Wheat Ridge theater puts fun spin on classic adventure movie
Colorado ACTS was on the radio!
At Colorado ACTS, the faculty and staff strive to create a safe place where students cultivate imagination, self-expression, and teamwork. Executive Director Cindy Troup talks with host Rae Solomon.
Winter-Spring 2024
Moving
Our 10 year lease in this location is up in April. We are currently working with a Commercial Realtor to find a location that is better for us to be able to grow. We hope to stay near by!!! We need the same tall ceilings with no center poles for our theater. We need lots of storage.
We WANT a more comfortable lobby/entry way. We Want, Really WANT a better main theater with more comfortable seating, better sound and lights, better back stage areas. We WANT, Really, REALLY Want Second and more Separate rehearsal spaces that might even be used for smaller performances.
Over the years we have shared with our families our hopes and dreams for the school. It’s interesting to go back (because we store paper of course) and read some of what we planned and hoped for and how differently God provided. Mostly bigger than we could imagine and always better than what we thought.
Sooooo, the next few month will bring changes and improvements. We don’t know exactly what yet it will all look like yet, but we are trusting that God will continue to lead us. All of this means that means we are excited and terrified.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Pray for us to see clearly the path that God has for us. Keep your eyes on our web as we let you know what we need. This will include help physically moving and help with all the big and small craziness that goes with that! Be patient as things change. Let us know if we change something that makes it more difficult for you to enjoy ACTS. Come see Spring Shows! It is the best encouragement to have audiences.
I told them many things while
I was with them in this world.
SO THEY WOULD BE
FILLED WITH JOY.
John 17:13
Until now you have not asked.
Ask and you will receive, and
your joy will be complete.
John 16:24
The JOY of the LORD Is my STRENGTH.
Nehemiah 8:30
Tax Deductible Donations We are a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) arts corporation Ask for a receipt for any donation that you make!!! |
PAPER BROCHURES & NEWSLETTERS
This is the last paper brochure that we mail out.
We will send email notifications when Fall/ Winter/Summer classes are posted and available. We may send a single newsletter once a year just to let you know about our finances and important and interesting information. We may send out post card special invites or information, but not this paper brochure with the newsletter attached. You can contact the office at coloradoacts@yahoo.com or call 303 456 6772 if you would still like a paper copy sent rather than the email. There will be paper copies always available at the theater. We want to stay connected, but are thinking that paper is the old way and we need to move forward in ways that will reach more people and stay friendlier to our budget. Remember we send out WEEKLY Email information and interesting bits and pieces.
TEACHERS
We want to offer more theatre classes (and maybe other arts) in the new space and will need additional teacher/directors and choreographers. In the past we have not been able to offer more than 2-3 hours a week to a teacher. (Which doesn’t even count as part time!) we want to make that more in line with 4-6 hours a week and maybe more if they are enthusiastically available. Please have anyone interested contact our outreach coordinator at outreach.coord@coloradoacts.org
Homeschooling
When ACTS started 27 years ago there were very little “arts” for Home School families. Many took private music or art lessons from friends and family, but Drama was limited to church Holiday Programs. We met a need and our students came from miles around. We had faithful involved families in Strasburg and Evergreen as well as North Broomfield, South Littleton and Aurora. Over the years many Homeschool families have joined or developed Co-Op programs to meet their needs. ACTS worked with some of those Co-Op programs to offer their students Drama in their own spaces (we have a full set of traveling lights) and sometimes in our space. Now we see that a number of those Co-Ops have interested and caring parents who run Drama classes. We don’t think all of those students are honestly getting as good a theatre education as ACTS offers, but know that the kids are having fun.
All of this means our unique place as a theatre arts program for Home Schoolers has dwindled. We are still strongly committed to this population and working to find times that might attract or interest those students who want to learn from teachers who are experienced and trained to teach theatre. If you have connections with a Co-Op or group of Homeschoolers that would like us to work with their program, please contact us. We have flexibility AND all the resources to give the students a good production experience. This spring we have added a Thursday morning class at a new time.
We welcome your input! Honestly!!!
Joy is not the absence of sadness
or the presence of the spectacular.
It’s the undercurrent of
understanding God’s goodness
in every season.
Tauren Wells
Fall 2023
Theatre education can help young people develop a
strong sense of self and identity, build empathy and learning among peers
and broaden the ways they make meaning of the world around them.
Arts Education Partnership
~~ Theatre Education Facts from Educational Theatre Association ~~
~There are nearly 26,000 K-12 school-based theatre programs throughout the United States.
~100% of school administrators agreed that theatre programs strengthen students’ creativity skills.
~Training in acting classes improves language and memory skills.
~Only 28% of public high schools in high poverty areas offer theatre instruction.
~Creative drama enhances fluent and flexible thinking in young students.
~95% of school administrators believe that theatre experiences improve students overall academic skills.
~High poverty students with sustained involvement in theatre show substantial improvement in reading proficiency, gains in self-concept and motivation, and higher levels of empathy for others.
~Middle school students who participate in after-school theatre programs show growth in collaborative behavior, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and empathetic behavior.
~Only 4% of all public elementary schools offer theatre instruction.
~95% of high schools offered theatre-related extra-curricular activities during the 2011-12 school year.
~98% of school administrators believe that theatre programs strengthen student’s critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and leadership skills.
Arthur Miller Foundation for Theater Education in Public Schools
Theater teaches essential soft skills that foster empathy and
effective interactions with others, aiding in human development
regardless of the career path one chooses to pursue.
Arts Education: The Facts
The arts support PERSONAL, ARTISTIC, CIVIC, and SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The arts promote growth in SELF-CONFIDENCE, EMPATHY, and increased SOCIAL TOLERANCE
Teenagers involved in the arts have better grades
and higher rates of college enrollment & attainment
Theatre Arts students SCORE HIGHER ON THEIR SATs than peers
Students with access to the arts in high school are
3x more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree
Low-income students highly engaged in the arts are more than
2x as likely to graduate from college
Language proficiency scores increase more than 10 x
with arts engagement in schools for English Language Learners
At-risk students with access to the arts do better academically,
aim higher in their career goals, and become more civically involved
72% of business leaders say that CREATIVITY is the # 1 skill they seek when hiring
Abiding in the
love of God
is your only hope,
the only true home
for your heart.
