The Denver Actors Fund

The Denver Actors Fund has now made $1,530,000 available to Colorado theatre artists.

Note: At The Denver Actors Fund, anonymity of aid recipients is presumed and fully protected, unless and until the recipient chooses to have their story told.

To apply for Denver Actors Fund aid: Fill out this brief online form here

HOW YOU CAN HELP US REPLENISH:

To DONATE the Denver Actors Fund, please CLICK HERE (with our humble thanks)

ABOUT THE DENVER ACTORS FUND:

Video above: The Denver Actors Fund presents the memorial video at the Colorado Theatre Guild’s 2023 Henry Awards.

The Denver Actors Fund is a 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 $1.53 million to more than 600 artists facing medical need. In addition to financial relief, a team of more than 100 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:

MORE WAYS TO HELP:

DONATE BY MAIL:

Send checks made out to the Denver Actors Fund to:
P.O. Box 11182
Denver, CO 80211

VOLUNTEER:

Ever thought about taking a more active role in The Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information

SHOP AT KING SOOPERS

Sign up for King Soopers’ Community Rewards Program and raise money for The DAF just by shopping for your groceries – and it doesn’t cost you an extra penny. To sign up, simply go here and designate The DAF as your preferred non-profit. Each quarter, King Soopers sends us a donation based on how much our supporters have spent. Thanks to all of you who are shopping for The DAF.

DONATE YOUR CAR

The Denver Actors Fund is now registered to accept vehicle donations, thanks to a new partnership with Vehicles for Charity. You can turn your unwanted but usable vehicle into greatly appreciated funds for The Denver Actors Fund. The process is simple. The DAF will receive 80 percent of auction proceeds, and a receipt for the donation will be sent to you that can be used for tax purposes. Read all about it here.

SHOP AMERICAN DOG: We have an exciting new partnership to share! American Dog, a USA-made company that makes dog toys, dog beds and accessories, has put together a special promotional offer to support the PAWS Fund. When you use the code DAFPAWS at checkout, 10% of your purchase will be donated to the PAWS Fund. Visit americandog.com/ to learn more! Thank you so much to Tina Anderson and our friends at American Dog!

VOLUNTEER:

Ever thought about taking a more active role in the Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information

COME TO THE EVENTS THAT SUPPORT US:

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SOLD OUT!!! TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26: Please join us for Miners Alley Playhouse’s preview performance of “A Christmas Carol,” with a discounted ticket of $25 – and all proceeds going to The Denver Actors Fund! (Regular performances will run $35-$54!) This Golden tradition is a zany take on Dickens’ tale of holiday redemption, adapted for the stage by Josh Hartwell. In this iteration, a handful of actors bring dozens of characters to life in a fast-paced telling that will get your whole family in the seasonal spirit. (Although, we are promised: “This year’s version promises to be funnier, spookier and crazier than ever!”) Again starring Jim Hunt with Hartwell, Lisa DeCaro, Jason Maxwell, Meredith Young and Koi Matheo. Since 2014, MAP has generated more than $67,000 in donations to The Denver Actors Fund through evenings just like this one. Thank you to all involved, including Len Matheo, Lisa DeCaro, Jonathan Scott-Mckean, cast, crew, creatives and staff. We love you, Miners Alley Playhouse! If you plan to go see this great show, please consider joining us at 7:30 p.m. on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26. Call 303-935-3044 or choose your own seats at https://minersalley.com/event-list. The (new!) Miners Alley Playhouse is located at 1100 Miners Alley in Golden.

NOVEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 7: At both performances Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, the Arvada Center will again conduct audience lobby collections for the Denver Actors Fund following the evening performances of “Once Upon a Mattress.” This uproarious musical update of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Princess and the Pea” sets an unapologetic free spirit loose in a repressed kingdom, reveling in Winnifred’s ability to charm and transform with willpower, honesty and a little bit of help from her friends. “Once Upon a Mattress” is directed by DAF Board of Directors co-Chair Kenny Moten. Please plan to attend either the 2 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. performances on Saturday, Nov. 30, or Dec. 7 and remember to throw some extra change int he bucket on your way out. Thank you to Kenny, Artistic Director Lynne Collins, CEO Philip Sneed, Arvada Center reps Sarah Kolb and Leslie Simon, and the entire cast, crew and staff and volunteers for your support in this important effort! You are already making us feel “Happily ever after!” 6901 Wadsworth Boulevard. Tickets at https://arvadacenter.org/events/once-upon-a-mattress. Please remember to choose Nov. 30 or Dec. 7!

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9: Our great friends at Firehouse Theater Company have designated their Industry Night performance of “Little Women” as a benefit, with 100 percent of all proceeds donated to the Denver Actors Fund! This fast-paced Kate Hamill adaptation of the beloved Louisa May Alcott novel tells the story of Jo March with a new spin. Jo doesn’t want to be like other girls. She is ambitious, rough around the edges, headstrong and yearns for a future she can’t yet articulate. How do you stay true to yourself when the world wants you to become a perfect little woman? Directed by Kate Poling .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, DECEMBER 9 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 https://firehousetheatercompany.ticketspice.com/little-women

MONDAY, DEC. 16: Please join us for Town Hall Arts Center’s Industry Night performance of “Meredith Willson’s “Miracle on 34th Street: 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, DEC. 16 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.

