Art History Immersive Art in Denver 9/13/22

Immersive Denver: Finding Fun in Denver Art and Entertainment

Something new has snuck into the Mile High arts and entertainment scene. It’s simply called: Immersive. By moving the audience from in front of the stage to a central part of the fun, immersive art and entertainment has landed in Denver in a big way. From the recent purchase of the famed Mexican restaurant, Casa Bonita, by the creators of the hit TV show, South Park to the new immersive show, Theater of the Mind, designed by world-renowned musician David Byrne and writer Mala Gaonkar, immersive is the hot ticket in town. What else does Denver immersive have to offer? Join David Thomas, PhD, to learn about escape rooms, haunted houses, the birthplace of the cheeseburger and restaurants designed as moving trains. Take a virtual visit to Lakewood’s fantastical wonderland called Camp Christmas, and learn how maximalist design brings the history and culture of this holiday to eye-popping light. Enjoy stories of how theatre is being produced on golf courses and in abandoned dairies and slaughterhouses along with how magic shows are popping up in the most surprising places. Hear from Charlie Miller, associate artistic director at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (where Theater of the Mind is playing from Aug. 31–Dec. 18, 2022) who explains how immersive theatre explores new norms. Plus, discover the world of interactive theatre and decipher the weird world of Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station (that big white building sticking up between Colfax and I-25). This class includes a field trip to Meow Wolf, a truly surreal experience. Register today—your role in the city’s most interesting and exciting art awaits!

Four in-person sessions

Tue, Sept. 13, 20, 27, 2022, 6:30–8:30 pm MT Meow Wolf visit, Wed., Sept. 28, 6:30 pm ENRICH 0647 / $195

David Thomas, PhD, is the executive director of online programs at the University of Denver. He researches the theory and design of fun objects and places and how fun transforms our daily lives. He co-founded Immersive Denver, an organization dedicated to innovation in the arts.