John Eldridge
Top Skills Children Learn From The Arts
Creativity
Being able to think on your feet, approach tasks from different perspectives and think
‘outside of the box’ will distinguish your child from others.
Confidence
The skills developed through theater not only train you how to convincingly deliver a message,
but also build the confidence you need to take command of the stage.
Problem Solving
Artistic creations are born through the solving of problems. How do I turn this clay into a sculpture? How do I portray a particular emotion through dance? How will my character react in this situation? Without even realizing it kids that participate in the arts are consistently being challenged to solve problems.
Perseverance
When a child picks up a violin for the first time, she/he knows that playing Bach right away is not an option; however, when that child practices, learns the skills and techniques and doesn’t give up,
that Bach concerto is that much closer.
Focus
The ability to focus is a key skill developed through ensemble work. Keeping a balance between
listening and contributing involves a great deal of concentration and focus.
Non-Verbal Communication
Through experiences in theater and dance education, children learn to breakdown the
mechanics of body language.
Receiving Constructive Feedback
Receiving constructive feedback about a performance or visual art piece is a regular part of any arts instruction. Children learn that feedback is part of learning and it is not something to be
offended by or to be taken personally. It is something helpful.
Collaboration
Most arts disciplines are collaborative in nature. Through the arts, children practice working together,
sharing responsibility, and compromising with others to accomplish a common goal.
Dedication
When kids get to practice following through with artistic endeavors that result in a finished product
or performance, they learn to associate dedication with a feeling of accomplishment.
Accountability
When children practice creating something collaboratively they get used to the idea that their actions
affect other people. They learn that when they are not prepared or on-time, that other people suffer.
Theatre provides students the ability to build on
their skills of collaboration and confidence and
public speaking. These are lifelong skills that
will take them through adulthood and
really set them up for success. What parents
can do if they want to help is to be advocates
for change and advocates for the building
up of theatre programs.
Jennifer Katona, executive director of the
Educational Theater Association,
the leading organization for middle and
high school theatre teachers across the country
Summer 2023
ACTS Future
This year will take us to the 10th in this location, in this little theater. We are looking at the future and excited to see what God has in mind. He hasn’t clearly let us know. We are at a crossroads of decisions concerning changes and expansion and the future. We ask for your thoughts and prayers. We will be having a couple of Community Meetings in the next year. We need and value the opinions of our families. Keep your eyes open to come and share your thoughts and insights. You can always reach out any time if you have ideas.
Tickets
We have raised our regular Ticket Prices to $10. We are going to offer “Family Pricing” of $5 on Matinees. This means that a family of 4 can still come see a show for only $20. This still puts us FAR below most theatrical experiences. We are proud of the quality theatre that we offer. The dilemma has always been that we want ANYONE who wants to see a show to be able to afford enjoying our theatre and bring their families. However, we also are committed to paying our bills. Unfortunately, so many expenses have increased that we are forced to live in a realistic world. The $10 ticket (and the $5 matinee ticket) is an on-line price. For most shows there are a very limited number of available seats to purchase at the door but there may be an additional charge if you purchase at the door. Most final dress rehearsals are open if you contact the director.
Additions
We have had lots of new additions to the theater over the years. It’s been exciting to have some of our students bring their little kids to take classes. Makes us REALLY feel old sometimes … but it’s still exciting. This spring we welcomed Angela and Danny’s little girl and Lauriel and Michael’s little boy. Too much FUN!
Very Basic Budget Information
As you can see, the majority of our expense is our building and the majority of our income is tuition based. When we look at other similar organizations some things look exactly the same and some are very different. We already work with pretty bare bones expenses except for the lease on the building. So, as we look to the future we are thinking of ways to increase our income. Thoughtful suggestions are always welcome. Contact any board member or teacher, or send an email.
The Gift of Presence
We may need presence more than any other thing right now.
“But how do we get from here to there?”
Project I See You Director, Angie Johnston experiences it this way: How do you feel when someone gives their presence to you, especially if this presence is filled with curiosity and openness, and if this presence is without judgement, criticism, or an agenda to somehow fix you and “make you better?” If you are like most people, this kind of presence will bestow on you a felt sense of being seen, heard, and valued, which leads to a greater sense of well-being and love. When I experience or offer it, I can see it in someone’s eyes; sometimes it’s expressed as disbelief, sometimes desperation, other times relief or surprise. But no matter the initial reaction, when a person receives another person’s unconditional presence, they feel loved. And when someone feels loved they stand up taller, walk with more purpose, and are affirmed in their existence as a valued human being.”
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. ~ Proverbs 16:9
Spring 2023
Gifts
Available to buy at all December performances! During the upcoming performances of Nutcracker and Special Edition Christmas Carol, we will be selling all kinds of fun things: small, medium and large Thank You gifts, a variety of sizes and kinds of baskets, mugs and other small “Gifts of Appreciation” as well as stuffed animals will be available. Homemade cards to purchase, but also the free cards to pass along to friends and family will be out on the tables. Donations are always welcome.
Special Edition Christmas Carol
You may think that you have seen this well loved and well traveled show, but believe us, this one is different. Short and sweet and will hit all the expected points of the story. Told by far less than the usual large cast of actors, this will be the evening of laughter that you need during the stressful holiday season. Bring the paper coupon and get in free or just make a quick decision and come along. We aren’t selling tickets ahead, so everything is at the door. Hope to see you all there!
Matthew
Matthew does all of our DVD recordings. He faithfully comes and records and then makes the copies. He puts the “program information” on each one. He took the time to take all the old VHS recordings and put them on DVD and then has them stored alphabetically at the school. And if we need more, he just pops in with more. Honestly, he sees ALL the shows which is more than even Cindy sees. The money that you put in the “DVD Box” all goes back into buying more DVDs or recording equipment. We are so blessed by his calm quiet dedication to the school.
