Inside the Arvada Center

Enjoy behind-the-scenes stories and in-depth exploration into the Center's productions and programs.

Meet Suzanna Champion

Despite all these talented legends in the Arvada Center’s current production of Million Dollar Quartet, it’s all eyes on Suzanna Champion every time she is on stage.

A letter from Rod Lansberry

"This past year has been a steady stream of never knowing what to expect, and I’m so grateful that I had my Arvada Center family to weather the storm with me."

AAPI Heritage Month: Meet Kazu Oba

If you have ever attended an Arvada Center ceramics sale, you have seen (or even purchased) the ethereal yet organically-grounded artwork of Colorado-based ceramicist Kazu Oba.

From Diana and Mike Kinsey

"Studies have shown that students who participate in theatre, either on stage or in the audience, do better in school. Theatre has a magical way of sparking curiosity and firing up our brains in new ways."

The Show Must Go On

Read an interview with Ken Fellman, chair of our Board of Directors, exploring the long road and careful planning behind our return to theatre this spring.

Danielle Johnson, Conductor

The Front Range Youth Symphony are performing their final concerts of the season on May 4 and 5, and we had a chance to talk to conductor Danielle Johnson about the challenges she faced in keeping her students prepared during the pandemic.

Remembering John Gratkins

For nearly 30 years John Gratkins watched over the Arvada Center as if it was a work of art itself. As the Facilities Manager, he brought a matter-of-fact vibe to our creative world that kept us grounded and secure. John passed away unexpectedly in early March 2021.

From our Director of Education

"We know that children and adults find light in a variety of ways through educational experiences offered at the Arvada Center. Whether it’s the light in the eyes of a dancer that performs a perfect pirouette or the warm glow of a kiln as new ceramic creations come to life."

How much do you know about Barbra Streisand?

Keep reading to get to know more about this great performer - who makes a fictional appearance in our upcoming virtual play Buyer and Cellar!

Meet Jodie Steeves and Nancy Terry

Join volunteers and gallery supporters Jodie and Nancy in supporting the galleries by making a donation today, providing a free space for everyone to enjoy.

Pioneering director passes away

Bev Newcomb-Madden was the most prolific female director in the history of Colorado theater, with many credits at the Arvada Center over 50 years. She passed away Tuesday at age 92.

Major loss for local theatre community

Veteran Phamaly Theatre Company actor and writer Lucy Roucis, who was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease at just 25, has died at age 61.

Meet the Frasers

We want you to meet some of our long-time supporters, Sandy and John Fraser. This couple has been coming to the Center for nearly 20 years.

Looking into live theatre's Crystal Ball for 2021

Will indoor theatre be back? Will audiences have to be vaccinated? Might one little cable change your life? If we have learned anything from 2020, it’s that trying to predict what might happen in 2021 is a fool’s errand. So, here we go!

Art as therapy for seniors in the time of COVID

Next month, AARP and the Arvada Center will launch their new "Art Kits for Senior Communities" project to give seniors the opportunity to create art as a way to combat the isolation and loneliness of COVID.

20 things we're proud of in 2020

Despite all the challenges, here are twenty things the Arvada Center is proud of from 2020. Did you experience any of them?

Arvada Center offers diverse slate of holiday stories

The Arvada Center, mindful that every family celebrates the holiday season differently, is now offering “Stories and Songs to Celebrate the Season,” a new family friendly video featuring a variety of stories and performances.

2020 True West Awards: Christine Moore

2020 is officially "The Year of the Stage Manager” in professional theatre. But when you consider the impressive body of work the Arvada Center's resident Stage Manager has managed to put in despite the shutdown, perhaps 2020 should be renamed “The Year of Stage Manager Christine Moore.”

2020 True West Awards: 'Amplify'

'Amplify” was the Arvada Center's proactive response to the racial reckoning in America that has arisen from the murder of George Floyd.

'The Family Tree' offers actors rare chance to work during pandemic

The Arvada Center's innovative holiday comedy is believed to be the only live indoor production in the nation that Actors Equity Association has allowed to take place since the COVID shutdown closed theatres across the country in March..

A Married Couple's Christmas in 'Wales'

Dylan Thomas' classic remembrance of holidays past returns to its roots as an audio play created and performed by Emily Van Fleet and Nathan Jones from the basement of their home.

On being Black in Denver and all the colors that it brings

Narkita Gold's “Black in Denver,” opening November 19 in the Upper Gallery, is a robust anthology of portraits and interviews that seeks to illustrate the vast diversity of experiences, careers, attitudes, values and skin tones that make up the Black diaspora.

Humans of the Arvada Center: Brenna Clendaniel and Sophia Koop

Meet two unsung heroes who rose from the box office to prominent roles in the development office and became best friends along the way: Corporate Relations Manager Brenna Clendaniel and Advancement Assistant Sophia Koop.

