).
Mr. Kato has elected to resign in order to allow a new Artistic Director to join the company and bring a fresh artistic vision in, to build upon the strong foundation established to this point…allowing the company to move on to its “next stage” as it continues to grow and evolve. The Board of Directors wishes to celebrate and honor Mr. Kato’s remarkable vision and commitment to this company in its early and formative years.
Next Stage will be engaging in the selection process of a new Artistic Director in the very near future and will be publicizing the details of that process in the coming weeks.
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| | PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kelley Baily
D.L. Parsons Theatre
(303) 450-8945
kbaily@northglenn.org
6/02/08
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Northglenn Youth Theatre Wins National Awards
NORTHGLENN, CO — The D.L. Parsons Theatre, north metro Denver’s oldest theatre providing entertainment year-round to patrons of all ages, is proud to announce that the theatre’s resident youth theatre company, the Northglenn Youth Theatre (NYT), has been honored with six nominations and five awards from the National Youth Theatre for their work in Into The Woods this past April. More than 170 productions from over 90 theatres in 60-plus cities spanning 23 states were considered in the awards process.
Awards:
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical: Michael Ochoa as the Baker in Into the Woods
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical: Sydney Hollingsworth as Witch in Into the Woods
Outstanding Lead Actress (13 and under): Terra Salazar as Baker's Wife in Into the Woods
Outstanding Ensemble: Northglenn Youth Theatre (Into The Woods)
Outstanding Direction: Kimberly Jongejan for Into the Woods
Nominations:
Outstanding Supporting Actress (13 and under): Haley DiVirgilio as Cinderella in Into the Woods
The winners will be formally presented with their awards at a ceremony honoring their accomplishments in Phoenix, Arizona in August of 2008.
The D.L. Parsons Theatre is a 300-seat venue serving the north metro area and is owned and operated by the City of Northglenn. The D.L. Parsons Theatre, named after former Mayor Don Parsons, is in the Northglenn Recreation Center, located near the SE corner of 120th Ave and I-25 at 11801 Community Center Drive.
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| | SINGING WITH THE STARS SEMI-FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
The Colorado Festival of World Theatre
Celebrating its 5th year anniversary
Colorado Festival of World Theatre announces semi-finalists in singing competition
Colorado Springs, Colorado · June 24, 2008 — An excited group of 12 performers from all around Colorado have been chosen as the semi-finalists in a competition to sing with the legendary Shirley Jones and the Broadway cast of My Favorite Things, presented by the Colorado Festival of World Theatre.
Congratulation to the twelve finalists; Nicole Benton, Aimee Carlisle, Eryn Carman, Laurie Gabriel, Jessica Gisin, Amy Sue Hardy, Laura Hoffman, Natalie Jensen, Jen Lennon, Ken Robinson, Anne Terze-Schwarz, Halee Towne with the alternate being Amber Dashner.
The Grand prize winner will be invited to perform in a cameo role with the cast of My Favorite Things - A tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein, starring Shirley Jones (Oscar and multi-award winning actress, singer, TV and film star) and her son, Patrick Cassidy (multi-talented actor, singer and dancer); Marin Mazzie (multiple Tony award nominee, star of Spamalot, and outstanding performer in last year’s Beautiful Girls) and her husband, Theatre World award winner Jason Danieley.
The top 12 performers will now compete in the semi-finals on Saturday, July 19 at 2:00 pm at the Lost Dutchman Resort, Divide CO. Celebrity judges include acclaimed Broadway Musical Director Paul Gemignani. The top 6 performers of the Semi-Final competition will compete in the Grand Finale show at the Lost Dutchman Resort, Divide CO on Sunday, July 20, 2008 at 5:00pm. Tickets for both the semi-finals and finals will be available by calling the Colorado Festival of World Theatre at 719-475-1737 x22 or by going to www.TicketsWest.com. Tickets are $10.00 per day.
The performers were awarded the top 12 spots after impressing the judges at an open call audition held on Saturday May 31, 2008 and Sunday June 1, 2008 – My Favorite Things is the second in the Festival’s star-studded four-year musical revue series celebrating the greatest musical composers and lyricists of Broadway’s Golden Age of musical theatre. Legendary Broadway Stage Director, Lonny Price and famed Maestro Paul Gemignani will create this stunning revue of some of the best-loved songs of all time from The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, South Pacific and The King and I.
The 12 semifinalists were among more than 50 performers from throughout Colorado who participated in this year's Singing with the Stars auditions. The semi-finalists impressed judges with their talent and professionalism.
Colorado Festival of World Theatre Executive Director Suzy Bassani said the performers are to be admired for their talent and work ethic. "We congratulate all the semi-finalists for their accomplishments and commitment to the arts in their community," said Bassani. "With their professionalism, they are setting an example we can all follow."
Company Manager Tim Muldrew applauded the semi-finalists’ for their passion and enthusiasm during the first part of the audition process. “I wanted everyone to do great and I was so thrilled to see everyone giving it their best shot. This is a terrific opportunity for local artists and I am so excited to see who wins. All the semi-finalists came in prepared and ready. Now the real work begins,” said Muldrew. "They are certainly going to have to shine! I know I would be really nervous singing for Paul Gemignani, I mean he’s only Steven Sondheim’s musical director!”
Teacher Jen Lenon and her student Anne Terze-Schwarz were both named as semi-finalists. “It’s a unique situation to be competing with my teacher for a role, but what can I say she taught me well.” Said Anne “A little too well” joked Lenon.
The Colorado Festival of World Theatre wants to offer Congratulations to the semi-finalists of Singing with the Stars. Thank you to all who entered!
About the Colorado Festival of World Theatre
The Colorado Festival of World Theatre (CFWT) brings together highly acclaimed international and American theatre artists to entertain and educate a global audience each year in spectacular Rocky Mountain settings. Audiences from all over the globe are invited to attend some of the world’s finest productions and are moved to experience joy, laughter and compassion, which foster an understanding of many cultures and appreciation of our worldwide community.
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| | As you may have read, (John Moore at the Denver Post) (Holly Bartges at Colorado Backstage) Theatre Group’s Theatre Off Broadway (also served as Phoenix Theatre – Rivertree Theatre over the past 20 years) will see it’s last performance as a theatre on Saturday June 28th with the final performance of The History Boys .
Then on Sunday June 29th, Theatre Group will pack up their things and move 4 blocks south to the New Denver Civic Theatre at 721 Santa Fe Drive and continue as the resident company at the 135 seat Cabaret Black Box Theatre.
For our first production in the new location, we has chosen to bring back one of our most asked for production from the past, Howard Crabtree's When Pigs Fly. Packed with out-rageous costumes and fun-filled songs that will leave you with an evening of side-splitting laughter! Opening on Thursday July 10th with a Theatre Group reunion preview performance, all past and present casts and crews from the past 37 years of productions have been invited to bring a guest and catch up with all the casts of the past and enjoy the production as our guests. (Non-alumni also invited to join in the fun with 2 4 1 tickets – buy one and get one free!)
And then on Saturday July 12th we will be having our GALA GRAND OPENING of Theatre On Broadway at the New Denver Civic Theatre. Get out your best summer digs and come on down for all the fun and share in our excitement of a step into the future. All seats are $50 which will include the show – a pre and post show reception to meet the people involved with Theatre Group and a gift bag. (Come early and enjoy our new fully stocked bar.) An extra special $100 ticket will give you seating in our new cabaret front row VIP area and 1 ticket to the premiere of the national tour of the show that has taken America by storm – The Eyes of Babylon. The one-man show written and performed by Jeff Key has also been filmed in an award winning documentary that won LGBT Best of Festival at the Breckenridge Film Festival - Semper Fi: One Marine's Journey.
Jeff Key will be bringing his story to Theatre On Broadway at the New Denver Civic Theatre opening August 21 and running thru September 13th. Get your tickets early – it has sold out all over the country.
Tickets and more information at http://www.theatregroup.org
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| | Arvada Center Extends "Les Misérables"
Dennis St. Pierre named to play lead role of Jean Valjean
ARVADA, CO - The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities has now
extended the critically acclaimed "Les Misérables" through October 25,
2008.
Fresh off a three week run of "Les Misérables" at Maine State Music
Theatre in Brunswick Maine, Dennis St. Pierre has arrived in Arvada, is
currently in rehearsal and expected to step into the lead role of Jean
Valjean this weekend. According to Kathi Kacinski with Maine State Music
Theatre, "[Dennis St. Pierre] can bank on this role for the next 15
years. He's passionate and audiences will love him." Dennis has been
seen in six Broadway national and international tours, starred in an off
Broadway show and worked for over 30 theater companies throughout the
U.S. Favorite credits include "Man of La Mancha," "Secret Garden," "Miss
Saigon" and "Loves Labours Lost." Dennis also made TV guest appearances
on "The Practice," "Ally McBeal," "NYPD Blue," "Passions" and "Ed." As a
singer, he appeared as a soloist throughout Europe and has recorded demo
songs for artists such as Josh Groban, Elton John and Celine Dion.
The extension week from October 21 through October 25 includes
performances on Tuesday - Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and a Saturday
matinee at 2:00 p.m.
Subscription ticket prices range from $27.50 to $48 and single ticket
prices range from $45 to $70. Tickets went on sale today at noon.
The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities is one of the metro
area's largest cultural attractions, devoted to all aspects of the arts
and generously supported by the Scientific & Cultural Facilities
District (SCFD). For more information, call the Arvada Center box office
at (720) 898-7200 or visit arvadacenter.org. Discover the Arvada Center!