Bethany and Monica
So, both Bethany and Monica have stepped down from their office positions. Bethany needed to be able to focus on her other jobs and not feel so scattered. We will miss her. She is the most organized person in the world and has kept us all going and focused for a number of years! Cindy likes to say that the theatre school is like a bus and Bethany drives it! Now that she isn’t working, maybe she will be able to see more theatre and just enjoy it again. Monica is stepping away from all of the financial side of the school’s operation. She has been a HUGE blessing, helping us go from just being a small “Mom and Pop” shop where tuition payments went into some director’s back pocket and got washed to our current autopay system. She put together our payroll system as well as finding the company that we now do registration with. She really has been a huge blessing to getting our finances organized and going. She has been responsible for making it possible for the school to keep going on a financial even keel. She managed to figure out all the financial stuff during covid and we are so grateful! She will keep working on the web page for the time being, but we are hoping to transition that as well the first of the year.
Leanna
If you are wondering who is going to take over all that work… It’s Leanna! She has been teaching and directing at the school for close to 20 years now. In the last couple of years, she has taken on more responsibilities and this job comes at a time when it works with her life schedule. You thought she was just a whiz at the piano, but she is also great with all things Google, Excel, charts and computer stuff! We think it will be good to have all of this work more combined into one position. This should help us run more efficiently and professionally while still keeping our family friendly style of work.
This day is holy to God. Don’t feel bad. The joy of God is your Strength!
~ Nehemiah 8:10
Fall 2022
Parent Representative on ACTS Board
We are looking for a parent or two that would like to join the board to specifically represent our families. The board typically meets 3-4 times a year to discuss the growth of the school. We look at what can be done to improve our student, family and audience experience. Our board is not paid and is not expected to fundraise, although we are always looking for good ideas! If you are interested, please contact the office or catch CindyT or Pilo and let them know.
Arvada Covenant Church
5555 Ward Road
This church is very graciously allowing us to use a part of their church on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. We have 2 large summer productions that would have been very difficult to share space at ACTS. Thanks to efforts by Cindyo the church is letting us use some of their space for a minimal cost. They are blessing us greatly!!
Ticket Pricing
Make sure the next time you purchase tickets on line that you check out pricing. There should now be Student/Senior prices as well as Returning Parent prices. The online ticket sales allows us to keep a better track of how many people the theater will hold. There are almost always at least a few seats available at the door, and for some shows those seats may cost a bit more, but if you REALLY want to see a show, make sure that you purchase in advance.
Teachers
We are always looking for teachers/directors. They typically teach or direct one show/class in a semester. We are glad to train and offer as much support as needed. We would like to continue our Outreach Program in the fall, but need teachers who might be interested in order to do that. Please contact the office if you are interested or know someone who might be.
Box Office Volunteers
Very little training is required, but this person gets 2 free tickets to see a show. You can ask to be put on the “sign up genius list” if this is something that interests you.
Leanna and Moria
We have added 2 office assistants to our staff. They will be taking on a number of duties that previously were performed by Monica and Bethany. Monica has stepped back from some of her duties, but we are delighted to still have her working on the financial side and web site of the school. She has been an amazing help to our growth. Both Leanna and Moria will be working with the office to keep all the pieces of administration going smoothly.
Improvements
Thanks to generous donations from our families and continued Grant support we have been able to put in some improvements. Take a minute to notice the new entryway as well as the outdoor lighting as you come in. We have been able to purchase an electric piano and are in the process of putting in a speaker system. Our space is too small to worry about “microphones” for actors, but this should improve the music for any show as well as sound effects. We were also able to purchase a new i-pad and wi-fi system so that ticket check-in is easier for our box office people and audience.
Lord, please give me the creativity to find meaningful ways to pay your gifts forward.
~ Melody Bonnette Swang
Summer 2022
Don’t look back. You aren’t going that way.
Spring 2022
Volume 25, Issue 1
Volume 25!!! That means 25 years. Technically we started in 1997, but our first show together was one that Leah directed at CCU, Best Christmas Pageant. Josiah was in a baby car seat that I rocked while delivering my five lines. Marianne and I both had little kids in the show, and Shannon was the lead as a pre-teen. We started at CCU with a number of shows in the old true theatre space where Marianne and Cindy performed in college and were finally given seed money by CCU ( “Go-Away-Money”) to get us started in our own space. Yup, we have been around for a LONG TIME!!!
We have done more than 20 shows each year (even during the lean years and during a pandemic). That leads to at least 500 productions. And yes we have done some shows more than once (audiences love Robin Hood, Hobbit, Peter Pan, Fairy Tales, 50’s musicals and murder mysteries) because some are just SOOOO fun. But every production is completely different because they have different and new ideas from the actors and directors. We have written and developed at least 50 different scripts with student input. We figure that we have performed in more than 20 different locations. Everything from church and school gymnasiums to rotating stages (ask any old timer about Montview) and small or large regular stages with and without wings (off-stage space). We have created our stage on rotating flats (ask about Annie or By the Beautiful Sea). We have literally carried everything in with us for every rehearsal and performance as well as taking over “free space” so enthusiastically that we were finally asked to leave (think Highlands or First Baptist). Take a minute and look through the books at the theater and find some old faces when they were very young.
You might think I am just an old lady caught reminiscing about the Good Ole Days. Truthfully, ACTS is taking some good advice and looking forward to what the future holds for the new generation of ACTS families (we have a number of grads who now have kids enrolled). I am excited to see what the combo of our older, experienced actors and directors AND fresh young folks, with God’s guidance and His delight, will bring to life at ACTS. ~ ct
Our Logo
Our logo is the result of hours of discussion and thought. A lot of really bad ideas were disposed of and replaced. We chose the Cross of course because our Christian Faith is at the center of our love of theatre. Theatre masks are “hanging” or based on it, and we chose a very simple mask with lots of room to make it unique. The three words are the most important to our mission and our style of theatre. You find each of these things in most arts organizations, but we hope that you understand that we are a unique organization combining all of these elements to give actors and audiences the best experience possible.
Grants & Donations
We continue to receive grant funds from organizations that support children and the arts. We also are still not eligible for many grants because of our Christian commitment (for example the SCFD). If you know of any small foundations that would like to support us and our mission, please contact the office. We also receive generous donations from local civic organizations like the Elks or Kiwanis. Let us know if you need any further information on how to make that happen. The donation basket in the concessions room constantly has small donations of hand soap and tape, paper and cleaning supplies, nd parents very graciously donate things like the light bulbs and doorknobs (extra thankful shout out to Raine Family!!), costumes pieces, and just small items that they noticed that we needed. All these large and small donations not only help us financially, but are huge and constant encouragements! Thank you!!
