Lone Tree Arts Center, Spring 2024

THE VIEW SPRING

2024

RISING IN THE EAST.

With the west side of our community nearly fully developed, RidgeGate is now expanding to the east side of I-25. Our community encompasses a total of 3,500 acres, or six square miles, on both sides. In the years ahead, you’ll see the new Lone Tree City Center become an energized mixed-use downtown for our region. Our multiple light rail stations will keep us connected to the greater metro area. Three new residential villages and a regional park will come to life, with Shea Homes as the master homebuilder for the first neighborhood, Lyric at RidgeGate. Along with the city center, two additional commercial districts will help to create upwards of 35,000 new jobs. Stay tuned as the future comes into view.

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SEASON SPONSORS EDUCATION SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSORS: Ada

and

SENIOR PROGRAM SPONSORS

and

SPARK! SPONSORS

SENSORY INCLUSIVE SPONSORS

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM SPONSORS

Lone Tree City Council

Mayor Jacqueline Millet

Mayor Pro Tem Wynne Shaw

Councilmember Mike Anderson

Councilmember Cathie Frazzini

Councilmember Marissa Harmon

The Lone Tree Arts Center is owned and operated by the City of Lone Tree.

Lone Tree City Management

City Manager Seth Hoffman

Deputy City Manager Kristin Baumgartner

Assistant City Manager Austin Good

Janet and Joel Kaufman; Douglas County Developmental Disabilities Mill Levy Grant

Anderson, Scott Leonhart

Maggie Eichenlaub, Janet and Joel Kaufman, Betty A. and Don E. Winslow

Janet and Joel Kaufman

Cover Photo Credits: Avery*Sunshine - Derek Blanks; Lunasa - Fanny Lafontaine-Jacob; Miko Marks of Trailblazing Women of Country - Amanda Lopez; Christian McBride - Ebru Yildiz; Tito Puente, Jr. - courtesy photo

feel creative feel whole

The arts inspire life. And AdventHealth wants you to live a long one. That’s why we provide a connected network of care — from hospitals and urgent care centers to physicians and specialists — close to home and where you work. Because having a healthy body, mind and spirit allows us all to be at our creative best.

AdventHealth Avista

AdventHealth Castle Rock

AdventHealth Littleton

AdventHealth Parker

AdventHealth Porter

At Your Service

The House Manager is responsible for the overall front-of-house operation. Ushers (dressed in white and black with green scarves/ties) can direct patrons who have questions or concerns to the House Manager.

Late Arrivals

Late arrivals will be seated at a suitable break in the performance, and at the discretion of the house manager and/or artist. Late seating may not be possible in some cases. In consideration of all theatergoers, please arrive in plenty of time for the scheduled curtain.

Children

Children are welcome in our theater, but bringing infants to a performance is highly discouraged, as they can become a distraction to performers and other audience members. Each individual must be ticketed to enter the theater and no babes-inarms will be permitted. The Arts Center may deny entry to any person accompanied by another who may become a disruption to the performers or audience, and may likewise remove disruptive patrons from the audience. Occasionally, individual productions may have recommended age limits. It is always up to the parent/guardian to make the determination if an event is age appropriate for their child. Children four and under are strongly discouraged from attending performances not geared for children and families. Refunds are at the discretion of the Lone Tree Arts Center Box Office.

Refreshments

Food is not allowed in the theater. Drinks purchased at our concessions stand are permitted in the theater. At most performances, you may pre-order a drink to avoid intermission lines.

Restrooms

Restrooms are located in the center of the lobby near the front entrance, as well as on the north side of the lobby near the north entrance, across from the Event Hall. Single stall restrooms are located on the north side of the lobby.

Cameras, Tape Recorders, Pagers, and Cell Phones

Cameras and recording devices are not allowed in the theater. The taking of photos during a performance may violate our contract with the performers and producers. In addition, it can distract performers and negatively affect their safety and the show. Pre- and post-show photography also is not permitted. Cell phones and any other electronic devices may not be used in the theater. The use of a laser pointer at any time by any patron subjects that patron to expulsion from the theater without a ticket refund.

