Why Your Support Matters Now
With the Branham Amphitheatre nearing completion, Piknik Theatre is preparing for our most ambitious chapter yet: year-round programming, professional artists on staff, and expanded education for local youth. To make this leap, we must raise $150,000 in community support before June 2026 to secure the resources needed for new leadership, including an Artistic Director, expanded education staff, and professional actors.
Now, it is up to us — together — to carry his vision forward.
Your gift today ensures that:
Equal access to Summer Shakespeare at the Branham Amphitheater, bringing hundreds of families together every summer.
Youth programs at the Boys & Girls Club & local schools, providing free theatre classes that build creativity and confidence.
Maintenance and Management of The Branham Amphitheater, Steamboat Springs ONLY outdoor, world-class theatre.
Every Gift Makes a Difference
Whether you give $50, $500, or join our Shakespeare’s Giving Globe Circle with a gift of $1,000+, you become part of the story. Like the groundlings and patrons of Shakespeare’s Globe, every supporter plays a role in keeping the stage alive.
Together, We Build the Future
Piknik Theatre has always been more than a stage — it is a community. With your help, we can honor Stuart’s legacy, nurture the next generation of artists, and ensure that the Yampa Valley remains a vibrant home for theatre for generations to come.
Please make your end-of-year gift today. Your generosity keeps the lights on, the curtain rising, and the arts alive for all.
With gratitude,
Celina Taylor
Executive Director, Piknik Theatre
PRAISE FROM PARENTS FOR OUR SUMMER CAMP
"I can't say enough about Piknik Theatre's camp. Both my kids (6 & 7 years old) participated in a week-long camp and had the BEST week of camp all Summer. Both were hesitant about attending a performing camp, but it didn't take long for them to come out of their shells and embrace performing. This was likely due to the amazing leadership and the camp providing a safe space for self-expression. At the end of the week, they performed Little Red, and it was unbelievable to see them charged with creativity and self-esteem on stage, putting on an entire performance and excelling at it — all the kids, not just mine! I would highly recommend Piknik Theatre camp to all kids, not just aspiring performers."— Tara Weaver
My girls (ages 5 and 7) absolutely LOVED Piknik theater. The whole week was structured so well, and the instruction was amazing. You could tell that Celina and her team are professionals that truly care about their art. The girls felt really part of the whole production- between crafting set, making their own costumes, and learning songs, lines, they were invested! It was age appropriate for them as well!! it was the favorite camp of the summer and they already want to go back again. We will definitely be there next summer. Thank you guys for hosting such a great camp. - Margot Kelly
"We enjoy the amazing productions put on every season by Piknik Theater!" - Waldman Family who have lived in Steamboat for decades and whose children have been a part of the theatre education.
"We are so blessed to have this organization in our town" - Rowse Family
Piknik Theatre provides professional and community inclusive performing arts in the Yampa Valley, ensuring accessibility through free summer productions. We value arts education and provide opportunities for our artists to teach workshops, engage with schools, and connect with audiences of all ages.
Founded in 2008, Piknik Theatre is Northwest Colorado’s only professional theatre company, dedicated to keeping live performance accessible to all. For 17 years, we have produced free outdoor performances each summer, reaching up to 1,500 audience members with Shakespeare, original works, and family-friendly productions in Steamboat Springs’ parks and public spaces.
Education is central to our mission. Each summer, our youth theatre camps engage more than 45 students in immersive training in acting, movement, and storytelling. During the school year, we partner with Opera Steamboat, Steamboat Dance Theatre, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Colorado to provide free after-school musical theatre classes, introducing elementary students to singing, dancing, and acting with guidance from professional artists. We also collaborate with local schools to bring workshops and productions directly into classrooms, ensuring young people across the Yampa Valley experience the creativity and confidence theatre inspires.
In 2025, Piknik celebrated the completion of the Branham Amphitheatre—the region’s first designated outdoor performance venue. Built in partnership with the Steamboat Springs School District and local arts organizations, the amphitheatre now provides a permanent home for live theatre while also serving as a shared stage for schools and community partners.
We are especially grateful to the Branham family, whose vision and generosity made this landmark possible.
Organization name
Piknik Theatre
other names
Yampa Valley Performing Arts Council, The Great American Laughing Stock Company
1971
Tax id (EIN)
81-1129278
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
348 Oak StreetMailing
PO Box 770181Routt County, CO, US
Moffat, CO, US