Hope House of Colorado
Colorado ACTS is excited to partner with Hope House of Colorado to help support teen moms and their children. We are collecting disposable diapers to help stock the diaper cabinet at Hope House. They specifically need larger size diapers, size 3 and up, and Pull-Ups. Please bring any diaper donations to the theater when you attend a class or show. Thank you!
Never measure God’s unlimited power by your limited expectations.
~ Anne Cetas
Fall 2021
Volume 24, Issue 2
Teacher Trivia
Many of the teachers and board members at ACTS are previous students.
Shannon was a student of only 12 years old in one of ACTS very first productions. Best Christmas Pageant was done in cooperation with CCU and Shannon played the lead. Josiah was in a baby seat as Cindy played a VERY small part. Both Pilo, Nelicia and Lauriel were baby angels (not very well behaved, as they led the poor CCU “kid wranglers” a merry chase). Since then, Shannon acted in most of the shows at ACTS during her teen years and has had leads as an adult as well, Music Man and Honk to mention a few. She teaches, directs, and writes plays as well as being a long-time board member.
Erin and Rachel started with ACTS as students when they were 13 and 15. Erin’s first choreography for us was in Oklahoma’s ballet-dream sequence. Both went away to college and returned willing and able to teach classes. You have seen them perform lead roles in Nunsense, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! and Quilters, as well as numerous supporting roles over the years. Erin continues to teach professionally in Aurora and Castle Rock and as CCU’s main choreographer and a long-time member of the board. Rachel makes a full-time living teaching voice and piano.
Bethany started with ACTS 21 years ago and performed steadily all during her high school years (a fun turn as Nancy in Oliver! was her senior show). At ACTS, she functions as the center of the hub of communication. She has been our office manager for years and keeps the school moving smoothly and on track. She also now gets to introduce her daughter to the joys of acting. As an executive board member, she is involved in not only the day to day running of the school, but also in keeping the school’s mission on track with the classes that are taught and the programs that are developed.
Matt started as a middle schooler, went on to Pennsylvania to finish a college degree in theatre and is back here teaching and directing starting this fall as a regular teacher-director.
Angela started as a young ballet dancer with no acting experience, yet over the last 20 years has developed into an actress able to keep up with the crazy Miranda-Troups in CandyLand. She has danced and sung her way across the stage in numerous featured roles – as a pirate queen for example in A Pirate’s Life For Me – and too many to mention other roles. She teaches, choreographs, sews, and of course acts and dances, as well as being one of our board members.
You may be less familiar with Caitlin, who has acted with ACTS since she was a tiny girl. She played every character that required responsible managing of the zillion props that make up most shows. Always a faithful audience member and occasional cast member, she has just recently returned as an involved parent and joined our board. In a very short time, she has managed to get our on-line ticket sales program up and running, as well as managing our streaming shows.
When you come see a show at ACTS, many of the actors have been on stage since they were literally small children, and others are first timers just trying to do their best work and learn from all the experience that they are surrounded by.
On the Holy Bible & Fairy Tales
Angela Elwell Hunt, Author
The Lord blessed me with many wonderful things in my childhood: Christian parents, two younger sisters, a loving extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins galore, and books. Being a natural introvert surrounded by all those people, I naturally took to my room and spent hours with the books. I remember two in particular: the first, “A Child’s Bible Reader,” which taught me the stories of the Bible, and “The Tales of Hans Christian Andersen,” which taught me to dream and fly upon wings of fantasy. Those two books, my favorites, did not seem at all opposite. I figured that the same God who enabled a boy to kill a giant with a slingshot could also inspire tales of a kind and tiny maid who lived in a flower.
Early on I learned that there were three kinds of literature: nonfiction, fiction, and the Holy Bible, so sacred and true that it deserves its own category. I’ve had some parents tell me that they hesitate to share fiction with their children because “they might confuse the Bible with fairy tales” or “because fiction it isn’t true”.
Let me assure – because I had been taught that the Bible was God’s Holy Word, I wasn’t any more apt to confuse the Holy Spirit with Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother than I would confuse my mother with my Aunts Edna, Irene, or Ruby. I just knew the difference. And while fiction stories aren’t true, the emotions within them certainly are. A child who reads and experiences Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid” (not the Disney version) doesn’t come away believing that merpeople live at the bottom of the sea, but she does believe in the mermaid’s sacrificial love.
Hans Christian Andersen’s tales promote the virtues of godliness through fictional stories. Though they are fanciful, they speak of honest emotion and dealt the goodness of God. Perhaps the tales of his speak so powerfully to children because he does not gloss or deny real suffering, pain, or loneliness. But love and hope always triumph. The Ugly Duckling humbly realizes that his Creator made him the most beautiful of swans, the lowly little pea inspires an invalid girl to live, and from the spilled blood of Christ at Calvary blooms the loveliest rose in the world.
In the last two hundred years, Hans Christian Andersen’s fanciful tales have become a part of the fabric of childhood, for what child has not giggled at the silliness of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” or been encouraged by “The Ugly Duckling”? Andersen himself, who attended a Copenhagen grammar school at a later age than most of the other boys, was taunted for his big size, his long nose, and his close-set eyes. He was the ugly duckling, but what a lovely swan he became.
Andersen has sketched a variety of fictional worlds: some funny, some bittersweet, some sentimental. With your family, I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Curl up together, turn off the television, let the phone ring. And step together into the delightful worlds of Hans Christian Andersen.
Spring 2021
GOOD NEWS — We are still here!
We survived a complete shut down in March. Then a partial opening this summer that allowed us to offer classes to all ages in the building. Children’s camps were reduced to only 10 students. The two Friends and Family Shows (Kilroy at the USO and Anne of Greene Gables) performed in front of limited audiences of 50. The actors wore masks and our audiences were encouraged to do the same.
Fall classes started with about 75% of our usual enrollment, which we were delighted with considering the shut downs. We kept a rigorous cleaning schedule. So much bleach was used on the walls that there are places where the paint is gone! We had sanitizer donated and bought extra soap and took regular “wash your hands” breaks. All students and teachers were required to wear masks at all times.