Smoking

The Lone Tree Arts Center is a smoke-free facility.

Parking

The Lone Tree Arts Center has a large, free on-site parking lot as well as a convenient drop-off point at the front entry. The parking lot can be found on the south side of the building. Patrons are also permitted to park across Sky Ridge Avenue in the Target parking lot.

Hearing Assistance

The Lone Tree Arts Center has installed an inductive hearing loop. The loop system broadcasts directly into hearing aids that are equipped with a Tele-Coil switch (or tele-coil or telephone switch). For hearing aids with a T-coil switch, simply turn that switch and sound is broadcast directly to the hearing aid. For hearing aids without a Tele-Coil switch, wireless headset receivers are also available free of charge at the Box Office.

Emergencies

In the unlikely event of an emergency, please follow house management instructions. The theater is equipped with emergency lighting if a loss of power occurs. Should an evacuation be necessary, please exit through the front theater doors and the front of the building unless instructed otherwise.

Patron Code of Conduct

All patrons are held to the LTAC Patron Code of Conduct. The full code of conduct can be found online at www.lonetreeartscenter.org/ patroncodeofconduct.php.

Accessibility Services at the Lone Tree Arts Center

The Lone Tree Arts Center strives to be a welcoming place for everyone in our community. We make it a priority to accommodate the needs of patrons with disabilities. For more information about our accessible services, please contact our Box Office at 720.509.1000.

Seating: Accessible seating is available in all our venues and is available for purchase online or at the Box Office. For events that have reserved seating in our Main Stage theater, the accessible seats are marked with a wheelchair symbol and are located in rows G and U. There are no stairs to access these seats. Please call the Box Office if you have any questions about accessible seating. Courtesy wheelchairs may be available. Please see an usher for assistance upon arrival. Wheelchair accessible parking is located in the Arts Center parking lot. There is an elevator located just inside the north Main Stage door for accessible balcony seating. Accessible restrooms are located near the main and north lobby entrances.

Assistive Listening: An inductive hearing loop is installed in the Main Stage Theater. The loop system broadcasts directly into hearing aids that are equipped with a Tele-Coil switch (or tele-coil or telephone switch). For hearing aids with a T-coil switch, simply turn that switch and sound is broadcast directly to the hearing aid. For hearing aids without a Tele-Coil switch, wireless headset receivers are also available free of charge at the Box Office.

American Sign Language: We are happy to provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. Please call the Box Office at least 48 hours in advance to request services.

Programs: Large print programs are available upon request; please call the Box Office at least 48 hours in advance to request these.

The Lone Tree Arts Center programs sensory inclusive performances that are welcoming to individuals with autism or with other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities. Social stories, break spaces, small performance modifications, and a relaxed atmosphere make these performances accessible to people with sensory sensitivities. Contact our Box Office for more information.

Rescued Tigers

At the Table

ARTISTS OF COLOR IN DISCUSSION

Notions of representation and diversity have become significant topics of conversation for arts organizations worldwide over the past several years. Arts leaders have struggled to reconcile the importance of presenting diverse stories that broaden audience horizons with creating “popular” art that sells large numbers of tickets and helps the bottom line. When nuances abound, conversations help create an environment where artists can speak openly about their experiences as actors, administrators, directors, and creators.

At The Table (formerly In Conversation) is an opportunity for arts leaders of color to discuss where we’ve been, where we are, and where we are going. At each event, an esteemed panel will discuss various subjects related to artistic representation, actionable steps towards systemic change for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) artists, and the importance of the arts in making meaningful progress. More than just about representation, this panel focuses on direct, personal stories and perspectives from diverse, living artists. These moments allow us to bring our community together and foster social understanding.

Mary Louise Lee, Marketing Specialist at the Lone Tree Arts Center, organizes the panels. Lee moderated an early incarnation of this panel conversation in 2022 in partnership with the Colorado Symphony along with

More than just about representation, this panel focuses on direct, personal stories and perspectives from diverse, living artists.

panelists John-Claude (J.C.) Futrell, a spoken word artist and hip-hop performer, symphony orchestra pianist Awadagin Pratt, and youth artist Zoe Smith-Holladay.