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| | GIRLS ONLY SCHEDULE CHANGES
AND DES MOINES PREMIERE
Denver, CO — Denver Center Attractions (DCA) has announced the premiere of the second production of GIRLS ONLY – The Secret Comedy of Women, in Des Moines, IA, as well as schedule changes for the ongoing Denver run of the show at the Garner Galleria Theatre.
Des Moines, IA Premiere. DCA is proud to be partnering with the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines to produce a second production of GIRLS ONLY. The comedy’s Iowa premiere will take place next month at the Civic Center’s Temple Theater on March 18, 2009 as part of the Prairie Meadows Temple Theater Series. The show is scheduled to run through May 10, 2009, and tickets are available online at CivicCenter.org or by calling 515.246.2300.
Denver Schedule Changes. Effective March 15, GIRLS ONLY in Denver at the Garner Galleria Theatre will change its weekly performance schedule. Performances will be Wednesday – Saturday nights at 7:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. Please note that GIRLS ONLY has no closing date set at this time.
GIRLS ONLY, written by Barbara Gehring and Linda Klein, is an original comedy that celebrates the honor, truth, humor and silliness of being female. With a two-woman cast and audiences full of raucous, laughing ladies, the show is a unique examination of all things girly. The Denver cast of the GIRLS ONLY features Barbara Gehring, Linda Klein, Amie MacKenzie and Allison Watrous.
Tickets for GIRLS ONLY in Denver start at just $29. To charge by phone, call Denver Center Ticket Services at 303.893.4100. TTY (for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons): 303.893.9582. Groups of 15 or more, call 303.446.4829. Tickets may also be purchased at the Denver Center Ticket Office, located at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex Lobby, or at TicketsWest outlets, located in all King Soopers stores. Buy and print online at www.denvercenter.org.
GIRLS ONLY is produced by Denver Center Attractions and is generously sponsored in Denver by Coors. Denver Center Attractions is supported in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District. Please visit our website at www.denvercenter.org
Denver Center Attractions, the Broadway show division of The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, presents touring productions at The Buell Theatre and The Ellie Caulkins Opera House. A top market for touring shows, DCA presented the 2007 pre-Broadway engagement of Disney’s The Little Mermaid and launched the national tours of Sunset Boulevard, Barrymore, the revivals of Hello, Dolly! and A Chorus Line, and Disney’s The Lion King. DCA also produces cabaret shows at The Garner Galleria Theatre, including Denver’s two longest-running musicals, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, which ran for over four years, and Always...Patsy Cline, which ran for three and a half years.
The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines is a private not-for-profit corporation celebrating its 30th season of presenting the performing arts to Iowa and the surrounding states. It is the presenter of major Broadway and educational touring companies, performers and groups, and is the performing home of many local and regional groups, including the Des Moines Symphony and StageWest.
GIRLS ONLY PERFORMANCE TIMES - Denver__________________________
Wednesday - Saturday evenings 7:30pm
Saturday & Sunday matinees 2pm
GROUP TICKETS (15 or more): $3 off per ticket, excluding Saturday evenings
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Denver Theatre District and Clear Channel Branded Cities Launch Partnership to Re-Energize ‘Brightest Street in America’ First-of-its-Kind Billboard Signifies Official Launch of Exciting Downtown Denver Effort (DENVER, June 25, 2009) – The Denver Theatre District (DTD) and Clear Channel Branded Cities are pleased to announce a partnership that will energize and transform the Downtown Theatre District. The announcement is made upon the completion of Clear Channel Branded Cities’ first permanent sign, intended to emulate the Curtis Street of the early 20 th Century – once referred to as the “Brightest Street in America.” This one-of-a-kind initiative will also raise additional funds for the local arts. “This new partnership opens the door for us to create a downtown ‘Wow Factor.’” said Walter Isenberg, chairman, Denver Theatre District. “The color, energy and light will evoke great theatre districts in other cities, but our district will have a public purpose. Money generated from the signage will cycle back into our local economy through the DTD’s public arts initiatives.” As part of the partnership, 15-percent of every dollar generated from advertising sales will be given back to the DTD to enhance art programs. In addition, Branded Cities will invest millions in the downtown signage infrastructure. This investment will better position Denver as a highly sought-after market for national advertisers, which will ultimately circulate even more money into the local economy. “We want to continue our efforts to make downtown a warm, light and welcoming place,” said Mayor John Hickenlooper. “This type of public-private partnership bringing light and activity to the streets is the kind of innovative economic development that is a hallmark of Denver.” Denver is the first city in the nation to embrace Branded Cities’ forward-thinking, experiential marketing strategy. This type of marketing approach goes beyond the traditional advertising messages, literally surrounding the Denver visitor and resident with one-of-a-kind activation and programming. “For example, an automotive company may have a more traditional advertising message on one of our signs,” said Chris McCarver, COO, Clear Channel Branded Cities. “But as part of this ‘all-senses-type marketing,’ that car company may also be giving away merchandise, hosting a near-by test-driving site, exhibiting full-motion video on screens scattered around the area, even sponsoring a free concert for visitors to enjoy. It’s a 360-degree approach advertising sales.” At full build out, there will be 37 large-scale signs within the 16-block DTD area. The first sign was completed June 23, with continual production through the end of 2009. "This next step in the build-out of the Theatre District furthers the vision of the Downtown Area Plan, the 20-year vision for Downtown, which includes a focus on creating a mosaic of districts with distinct personalities,” stated Tami Door, President of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “The new sign is a symbolic addition of what is yet to come in this area." “We are thrilled to launch this concept in Denver and hope to use its success as a model and apply it to other forward-thinking cities to help them energize and enliven their downtown cores,” added McCarver.
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| | Congress has approved a law to fix a problem that last year’s hurricanes exposed in dramatic and tragic form. In short, most nonprofit arts organizations other than museums were not even eligible to apply for financial assistance from FEMA to help cover the costs of emergency protective measures or recovery. Unable to help themselves, many arts organizations were therefore unable to provide the artistic services that would have helped rebuild their communities.
The obstacle to applications was an internal decision by FEMA during the 1990’s. In previous years, it had covered a broader range of organizations.
Following appeals by a broad range of nonprofit organizations, including the arts, Congress has stepped in with a new definition of eligibility. Simply stated, the new definition covers “any private nonprofit facility that provides essential services of a governmental nature to the general public.” It specifically includes performing arts facilities and community arts centers as well as other cultural, health, and human service organizations that FEMA had previously deemed ineligible to apply. The chief sponsor of the new provision was Senator Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), and we are very grateful indeed for his leadership.
The provision was initially part of a larger bill to reform the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). When that bill stalled, the provision became part of the annual DHS appropriations bill for FY 2007.
FEMA will make decisions on a case by case basis. In other words, arts organizations will not qualify automatically. But at least their applications can be considered. It is clearly a big step forward for the arts – but even more important, it should help to ensure that the tragic lack of artistic services and healing in communities that desperately need them will never happen again.
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| | DENVER’S CREATIVE VITALITY A CONTENDER
1ST Creative Vitality Index (CVI) Released
(DENVER) The economic vitality of Denver’s creative sector, or Creative Vitality Index (CVI), is almost three times greater than the national average, according to results of a study commissioned by the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA). The CVI is a weighted measure of a basket of creative sector economic activities. According to Western States Arts Federation, which conducted the study, the Denver CVI measures 2.79 (based on 2005 data), in comparison to a national average of 1.0.
Two other cities have also commissioned the CVI study. While Denver receives higher ratings compared to Portland, OR (2.16), the opportunity for growth is evident when compared to Seattle, WA (5.26). Below are additional conclusions drawn from the data collected in the CVI:
Denver is a strong consumer of arts-related goods; in fact, each person in Denver spends an average of $170 on arts-related goods and services. Arts-related retail sales—art gallery, music and bookstore—and museum admissions are more than eight times the national average.
Denver’s creative sector spends more on programming than operations and could function at greater capacity by investing in personnel for functions such as fundraising, marketing and other organizational growth areas.
Denver’s largest employment categories within the creative sector include architects, editors and graphic designers; however, Seattle boasts four times as many arts-related jobs than Denver.
Denver’s public and private investment in arts and culture, $120.8 million, is matched by a population that supports and participates in arts and cultural offerings. According to the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts’ Economic Activity Study of Metro Denver Culture, 14 million people attended cultural activities in 2005.
The CVI is a tool for comparison; yet, its greatest power is its ability to inform a self-diagnosis process and to design a plan to enhance creative activity. “As we provide new tools for the creative sector, such as the Creative Enterprises Revolving Loan Fund and the Building Creative Businesses Expo, the vitality of Denver’s creative community will continue to grow and become stronger,” said Mayor John Hickenlooper. “The Denver CVI enables us to measure how we are doing relative to these initiatives, and identify trends that can enhance Denver’s creative vitality.”
The CVI is part of a larger conversation about the importance of the creative sector in the economy. Globalization, the rise of the Internet and the expansion of the service economy have prompted many researchers and practitioners to re-evaluate the role that creative activity plays in successful economies. Within this context, the CVI has the potential to reshape thinking about the role of the creative sector in economic development. According to Tom Clark, Executive Vice President of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, “The creative sector is an important component of the metro Denver economy and provides the additional benefit of helping to attract companies and a high-quality workforce that values the city of Denver as a creative place to live and work.”