Then our audiences were reduced to 25 and we found “clear” masks to help the audiences see and hear our actors better. So we performed for less than 25% of what our theater can hold. Then just as our Teen Fall show (Hunchback of Notre Dame) and our Special Needs show (Babes In Toyland) were ready to perform, JeffCo hit a Red Zone which meant another complete shut down. Hunchback performed the first weekend and a final Thursday as we turned away 75 (3 performances) audience members and had to completely cancel the filming of Babes in Toyland due to the Red Zone restrictions.
For the preceding nine months, we had tried to figure out if we needed to follow regulations as a “School” or as a “Church” or as an “Event Center” or a “Gym” or…? We did our best to read all the directions and directives and protocols and constantly changing information. Should we use 25% of our space (which is 5000 square feet) or 25% of our theater actual space (about 2500 square feet)? Or should we use our occupancy numbers (which is 297 people) or 25% of what we know our audience number is (max 136 people)? If we divided everything by 6 foot squares? Or by 12 foot squares? Or stay with the only 10 children? What did that mean for adult students in the class? Can we put 10 students in different rooms and have 20 students or more with more rooms? Did teachers count as part of the 10?
None of this sounds like the Good News. However, in December, we were officially designated by Jefferson County Public Health as a license-exempt childcare with single skill-building program. This means we now have clear direction on how we may legally run classes EVEN in a Red Zone. We may have 10 students in the building. Teachers are considered staff and don’t figure into the “10 student count”. Students must be 18 years old and younger. And everything we do must fall in a “Class” category that is focused on a single type of activity … ACTING.
But we can start classes this spring with no confusion or worry that we are not operating legally. There are lots of restrictions that we have to adjust and work with. Easiest one to see is for example Aladdin Jr. How will we have 20 students in a class that can only have 10 students in the building at a time? It will take a lot of extra organizing and scheduling and work on the teachers’ part. Obviously, it means that the big group numbers will have to be rehearsed in smaller groups meeting at different times. It means extra cleaning between students in the building. AND it relies on hope that things will get better as we go further into the spring, so students will be able to share their complete show in May. It means that as things loosen and get better, we will be constantly adjusting and re-adjusting. It means that until things loosen, we may not have ANY audience and must prepare to film classes’ final product. Our teachers are planning for these challenges.
Did I mention constantly changing? Audience for us is the key to truly being able to enjoy theatre. It is our true goal for the spring, and we will watch the zones as they change and put in small audiences as soon as possible and then increase those numbers as soon as possible. But back to the GOOD NEWS!!! — WE ARE STILL HERE!
FINANCES
We are, of course struggling. We are running through our savings at an alarming rate. Spring tuition will help, but without Performance Income, Continuing Grant Money, and Fundraising/Donations, we will not have enough to survive into the Summer.
RENT
Rent was deferred by our landlord for April and May. HOWEVER, now that money is due over the next six months. This means our rent will go up $1600 every month. We had asked for some continued consideration, but were denied. This is a true hardship, but we have no options. So for the next six months, while we struggle with very limited class sizes and almost no ticket income, this money will come from other sources.
PPP AND EIDL LOANS
We were eligible for and received a PPP loan of $8700, with all of it eligible for forgiveness. One of the main requirements was that at least 75% go to pay for employees (we carefully paid our spring employees even though they were not literally able to work.) We also were eligible for and received an EIDL grant for $9000.
OTHER GRANTS
We were ineligible for any money from Wheat Ridge Small Business Grants because we are a non-profit. We have been blessed to continue to receive many of our regular grants this last year. They were inundated with more than usual requests, and we still were able to receive many of the grants that we have come to depend on. However, most of the “COVID-focused grants,” even from places like Walmart have not come through. We are not offering any kind of emergency survival services so this makes sense, but is still disappointing. We hope and truly will need the same kind of grant support in the next year, but we know we are in competition with so many other needy groups. So will continue to pray hard about these grants.
SPECIAL NEEDS ACTING PROGRAM S.N.A.P. AT Colorado ACTS
Our Special Needs Group of Actors has presented A Christmas Carol and Fractured Fairy Tales, and in the spring will offer classes to ages 11-18 year olds. Elise and Leah are the teachers and heart of this program. Leah was a founding director of the DDRC Players. We would like to clarify that DDRC no longer has an official DDRC Players group (it officially ended quite a while ago), and that DDRC is not officially affiliated with ACTS. Please know however that they appreciate the work our organization does and that individuals with developmental disabilities have valued the opportunity to be part of the theatre world.
For He will deliver the needy who cry out.
~ Ps 72:12
On Him, we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us.
~ 2 Corinthians 1:10
Well, we have started our fall semester at about half, which sounds bad, but since spring was zero and summer was about a quarter, half doesn’t seem so bad. We had offered 12 classes from beginning Creative Drama to Dance to regular homeschool and after-school to special needs. We are meeting with 6 of those classes and 6 didn’t have enough students to make it possible for the class to meet. Mostly they were “process-oriented classes” which are always a bit difficult. None of our Creative Drama classes had enough students and our 7 to 12-year-old group is almost non-existent.
A good question would be why, and we don’t have a good answer. Word of mouth would simply seem to be caution with the unknown health information that is so constantly changing. Our Tuesday homeschool class boomed, but is the only one. Our other classes are also at lower numbers… So, all of that equals about half.
We are still holding our show ticket sales to about 50 (less than half), which means with half the enrollment and half the ticket sales added to half the concessions, fundraising income, and donations, we are operating at about half our usual income. We are using savings and grant money to subsidize and help pay our bills (which of course do not really drop by half… even our electrical bill held pretty steady…sigh.) We are paying full lease and of course insurance and teachers and triple net and all the regular fees for storage and operating expenses.
So how is the school? (That is what you kept asking the whole long first paragraph). We are still keeping our head above water and looking into the future to see how long we can continue at this rate. For now, we are completely committed through February and hope that things open up in the winter/spring semester (which starts for us in January) and that we will have an even clearer idea of the full spring season. We will be looking at and expecting a full spring of classes and productions and audiences that will sustain us into the future. Honestly it is a Hope and some Faith that carries us. But we are continuing to look at everything with a pragmatic and realistic eye and will not do anything that is obviously against both our financial responsibilities and our responsibility to our families.
Thank you!! We could not have gotten this far without your prayer support, your words of encouragement and your donations!