In May of 2023, Lone Tree Arts Center hosted another discussion moderated by Betty Hart, Co-Artistic Director of Local Theatre Company and President of Colorado Theatre Guild, with panelists Kerrie Joy, activist, educator, and revolutionary; Raul Marciano, Jr., Colorado Mambo Orchestra; Malik Robinson, Executive Director of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance; and Lisa “Alicia” Young, educator, actorvist,

and IDEAS Founder. One of the connecting themes of the evening was the concept of meaningful community participation. Audience members asked questions about how observers can make an impact and “move the needle” towards an equitable arts environment. The panelists’ answers were similar—speak out, use your voice to ask questions of arts leaders, and seek out opportunities to serve on boards and in other leadership positions.

At The Table panels will be held quarterly in conjunction with workshops. Lone Tree Arts Center looks forward to presenting even more of these events and fostering further opportunities for dialogue. Please register and join us for the following upcoming events:

RESUMÉ WRITING FOR THE ARTIST AND AUDITIONING WORKSHOP

Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 11am This workshop is perfect for the artist looking to create or enhance their theatrical resumé. Also, artists will learn how to prepare for auditions and interact with working performing artists in mock auditions.

TALKING THE TALK, WALKING THE WALK

Monday, May 13, 2024 at 6pm Arts administrators, directors, and creators will discuss the importance of artistic representation and presenting diverse stories that broaden audience horizons by creating “popular” art. Moderated by actor, educator, and activist Ilasiea Gray.

“Very Few of Us are What We Seem.”

The Queen of Crime, the bestselling novelist of all time, and icon of literature, Agatha Christie has defi ned the genre of murder mystery in the 20th century. But what is it about her stories that make them so timeless and relevant today?

“I think it’s very simple. It’s the stories. The stories, she had a genius with story. She had a genius for plot. The great thing about great stories is that they stand the test of time. They don’t age, they don’t go out of fashion, and you can adapt them in diff erent ways,” says James Prichard, the great-grandson of Agatha

Christie and executive producer of the recent fi lm adaptations of her novels, including A Haunting in Venice.

Thinking of our favorite murder mysteries, several common characteristics spring to mind: multiple colorful characters that make up the suspects, motives that are slowly revealed, and, of course, a twist at the end. It was Agatha Christie that created these tropes and made them into common features in future additions to the genre. In contemporary culture, we’ve held onto our love of mystery

that Christie pioneered. In fact, Rian Johnson, director and writer of the 2019 fi lm Knives Out, cited Agatha Christie as the inspiration for his screenplay, having grown up reading her novels and watching big-screen adaptations of her stories.

So, what is it about Agatha Christie stories that have captivated millions of readers and viewers? Psychologists say that mystery stories contain elements that appeal to our deeper emotions and psyches. According to Alan Goldman, philosophy professor emeritus at the College of William & Mary, “mysteries require readers use their cognitive abilities to interpret clues as well as their imaginations to identify with characters including the detective, and, in crime fi ction, the culprits”. Our brains are active from the onset as we learn about the characters, and we begin to draw conclusions that may be helpful as we try to solve the mystery ourselves.

This leads into the even deeper sense of “needing to know” that is inherent in murder mystery stories. “With mysteries, you get the feeling that if you just get the right piece of information, you could make sense of the whole thing—there’s the potential for an epiphany,” says Dr. Russell Golman, a mathematicianturned-behavioral economist based in London. Supported by the narrative fl ow of mysteries, the twists and turns, we fi nd ourselves able to be surprised—an important developmental aspect of our brains. In the case of Agatha Christie’s play The Mousetrap, there is also the joy of joining the club of viewers who know the ending. While the play has been running for over 70 years in London, audiences are expected to keep the secret and not to reveal the ending to anyone. In fact, Matthew Prichard, Agatha Christie’s grandson (and father of James, mentioned earlier), stated in a 2010 article that “my grandmother always got upset if the plots of her books or plays were revealed in reviews.”

