Local LOVES Dogs & Theater!

How many weekend activities do you share with your dog? If you’re anything like me, the answer is “nearly all of them, because he's awesome.” I’ve brought my pup on numerous hikes on the Front Range—always a fun adventure for us both. He also comes to work with me, and because I work at Local Theater Company, he’s had the opportunity to take in a few world premiere plays and musicals. Long story short—he loved them! 

His first show was Discount Ghost Stories at Trident Bookseller and Cafe in 2019. He came to rehearsal and I couldn’t get him to leave. The music, melodies, and lights caught his attention and I just knew—he’d been bitten by the theater bug. He quickly cozied up to composer and lyricist Alexander Sage Oyen and stayed for that evening's performance. He rated the show “four paws up” (He has great taste).

Next weekend is Spring Lab in Boulder, and although my pup pal won’t be able to take in the new play readings at The Dairy Arts Center, he plans to join the Local team for a morning hike and participate in a few of the outdoor activities planned around Local Lab. I’m so lucky―he’s everyone’s best friend, a theater lover, and my Colorado adventure buddy: ride or die!

Talking about political violence and extremism

Dear Community, 

I hope this letter finds you safe and healthy in this particularly unsafe and unhealthy time.

This week, individuals, families and educators had to decide how they would discuss the domestic terrorism and hypocricy that took place on Wednesday at the US Capitol. We empathize with this difficult task; personally, I hope for a time when this madness ends. In the meantime, as a theater company that sends teaching artists into classrooms and provides playwriting instruction to people of all ages, I am grateful for resources that support communication, healing and truth.

We wanted to share this resource (https://tinyurl.com/y5m3ryxa) that the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) sent out to support difficult conversations about political violence and extremism. Most people know something serious happened on Wednesday. Helping young people understand what is happening in the world around them makes it less scary. Having these conversations with the young people in our lives, as well as our broader communities, helps us all to examine the complicated issues of nation-building and ponder how we can interact with people we disagree with.

Finally, an invitation.  On Sunday January 31 at 12pm MT, we have the great honor of hosting Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. (Finding Your Roots on PBS) on our virtual stage for our next Living Room Local event.  We hope you’ll join us as Dr. Gates is one of the most profound and influential thinkers, storytellers, producers and educators of our time. You may secure tickets by clicking HERE. 

Peace,
Pesha

COVID-19 Message to Our Community

COVID-19 Message to Our Community

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused theaters around the world to close their doors and reimagine nearly every aspect of the industry. Here at Local Theater Company, our doors may be closed, but self-expression is thriving all around us: new plays are being written, songs are being composed, and designers are reimagining performance spaces.

 Until it is safe to do so, we will not hold public performances with an in-person audience. We made this decision with the safety of our artists, Season 10 members, audience and staff at the forefront of our minds. Local Theater Company is operating in accordance with the most up-to-date state and local public health regulations.

 Local Theater Company is a member of Actor’s Equity Association (AEA) and is categorized as a “Small Professional Theater.” This means that we hire professional union actors and stage managers, many of whom are members of Actor’s Equity Association. As we consider how and when to resume public performances, we are making sure that we are in compliance with AEA guidelines and safety protocols for in-person performances, which continue to be updated. 

 We are pleased to announce our upcoming Season 10, which will take place virtually for the safety of everyone involved. Until we can guarantee we are able to gather safely, we invite you to join us for a virtual season filled with deep conversations with artists, ten commissioned new plays and robust educational programming.  Our theme this year?  Dwell in possibility. Together we’re going to make it a fantastic experience. 

Thank you to our community for your commitment to Local Theater Company and the performing arts during this uncertain time. We are excited to embark on an innovative and engaging season with you!

How can I help?

Theater is going to need community this year, more than ever. For those with the ability to provide support, here are a few ways you can help:

1. Email your representatives in Congress and advocate for the expansion and recapitalization of the Paycheck Protection Program and the expansion of the duration of the pandemic unemployment benefit. You can do so by using the effective platform provided by The Performing Arts Alliance, the Coalition of Performing Arts Advocates. LINK

2. Identify and donate to performing arts organizations in your community that support BIPOC and LGBTQX voices. 

3. Become a Local Theater Company Season 10 Member Your membership will allow us to continue hiring theater professionals here in Colorado and across the US. This year, we will expand Local Lab to support the development of 10 new American plays. That means we will be employing 10 creative teams of theater professionals as they work together, virtually, to develop their new works.