About the Study
In this study, the “creative sector” is defined as the segment of an economy that encompasses non-profit and for-profit arts-related activity. This means that non-profit organizations are grouped with for-profit businesses such as bookstores and music supply stores. It also factors employment in the arts ranging from artists and stage technicians to creative marketing staff and radio and television announcers. Like economic impact studies, the CVI assists in confirming the role of the arts in an economy; however, it extends beyond traditional economic impact studies by including the for-profit arts and estimating the relative health of the creative economy in a specific area. A complete 2007 Denver Creative Vitality Index can be downloaded at www.denvergov.org/CreateDenver .
DOCA has commissioned two subsequent studies of the CVI for 2008 and 2009 utilizing data from 2006 and 2007.
The Creative Vitality Index is a product of DOCA’s Create Denver initiative. The mission of Create Denver is to support, promote and grow the creative sector. Create Denver includes policy recommendations, programmatic initiatives, technical assistance and advocacy.
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| | The Colorado Council on the Arts Announces the 2007 Governor’s Arts Award
For Strong Arts/Strong Communities
Nomination Form Now Available Online
DENVER, (Feb. 14, 2007) - The Colorado Council on the Arts together with Arts for Colorado has reinstated the Governor’s Art Award in 2007 with a new focus on Strong Arts Strong Communities. Since 1969, Governor’s Arts Awards have honored artists and organizations, as well as corporate and civic leaders, for their significant contributions to Colorado’s cultural environment. One award will be given to a Colorado city or town which has effectively employed the arts to enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of their community. Nomination forms are now available online at the Colorado Council on the Arts’ Web site at www.coloarts.org , or may be requested by mail by calling 303-892-3802. The postmark deadline for nomination forms is March 19, 2007.
Nominations may be submitted by individuals residing in Colorado, civic organizations, non-profits operating in Colorado, or a business organization operating in the state. A panel of judges consisting of representatives from the Colorado Council on the Arts, Arts for Colorado and the Governor’s Office will review each nomination and select the winner based on the following criteria:
· Significance and/or magnitude of the use of the arts to enhance the vitality of the nominated town or city;
· Breadth of populations served by arts actions and collaborations;
· Vision and commitment to using the arts as a tool for community enhancement as reflected in community development plans; and
· Extent to which the arts actions have been integrated into the community.
Once a nominee is chosen, the award will be presented at a ceremony in June in the winning community. The award given will consist of an original work of art created by a Colorado Artist. The artist will be chosen from among a list of 20 artists invited to submit their work for review by the Artist Selection Committee.
About the Colorado Council on the Arts
The Colorado Council on the Arts, a state agency, combines state funds with federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, and invests in communities across the state to ensure that the cultural, educational and economic benefits of the arts are enjoyed by thousands of Colorado youth and millions of Colorado citizens and visitors every day.
About Arts for Colorado
Arts for Colorado is a statewide nonprofit (501-C4) organization dedicated to improving the climate for culture throughout the state and whose mission is to facilitate statewide advocacy for Colorado's arts culture. Because public sector funding--and particularly state arts funding--has played an important role in building Colorado's cultural infrastructure, Arts for Colorado focuses much of its attention on the preservation and expansion of state arts support. For further information about AFC, please visit www.artsforcolorado.org or call 303-282-5633.
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level. They include business retention and relocations services, a bioscience and emerging industries program, business finance programs like the Venture Capital Authority and CAPCO, the Colorado Tourism Office, the Colorado Council on the Arts, the Colorado International Trade Office, the Colorado Small Business Development Centers, minority- and women-owned business services and economic research. For more information or to sign up for OEDIT’s free eNewsletter, visit www.AdvanceColorado.com .
For more information, contact:
Elaine Mariner, Executive Director, elaine.mariner@state.co.us 303-892-3802
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| | MAYOR HICKENLOOPER APPOINTS FOUR NEW LEADERS
TO THE DENVER COMMISSION ON CULTURAL AFFAIRS
(DENVER) Mayor John Hickenlooper recently appointed four new leaders to the Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs. The new members are Arturo Gómez, Giovanni Greco, Ken Santistevan and Howard Torgove. Their bios are included below.
Arturo Gómez is the Music Director for jazz89 KUVO FM radio station and the recipient of the Music Director of the Year Award for the past three consecutive years from JazzWeek magazine. He is a renowned music educator and writer, has written articles for several national magazines and liner notes for albums, and has conducted numerous clinics on music history. Gómez is a passionate lover of music and an advocate for multiculturalism.
Named one of the Denver Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” business leaders in 2004, Giovanni (Gino) Greco is the president of The Wildlife Experience, an organization focused on engaging Coloradoans through hands-on exhibits, film and fine art to achieve a realistic understanding of wildlife and their habitats. Prior to joining The Wildlife Experience, he was Chief Operating Officer of CollegeInvest’s multi-billion dollar college savings program. Greco received his Bachelor of Fine Arts (acting) degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and his Master of Business Administration degree from Regis University. He currently serves on the board of the Children’s Museum of Denver.
Ken Santistevan is the Director of Public Affairs for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA). His position at the DCPA includes community relations, government affairs, arts and education policy/advocacy and the promotion of careers in the arts. Santistevan was previously the Minority Business Advocate for the State of Colorado. His civic endeavors are many, including serving as a volunteer of the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for the past 16 years, taking an instrumental role in the development of the Colorado Minority & Women Business Council, co-founding the United States Hispanic Junior Chamber of Commerce, being appointed to the Colorado Commission on Closing the Achievement Gap, and serving on the boards of the Colorado Hispanic League, Minority Enterprise & Educational Development, Inc., Colorado Alliance for Arts Education, Colorado Business Council and the Denver Metro Chamber Foundation. Santistevan is the recipient of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Youth Service Award and the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteer Award.
Since graduating from the University of Colorado in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, majoring in Real Estate, Howard Torgove has been active in sales, development and investment in numerous residential, office and industrial real estate properties. He currently is a Managing Partner in The Wellshire Inn, the financial advisor and participating lender to the expanding Purple Martini Company. Torgove is a founding investor and board member of Crème de la Crème and an active investor in SOCO, LLC and Ironspark, LLP. He has served as the Colorado Representative to the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts, was appointed to the board of the Plex Foundation, served on the board of the Denver Art, Culture and Film Foundation and is a founding member of the Director’s Society for the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
The Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs acts as an advisory board to the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs. The Commission is comprised of dynamic and accomplished Denver leaders in the areas of the arts, business and education, all of whom are appointed by the Mayor. The Commissioners are strong advocates of the arts and culture and are committed to the mission and goals of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs. Meetings of the Commission are open to the public and are held on the first Wednesday of every month at 4:00 p.m. Call 720-865-4320 for more information.
The mission of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs is to advance the arts and culture in the City and County of Denver.
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| | Theatre Companies File Lawsuit Seeking Theatrical Exemption
from Statewide Smoking Ban
Denver, Colo., – October 11, 2006 – Denver-based Curious Theatre Company and Paragon Theatre, and Boulder-based Theatre13 today announced that they have filed a joint complaint in Denver District Court against the Colorado Department of Health. The theatre companies allege that the recently-enacted “Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act” does not allow for artistic portrayal of smoking, particularly through the use of non-tobacco cigarettes, on stage during theatrical performances and thus violates the right to free expression protected by the First Amendment to the U.S Constitution.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction that would prevent the State from enforcing the new law or its fine schedule against theatres using smoking in live theatre performances. “We are seeking to protect the artistic intent of playwrights and theatre companies in staging live performances that include the portrayal of smoking as an integral part of the script,” said Bruce Jones of the law firm Holland and Hart, which is providing pro bono representation for the theatre companies in this lawsuit. “This is a narrow and limited challenge to the statute,” Jones said.
As stated in the law, the definition of tobacco includes “cloves and any other plant matter or product that is packaged for smoking.” Curious, Paragon and Theatre13 are committed to exploring the use of alternatives to tobacco when a script calls for the portrayal of smoking on stage, such as using dried tea leaves in imitation cigarettes or using herbal cigarettes.
Other states with smoking bans, including New York and California, allow exceptions for theatrical purposes. In the New York and California statutes, smoking is defined in terms of tobacco use only. Theatres in New York can use herbal cigarettes on stage. The California law has granted an exception when smoking is an integral part of theatre performances. According to Jones, “We are taking action to request an exception that is recognized in other states with smoking bans.”
“It is central to our mission to engage our community on important contemporary issues through provocative new theatre,” said Chip Walton, Curious Theatre Company’s producing artistic director. “Smoking can be pivotal to character and plot development and we are obligated to stay true to the intention and artistic spirit of the playwright,” he said.
“This is a limited challenge that we believe does not alter the spirit of the new law,” Walton said. “We are simply looking for recognition of an exception that was contemplated during legislative debate about the new law, has been allowed in other states, and enables theatre companies to continue to exercise their artistic freedom of expression,” he said.
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Curious Theatre Company is an award-winning professional theatre company dedicated to bringing the best new plays in America to Denver audiences. Founded in 1997, and currently comprised of 19 company members, Curious produces five full productions per season in addition to several special projects; Denver Stories, Curious New Voices and the In The Works Reading Series. Housed in a renovated church at 1080 Acoma St. in Denver’s Golden Triangle, Curious is guided by artistic director Chip Walton and a staff of nine. Curious celebrates an uncommon artistic communion with the people of the Rocky Mountain region. For more information visit www.CURIOUStheatre.org.