Now as the Lone Tree Arts Center continues the tradition of thrilling audiences with Agatha Christie’s timeless stories, we hope that you enjoy the satisfaction of watching the mystery unfold in front of you. The clues become clearer, you draw your conclusions and think you know how it’s going to end—maybe you’ll guess correctly and maybe you’ll be surprised. Therein lies the legacy of murder mysteries, the need to know and to test our own detective skills.

Agatha Christie

©2022 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Member SIPC. CC6511978 (0522-2CCB) MKT118143A-00 (05/22) 00275129

Charles Schwab is proud to support Lone Tree Arts Center. ©2022 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Member SIPC. CC6511978 (0522-2CCB) MKT118143A-00 (05/22) 0 0275129

Spotlight on Maya Celeste COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

The Lone Tree Arts Center has always believed that the arts are for all, and our wide array of community impact programs are a result of that commitment. Seedlings, Passport to Culture, Sensory Inclusive, SPARK! Alliance, and Arts in the Afternoon programs all reach out into different communities and provide accessible arts experiences for those who may not always be included in the traditional performing arts space. But as these programs have grown in popularity, the staff at LTAC realized that for the programs to really reach their full potential, we needed someone who was dedicated to them and to developing relationships with those communities. Enter our newest staff member, Maya Celeste – Community Programs Coordinator.

COORDINATOR

new connections. She’s organized multiple outreach opportunities with schools and other organizations where some of our touring artists, like Ron Artis II and Shaun Boothe, are able to spend time in our communities. At the start of the year, she organized an Autism 101 training with the Autism Society of Colorado for our volunteer ushers who were interested in becoming more involved in our Sensory Inclusive programming and our Wellspring STAR Usher Buddy program. She’s also revamped our quiet space for our Sensory Inclusive shows to make it a much more welcoming and calming space.

Maya is a former Visual Arts educator in Douglas County, as well as a Navy veteran. She has a BFA in Illustration from Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. She came to the Lone Tree Arts Center because of her calling to public service and a deep love of the arts. Maya believes in the positive impact art can have on communities, and the importance of artistic expression as a reflection of identity, lived experience, and society.

Since September when she joined the LTAC staff, Maya has jumped into our programming and making great

The Lone Tree Arts Center is so lucky to have Maya on board and we can’t wait to see how her knowledge and passion elevates our Community Impact programming.

Maya Celeste

Become an LTAC Subscriber

FLEXIBLE SUBSCRIPTIONS, ALL THE BENEFITS

Did you know that it’s so easy to become a subscriber at LTAC? Each season, you have the opportunity to become a subscriber at the Arts Center. And it’s literally as easy as 1…2…3! You only need to purchase three qualifying Main Stage shows throughout the season and the one you’re sitting at right now counts towards that number! If you purchase three or four shows in one order, you receive a 10% discount on all of the shows. If you purchase five

shows or more in one order, you get a 15% discount! There’s no cut-off date, so you can become a subscriber at any point in the season. And when tickets go on sale for the ’24–’25 season, you just have to purchase three or more shows to continue to be considered a subscriber.

It’s easy to become a subscriber, but what sort of perks do you get? Obviously, the discounts are the big draw! When the ‘24–‘25 season is announced (which is just around the corner!), the subscribers to the ‘23–‘24 season will get invited to an exclusive sneak peek event where they get to hear our executive director, Leigh Chandler, share all about the exciting upcoming season. They also get the first opportunity to purchase tickets for the season! And that exclusive access doesn’t stop at the new season— if there are shows that are added throughout the season, our subscribers also get first access to purchase those shows. Also, if you purchase five shows or more by a certain date in the new season, you’ll receive two drink tickets per package as a thank you!

If you have any questions about how being a subscriber works, stop by the Box Office and they’ll be happy to answer any questions you have!

Denver’s oldest community band The Denver Concert Band. 90 talented musicians delivering a full robust symphonic experience of a broad mix of music from classic to pops. Music loved by young and the young at heart!

