Elitch Gardens Historic Theatre

A Man with a Mission

megan — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 05:24:20 +0000

Jose Mercado has been a man with a mission when it comes to turning inner-city kids into accomplished thespians for years now, and his ardor for what seems an impossible task never seems to diminish.

t’s just that he’s so good at it. Mercado came from his own barrio roots; his own love of cultural life and a memorable mentor at UCLA helped him overcome whatever obstacles life might have thrown in his path. His most recent project is the rejuvenation of the Historic Elitch Theatre, and he’s thrown that cause into an earnest symbiosis with his goal to introduce barrio youth to theater by presenting student productions on an outdoor stage under the aegis of the Historic Elitch Theatre School for Arts Education. Full story in the Westword.

Become a Member of the Historic Elitch Theatre!

admin — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:47:12 +0000

General Membership is only $35!

Members receive wonderful benefits, including discounts on 2012 outdoor summer film tickets, special member events, discounts on Elitch Theatre memorabilia and much more. As a member you will be part of our largest support base and will have many opportunities to connect with other historic preservationists and theater buffs.

Membership supports youth programming that enlightens, educates and entertains. You instantly become part of our history by joining the legacy of supporters. The Elitch Theater will be a place where you can proudly bring family and friends, and your membership gift assures these pleasures for future generations.

Become a member today!

Not to See Elitch’s is Not to See Denver

admin — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:08:16 +0000

Denver has long been teased with talk and rumors to restore the luster of a local gem, the Historic Elitch Gardens Theatre. Now, its for real. Thanks to a city that believes arts and education is good business, the restoration can begin.

The Historic Elitch Theatre celebrates its 120th anniversary in 2011. The City of Denver’s Office of Economic Development has awarded the Elitch Theatre a grant for $425,000 to restore the interior. A generous gift to celebrate 120 years! Funds will be released when 25% of the award is matched in contributions. That’s a challenge of $100,000!

We need your help to secure this award and to ensure the ongoing success of the organization for years to come. As we embark on another 120 years, we are launching Not to See Elitchs is Not to see Denver, a campaign to obtain the $100,000 in matching funds and complete much needed mechanical and infrastructure upgrades, add office space, expand our facilities, upgrade amenities and restrooms, overhaul mechanical systems and address the plaza and public spaces of the Elitch Theatre.

Please join our campaign and help us strengthen the oldest theatre in America of its kind, the Elitch Theatre, to create a vibrant arts education center cultural home that serves our neighbored, community, the City of Denver and the beautiful and diverse state of Colorado.

Community in Need

Lena — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:00:47 +0000

From a 2009 survey of community members, the Foundation has identified needs specific to the community that the Theatre will fulfill. In addition to the desire for the Theatre to be restored as a performing arts center, community members identified two other potential needs: Arts Education and Community Center (The Heart of Highlands).

Arts Education

Within northwest Denver, there is limited youth programming both in the summer and throughout the school year. North High School, West High School, Arrupe Jesuit School, and Cesar Chavez Academy currently do not have theatre programs. In order to take advantage of existing youth programming in Denver, parents must pay premium prices at the downtown arts centers or travel to the east and south sides of Denver.

Community Center (The Heart of Highlands)

The Highland Village and surrounding the neighborhood does not have sufficient community gathering spaces. The availability of central meeting venues in Northwest Denver for Homeowners Associations, political groups, clubs, etc is scarce. The development of the Master Facility Plan for restoration will include the creation of flexible meeting spaces to address this need.

So Much Potential

Lena — Tue, 03 May 2011 17:04:51 +0000

Even without the interior renovation, the Historic Elitch Theatre has established itself as a site for performances, commerce and education. Community involvement over the course of the last six years has been outstanding. Nearly 25,000 people have participated in activities at the Historic Elitch Theatre which have included: Farmers’ Market, Carousel Pops, Movies in the Gardens Under the Stars, and Zoot Suit (Theatre in the Elitch Plaza).

Farmers’ Market

An outdoor produce and crafts market with entertainment.

Carousel Pops

Rreviving the bandstand concerts of the 19th and 20th centuries, by featuring American composers and Broadway classics, held in the renovated Elitch Outdoor Carousel.

Movies in the Gardens Under the Stars

A series of outdoor movies featuring plays on film, and actors who are key figures in the American theater.

Zoot Suit (Theatre in the Elitch Plaza)

Over the course of two nights in the summer of 2010, over 1,300 patrons enjoyed the performance of local youth in the production of Zoot Suit. This play under the stars earned accolades throughout the media and within the community.

The revitalization of the Historic Elitch Theatre is part of a greater effort of community development, linking the past with the present, in response to an identified gap in the Denver theatre community.