MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10: Look what’s coming back? DAF Angel Mary Dailey’s second annual APPLAUSE for PAWS cabaret at Denver Improv Comedy Club at Northfield! Last year’s party, which gathered talented members of the Colorado theater community along with local theater fans for a spectacular evening of song, dance and laughs that infused the DAF PAWS Fund with $5,217!. To date, the PAWS Fund has made more than $66,000 available to more than 40 Colorado theater families pay down their pet medical expenses. It matters because the PAWS fund is separate from the DAF’s primary fund and must survive on its own dedicated fundraising. Tickets $25 at denver.improv.com. Thank you to Mary’s sons, Chris Martin Gottlieb and Matthew Dailey; and absolutely everyone who has a paw in pulling off this wonderful evening!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13: Our friends at the Two Cent Lion Theatre Company will be presenting an Industry Night performance of their debut 2025 production, “The Tragedy of Medusa” on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the People’s Building in Aurora. Fifty percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Denver Actors Fund. Says friendly Lion Kevin Douglas: “This production is pay-what-you-can, with a $15 minimum. But we can offer a 20 percent discount to anyone using the code MEDUSAGROUP when ordering. That brings the base price to $12 per ticket.” Two Cent Lion’s mission is to tell uplifting queer stories while showcasing the artistry of emerging LGBTQ+ artists in our community. Olivia Buntaine’s modern spin on Greek mythology weaves classical tragedy with modernized dialogue and comedy to navigate the sexual violence and survivorship that is often overlooked in the Medusa mythos. Showtime is 7 p.m. at The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave., in Aurora. Reserve your seats at https://www.thepeoplesbuilding.com/medusa#/productions-view. Remember to choose Feb. 13! Thank you, Kevin, Gracie Jacobson and Izzy Chern!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17: Our great friends at Firehouse Theater Company have designated their Industry Night performance of “Blues for an Alabama Sky” as a benefit, with 100 percent of all proceeds donated to the Denver Actors Fund! In Pearl Cleage’s classic story, the creative euphoria of the Harlem Renaissance has given way to the harsher realities of the Great Depression. The play brings together a rich cast of characters who reflect the conflicting currents of the time through their overlapping personalities and politics, each struggling, in their ways, “to look beyond 125th Street” for the fulfillment of their dreams.” Directed by Directed by Adrienne Martin-Fullwood. Thank you to all involved, including cast, crew, creatives, staff and Producing Artistic Director Helen Hand for your steadfast commitment to helping the DAF help Colorado theater artists! Please join us at 7:30 p.m. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17 at the John Hand Theater, 7653 E. 1st Place, Denver, CO 80230. Tickets are only $15 (normally $27) on this night only. Order yours or get more information at firehousetheatercompany.com
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21: We are thrilled to be partnering with Local Theater Company for a Denver Actors Fund benefit performance for the first time! Please join us for this specially priced preview performance of of “Chasing Breadcrumbs,” a world-premiere play at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder. Local will donate 50 percent of all box-office revenues (after fees) to the DAF! In Michelle Tyrene Johnson’s play, a Black playwright named Serena has been commissioned to write a play by a well-heeled group of White women with … questionable intentions. In this provocatively funny story, Serena navigates a minefield of privilege, creative compromises and re-written history. Directed by Betty Hart. “Since the play is about theatermakers and artistic integrity, we think it’s an extra-good fit with the DAF,” said Local’s Misha Zimmerman. This performance will also feature a post-show discussion with the playwright. Curtain is 7:30 p.m. at 2590 Walnut St, Boulder. Get your $23 tickets (normally ($28-$41) at thedairy.org.
CAST
- Noelia Antweiler: Rebecca
- James Brunt: Kevin
- Kristina Fountaine: Serena
- Heather Hughes: Debbie
- Andrea Morales: Peyton
- Michaela Murray: Gwen
CREATIVES
- Michelle Tyrene Johnson: Playwright)
- Betty Hart: Director
- Connie I. Lane: Stage Manager
- Sam Webb: Assistant Stage Manager
- David J. Castellano: Scenic and Props Designer
- Holly-Kai Hurd: Costume Designer and Dramaturg
- Jeff Jesmer: Technical Director
- Sean Mallary: Lighting Designer
- Cece Smith: Sound Designer and Assistant Director
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24: The Pour Brothers Community Tavern in Old Town Fort Collins will host a networking community night, with all tips earned between 5 and 7 p.m. donated to the Denver Actors Fund. We are encouraging all NoCo theater companies to join us at 220 Linden St., and please spread the word!
PLAN YOUR UPCOMING DAF NIGHTS AT VINTAGE THEATRE!
- March 3, 2025: “Guys & Dolls”
- March 31, 2025: “Grand Horizons”
MONDAY, APRIL 7: Please join us for Town Hall Arts Center’s Industry Night performance of “Once, the Musical.” Our friends at Town Hall are continuing their incredible commitment to designate one performance per run with 100 percent of all proceeds from ticket and concession sales to be donated to The Denver Actors Fund. Join us on MONDAY, APRIL 7 at 2450 Main St. in Littleton. Tickets are only $22 (normally as much as $52). Reserve your seats at 303-794-2787 or townhallartscenter.org.
PLAN YOUR UPCOMING DAF NIGHTS AT THE TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER!
- Monday, June 9: “On Your Feet: The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan”
ONGOING: “Waiting for Obama,” the audio version of DAF Founder John Moore’s play that was an official selection at the 2016 New York International Fringe Festival, has been released as way of raising funds for The Denver Actors Fund. A Colorado Springs family is convinced that Barack Obama is coming for their guns in the final weeks of his presidency – and they’re right. Featuring Laurence Curry, Drew Horwitz, Chris Kendall, Leslie O’Carroll, Jenna Moll Reyes, Jessica Robblee, Luke Sorge and Mare Trevathan. It was recorded by the staff of Parker Arts at the PACE Center as an in-kind donation to The Denver Actors Fund. Listen for FREE on all major podcasting platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Podbean. Just by listening, you will be raising revenue for The DAF! Or, WATCH the recording as a pay-per-view video for $9.95 on Broadway on Demand. ‘Waiting for Obama’ was recorded by the staff of Parker Arts at the PACE Center and edited by Ray Bailey TV as in-kind donations to The Denver Actors Fund. The actors also donated their services.