The Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Background Statement

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) was founded in 1972 as a not-for-profit organization, and is comprised of: the Tony award-winning Denver Center Theatre Company (DCTC), the largest resident professional theatre company between Chicago and the West Coast, producing an 8 play mainstage season which includes classic, contemporary and new work; Denver Center Attractions, which presents Broadway; and Denver Center Academy, home to our arts in education activities.

Denver Center Academy provides extensive Arts in Education programs which are unique, innovative and standards- based for over 50,000 school children each year. Current programs include Student Matinees, Dramatic Learning workshops and residencies, family productions, professional development for teachers, Shakespeare for a New Generation, and eShakespeare - an online classroom dedicated to Denver Public School teacher and student training for the annual DPS Shakespeare Festival.

Executive Director Statement

See statement from Chairman and CEO Daniel L. Ritchie

Board Chair/President Statement

Letter from Chairman and CEO Daniel L. Ritchie - from the 2013-2014 Annual Report

Fiscal year 2013/14 was a banner year at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA). We increased engagement in almost every program, reaching 741,511 visitors. As a vital part of Denver's cultural landscape, the DCPA continues to be a key economic driver, stimulates community dialogue, introduces students to theatre, and entertains audiences with diverse programming.

Our efforts in 2013/14 focused on new plays. Our 14 new works included readings of five plays in development, three innovative shows, two cabaret productions and four fully staged world premieres. A highlight was Karen Zacarías' adaptation of Just Like Us. Based on Helen Thorpe's book on immigration, the DCPA ignited community dialogue, asking patrons what it means to be American.

Broadway was once again selected to launch a national tour with Peter and the Starcatcher, making Denver the first market in the country to see this take on the Boy Who Would Not Grow Up.

More than 58,000 youth took part in a class or activity - an increase of 20%. We launched a playwriting competition and expanded our musical theatre contest, drawing participation from High School students. These active young people are our future and we were delighted to welcome them.

We also took a closer look at our relationships with our customers, asking them if we're doing it "right." It was such a rewarding dialogue that it resulted in our new mission: To create unforgettable shared experiences.

To that end, I'm excited to announce that, as we work to make your experience better than ever, we've begun preparations for an overhaul of two theatres - the Stage and Space - to ensure that your experience is second to none.

We look forward to seeing you, engaging with you and creating experiences you won't forget. Thank you, as ever, for your unflagging support. You inspire us to make each day unforgettable.

Daniel L. Ritchie
Chairman & CEO
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Impact Statement

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts is an exhilarating mix of Broadway shows, professional theatre, acting instruction, and dazzling venues. We annually serve 750,000 patrons from the Western region and beyond. It is our vision to be the most engaging theatre company in the nation.

We envision the DCPA as an international center for theatre that includes:
1. presenting and creating invigorating and insightful productions of both classics and contemporary plays and musicals
2. creating new plays and musicals that define what it means to be an American in an increasingly complex world, and
3. educating and nurturing the next generation of artists and audiences for professional theatre.

Needs Statement

Contributions from individuals like you are critical to fulfilling the Denver Center for the Performing Art's mission. Ticket sales pay for only part of what it takes to produce Tony Award-winning theatre, bring in top Broadway touring shows and extend arts programming to more than 50,000 Colorado children each year.

"It's Kent Thompson's forward thinking that keeps the Denver Center relevant" - John Moore, Theatre Critic, The Denver Post

"The theatre touched my heart and inspired me" - Malia - 6th grade student who attended student matinee performance 2012

"What you get in Denver is a town that actually knows what going to the theatre is." - Thomas Schumacher, President, Disney Theatricals