Update on Cindy
Well, the first four chemo sessions are done. Aside from looking like a bald old man (Yup!!! all 13 hairs on my head completely fell out… so students can’t be blamed for me pulling them out), it has just been a lot of discomfort, not too much nausea, and nothing like in all the movies and TV shows. The biggest stress for me has just been not being at the theatre (Santiago calls it my happy place) even to do just little things and then not seeing people. I think I am an introvert, but apparently NOT!!! I miss the silly stories and what is going on with people and the students’ drama with friends and family and school and life. I miss sharing my off-hand and unexpected wisdom with unsuspecting folks who smile and walk away and forget it.
With the extra precautions of COVID added to the regular crazy cancer restrictions, I am really home alone (except for my poor family who are required to feed and exercise and hydrate me all the time). I have a week (after the treatment) when I can’t see anyone and even my family is required to shower if they come in from anywhere), and then a week when I can sit outside and see someone to visit or go to a park or the river away from folks. Very isolating and often lonely!
I have received cards and emails and texts almost daily with words of encouragement and nice things (as you know saying nice is forbidden because it makes me cry), so many days I cry for a bit from how kind and thoughtful you all are. I want you to know that I am not brave or resilient or strong, but GOD is and I am leaning on Him for all those things. The big lesson here has been to not be self-reliant, but rather God-Reliant. You are blessing me by reminding me that the theatre we do is a reflection of God’s Creative Personality. We are that stain glass window that He shines through, we are the colors that appear when He shines His light through your talent. I am so grateful to be a part of this community and for all your support of both me and the school.
As I always tell the kids…You can call or email or text (and write a card) any time. Don’t say anything too nice remember… that makes me cry. But I love to hear how you are doing and would be happy to answer any questions you have about the school. I look forward to seeing you as soon the doctor says I can.
Fall 2020
Spring Musical
We started rehearsal in January expecting to perform in early May. In March, we shut down for the eight weeks initially asked to protect us from the COVID pandemic. Students stayed in touch by reviewing dance videos and their scripts. Cindy sent letters, silly emails, “empty theater videos,” and Irish tidbits. We expected to pick rehearsal back up and do a few intense rehearsals and still perform in May. Costumes and props were finished and EVERYTHING was turned green by Cindy.
When that first eight weeks got extended, we still hoped to perform the end of May or perhaps the beginning of June. Then it became apparent that we could not perform in front of a live audience.
So, the first week of July, for three days, the students, Cindy, Leanna, Erin, and a film crew met and rehearsed and filmed the entire show. It was a weird, challenging, and interesting experience for everyone. Every scene was done out of sequence and actors literally had to keep track of where they were standing two days before. We learned new lines and blocking in record tie. We literally learned one of the dances in 45 minutes and then filmed it! We cried and did our Senior Honors Night on a Tuesday evening during rehearsal at a time when all the actors were available (it is on the video too).
Emma, Emma, Bryn, Joy, Constance, Anna:
Congrats on graduating during one of the most difficult times in our history. We were blessed to have you in the ACTS family over the years.
New Policies
We hope for a full fall season with some extra safety protocols in place, but still the opportunities for classes and performances. new registration form that includes information on partial payment requests, waivers, information on COVID cancellation policies, and refund information. Make sure that you look at the new stuff.
Outreach
With the current restrictions, we are unable to fulfill one of our main commitments. In a normal school year, we take a show to approximately 3,000 to 4,000 elementary students. This allows children to see live theatre and enjoy an experience that many can not afford. We perform free of charge and bring topics such as self-acceptance, how to deal with bullying, and tolerance for differences to life through stories like The Ugly Duckling, Three Billy Goats Gruff, and Dr. Suess’ Sneetches.
Since we are unable to go into schools this year, the outreach actors will make a short movie that can be given to classroom teachers on some of the issues surrounding COVID. Using a fairy tale theme, stories such as Rapunzel and Snow White will deal with the isolation many people feel, or Beauty & the Beast to highlight the dangers of acting “beastly” by not washing hands or safely wearing masks.
This half-hour to 45 minute DVD will be made available at no charge with coloring sheets and discussion questions and ideas for teachers. This will be new and exciting for all involved and will still allow us to reach out into our community to bring kids theatre. Thanks to Aimee, CindyO, Leah, and volunteer actors for helping make this happen.
Board Change
Kathy has stepped down from her position as Board President. We thank her for her service over the years and wish her the best. Pilo has been voted in as Interim Board President to help guide us through the next challenging time for ACTS.
Amazon Smile
The Amazon Smile Donation Program is now available on the Amazon app! Select Colorado ACTS as your charity and every time you shop on Amazon, ACTS receives a small donation.
Psalm 121
A song of ascents.
I lift my eyes to the mountains–
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip.
He who watches over you will not slumber.
The Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Doing Our Best to Stay Safe and Sound
Staying both healthy and happy are our goals!! We are trying to follow the ever changing guidelines. This guideline won’t change:
Guidance for Indoor Events, Colorado COVID-19 Updates
It is normal to be scared, distressed, or angry when there is a new infectious disease outbreak in our communities. Fear is a natural response to the unknown, and we are still figuring out how COVID-19 will affect our families and our communities. We need to be careful that fear is not what we spread across our communities. When we take actions that help us be prepared, healthy, and informed, we can spread calm instead. Beware turning fear and anger toward people rather than the disease itself. The risk of COVID-19 is not at all connected with race, ethnicity, or nationality. Blaming others will not help fight the illness or its spread. When people use their fear to justify unfair treatment of others, we negatively impact our communities, our loved ones, and ourselves. Ask yourself: Would I think or do the same thing if this was a different infectious disease like the flu? Does what I’m doing make people safer or does it create more fear or harm?
King Soopers Community Reward Program
- Log into your account at www.kingsoopers.com
(create an account if you don’t have one). - Select KS Community Rewards from website menu.
- Search for Colorado ACTS and enroll your King Sooper
card in our organization. - We’ll earn 5% of every purchase.
Surrounding each other and our world in prayer is both a contemplation and action. ~ Project I See You
Summer 2020
Box Office Team – Want to See ACTS Performances for Free?