Through its commitment to the classics as well as the development of new works, Paragon Theatre's ensemble of artists uses a superior collaborative approach to create the most honest, provocative, intimate theatre in Denver. Founded in 2000 by Artistic Director Warren Sherrill and Executive Director Michael Stricker, Paragon Theatre gained its 501(c)(3) status as a not-for-profit corporation that same year. Since its inception, Paragon has produced 16 plays and has grown to a 10-member ensemble. Starting in 2007, Paragon will produce a 4-show season per year. For more information visit www.paragontheatre.com.
Holland & Hart LLP is the largest law firm based in the Rocky Mountains, providing a complete range of legal services to a diverse group of commercial and individual clients. With a team of more than 700, Holland & Hart has nearly 350 attorneys in offices in Denver, Denver Tech Center, Boulder, Aspen, and Colorado Springs, CO; Boise, ID; Billings, MT; Las Vegas, NV; Santa Fe, NM; Salt Lake City, UT; Jackson Hole and Cheyenne, WY; and Washington, DC. The firm offers an extensive network of legal talent and resources equipped to assist businesses in every stage of development, and in all facets of the law. For more information, visit the Holland & Hart web site at www.hollandhart.com.
Dedicated to the spirit of collaboration, Theatre13 is committed to an ever-deepening exploration of the theatrical experience. It seeks to engage and inspire the audience, provide a nurturing home for artists, and contribute a stylistically diverse body of contemporary and original work that demonstrates and confirms the fundamental importance of creative expression in the human experience. Founded in 2005, Theatre13 is a professional theatre company of ten equal members. Theatre13 produces four main-stage shows and one guest show per season housed in the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art in Boulder, CO. For more information visit www.bmoca.org.
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Primary Media Contacts:
Chip Walton, Curious Theatre Company: 303.800.0952, chip@curioustheatre.org
Bruce Jones, Holland & Hart: 303.295.8232, bjones@hollandhart.com
Organizational Contacts:
Michael Stricker, Paragon Theatre: 303.883.4513
Steve Grad, Theatre13: stevegrad@comcast.net
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SCFD Distributes $5,563,795.32 to
Denver Metro County Cultural Groups
Denver, September 23, 2011 - Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Board of Directors approved distribution of $5,563,795.32 for cultural organizations in seven Denver Metro Counties at their meeting on Thursday, September 22, 2011. Two hundred and seventy (270) cultural groups receiving funding will provide a variety of cultural services to Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson Counties. A breakdown of the distribution by county is as follows: Adams, $753,285.88; Arapahoe, $1,149,105.40; Boulder, $558,800.00; Broomfield, $157,223.00; Denver, $1,550,408.00; Douglas, $400,900.00; and Jefferson, $994,073.04. These funds will be distributed at public check ceremonies in each of the counties on the following dates: Adams, October 20; Arapahoe, October 20; Boulder, October 27; Broomfield, October 25; Denver, October 18; Douglas, October 25; and Jefferson, October 26. A complete list of funded organizations, awards, and check ceremony information is available online at www.scfd.org .
County Commissioners or City Council members appoint citizen volunteers to a County Cultural Council to review grant requests for SCFD funds. The County Cultural Council Chairs from each county for the 2011 grant cycle were: Joyce Downing, Adams County; Roy M. Bartee II, M.D., Arapahoe County; Barry Knapp, Boulder County; Karen Douglass, Broomfield County; Bernard Karshmer, Denver County; Patricia Braden, Douglas County; and P.K. Worley, Jefferson County. The Councils reviewed 516 grant requests and made 492 awards. County Commissioners or City Council members reviewed and approved the funding plans prior to sending them to the SCFD Board of Directors for their final approval.
The SCFD is governed by a board of eleven directors, one member appointed by the commissioners of five of the seven counties, one by the Denver City Council, one by the Broomfield City Council, and four members appointed by the governor. Board members are: Chairman James S. Harrington, Vice Chairman Joseph Arcese, Treasurer Bob Grant, Secretary Kathleen Stapleton, Khadija Haynes, Kathy Kucsan, Councilwoman Marcia Johnson (January - July), Councilwoman Peggy Lehmann (August - ), Jim Martin, Dave Montez, Shepard Nevel, and Kathryn Spuhler.
Greater Denver Metro area voters created the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District in 1988 to provide public financial support to scientific and cultural organizations. Since then, SCFD has funded over 500 organizations via the 0.1% (1¢ on every $10) retail sales and use tax in the seven-county district.
SCFD facilitates distribution of the voter-approved retail sales and usage tax funds to organizations that provide for the enlightenment and entertainment of the public through the production, exhibition, advancement or preservation of art, music, theater, dance, zoology, botany, natural history or cultural history.
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| | 186,000 Colorado Jobs in Creative Economy
New study defines 5th largest cluster of Colorado’s economy
Denver, CO (February 4, 2009) – The Colorado Council on the Arts today released “Colorado: State-of-the-Art, Key Findings from The State of Colorado’s Creative Economy”, which shows that 186,251 jobs in the state are associated with creative enterprises and creative occupations. A key findings summary and the full report are available on the Colorado Council on the Arts web site at www.coloarts.org .
Colorado’s creative enterprises alone employed over 122,000 individuals in about 8,000 establishments. This accounts for 3.9% of the state’s estimated 3.2 million jobs, making it Colorado’s 5th largest employment sector, almost as large as biotechnology/biomedical and IT & telecommunications, and larger than defense & security and agribusiness, food processing & technology. Employee earnings in these jobs, including employee benefits, was about $5 billion. Another 64,000 individuals worked in creative occupations in non-creative enterprises.
“This research clearly demonstrates that the creative sector is a large and important sector of Colorado’s economy,” said Colorado Lt. Governor, Barbara O’Brien. “Our next step is to more fully understand the challenges in each industry sub-group and identify areas of opportunity.”
Colorado is a magnet for creative talent, ranking 5th among all states for concentration of artists. Only New York, California, Massachusetts and Vermont have a higher concentration of creative talent. Colorado ranks 2nd in concentration of architects, 7th in concentration of writers, designers, entertainers and performers, and 8th in concentration of photographers.
“Anecdotally we knew that Colorado was home to a large number of creative businesses and creative talent,” said Elaine Mariner, executive director, Colorado Council on the Arts. “Now we have the statistics to prove that the creative sector is a critical part of our state’s economy and could be an important driver for economic growth.”
For this study, a creative enterprise is defined as any company for which the primary value of its products or services is rooted in its emotional and aesthetic appeal to the customer. A creative occupation is defined as a job in either a creative industry or non-creative industry in which the work itself is inherently creative or artistic. The creative economy encompasses both of these groups, which overlap.
The study categorized creative industries into six sub-groups: design, film and media, heritage, literary and publishing, performing arts, and visual arts and crafts. Colorado’s strengths are design, literary and publishing, and film and media which represent 73% of all creative industry jobs.
The strengths of the creative economy vary across the state. For instance South Central Colorado has strength in literary and publishing including the greeting card industry, Northwest hosts nationally significant art and music festivals, and Southwest is home to a significant number of visual artists.
The study identified four action steps to grow Colorado’s creative economy: understand what drives and what impedes the growth of the various industry sub-segments, capitalize on the linkages between creative talent and other important industry clusters such as manufacturing, assess the strengths of the state’s K-12 and higher education systems to further develop our creative workforce, and consider how to attract more creative enterprises to our state by learning about where creative people choose to live and why, by region.
The Colorado Council on the Arts is working with Lt. Governor O’Brien, Colorado Department of Education, Colorado Department of Labor and Colorado Community College System to host a series of regional “Creative Conversations” through which the state can develop a better understanding of how the creative industries can be harnessed in each region to drive economic growth.
About the Colorado Council on the Arts
The mission of The Colorado Council on the Arts, a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, is to promote the cultural, educational, and economic growth of Colorado through development of its arts and cultural heritage. For more information, visit www.coloarts.org .
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| | Call for Programming:
2010 Create Denver Expo and New Create Denver Week
April 10-17
DENVER, CO — DECEMBER 15, 2009 — The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA) invites individuals, organizations and associations to submit happenings, workshops, lectures and other programming ideas for Create Denver Week, a new project, which kicks off with the fifth annual Create Denver Expo on Saturday, April 10, 2010. Information on both projects follows below.
Create Denver Expo
The fifth annual Create Denver Expo will kick off Create Denver Week on Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building.
DOCA seeks exhibitors and workshop presenters for the Expo, offering Denver’s creative community a “one-stop” opportunity to learn about the various City, nonprofit and commercial resources available to help grow and stabilize creative businesses. The Expo attracts approximately 400 attendees, representing a wide array of artists and creative businesses.
The 2010 Expo will include approximately 30 exhibitors and more than 20 workshops and panel discussions. Consultants, affinity organizations and experts in creative industries who are interested in having a presence at the Expo may learn more and submit proposals at www.DenverGov.org/CreateDenver. The deadline for submission of a proposal is Friday, January 29, 2010.
Create Denver Week
Create Denver Week is a week-long program that exemplifies Denver as the Creative Capital of the Rocky Mountain West by providing a platform that:
showcases Denver’s talented and dynamic creative community, including individuals, associations, organizations and businesses;
recognizes the contribution that the creative sector makes to Denver’s vibrancy and economic vitality;
catalyzes the creative community to consider itself a cohesive collective and economic sector; and
grows the creative sector through educational programming, inspirational dialogue and ideation.
Individuals, organizations and associations are invited to submit programming that they will implement and will be marketed as part of Create Denver Week. Programs should be consistent with the goals of Create Denver Week. All programming ideas will be vetted by the Create Denver Advisory Committee for inclusion in the Create Denver Week calendar of events. Some remuneration may be available for signature programming concepts. For more information about Create Denver Week, suggested programming ideas and to submit a proposal, visit www.DenverGov.org/CreateDenver . The deadline for submission of a program proposal is Friday, January 29, 2010.