Sept 24, 2023: Season Opener - The Music of John Williams Nov 19, 2023: Holiday Season Kickoff: Experience a showcase of timeless band classics before transitioning into a joyous celebration of the holiday season (with the chance for a special appearance from the North Pole).

Feb 18, 2024: Annual Guest Artist Concert with special guest Dr. Wesley Broadnax, Director of Bands at the University of Northern Colorado conducting “Dances in the Canebrakes” by Florence Price. Also featuring music of women and African American composers. Apr 28, 2024: Annual Young Artist Concert featuring the winner of the Young Artist Competition.

Cultivating Creativity

At the Lone Tree Arts Center, we pride ourselves on providing arts opportunities to a diverse range of community members. One of the ways we achieve

like drumming—the program is crafted to stimulate intellectual, social, and emotional growth during kids’ crucial early development years.

that is through specialized programming like Seedlings. This program is made just for our toddler through pre-k audience and, while it may be serving our smallest community (literally), it’s making a big impact! Seedlings is an innovative initiative designed to introduce our youngest minds to the wonders of the arts, fostering curiosity and sparking the kind of creative thinking they can use for the rest of their lives.

We created the Seedlings program to nurture early artistic development and arts appreciation in our toddler through pre-k learners—from interactive music sessions that encourage creative movement to more hands-on arts activities

The most recent studies confirm what we already know—early exposure to the arts significantly increases learning development in young children. With that in mind, we’ve aligned the Seedlings program with these findings by presenting entertaining performances and activities that help enhance motor skills, memory retention, spatial awareness, and creative thinking in our youngest generation, leading them on a journey that puts the “fun” in cognitive function.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

We also recognize the role of early arts exposure in fostering cultural awareness. By introducing children to a variety of artistic expression and learning opportunities, the Seedlings program is contributing to the development of a more inclusive and empathetic perspective, reinforcing our belief that the arts serve as an impactful medium for cultural exploration and understanding.

Because it’s clear how important these kinds of activities are for childhood development, the Arts Center wanted to ensure that our program remains accessible to all children in our community. Taking this philosophy into account, our executive director Leigh Chandler explains that since “being able to provide an inex-

pensive entry point to the arts is critical to LTAC’s mission,” she has found ways to partner with local arts and science organizations as presenters to showcase the incredible community of kid-friendly resources that exist in the Metro area while taking some of the cost and transportation barriers out of the equation by hosting their programs centrally, here at LTAC.

In the years since it began, our Seedlings program has emerged as a nurturing space for young minds, sowing the seeds of creativity, cognitive development, and cultural awareness. As the program continues to blossom, we hope it stands as a testament to the transformative power of the arts in shaping and growing the future generations of our community.

Lone

Dog Man: The Musical

FRI-SAT SEP 8-9, 2023

Martha Graham Dance Company

FRI-SAT SEP 22-23, 2023

Okaidja Afroso: Jaku Mumor WED SEP 27, 2023

Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily: Love In Exile

SAT SEP 30, 2023

Samara Joy

SUN OCT 15, 2023

NEWMAN CENTER PRES ENTS

Compagnie Hervé Koubi: What the Day Owes to the Night

TUE JAN 23, 2024

Emmet Cohen Trio

SAT FEB 3, 2024

Small Island Big Song FRI FEB 16, 2024

Acrobuffos: Air Play SUN FEB 18, 2024

Joshua Redman Quintet FRI MAR 1, 2024

Okareka: Mana Wahine SUN MAR 10, 2024

Sphinx Virtuosi WED MAR 20, 2024 Aoife O’Donovan & Hawktail SAT MAR 30, 2024

Urban Bush Women: Legacy + Lineage +Liberation

FRI APR 12, 2024

TAKT Trio FRI APR 19, 2024

Maria Schneider Orchestra FRI MAY 3, 2024

Viva L’Italia

Donors Elevate Engagement

The Lone Tree Arts Center donor family showed up in force during the 2023 fiscal year and we could not be more grateful! Your generosity ensures that we can continue to produce vibrant theatrical productions, present amazing touring artists, and provide inclusive programs ensuring all can experience the power of the arts!