The Colorado ACTS Box Office Team is in need of new box office personnel. If you love to come to shows for free, join this team and you and a guest will receive free admission to the show you work. Box Office responsibilities include: arriving one hour before show time, checking bathrooms/trash cans for cleanliness, running the IPad for correct admission count and payments, availability to be in concessions room at intermission if needed, locking up concession and box office money after show. Training is provided until you feel comfortable, usually after working two shows with a mentor. If you are interested in volunteering, contact us at coloradoacts@yahoo.com today!
Increased Expenses
Just a reminder to you if you are thinking of making a donation, our monthly expenses are just like everyone’s. Our rent and electricity and taxes and insurance and supplies all cost more these days. So keep us in mind! We are glad to receive any donations.
Developmental Disabilities Oureach
We are increasing our contact and support of the adult special needs community. This last fall, we performed A Christmas Carol at the ACTS Theater. They have historically performed one evening and at ACTS, they performed three times to sold out houses. We had so many audience members trying to see the show that we had people literally standing in the aisles. A second class was added this spring, A Fairy Tale or Two, and we hope to continue adding more classes.
Wanted: Refrigerators
The refrigerators at ACTS are getting on in age and are affecting our utilities costs. We are looking for replacements. If you are getting rid of a refrigerator that is less than 10 years old and is in good working condition, please consider donating it to Colorado ACTS.
Costumes and Props For Rent
1000s of items for your parties or church or school productions. Christmas or Easter! Lights and Fabric! Props and Set Pieces! Ask!! We might have it!
Royalties
We pay the legally required royalties on shows that are published. Royalties are paid to the playwright or composers and is their due payment for their creative work. If you see a musical from a source like MTI or Disney or Samuel French such as Music Man, Oliver! or Annie, you can expect that they cost $250 to $450 per performance. So if we do four shows over two weeks, it would cost us $1000-$2000. We are required to rent scripts and music and frequently are even sent orchestration that we don’t use, but still pay for shipping it to and from NYC.
A musical from Pioneer (a local company) such as Sleepy Hollow or Kilroy Was Here is about $95 per performance. They also have music and even rehearsal CDs available for an extra cost. A non-musical such as Steel Magnolias or Fall of House of Usher may cost around $180 per performance while shows such as Ha Ha House or Illinois Jane cost $45 per performance. We also pay our teachers when they write a show for the theater.
FYI BITS:
Disney Jr. Shows are only legally performed by students who are 14 years old and younger, so we can’t do them with our high school students. They are sold as a “production package” that includes all the materials necessary for the show at a set price. We aren’t allowed to add or subtract from a script that has been published without permission from the playwright. But stories that are in the “public domain” can be re-written or adapted freely. (Hans Christian Anderson or Mark Twain for example).
We have a special license from BMI which allows us to perform their music without extra cost. Because we are an educational setting, we can do pre-show and intermission music without paying extra. But we can’t legally just insert or perform music just because we like it.
King Soopers Community Reward Program
- Log into your account at www.kingsoopers.com
(create an account if you don’t have one). - Select KS Community Rewards from website menu.
- Search for Colorado ACTS and enroll your King Soopers
card in our organization. - We’ll earn 5% of every purchase.
We were designed to recognize God, to be a unique sound and a unique pleasure to Him, instruments of joy and peace ~ Bill Johnson
Spring 2020
Email Change
Sounds crazy, but we think that sending two emails a week will simplify your life. We don’t want to bombard you with emails, but hope this will clarify things. This should also be better for the majority of folks who only read these emails on their phones. Less scrolling, less missing things.
We are sending two different emails every week.
- Show announcements for the week and upcoming events.
- Bits and pieces of information such as fund raisers or events or changes or fascinating information about operations. We only send emails to addresses that we have, so if you would like to be added to our email list, please contact the office to receive these. And of course!!! If you want to be removed… do the same.
Grant Writing
We are pursuing additional grant writing opportunities. We need to hear of any foundations or organizations that specifically give money to Christian organizations. Because of our Christian Mission Statement, we are not considered for many grant monies. We are also interested in a grant writer that is more specifically knowledgeable about small Christian arts non-profits. Please pass along any information to us.
Teaching Opportunities
We are always looking to add new classes. That means new teachers. Contact us if you are interested in part time work teaching.
Fridges
Our old refrigerators have pushed our electrical bill into a different pay zone. We would love to replace them with newer ones. Freezer size is not as important as actual “fridge” space. If you have one or two, to donate, please call! We can give you a receipt for your donation.
New Brochure
We are changing our format. Just trying to make things clear and interesting! Happy to hear any of your thoughts!
Wow!! We are Busy!!!
Take a look at the spring shows. We also are offering Tap and Mask Making classes! Some start in January or in February. We should still have Community Shows that will start in March. Keep your eyes open for new things all the time!
King Soopers Community Reward Program
- Log into your account at www.kingsoopers.com
(create an account if you don’t have one). - Select KS Community Rewards from website menu.
- Search for Colorado ACTS and enroll your King Sooper
card in our organization. - We’ll earn 5% of every purchase.
New Laptop Needed
Bethany says that our dinosaur is giving her grey hair. It is slow and constantly up-dating and re-booting as the mood strikes it. If you have something that you think would be helpful, please let us know.
Good-Bye to Melinda
We have been so blessed to have Melinda teaching and directing with us for the last seven years. She retired from her years of teaching theatre in Montana and found us. However, now she and her husband intend to enjoy their retirement with a lot of traveling and enjoying family even more! We are going to miss her!! Thank you so much for all your care and attention to Colorado ACTS!
No one can close a door that God has opened.
Fall 2019
New Classrooms
thanks to the moving of more than half of our fabric and over 50 bins of costumes and props, as well as many set items to our new storage room, we have made two extra classrooms. One is the first room as you enter the theater. It is now being used as a small lobby to sit in before the main theater opens for a show. It is also being used as a singing rehearsal space and a small alternative rehearsal space, as well as a holding place for teachers to keep costumes and props for shows that are in process. Our two filing cabinets of scripts and small library are stored there as well. The next time you come see a show, peek inside.
The second space is what used to be a lobby/green room area. This was always a hugely cluttered room that now is almost completely empty, but for folding chairs and a small table. We can now use it as a full classroom. It isn’t huge, but it works. This means we will not need to rent extra space during tech week for on-going classes to be able to continue their rehearsal while another show is in final rehearsal. A simple thing like a door between this room and the main theater made it relatively sound proof.