Create Denver is an initiative of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs. Create Denver seeks to strengthen the overall health and vitality of Denver by supporting the growth and development of the creative sector, including creative enterprises such as film, music, art galleries, art districts, fashion, graphic design and individual artists. Create Denver is a sector-based strategy that includes policy recommendations, programmatic initiatives, technical assistance and advocacy.
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On May 10, Mayor Vidal announced the merger between the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA) and the City’s Division of Theatres and Arenas. The merged group is now known as Arts & Venues Denver, and furthers several core City goals including reduced spending, improved services and always striving to be the best place to live.
The departments’ goals, programming, combined staff, ongoing responsibilities, and even individual phone numbers, will all remain the same. However, former DOCA staff physically moved offices to join the rest of the team. Please update your records with the following updated contact information:
Arts & Venues Denver
1245 Champa Street
Denver, CO 80202
720.865.4320 (p)
720.865.4246 (f)
http://www.artsandvenuesdenver.com/
Arts & Venues Denver’s mission is to enhance Denver’s quality of life and economic vitality through premier public venues, artwork and entertainment opportunities. The department looks to maximize synergies between the two departments and will continue to oversee public art, staple programming including Five Points Jazz Festival, Create Denver Week, One Book One Denver, and city permitting; as well as manage venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Colorado Convention Center, the historic McNichols Building, the Denver Coliseum and Crossroads Theater.
"Arts & Venues Denver offers many benefits to the City and County of Denver,” said Mayor Bill Vidal. “The merger is anticipated to save the City’s General Fund $1.2 million per year and it will improve the effectiveness of the cultural services we offer the residents and visitors of Denver who enjoy our world-class venues, arts and free programming.”
The merged group, Arts & Venues Denver, becomes official Wednesday, June 1.
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| | Denver Office of Cultural Affairs Announces
2009 Recipients of Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts
DENVER, CO — FEBRUARY 3, 2010 — Mayor John Hickenlooper, the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs and Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs are pleased to announce the 2009 recipients of the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. The 2009 honorees are Flobots, Museo de las Américas and VSA Colorado/Access Gallery. In addition, the Mayor’s Cultural Legacy Award will be given posthumously to Jeffrey Wayne Nickelson. More information on the honorees is included below.
Since 1986, the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts annually recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions to the arts in the City and County of Denver.
2009 Awardees:
Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts
Flobots
Described by one astute music critic as both “raw and a revelation,” Denver’s Flobots combine hyperkinetic hip-hop, live instrumentation, socially aware lyrics and action, fist-pumping live performances…and a viola. Formed in 2005 by a group of friends, the six-person band exploded in 2008 with the major label debut Fight With Tools. Bolstered by the hit song “Handlebars,” the album went platinum, earning the band an international audience, spots on The Tonight Show and Late Night with Conan O’Brien and the loyalty of a devoted fan base. Elevating their live shows as socially aware “happenings,” Flobots merged the wit and wallop of their live performances with appeals to their loyal audience to solidify into a force for community change. In 2007, Flobots launched their own nonprofit organization, Flobots.org, with a music therapy program for residents at Denver Children’s Home. With programs that promote civic engagement, popular education, arts therapy and activism, Flobots.org reflects the band’s belief that music has the power to change the world for good. In 2008, Flobots.org was awarded the Cesar Chavez Award for Leadership and the Circles of Change Award from Seeking Common Ground. Survival Story, Flobots’ second release for Universal Records, will be released this spring.
Museo de las Américas
The Museo de las Américas was founded in 1991 in one of Denver’s oldest Latino neighborhoods; the area now encompasses the Art District on Santa Fe. Since its inception and under the guidance of the founding executive director Jose Aguayo, the Museo de las Américas has been the only museum in the Rocky Mountain region dedicated to the diversity of Latino Americano art and culture. The mission of the Museo is to educate our community about the diversity of Latino Americano art and culture from ancient to contemporary through innovative exhibitions and programs. From an early exhibition in 1994 entitled Visiones del Pueblo: The Folk Art of Latin America to showcasing in 2008 the work of contemporary artists such as Vik Muniz, the Museo de las Américas offers a wide range of views in Latino Americano art and culture. The Museo promotes the role of Latino artists in the global cultural dialogue, and has become a cultural hub for the local, national and global community. With the Latino population growing exponentially in the Denver metro area, the Museo promotes pride in the Latino community, heritage and understanding amongst cultures. Through educational workshops and summer camps, special events and unique exhibition programming, the Museo’s goals can be seen in action as its legacy grows.
VSA Colorado/Access Gallery
VSA Colorado/Access Gallery believes the arts play a vital role in everyone’s life. Each year, through our innovative programming, we serve more than 10,000 people with and without disabilities through the arts. We strive to break down barriers that have historically kept people with disabilities and other underserved populations from experiencing all that the arts have to offer. VSA Colorado promotes the creative power of people with disabilities. Through integrated programming, powerful gallery exhibits and professional training for other institutions, we fight able-ism with art. VSA Colorado is committed to driving change—changing perceptions and practice, classroom by classroom, community by community and ultimately society.
Mayor’s Cultural Legacy Award
Jeffrey Wayne Nickelson
Jeffrey Wayne Nickelson was the Founder and Artistic Director of Shadow Theatre, the area’s only African-American theater company. He passed away in September, 2009. More than a decade ago, Nickelson began the operation with a $500 cash donation, and he grew the operation into the recently opened 169 seat state-of-the-art facility located at 1468 Dayton Street in Aurora. As an actor, director and producer, he received numerous awards and accolades; Shadow Theatre received the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts in 2005 for its visionary work. Nickelson’s passion and desire to expand the artistic bar for all who came in contact with him has resulted in a model of inclusive excellence that we all can aspire to match. It is in that spirit that Jeffrey Nickelson receives the 2009 Mayor’s Cultural Legacy Award.
The mission of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs is to advance the arts and culture in the City and County of Denver. www.DenverGov.org/DOCA.
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| | DENVER OFFICE OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS’
CREATIVE ENTERPRISES REVOLVING LOAN FUND NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
DENVER, CO — FEBRUARY 4, 2009 — The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA), with its program partner the Denver Office of Economic Development, is now accepting applications for the Creative Enterprises Revolving Loan Fund (CERLF). The CERLF offers creative enterprises in the City and County of Denver access to affordable and flexible business capital to increase income and build assets. Creative enterprises are defined as non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses producing or selling fine art, photographic and graphic art, performance art, handcrafts, design and media.
The CERLF is resuming after being temporarily suspended in September 2008. The suspension was the result of a change in the operations of Micro Business Development Corporation, which had been contracted by the City to administer the program.
Funded through Community Development Block Grant monies, the CERLF supports Denver’s creative economy with small amounts of capital provided at reasonable rates, combined with recommendations for business improvements, resulting in the strengthening and stimulation of the creative sector. The CERLF may be used for business personal property, income-generating opportunities and some space refurbishment/remodeling. The loan applicant must be a resident of or establish their business in the City and County of Denver. Creative enterprises may apply for loans ranging from $5,000-$30,000. Rates and terms vary depending on the loan amount.
Denver’s CERLF is a unique program which few other cities can boast. “The city of Denver benefits greatly from a healthy and vibrant creative community, including quality jobs, revitalized neighborhoods and impressive tourist attractions,” stated Erin Trapp, director of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs. “Therefore, it’s only appropriate and necessary that we find innovative ways to support these enterprises.”
“When it comes to the economic vitality of our city, one cannot underestimate the importance of our arts community,” said André Pettigrew, executive director of the Denver Office of Economic Development. “These businesses contribute to the social fabric of our city and serve an important and unique role in strengthening Denver’s sense of place making, which results in Denver being a stronger market for businesses to start up, relocate or expand.”
For more information on the CERLF, including rates and terms, and to review the loan application process, please visit www.denvergov.org/CreateDenver or call 720-865-4314.
The CERLF is a program of DOCA’s Create Denver initiative. Create Denver exists to support, promote and grow Denver’s creative sector. It includes policy recommendations, programmatic initiatives, technical assistance and advocacy.
The mission of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs is to advance the arts and culture in the City and County of Denver.
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| | COLORADO JOBS IN THE ARTS RECEIVE $568,040
IN AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT (ARRA) FUNDS
DENVER, CO — September 10, 2009 — The Colorado Council on the Arts (CCA), the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA), and the Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF) today announced 47 Colorado non-profit arts organizations will receive $568,040 in federal recovery funds to preserve or restore 313 salaried and contract positions.
The grants, administered by CCA, DOCA, and WESTAF, are part of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds allocated to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to help combat job loss in the arts due to declining philanthropic and other support in the current economic climate. This one-time funding allocation allowed CCA, DOCA, and WESTAF to distribute grants according to narrow federal guidelines designed to ensure jobs preservation and restoration in the arts and cultural sector over the next year.
These grants have significant impact on arts organizations statewide:
Organizations in 15 counties and 17 cities received ARRA funding.
More than 300 jobs, including contract positions, will be preserved or reinstated.
47 grantee organizations include theatre, music, dance, visual arts, film, and arts festivals.
Many of these jobs are key leadership positions critical to the daily operation of each organization. Other positions will allow organizations to continue to provide innovative and educational programs and services that greatly benefit numerous Colorado communities.