This is inspiring information—but only part of the story. Did you know that the price of your ticket combined with our donor and sponsor generosity covers 60% of the actual cost of our operating budget?

HOW LTAC PROGRAMS ARE FUNDED

As we grow, the opportunities for productions and community engagement do, too. And with that, there is a financial cost.

We invite you to lean in and support the dynamic and meaningful programs that make LTAC such an incredible place. Imagine the impact a recurring, legacy, or increased gift could have! Our unique giving structure provides two giving vehicles to accept your contributions. To make your gift, call 720-509-1009 or give online at:

LoneTreeArtsCenter.org/give.

To ensure your gift reaches us directly, please choose one of the giving options discussed on our website.

LTAC STAFF

Leigh Chandler, Executive Director, was appointed as the Executive Director after serving as Artistic Director and Marketing Director. As Executive Director, Leigh oversees LTAC’s operations and guides the organization’s artistic vision, including Main Stage, Community Impact, and other specialized programming. Previously, Ms. Chandler served for eight years in a similar marketing role at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington, Vermont. She grew up outside of New York City and graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations.

Marcus Turner, Associate Executive Director of External Relations, recently joined the Lone Tree Arts Center having spent his entire career in the arts. Originally from the Midwest, Marcus came to Colorado to pursue graduate studies in music at CU Boulder. After obtaining a master’s degree in musicology, Marcus has since worked in marketing, fundraising, higher education, and grantmaking for organizations like the University of Denver, Northwestern University, SCFD, and the Arvada Center.

Heidi Conley, Business Manager, joined LTAC in February 2019 as the Business Manager. She has more than 25 years of experience in managing finance, budgeting, business operations, human resources, marketing, computer systems, databases, and e-commerce. Before joining LTAC, she was the Vice President of Economic Literacy Colorado. She has a degree in Business Management from Western Governor’s University and studied Accounting at the Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Technical Staff:

Becky Roper, Cheyenne Paeper, Chris Husted, Jafe Meltesen-Lee, James Bryant, Kathryn Gunderson, Madelynne Barton, Mallory Hart, Randy St. Pierre, Stephanie Dallman, Tanner Scurto, Mason Campbell, Joan Kresek, Elizabeth Woods, Doug Swenson, Rob Sepan, Ryan Weisner, Arbor Arzola

Jen Kiser, Technical Director, has been with the Lone Tree Arts Center since it opened in 2011. Her previous roles at LTAC include Assistant Technical Director and Lighting Designer for multiple Lone Tree Arts Center productions. Her previous lighting designs were also seen at Goodspeed Musicals, Hartford’s TheaterWorks, Arvada Center, and the Mizel Arts and Culture Center. She has worked for the Guggenheim Museum, and assisted designers at venues including Papermill Playhouse, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center Festival, and on Broadway’s By Jeeves.

Elaine Caras, Rental Events Manager

Maya Celeste, Community Programs Coordinator

Dana Ciccotello, Director of Grants and Corporate Development

Allissa Dailey, City Events Manager Bailey Dunning, Events and Rentals Coordinator

Justin Given, Audio Visual Manager

Patrick Hinchliffe, Lighting Specialist

Katie Konishi, Marketing Manager

Mary Louise Lee, Marketing Specialist

Makenzie Pedersen, Administrative and Artistic Assistant

Don Post, Assistant Technical Director

Robin Scurto, Director of Individual Giving

Ashley Vander Weg, Box Office Manager

Front of House Staff:

Jean Chavez, Jim Conzett, Colleen Costello, Imani Gholson, Jamie Frerichs, Helene Lawful, Roberta Seifert, Sandy Stokely, Sharon Swiderski

Bar Staff:

Chrissy Fagerholt, Charine Lung, Josh Molina, Roberta Seifert, Art Kerkezian, Jimmy Caras, Deana Stanislawski