Virtual theatre sprouts a new branch with 'The Family Tree'

The Arvada Center is pushing the boundaries of what virtual theatre can be this December, when it launches the world premiere of Jessica Austgen's made-for-online play, "The Family Tree: A Virtual Holiday Comedy."

Zachary Andrews takes one-man bite out of 'Dracula'

Just in time for Halloween: Zachary Andrews' original, one-man audio adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Gothic horror novel 'Dracula' launches today. 'I am trying to push the limits of your idea of storytelling with sound,' he says.

Humans of the Arvada Center: John R. Hamilton III

How pop culture and a challenging multiracial upbringing set Arvada Center Instructor John R. Hamilton's life on a ceramic rocket ship to the arts.

Take a stroll through Sculpture Field

During these constricted COVID times, a refreshing stroll is waiting to be … strolled … at the Arvada Center's outdoor sculpture field. It’s free and open to the public during daylight hours.

Arts in Education Week

Hear from some of the incredible artists and staff who work with the Center about how arts education impacted their lives!

How COVID is impacting individual artists

Among the many consequences of the coronavirus shutdown could be a massive talent drain from the creative industry.

'Amplify' comes to powerful conclusion

The second season of the Arvada Center's acclaimed video series concludes with five more Black women from the Colorado theatre community: Jada Suzanne Dixon, Kristina Fountaine, Ilasiea Gray, Mary Louise Lee and Adrienne Martin-Fullwood.

Arvada Center pivoting to radio plays this fall

How to deliver professionally produced stories for culturally starved audiences – without putting their lives at risk? This fall, the Arvada Center will roll out a series of short, homemade audio plays that will be available to listeners on multiple platforms.

'Amplify' amplifies five more Black women

The new season of the Arvada Center's video season continues with five more voices from the Colorado theatre community whose voices have not been heard loudly enough.

September 2020 ArtsCentric Issue

Enjoy a special digital edition of our ArtsCentric magazine from the safety of your home. Including stories like: Our new series of radio plays - bringing theatre to you, a look at our safe series of summer concerts, and how the Center and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance celebrated 50 years.

Humans of the Arvada Center: Emily Grace King

Growing up home-schooled in upstate New York, Galleries Exhibition Manager Emily Grace King could not have known the world that would open up for her when she moved to Colorado. Then along came “Hair.” Let the sunshine in.

Deeper Dive, Part 4: 'They're Playing Our Song'

Coming in 2021: Carole Bayer Sager’s calamitous relationship with one of the world’s most famous composers is the basis of this long-running hit musical, which ran for three years on Broadway.

Beth Malone bringing her 'joy bomb' to Arvada Center on September 4

Broadway star and Colorado native Beth Malone is coming back to the Arvada Center on September 4 with a heaping serving of soul food.

Deeper Dive, Part 3: 'Million Dollar Quartet'

Coming in 2021: This love letter to rock ’n roll tells the true story of a 1956 legendary jam session at Sun Studios between four great musicians with troubled lives and complicated careers: Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.

'Amplify' turns the mic over to local Black women

The Arvada Center has launched a new season of 'Amplify,' this time giving voice to local Black women whose voices have not been heard loudly enough.

Arvada Center going 'Out of the Box' with Cleo Parker Robinson

The Denver dance legend will revisit two seminal works she staged at the Arvada Center in the 1980s as part of a major streaming event that drops at 8 p.m. August 22 and will remain available for online viewing through August 28.

Front Porch Series Begins With Pierce Murphy Trio

As masked patrons entered the shady front plaza of the Arvada Center outdoor amphitheatre for the first night of our new “Front Porch Series” this past Saturday, one was heard to say “I needed this.”

Deeper Dive, Part 2: 'Private Lives'

Coming in 2021: Noël Coward's screamingly funny comedy traps two former spouses are together in the same hotel, and they can’t stop arguing. "I think anyone who has been locked down with a partner these past few months can relate,' says Director Lynne Collins.

Pink Progression: Collaborations: Sangeeta Reddy and Jodie Roth Cooper

In the fourth of our four-part series, we're spotlighting collaborating artist teams who have contributed to the Arvada Center's celebration of the 19th Amendment and the women's right to vote.

Deeper Dive, Part 1: 'Small Mouth Sounds'

Coming in 2021: This popular new play takes place entirely at a silent yoga retreat where six runaways from city life strive for self-acceptance. That's right: Silent.

Humans of the Arvada Center: Gabriel Morales

How 'Mean Girls' uplifted a Mexican immigrant on his way to a life in the arts – and the Arvada Center. This is actor and Patron Services Representative Gabriel Morales' human story.

Colorado Springs reaches the Mountaintop at 2020 Henry Awards

In a near sweep, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center took home 10 awards in 24 competitive categories, including both the year’s Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Play. The Arvada Center had nine nominations but won no awards.

