Theater of the State

Once a year, the Colorado Community Theatre Coalition rounds up community-theater groups and professionals from around the state for the Colorado Theatre Festival, a long weekend of workshops, networking and performances that are open to the public and reasonably priced. And this year, the fest’s twenty-sixth, the ante has been...

By Susan Froyd

August 7, 2014

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Once a year, the Colorado Community Theatre Coalition rounds up community-theater groups and professionals from around the state for the Colorado Theatre Festival, a long weekend of workshops, networking and performances that are open to the public and reasonably priced. And this year, the fest’s twenty-sixth, the ante has been upped for participating companies, which can compete for a chance to perform at the American Association of Community Theatre’s biennial national festival next summer in Grand Rapids. “We have a great product,” says CCTC spokesman Shane Delavan. “It’s a great opportunity for community theaters, but up to this point I think it’s been a well-kept secret. I’d like to see that change.” Consider yourself officially invited.

Ten hourlong performances are scheduled throughout the fest’s run, including offerings from such tried-and-true companies as Vintage Theatre (A Song for Coretta) and Ignite Theatre (Rent), as well as newcomers like Theatre Esprit Asia (Spirit and Sworded Treks). And in a first-year partnership, workshops taught by faculty from the Denver Center Theatre Academy range from “Strengthening Your Callback Audition” to “Ten Broadway Moves Every Actor Should Know.” Notes Delavan: “Now we can offer a higher level overall of opportunities for people to learn about various aspects of theater skill sets.”

A free opening-night performance by SCRIPTprov and a reception kick things off at 7:30 p.m. tonight; the rest of the fest will unfold over the next three days at the Newman Center for Theatre Education, 1101 13th Street. An overall pass to everything will only set you back $65 (daily passes are also available for $25), or you can pick and choose individual events, with tickets ranging from about $10 to $25. For reservations and more information, go to cctctheatrefestival.com.
Aug. 13-16, 2014

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Susan Froyd started writing for Westword as the "Thrills" editor in 1992 and never quite left the fold. These days she still freelances for the paper in addition to walking her dogs, enjoying cheap ethnic food and reading voraciously. Sometimes she writes poetry.

Contact: Susan Froyd

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