Denver's Best Theaters
Get Lost In The Drama
Our city's performing arts scene may not hold the center stage like New York's Broadway, but it is definitely a big part of our community even if it isn't in the forefront. There's more here than most know. From the sprawling complex in downtown to the tiny theaters that dot the cityscape, Denver's performing arts culture is everywhere. Here are some of the best places to catch a show or even get in on the action and find yourself in the spotlight.
1. Denver Center for Performing Arts
How to even begin talking about what is clearly the largest and best theater complex in the region? It's not just the beautiful venues, like the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and the Buell Theatre. Nor is simply it the abundant amenities like restaurants, bars and coffee shops located both in the complex and nearby. Really it comes down to the world-class performances that occur at the center. Everything from dramas to musicals to ethnic dances to children's plays happens at the DCPA and the theatergoing experience simply couldn't be better.
2. Bug Theatre
Hidden away in the Highland neighborhood, The Bug brings our city some of the best affordable theater to be had. Its emphasis on sponsoring local creativity and encouraging aspiring actors has given it widespread popularity amongst the city's arts crowd. In addition to plays that run for about four weeks each, on the last Monday of every month Freak Train takes over the stage. During this event, up to a dozen local performers each get the chance to spend five minutes in the spotlight and the theater is always filled to capacity with spectators. On the third Thursday of every month, the Emerging Filmmakers Project has a screening of local films and talks by their directors, offering a fun way to look into the film world whether you're an aspiring director or just a fan of local artists.
3. Bovine Metropolis Theater
Improv comedy is Bovine Metropolis' stock-in-trade, from professionally acted shows to classes for the inexperienced masses. So popular are its shows that there are performances six nights out of every week, each well attended and each totally unique. Different shows are run using different improv styles, from competitions a la “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” to long form acts to hootenannies where everything goes. The brightly colored theater sits close to the Denver Center for Performing Arts, offering plenty of laughs, a welcoming environment and affordable ticket prices.
4. Curious Theatre Company
Set inside an old church in the Golden Triangle, the plays that come out of the Curious Theatre Company are nothing like what you'd expect from such a traditional setup. Instead of tried and true classics, the theater runs edgy new plays in its mid-sized venue. Comedies, tragedies, dramatic plays: anything is game at the theater, and its past five-play seasons have garnered awards from many local groups. For an even better deal, buy two-for-one discount tickets for its Thursday evening performances.
5. Avenue Theater
Tiny only in the sense of its intimate performance space, the Avenue Theater is simply a great community performing arts venue. Its shows invariably include local talent and many have open auditions so if you're an aspiring actor, it's worth checking out. Wednesdays are always a blast with one of the many local improv comedy groups taking the stage for an hour or two of laughs. Seats for these once-a-week shows go for only $10 and even include a complimentary drink.
