Financial aid recipient: Adrianna Tye is the mother of actor Christopher Tye, who appeared as Curtis Taylor Jr. in Ignite Theatre’s production of “Dreamgirls” in 2014-15 at the Aurora Fox. Christopher died without warning on July 20, his birthday. He was 36. “He died too young and without warning or signs,” said his wife, Tahesha Tye. Christopher also leaves a 17-year-old daughter. Here is the online death notice. Adrianna Tye has now lost both of her sons within the past two years.
Christopher’s story: Christopher recently appeared in a Whitney Houston tribute with the mayor’s wife, Mary Louise Lee. He has been singing professionally since age 11. By 12, he was majoring in music and theatre at Denver School of the Art. Later at Montbello High School, he was one of four vocalists chosen to be part of the “Colorado Youth Pops Orchestra,” earning a $1,000 college scholarship. He transferred to Denver East High School, where he was a member of the East High Angelaires, There, he appeared in many theatrical productions, including “The Music Man,” “Oedipus Rex” and “Three Penny Opera.” By his senior year, he had been a member of the Denver Pub;ic Schools Citywide Choir for 10 years and the Colorado All-State Choir for two. Recently, Christopher was cast in the chorus of Central City Opera’s production of Showboat. He also was a member of the nationally recording gospel music group “Spirit of Grace.” He was known for having a five-octave singing range.
How we will help: The Tye family received some social assistance on the burial expenses but still owes $1,500 of the $3,070 bill. In addition, they have yet to purchase a headstone because of the cost. Denver Actors Fund bylaws specifically allow for burial expenses as a medical expense. The board has approved a gift of $2,500 to help Adrianna and Tahesha Tye pay for burial expenses.
How you can help us help the family more: If you would like to direct a specific additional donation to help give the Tye family more breathing room, simply mail checks in any amount made out to Denver Actors Fund (with Christopher Tye’s name written in the topic field), to P.O. Box 11182, Denver, CO 80212. Or use this donation link. If you use the online option, be sure to designate that your donation is a targeted donation in honor of Christopher Tye. Otherwise, your donation will be applied to the replenishment of the Denver Actors Fund’s general fund.
To volunteer to become a member of one of the Denver Actors Fund’s volunteer Action Teams, sign up here.
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ABOUT THE DENVER ACTORS FUND:
Video above: The Denver Actors Fund receives the Colorado Theatre Guild’s 2016 Community Impact Award.
The Denver Actors Fund is a modest source of immediate, situational relief when members of the local theater community find themselves in medical need. To date, the Fund has allocated more than $112,000 to artists facing medical need. In addition to financial relief, a team of more than 60 Denver Actors Fund volunteers offers good neighborly assistance including meal prep and delivery, child care, transportation, errands, construction, pet-sitting and more. For more information, visit our web site at DenverActorsFund.Org.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AID:
To apply for Denver Actors Fund aid: Fill out this brief online form here
MORE WAYS TO HELP:
DONATE BY MAIL:
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P.O. Box 11182
Denver, CO 80212
ATTEND UPCOMING DENVER ACTORS FUND EVENTS:
COMING SEPTEMBER 25: MISCAST 2017
“Miscast,” the major annual fundraiser produced and presented by the Denver Actors Fund, is an opportunity for local performers to sing songs and act out scenes they would never … ever! … get cast to perform on any legit stage. Think gender-bending, race-bending and age-bending. Odd couples and mixed groups. Wrong is oh so right. “Miscast” has evolved over the years into one of the biggest nights of the year in the Colorado theatre community – and it is a really good show. The video below showing one 2016 number has now been viewed more than 400,000 times online. “Miscast2017” will be held Sept. 25 at the Town Hall Arts Center, and it will sell out, so reserve your seats now. Tickets only $20. BUY ONLINE
“DENVER ACTORS FUND PRESENTS …” MONTHLY FILM SERIES: The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema At Sloan’s Lake hosts a monthly film series in partnership with the Denver Actors Fund featuring films inspired by musicals and plays that are currently being performed by a Colorado theatre company. Next up at 6:30 p.m. Monday, August 28: A Chorus Line, with entertainment from the Arvada Center. CHOOSE YOUR SEATS NOW
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM ‘DENVER ACTORS FUND PRESENTS …’ FILM SERIES:
NOTE: OUR MONTHLY FILM SERIES HAS MOVED FROM LITTLETON TO THE NEW ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE AT SLOAN’S LAKE.
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