CCA, DOCA and WESTAF reconciled their individual grant award process to maximize the impact of stimulus support, and to ensure that each grantee organization receives funds from only one source--a condition of the NEA. Recipients of ARRA funds include:
Colorado Council on the Arts
Organization
City
Amount
Adams State College
Alamosa
$10,000
Anderson Ranch Arts Foundation
Snowmass Village
$10,000
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
Aspen
$10,000
Bas Bleu Theatre Company
Fort Collins
$10,000
Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra
Boulder
$10,000
Bravo! Colorado at Vail-Beaver Creek Inc.
Vail
$10,000
City of Longmont - Museum
Longmont
$10,000
Colorado Children's Chorale
Denver
$10,000
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
Wheat Ridge
$10,000
Colorado Film Society
Boulder
$10,000
Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra
Colorado Springs
$10,000
Colorado Symphony Association
Denver
$10,000
Creede Repertory Theatre
Creede
$10,000
Delta Montrose Youth Services, Inc.
Montrose
$10,000
Denver March Powwow, Inc.
Denver
$10,000
Downtown Aurora Visual Arts
Aurora
$10,000
Durango Latino Education Coalition
Durango
$10,000
Fort Lewis College Theatre
Durango
$10,000
Gunnison Council for the Arts
Gunnison
$10,000
Imagination Makers Unlimited
Boulder
$10,000
Int'l Institute for Indigenous Resource Mgmt.
Denver
$10,000
Koshare Indian Museum, Inc.
La Junta
$10,000
PlatteForum
Denver
$10,000
Rocky Mountain Children's Choir
Denver
$10,000
Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival
Colorado Springs
$10,000
San Juan Symphony
Durango
$10,000
University of CO at Boulder - Shakespeare Festival
Boulder
$10,000
University of CO at Colorado Springs - THEATREWORKS
Colorado Springs
$10,000
Vail Jazz Foundation, Inc.
Vail
$10,000
Western Colorado Center for the Arts
Grand Junction
$10,000
YMCA of Boulder Valley
Boulder
$10,000
$310,000
Denver Office of Cultural Affairs
Organization
City
Amount
ArtReach
Denver
$12,000
Friends of ArtStreet
Denver
$10,660
Chicano Humanities & Arts Council
Denver
$12,000
Colorado Chamber Players
Denver
$8,500
Curious Theatre Company
Denver
$21,000
Denver Art Museum
Denver
$20,000
Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver
$16,640
The Denver Brass
Denver
$17,200
Harmony A Colorado Chorale
Denver
$8,500
Lighthouse Writers Workshop
Denver
$20,000
Mizel Arts and Culture Center
Denver
$10,000
Museo de las Américas
Denver
$24,000
Museum of Contemporary Art|Denver
Denver
$25,000
PHAMALY (Physically Handicapped Actors & Musical Artists League)
Denver
$12,000
The Spirituals Project
Denver
$7,500
$225,000
Western States Arts Federation
Organization
City
Amount
El Centro Su Teatro
Denver
$33,040
ARRA funds are restricted to eligible nonprofit organizations to preserve jobs in the arts through salary support for one or more positions that are critical to an organization’s artistic mission and that are in jeopardy or have been eliminated as a result of the current economic climate. Funds may also be used for fees for previously engaged artists and/or contractual personnel to maintain or expand the period during which such persons would be engaged.
For more information about the grants awarded by CCA, DOCA and WESTAF, please visit the respective Web site listed below.
About Colorado Council on the Arts
The mission of the Colorado Council on the Arts (CCA), a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, is to promote the cultural, educational, and economic growth of Colorado through development of its arts and cultural heritage. For more information, visit www.coloarts.org .
About the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs
The mission of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA) is to advance the arts and culture in the City and County of Denver. For more information, visit www.denvergov.org/DOCA. For information about all ARRA funds received by the City of Denver, please visit www.denvergov.org/stimulus .
About Western States Arts Federation
WESTAF, the Western States Arts Federation, is a nonprofit arts service organization dedicated to the creative advancement and preservation of the arts in the West. For more information, visit www.westaf.org .
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| | For Immediate Release:
Elaine Mariner, Director, Elaine.mariner@state.co.us
Arts Council to Conduct Listening Tour to Seek Input in Light of Proposed Cuts
March 12 Grant Deadline Postponed for Artists, Organizations, Schools
Denver, CO (January 22, 2009) – The current proposal for the State’s budget balancing plan includes a 50% reduction for the Colorado Council on the Arts. Such a cut would seriously impact the agency’s ability to continue to provide the grants and services for artists, community organizations, schools, creative businesses, and government agencies at its current level. The agency has scheduled a Listening Tour from January 30 through February 10 to gather important public feedback regarding the critical areas in which state investment is essential to support our state’s creative economy. Public feedback is vital as the agency determines its future budget priorities.
Due to the budget uncertainty, the Council has also decided to postpone its March 12 grant deadline for the 2009-10 Grants to Artists and Organizations (GAO) and Success through Art (StART Schools) grants.
Artists, community groups, creative businesses, educators and municipal leaders are encouraged to attend a Listening Tour session and to invite their colleagues. The Listening Tour schedule is listed below and posted on the Council’s web site at www.coloarts.org. Additional sessions may be added. If you have questions about the tour, email coloarts@state.co.us.
The Council has also posted an online survey on the web site. This will only take a few minutes and will provide important input regarding the role of state funding for arts activities and creative enterprises in communities around the state.
The Listening Tour will travel to several cities:
Friday, January 30, City of Fort Collins Community Room, 215 N. Mason Street, Ft. Collins
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. *
Sunday, February 1, Old Town Museum, 420 S 14th St., Burlington
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday, February 2, Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Center, 3rd Floor, Helen T. White Gallery Bldg., 210 N. Santa Fe Ave., Pueblo
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. *
Tuesday, February 3, Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, 2401 Welton Street, Denver
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. *
Saturday, February 7, Serendipity Coffee Shop, 576 Yampa, Craig
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 7, Depot Arts Center, 1001 13th St., Steamboat Springs
3:30 p.m. -- 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 8, Glenwood Springs Center for the Arts, 601 E 6th St., Glenwood Springs
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, February 9, Montrose School District, Board Room, 126 S. 5th Street, Montrose
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. *
* Brown Bag lunches welcome. No red or purple drinks, please.
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| | Denver Breaks Tourism Records Again in 2007
Longwoods Research Shows Record Number of Visitors & Spending
DENVER: Denver had its best year as a tourism destination in 2007 with a record 12.2 million overnight visitors, four percent above 2006, according to figures released by Longwoods International. The study, commissioned by the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, found that visitors also spent a record $2.9 billion in the city, a 6 percent increase over 2006 figures.
“Marketable” visitors saw an even larger increase, jumping 11 percent in 2007, the second year in a row with a double digit increase. “Marketable” visitors are important because they generally stay in commercial accommodations and spend more money than other visitors. “Marketable” visitors are leisure travelers who can vacation anywhere, but chose to visit Denver. They are the visitors most susceptible to advertising and marketing efforts.
“The results are gratifying because for the second year in a row, we are seeing that Denver’s marketing efforts are having a significant impact on the number of visitors coming to the city,” said Richard Scharf, president & CEO of the Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau. 2007 was the second year that the Bureau had increased marketing dollars to promote Denver thanks to a one percent increase in the lodger’s tax for tourism promotion, approved by Denver voters in 2005.
For the first time in 2007, Longwoods also measured the volume and value associated with day travel in the state. In 2007, there were 6.1 million day trips to Denver, mostly originating instate. These daytrippers added another $330 million in spending.
Some results of the study:
In 2007, Denver overnight visitors reached a record 12.2 million, up 4 percent over 2006 and equal to the national visitor growth rate. Overnight leisure travel to the city increased 5 percent, from 9.1 million to 9.6 million visitors. Business travelers fell 2 percent to 2.6 million, a smaller decline than the national 4 percent drop in business travelers.
For the first time since 1992, Denver’s overall market share climbed above 1 percent to 1.1 percent in 2007.
The “high value” segment of “marketable” leisure travelers saw the second straight year of double digit growth, an 11 percent increase to reach a record 4 million visitors. This impressive increase was nearly double the national growth rate of 6 percent in this segment and significantly ahead of the state’s 8 percent growth. “Marketable” visitors are those most affected by advertising and more likely to stay in commercial lodging and spend more money than those visiting friends and relatives.
Travel and tourism spending in Denver also reached a record high of $2.9 billion in 2007, a 6 percent increase over 2006. The biggest increase in spending was seen in the accommodation section. Expenditures increased 17 percent to $939 million compared to $800 million in 2006 reflecting increased hotel inventory in Denver, as well as higher occupancy and room rates.
Retail spending rose nearly 9 percent in 2007 to $458 million. Spending on recreation and entertainment, as well as food and beverage, increased marginally year over year, while local transportation (including gas and rental cars) saw a 6 percent decline to $538 million.
Business travelers were the biggest spenders, generating $104 per person per day, followed by “marketable” leisure visitors, who spent $91 per person per day. Visitors staying with friends and relatives accounted for only $38 per person per day.
In 2007, seven in 10 visitors to Denver traveled 500 miles or more to reach the city. While this is nearly double the mileage traveled to the average U.S. destination, it is down somewhat from 2006, showing a shift towards more local, short haul trips.
In 2007, seven in 10 business visitors to Denver arrived by air – much higher than the national average. About four in 10 rented a car.
Planning times for Denver travelers is shortening. In 2007 one in three travelers planned their trips 3 months or more in advance, compared to 50% in 2006.
