The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is one of the largest and most acclaimed performing arts centers in the United States. Located in downtown Denver, Colorado, the DCPA is a hub for performing arts of all genres, from theater to music to dance. With its four theaters, two galleries, and a variety of educational programs, the DCPA has become a vibrant part of the Denver community and a destination for people from all over the world.
The DCPA was founded in 1972 by Donald Seawell, a prominent Denver lawyer and philanthropist. Seawell’s vision was to create a space where the performing arts could be celebrated and shared with the community. He purchased the old Denver Municipal Auditorium, built in 1908, and commissioned architect Eugene Sternberg to transform it into a modern performing arts center. Sternberg’s design included a 1,800-seat main theater, as well as two smaller theaters and a rehearsal hall.
Since its opening in 1978, the DCPA has established itself as one of the nation’s leading performing arts centers. Its four theaters seat a total of 5,600 people and have hosted some of the biggest names in theater, music, and dance, including the likes of Billie Holiday, Leonard Bernstein, and Paul Simon. The DCPA has also been a frequent venue for the Tony Awards, hosting the ceremony in 1990, 1996, and 2002.
The DCPA is home to the Denver Center Theatre Company, the nation’s largest non-profit theater company. The DCTC produces a variety of plays, musicals, and special events throughout the year, from classic works like “Romeo and Juliet” to more contemporary plays like “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” The DCPA also houses the Colorado Ballet, a professional ballet company that performs both traditional and modern works.
In addition to its performance venues, the DCPA also offers a variety of educational programs. Its Youth Education Program provides students from kindergarten through high school with the opportunity to learn about and participate in the performing arts. The DCPA also offers a number of summer camps, workshops, and master classes in acting, dance, and music.
The DCPA has also been a leader in the arts and culture scene in Denver. It hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from the annual Denver Arts Festival to the popular Off-Center Festival. The DCPA also produces its own events, such as the Colorado New Play Summit, a biennial event that brings together playwrights, directors, and theater professionals from across the country to discuss and develop new works.
The DCPA has been an integral part of the Denver community for over four decades. It has provided a platform for the performing arts to be shared and celebrated, while also providing educational opportunities for people of all ages. The DCPA is a destination for people from all over the world, and a testament to the power of the performing arts.