'Amplify' to return featuring Black women's voices

The Arvada Center has launched Episode 3 of announced that 'Amplify,' and announced the series will resume in mid-August with a second season featuring all Black women.

Pink Progression: Collaborations: Julia Rymer and Drew Austin

In the third of our four-part series, we're spotlighting collaborating artist teams who have contributed to the Arvada Center's celebration of the 19th Amendment and the women's right to vote.

Pink Progression: Collaborations: Jina Brenneman and Margaret Kasahara

In the second of our four-part series, we're spotlighting four collaborating artist teams who have contributed to the Arvada Center's celebration of the 19th Amendment and the women's right to vote.

Pink Progression: Collaborations: Grow Love and Moe Gram

In the first of our four-part series, we're spotlighting four collaborating artist teams who have contributed to the Arvada Center's celebration of the 19th Amendment and the women's right to vote.

Humans of the Arvada Center: Abygail Rosales

When the situation calls for calm, say their colleagues, that's when this Patron Services Representative becomes the star of the show.

It’s virtually impossible to not have fun in Summer Camp

The Center transitioned most of our summer camps over to virtual camps using the online Zoom platform, and we have been excited to see that children and parents alike are enjoying this alternative that entertains and educates while offering a social opportunity right there in their own home.

Arvada Center announces 2021 theatre titles

The Arvada Center has announced its scaled-back, 2020-21 slate of plays and musicals, and it reflects the conundrum every theatre company is wrestling with, including the newly renamed Voodoo Comedy Theatre.

Humans of the Arvada Center: Jon Olson

Lighting Director Jon Olson has always had a clear vision of what he wanted from life. And, for the most part, he’s made it happen. But through some very hard life experience, he has also learned that life changes in the ordinary instant. Here's how theatre helped him find light in the dark.

Arvada Center to launch 'Amplify' series to raise black male voices

'The time for action is now,' says CEO and President Philip Sneed. The three-part, biweekly series, curated by Betty Hart, "is a great opportunity to hear from black male artists about whatever they want to say right now," she says.

Historic Supreme Court ruling hits home at Arvada Center

Director of Education knows first-hand what it’s like to be fired for being gay. Now she knows that will never legally happen to anyone else.

Humans of the Arvada Center

In many ways, Arvada Center Production Manager Adam Stolte was living the idyllic Arvada life ever since childhood. Until life – and death – intervened.

Humans of the Arvada Center

There is a reason the Children's Theatre House Manager has been given so much responsibility at the age of only 20. He's earned it.

Arvada Center to offer students world’s first Zoom musical

The Arvada Center will offer the world’s first musical specifically designed for distance participation, “The Big One-Oh! Online Edition,” for ages 9-13.

2019-20 Henry Award nominations are announced

Leading the was is the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College with 21 nominations, followed by the DCPA Theatre Company with 16. The Arvada Center earned nine, including six for 'Bright Star.'

Photo by Matthew Gale.

Humans of the Arvada Center: Jessie Page

Arvada Center Wardrobe Supervisor Jessie Page is legally a blonde, but she's nothing if not pretty in pink.

City to install Arvada Center Sculpture in Hoskinson Park

If you visited the Arvada Center last fall, it was hard to miss Jodie Roth Cooper's magnificent sculpture that sat at the top of the stairway as part of the Colorado Abstract +10 exhibitions.

Humans of the Arvada Center: Ashi K. Smythe

The longtime educator with the Arvada Center Dance Academy was an original cast member in Broadway’s “The Lion King” from 1997-2001.

Humans of the Arvada Center: Steven Cogswell

Read about the Arvada Center's House Manager, a former performer and director whose job is akin to a hotel concierge.

Humans of the Arvada Center: Christine Moore

Read about Arvada Center Stage Manager Christine Moore, who has been certain of her career path since age 12.

Podcast: 'B+' with Arvada Center favorites Geoffrey Kent and Jessica Austgen

The Black Box Theatre Company actors talk with Arts Journalist John Moore about what they've lost during the COVID19 shutdown and how they are maintaining their optimism.

LISTEN NOW

'Bright Star' cast releases video as message of hope

The cast of the acclaimed Arvada Center bluegrass musical has recorded "Sun's Gonna Shine" as a message of hope during the COVID19 shutdown. Watch the video and read more about it here.

WATCH NOW

Humans of the Arvada Center: Christina Noel Adcock

Read about longtime Arvada Center Dance Coordinator Christina Noel Adcock, who turned an injury into a revolutionary new way of teaching dance.

Humans of the Arvada Center: Collin Parson

As we look to reopen our doors and reignite the arts, one thing becomes clear: The key to our creativity is our people. In our new series, meet the heartbeat of the Arvada Center: The people who make up our family. First up: Director of Galleries Collin Parson, who says: "I did not find the arts as a child. The arts found me."

Arvada Center Maskmaking

Read about how Arvada Center volunteers, costume designers and corporate partners are giving back to the community by sewing face masks!