In 2007, 60% of Denver’s leisure visitors came from the West, consisting of the Mountain, West North Central and West South Central census divisions. The Northeast contributed just 6% of all visitors.
States sending visitors to Denver were (in order):
1. California
2. Texas
3. Arizona
4. Kansas
5. Florida
6. Illinois
7. Nebraska
8. Minnesota
9. Oklahoma
10. New Mexico
Top urban areas sending significant leisure visitors to Denver in 2007 were:
1. Phoenix
2. Chicago
3. San Francisco
4. Los Angeles
5. Washington D.C.
6. Houston
7. Dallas-Fort Worth
8. Atlanta
9. Minneapolis
10. Salt Lake City
Most popular sights, attractions and events in 2007 were:
Overall:
1. Cherry Creek Shopping District
2. 16th Street Mall
3. LoDo Historic District
4. Colorado Mills Shopping District
5. Castle Rock Factory Outlets
6. Denver Zoo
7. Park Meadows Retail Resort
8. Larimer Square
9. Denver Art Museum
10. Colorado Rockies
In 2007, the most popular paid attractions were:
1. Denver Zoo
2. Denver Art Museum
3. Colorado Rockies
4. Red Rocks Amphitheatre
5. Colorado History Museum
6. Buffalo Bill’s Grave & Museum
7. Denver Museum of Nature & Science
8. Downtown Aquarium
9. Denver Broncos
10. Colorado Railroad Museum
The Internet has now surpassed word of mouth and personal experience as the most valuable resource for Denver travelers. According to Longwoods, Denver visitors are more likely to use the Internet than the U.S. norm, with 54% of Denver visitors using the Internet to plan their trips, versus 41% nationally. In addition, 53% are booking all or part of their trip online, compared to 38% nationally.
In 2007, the average number of nights spent in Denver rose to 3.5, up from 3.3 in 2006 and 2.9 in 2005. The percent of total time in Colorado spent in Denver also rose to 75%, up from 65% in 2006 and 58% in 2005. The percent of the entire trip spent in Denver also rose to 58% compared to 54% in 2006 and 47% in 2005.
The number of people combining business and leisure trips climbed dramatically in 2007 with 48% of business travelers adding a pleasure component to their trip, compared to only 33% in 2006. The average business traveler stayed at least two extra nights, an average of 1.4 nights in Denver and 1.2 nights somewhere else in Colorado. Compared to the national average, business trips to Denver were more likely to include a spouse and/or children.
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| | Council on the Arts Announces Grant Awards
to Artists, Organizations and Schools
Over $1.3 million awarded to support arts and culture activities in 36 counties
DENVER (July 1, 2008). The Colorado Council on the Arts (CCA) announces 133 awards totaling $1,325,075 to individuals, organizations and schools in 36 counties. The awards are made in two categories: Grants to Artists and Organizations supports arts and cultural activities that make the arts more accessible to all Coloradans, expand access to quality arts education for young people, support tourism and economic development, preserve and promote our cultural heritage and strengthen arts-related businesses. The new Success Through Art (StART) Schools grant program helps schools and districts create an arts-rich curriculum, where students not only acquire knowledge and skills in the basic arts disciplines, but also apply that understanding to learning in other core subject areas, ultimately increasing the relevance of their education and supporting their academic success.
The awards are for activities to take place between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. (A complete list of grant recipients by county follows this press release. For a full description of funded activities, go to www.coloarts.org and click on Grants --> Recent Grants.)
“These grants support the creative schools, individuals and organizations which are key building blocks to a strong economy,” said Elaine Mariner, executive director of the Council. “Studies show that a vibrant creative economy can attract jobs and workers, and helps prepare our students to be tomorrow’s innovative thinkers. By investing in our state’s creative sector, Colorado reaps the additional benefits of jobs, economic growth, and a quality of life that positions us to compete in the 21st century.”
Because a key requirement of the program is that applicants must show matching funds, the state investment leverages almost $14 million in other financial support from individuals, foundations and corporations. The funded activities will benefit over 2 million Colorado citizens and visitors, involve 11,000 artists, and support 1,000 full-time and part-time jobs in our state.
The mission of the Colorado Council on the Arts is to promote the cultural, educational and economic growth of Colorado through development of its arts and cultural heritage. Funding is provided through an annual appropriation from the state’s Gaming Fund and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
County Grantee City Award
Adams Westminster, The City of Westminster $2,000.00
Alamosa Adams State College Alamosa $19,320.00
Alamosa Alamosa Live Music Association Alamosa $7,000.00
Alamosa SLV Immigrant Resource Center Alamosa $2,000.00
Arapahoe Aurora, City of - Cultural Services Division Aurora $10,690.00
Arapahoe Littleton Children's Chorale Centennial $14,000.00
Archuleta Archuleta County 50 JT School District Pagosa Springs $5,000.00
Archuleta FolkWest, Inc. Pagosa Springs $13,650.00
Boulder Black^Elizabeth Boulder $3,750.00
Boulder Boulder Ballet Boulder $9,000.00
Boulder Boulder Chorale Boulder $2,400.00
Boulder Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art Boulder $4,500.00
Boulder Colorado Film Society Boulder $11,250.00
Boulder Colorado Music Festival Boulder $13,300.00
Boulder Dairy Center for the Arts^The Boulder $3,250.00
Boulder Imagination Makers Unlimited Boulder $16,250.00
Boulder Lafayette, City of Lafayette $5,270.00
Boulder Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts Lafayette $3,500.00
Boulder Skyline High School Longmont $5,000.00
Boulder Tobin^Elizabeth Boulder $6,260.00
Boulder UCB - Colorado Shakespeare Festival Boulder $18,750.00
Boulder YMCA of Boulder Valley Boulder $10,500.00
Broomfield Ballet Nouveau Colorado Broomfield $14,420.00
Chaffee Calliope, Inc. Poncha Springs $7,420.00
Costilla Mariachi San Luis, Inc San Pablo $3,000.00
Costilla Pijoan^Randdel Jaroso $7,500.00
Delta Delta, City of - Council Tree Pow Wow Delta $7,000.00
Denver Art from Ashes Inc. Denver $7,000.00
Denver Children's Museum of Denver Denver $6,500.00
Denver Colorado Ballet Denver $16,250.00
Denver Colorado Business Committee for the Arts Denver $12,950.00
Denver Colorado State Thespians Denver $9,750.00
Denver Colorado Symphony Association Denver $20,000.00
Denver Colorado Youth Pipe Band, Inc. Denver $8,450.00
Denver Curious Theatre Company Denver $7,800.00
Denver Denver Botanic Gardens Denver $13,000.00
Denver Denver Center for the Performing Arts Denver $18,750.00
Denver Denver Film Society Denver $18,000.00
Denver Grimes^Kenneth Denver $6,500.00
Denver Grupo Folklorico Sabor Latino Denver $2,600.00
Denver Int'l Institute for Indigenous Resource Management Denver $4,200.00
Denver Junior Symphony Guilde, Inc. Denver $17,500.00
Denver Kim Robards Dance, Inc. Denver $7,800.00
Denver Mizel Arts and Culture Center^The Denver $9,750.00
Denver Museum of Contemporary Art I Denver Denver $16,250.00
Denver Opera Colorado Denver $18,750.00
Denver Other Side Arts^The Denver $4,200.00
Denver Physically Handicapped Amateur Musical Actors League Denver $16,250.00
Denver Polaris at Ebert Elementary School Denver $10,000.00
Denver Rocky Mountain Arts Association Denver $5,200.00
Denver St. Martin's Chamber Choir Denver $5,630.00
Denver Stories on Stage Denver $4,880.00
Denver The Denver Brass, Inc. Denver $16,250.00
Denver University of Colorado Denver Denver $7,700.00
Denver VSA arts of Colorado Denver $5,200.00
Denver Denver March Pow Wow Denver $18,750.00
Douglas The Wildlife Experience, Inc. Parker $11,050.00
Eagle Aspen Dance Connection Basalt $3,250.00
Eagle Bravo! Colorado at Beaver Creek-Vail Inc Vail $20,000.00
El Paso Business of Art Center, Inc. Manitou Springs $18,750.00
El Paso Colorado Springs Children's Chorale Colorado Springs $16,250.00
El Paso Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Colorado Springs $8,750.00
El Paso Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra Colorado Springs $14,000.00
El Paso Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association Colorado Springs $18,750.00
El Paso Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region Colorado Springs $16,100.00
El Paso DePree^Birgitta Manitou Springs $3,360.00
El Paso Eagleview Middle School Colorado Springs $5,000.00
El Paso FutureSelf, Inc. Colorado Springs $9,750.00
El Paso Helsaple^Mary Colorado Springs $18,750.00
El Paso Math/Science Magnet Middle School Colorado Springs $2,500.00
El Paso Opera Theatre of the Rockies Colorado Springs $4,880.00
El Paso Pikes Peak Lavender Film Festival Colorado Springs $2,800.00
El Paso Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival, Inc. Colorado Springs $6,500.00
El Paso The Colorado College Colorado Springs $10,500.00
El Paso UCCS - Gallery of Contemporary Art Colorado Springs $7,800.00
El Paso UCCS - THEATREWORKS Colorado Springs $16,250.00
Garfield Glenwood Springs Arts Council Glenwood Springs $5,200.00
Garfield Mpower New Castle $8,040.00
Garfield Roaring Fork Friends of the Theater, Inc Carbondale $5,630.00
Gilpin Central City Opera House Association Denver $16,250.00
Grand Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre Grand Lake $14,000.00
Gunnison Crested Butte Music Festival Crested Butte $14,000.00
Gunnison Gunnison Council for the Arts, Inc. Gunnison $3,840.00
Jackson North Park Arts Council Walden $2,440.00
Jefferson Arvada Council for the Arts and Humanities, Inc. Arvada $7,500.00
Jefferson Colorado Dragon Boat Festival Lakewood $18,750.00
Jefferson Fiesta Colorado, Inc. Lakewood $7,000.00
Jefferson Lab at Belmar^The Lakewood $5,850.00
Kit Carson Burlington, City of Burlington $5,200.00
La Plata Durango Arts Center, Inc. Durango $16,250.00
La Plata Durango Choral Society Durango $2,450.00
La Plata Durango Latino Education Coalition Durango $7,500.00
La Plata Music in the Mountains, Inc. Durango $10,730.00
La Plata San Juan Symphony Durango $9,750.00