So if you see two classes listed at the same time, it isn’t a typo. It is these new classrooms being put to use.
Scrip Change
King Soopers has changed their scrip program. The bad news: We no longer have the ability to apply credit directly to your account. The good news: It is much easier to sign up and have your donation go to the ACTS Scholarship Fund. Learn more about signing up for the King Sooper Community Rewards program.
Sample of a Costume Budget
52 Actors in Music Man Costumes
10 males: 6 Men – 4 Boys
Basic Costume for All males 10 x $10 = $100
8 Rock Island (Suit coat/hat) 8 x $10 = $80
Harold Hill change of costume = $10
Marcellus change of costume = $10
Charlie Cowell Additional = $10
Policeman Additional Costume = $10
Winthrop Dress up Change = $10
42 females: 16 Women – 26 Girls
Basic Costume for All females 42 x $15 = $630
Shipoopi Change for 15 girls 15 x $5 = $75
Wan-tan-ye Indian Costumes for 16 girls 16 x $ 5 = $80
Grecian Urns (Dress/ grapes) 12 x $5 = $60
Mrs. Shinn Statue of Liberty = $10
Mrs. Shinn Wan-tan-ye = $5
Little Girls Columbia 7 x $5 = $35
Marian change of costume 4 times 4 x $15 = $60
Mrs. Paroo Additional Costum = $10
Ethel Additional Costume = $10
Band Jackets for 14 kids 14 x $5 = $70
High top boots 20 x $5 =$100
TOTAL = $1,370
Local Well Known Costume Shop 2 day rental
Basic Woman with Hat $45-$65 x 16 women = $720
Basic Girl $45 x 26 = $ 1,170
Additional Marian/Ethel/Paroo $45 x 6 = $270
Basic Suit $75 x 8 men = $600
Added Marcellus/Harold/Charlie/Tyler/Police/Salesmen $75 x 15
= $1,120
TOTAL = $3,585
4 Day Rental (Additional charge for more days) = $6,120
By storing costumes and not renting, we saved at least $4,500!
Worry does not take away tomorrow’s trouble. It takes away today’s peace.
Know God, Know Peace.
Newsletter Archive Tidbits
From Summer 2019, Vol 22, Issue 2
History at This Location
During our 5 years here, we have produced and had students, alumni, and adults perform in more than 125 productions. That includes five full teen age musicals, five Friends and Family musicals, 15 Community Shows (think Murder Mysteries and Dinner Theatre), 20 exclusively homeschool classes, and more than 20 after school classes, plus Creative Drama, dance and acting classes. Usually we offer 8-10 one-week summer classes/productions. Our Outreach Players have performed for more than 8,000 (that isn’t a typo!) elementary school students and seniors. Our Shining Stars classes during the summer have served close to 100 special needs actors and actresses. We also offer off-site classes to homeschool co-ops and after school drama clubs, typically for 50-100 during a school year. Honestly we could offer more if we had the teachers! We hope to make classes and performance opportunities available to more students during the next five years.
New Lease
We moved in during March 2014. Quilters was the first performance. We had originally signed a five-year lease when we moved to this space. After a serious search, this is the place the Lord has encouraged us to continue in. We are signing another five-year lease. With some major moving we hope to now be able to use our old lobby as a second classroom. This will allow us to offer two classes at the same time. For example, we can offer a regular class for 8-12 year olds at the same time that we could offer a 12-18 year old class. This is something we had done in the past as a convenience to parents with children in both age groups. Also we should be able to have our dress tech rehearsals and other classes remain in the building. We have put a lot of our costumes and fabric into storage. This will be extra work but will make the room that we need for classes.
From 2016
Internships/Community Service
We are a registered non-profit and have business and marketing internships, as well as theatre internships available. We have also had a number of students complete community service and Boy Scout Eagle projects. If you are interested, please contact us!
Parent Volunteers
We are encouraging our parents to get more involved. Come to rehearsals and help with sewing or crafts or props or cleaning or organizing or assisting the teacher/director. We just would love to have you “hanging around” more. We understand that often the time your kids are in rehearsal is time that you spend quietly reading a book or enjoying a date night, but we hope that you will consider giving up some of that time to be part of the production. Contact your child’s teacher to volunteer!
Theatre education can help young people develop a
strong sense of self and identity, build empathy and learning among peers
and broaden the ways they make meaning of the world around them.
Arts Education Partnership
~~ Theatre Education Facts from Educational Theatre Association ~~
~There are nearly 26,000 K-12 school-based theatre programs throughout the United States.
~100% of school administrators agreed that theatre programs strengthen students’ creativity skills.
~Training in acting classes improves language and memory skills.
~Only 28% of public high schools in high poverty areas offer theatre instruction.
~Creative drama enhances fluent and flexible thinking in young students.
~95% of school administrators believe that theatre experiences improve students overall academic skills.
~High poverty students with sustained involvement in theatre show substantial improvement in reading proficiency, gains in self-concept and motivation, and higher levels of empathy for others.
~Middle school students who participate in after-school theatre programs show growth in collaborative behavior, critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and empathetic behavior.
~Only 4% of all public elementary schools offer theatre instruction.
~95% of high schools offered theatre-related extra-curricular activities during the 2011-12 school year.
~98% of school administrators believe that theatre programs strengthen student’s critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and leadership skills.
Arthur Miller Foundation for Theater Education in Public Schools
Theater teaches essential soft skills that foster empathy and
effective interactions with others, aiding in human development
regardless of the career path one chooses to pursue.
Arts Education: The Facts
The arts support PERSONAL, ARTISTIC, CIVIC, and SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The arts promote growth in SELF-CONFIDENCE, EMPATHY, and increased SOCIAL TOLERANCE
Teenagers involved in the arts have better grades
and higher rates of college enrollment & attainment
Theatre Arts students SCORE HIGHER ON THEIR SATs than peers
Students with access to the arts in high school are
3x more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree
Low-income students highly engaged in the arts are more than
2x as likely to graduate from college
Language proficiency scores increase more than 10 x
with arts engagement in schools for English Language Learners
At-risk students with access to the arts do better academically,
aim higher in their career goals, and become more civically involved
72% of business leaders say that CREATIVITY is the # 1 skill they seek when hiring
Abiding in the
love of God
is your only hope,
the only true home
for your heart.
John Eldridge