Larimer Arts Alive Fort Collins Fort Collins $6,760.00
Larimer Bejarano^Judy Ft. Collins $4,550.00
Larimer Colorado State University - Department of Art Fort Collins $13,000.00
Larimer Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art Fort Collins $16,250.00
Larimer Horsetooth Productions Fort Collins $7,800.00
Larimer Laurel Elementary School of Arts & Technology Fort Collins $10,000.00
Larimer Lincoln IB World School Fort Collins $5,000.00
Larimer Northern Colorado Intertribal Powwow Association Fort Collins $15,940.00
Larimer Thompson Education Foundation Loveland $19,875.00
Las Animas Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre Trinidad $9,890.00
Mesa Grand Junction Commission on Arts and Culture Grand Junction $10,500.00
Mesa Grand Junction Musical Arts Association Grand Junction $6,500.00
Mesa Grand Valley Public Radio Company Grand Junction $8,750.00
Mesa Western Colorado Center for the Arts, Inc. Grand Junction $9,100.00
Mineral Creede Repertory Theatre Inc Creede $17,500.00
Montezuma Mesa Verde Country Festivals Inc Cortez $7,500.00
Montrose Delta Montrose Youth Services, Inc. Montrose $18,750.00
Pitkin Anderson Ranch Arts Foundation Snowmass Village $9,100.00
Pitkin Aspen Art Museum Aspen $4,000.00
Pitkin Aspen Writers' Foundation, Inc. Aspen $6,500.00
Pitkin Independent Films, Inc. Aspen $11,250.00
Pitkin Music Associates of Aspen, Inc. Aspen $17,500.00
Pueblo Pueblo Children's Chorale Pueblo $2,000.00
Routt Emerald City Opera Steamboat Springs $16,250.00
Routt Steamboat Springs Community Orchestra Steamboat Springs $12,030.00
Routt Steamboat Springs Council of the Arts and Humanities Steamboat Springs $6,140.00
Routt Strings in the Mountains Steamboat Springs $16,880.00
Saguache Crestone Charter School Crestone $5,000.00
Saguache Crestone Performances, Inc. Crestone $7,740.00
San Juan A Theatre Group Silverton $7,400.00
San Miguel Ah Haa School for the Arts Telluride $10,500.00
San Miguel Telluride Council for the Arts and Humanities Telluride $11,730.00
San Miguel Telluride Society for Jazz Telluride $4,130.00
Summit Breckenridge Heritage Alliance Breckenridge $2,000.00
Teller Friends of the Rampart Regional Library District Woodland Park $2,800.00
Weld Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra Association, Inc. Greeley $18,000.00
Weld Greeley Rodarte Dancers, Inc. Greeley $13,000.00
Weld Greeley, City of - Union Colony Civic Center Greeley $18,750.00
Weld University of Northern Colorado^The Greeley $17,500.00
#####
Jeanette Albert
Program Administrator
Colorado Council on the Arts
A Division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
1625 Broadway, Suite 2700
Denver, CO 80202
t. 303.892.3838
f. 303.892.3848
www.coloarts.org
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| | DOCA’s CREATIVE ENTERPRISES REVOLVING LOAN FUND
MAXIMUM LOAN AMOUNT INCREASES TO $40,000 IN 2008
2007 successful pilot year for program
(DENVER) The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA), in partnership with the Denver Office of Economic Development (OED) and Micro Business Development Corporation (MBD), is delighted to announce that the maximum loan amount for the Creative Enterprises Revolving Loan Fund (CERLF) has increased from $20,000 in 2007 to $40,000 in 2008.
In 2007, DOCA, OED and MBD formed a ground-breaking collaboration providing access to relevant and flexible business capital for Denver’s creative entrepreneurs through the CERLF. The CERLF is administered by MBD and financed through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds with an annual pool of $100,000 from which to draw.
Accomplishments from the pilot year of the CERLF program include:
Ø Service to over 44 creative business clients
Ø Receipt of 15 loan applications totaling $216,000 in requests
Ø Approval of nine loans totaling $97,500 to creative businesses in Denver County
Ø Loan decisions in an average of four weeks
Ø Maintenance/creation of approximately 22 jobs
Ø Repayment rate of 100%
Click here to play the online CERLF promotional video and pod cast and learn about the program directly from 2007 loan recipients.
About the Creative Enterprises Revolving Loan Fund (CERLF)
The Creative Enterprises Revolving Loan Fund (CERLF) offers creative enterprises in the City and County of Denver access to affordable and flexible business capital to increase income and build assets. Creative enterprises are defined as nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses that produce or sell fine art, photographic and graphic art, performance art, handcraft and design, literary art and media.
A CERLF loan may be used for business personal property, income generation (access to markets) and some space renovation. The loan applicant must be a resident of or establish their business in the City and County of Denver, and preference is given to individuals with low wealth or artists with disabilities. Rates and terms vary depending on the loan amount.
The CERLF is funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program through a joint effort of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA), Denver Office of Economic Development (OED) and Micro Business Development Corporation (MBD). For more information on the CERLF, including rates and terms, visit MBD’s Web site at www.microbusiness.org/creative or call 303-308-8121.
The Creative Enterprises Revolving Loan Fund is a program of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs’ Create Denver initiative. Create Denver exists to support, promote and grow Denver’s creative sector. It includes policy recommendations, programmatic initiatives, technical assistance and advocacy.
The mission of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs is to advance the arts and culture in the City and County of Denver.
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| | DENVER OFFICE OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND DENVER FILM SOCIETY LAUNCH CINEMOCRACY FILM FESTIVAL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
DENVER 2008 CONVENTION HOST COMMITTEE
Online short films addressing the topic of “How do you define democracy?”
to be viewed and voted on by the public with top vote-getters screened in Denver
(DENVER) The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA) and Denver Film Society (DFS), producers of the Starz Denver Film Festival, are pleased to announce the creation and launch of the Cinemocracy Film Festival, an open source film festival to coincide with the 2008 Democratic National Convention. As an official event of the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee, Cinemocracy calls for open participation in the political process; a multitude of voices during an event that shapes the political future of the United States.
Info at a Glance:
2008 Cinemocracy Film Festival: an open source film festival addressing the topic of “How do you define democracy?”
Top-ranked films (as determined by public online voting) will be publicly screened in Denver during the week of the 2008 Democratic National Convention (August 25-28).
For submission guidelines and official rules, visit www.denverfilm.org/cinemocracy.
During a year of monumental change, DOCA and DFS invite citizens of the world to speak out and share ideas on the definition of democracy through the creation of short films. All films submitted via free upload will be judged by the online public and the top 10 will be screened at a free public event in Denver during the week of the 2008 Democratic National Convention (August 25-28). Additionally, the winning film will be screened as part of the official program of the 31st Starz Denver Film Festival (November 13-23).
Submitted films can be up to five minutes in length and can be uploaded from March 1 through July 15 to www.denverfilm.org/cinemocracy. Voting will remain open until August 1.
“With the Democratic National Convention coming to Denver this year, there’s no better time for all of us to consider and discuss the meaning of democracy,” said Mayor John Hickenlooper. “We encourage everyone to make their voices heard by participating in this unique project.” Mayor Hickenlooper has already answered the call and created his own short film, Many People, One Voice, which is available for viewing at www.denverfilm.org/cinemocracy.
“Broad civic participation is an important part of the Convention coming to Denver,” stated Elbra Wedgeworth, President/Chair of the Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee. “Cinemocracy is one way for people who are not directly involved in the Convention to participate and share their voice and vision about democracy.”
"The Denver Film Society believes that film has the power to change lives and what better proof than engaging citizens from all walks of life, not just the politicians or the celebrities - although we do hope they participate as well - in giving vision to their voice for all to see,” said Britta Erickson, Festival Director, Denver Film Society.
The 2008 Cinemocracy Film Festival is the first of an annual open source film festival to be hosted by the Denver Film Society in subsequent years.
The mission of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs is to advance the arts and culture in the City and County of Denver.
The Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee has four contractual partners in its work. Those partners are the Democratic National Convention Committee, the City and County of Denver, Kroenke Sports and its own Executive Committee.
The Denver Film Society is a membership-based nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to cultivating community and transforming lives through film. Founded in 1978, the Denver Film Society produces film events throughout the year, including the award-winning Starz Denver Film Festival. The Denver Film Society's home theatre and cinematic education center, the Starz FilmCenter, presents film programs daily and is Denver's first and only year-round cinematheque, operated in partnership with the University of Colorado at Denver's College of Arts & Media, and with support from Starz Entertainment and the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Denver Film Society members support one-of-a-kind programs reaching more that 200,000 film lovers and film lovers-in-training each year.
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