MONDAY, DEC. 16: Please join us for Vintage Theatre’s Industry Night performance of “Black Nativity,” with 50 percent of all proceeds donated to The Denver Actors Fund! Please join us at 7:30 p.m. on MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 in the Nickelson Auditorium, 1468 Dayton St. And if you can’t join us on DAF Night, please support the companies that support us whenever you can. Tickets at vintagetheatre.org.

MONDAY JANUARY 20: Shifted Lens, a new Aurora-based community theater company, is donating 100 percent of proceeds from its January 20 performance of the black comedy “Kid Detective” to the Denver Actors Fund! Penny Pepper, aka the 10-year-old Kid Detective, is known for solving mysteries about missing lunch money and lost dogs. But when a serial killer slaughters all the other detectives in town, Penny gets promoted to the actual police force. Thank you to Artistic Director Lexie Lazear and all the cast and crew. This sounds like fun! Please join us on Monday, January 20!

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.

Sarah Wilhelm: $3,082

denveractorsfund@gmail.com — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 03:46:53 +0000

Denver Actors Fund uplifts artist from the ashes of a devastating car accident

About Sarah Wilhelm: Sarah has been singing and dancing in more than 40 productions in the Northern Colorado arts community since 2009, along with singing a Carnegie Hall premiere in New York. In that time, she has also stage managed and choreographed for nonprofit organizations and high schools in the area. Most recently, Sarah choreographed “Susannah” for Opera Fort Collins. Other credits as a singer, actor, dancer or choreographer include “Curtains” and “Jekyll & Hyde” for Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, and “Sherwood” for OpenStage.

Her medical story: In March of 2023, Sarah was rear-ended into oncoming traffic and T-boned, leaving her with six fractured ribs, a collapsed lung, a fractured collarbone, a partial tibial plateau fracture and meniscus tear – along with additional small fractures and head trauma. After surgery, she spent a month in the hospital and many months in a wheelchair, followed by physical therapy. “My overall goal is to be able to dance and perform again,” she said.

‘THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND KINDNESS ON THIS ROLLERCOASTER OF A JOURNEY.’

How we have helped: Sarah mostly kept up with her medical bills during the first year of her recovery, but eventually, she sought a little relief, and the Denver Actors Fund has paid off the $2,556.17 in medical bills Sarah has submitted for our consideration. That brings our overall support for Sarah to $3,082.

A message from Sarah: “A healing journey can be very lonely to navigate. A lot of determination (and tenacity) goes into a recovery like this. There has been a mix of joy and frustration every step of the way from something as simple as lifting a plate of food all the way to re-learning how to walk. It can be demanding to focus on regaining mobility of the body when you are inundated with financial concerns and faced with the decision on whether or not you can support the treatment necessary to one day return to the stage. The Denver Actors Fund reminds individuals like myself that we are not alone on our journey. This community encourages us and allows us to continue to move forward. There are not enough words to express my gratitude to the DAF. Thank you for your support and kindness on this rollercoaster of a journey.”

Sarah Wilhelm as Lucy and Joel Adam Chavez in ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’ for Up in Lights in Fort Collins.

Read testimonials from other Denver Actors Fund beneficiaries here, or click on a recent name below:

LINDA SUTTLE, $3,267

WARREN SHERRILL, $3,227

The Denver Actors Fund has now made $1,500,000 available to Colorado theatre artists.

Note: At The Denver Actors Fund, anonymity of aid recipients is presumed and fully protected, unless and until the recipient chooses to have their story told.

To apply for Denver Actors Fund aid: Fill out this brief online form here

HOW YOU CAN HELP US REPLENISH:

To DONATE the Denver Actors Fund, please CLICK HERE (with our humble thanks)

ABOUT THE DENVER ACTORS FUND:

Video above: The Denver Actors Fund presents the memorial video at the Colorado Theatre Guild’s 2023 Henry Awards.

The Denver Actors Fund is a 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 $1.5 million to more than 600 artists facing medical need. In addition to financial relief, a team of more than 100 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:

MORE WAYS TO HELP:

DONATE BY MAIL:

Send checks made out to the Denver Actors Fund to:
P.O. Box 11182
Denver, CO 80211

VOLUNTEER:

Ever thought about taking a more active role in The Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information

SHOP AT KING SOOPERS

DONATE YOUR CAR

VOLUNTEER:

Ever thought about taking a more active role in the Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information

COME TO THE EVENTS THAT SUPPORT US:

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THURSDAY, NOV. 14: Please welcome (and support!, a new Denver Actors Fund partner! Mile High Youth Theatre, which offers theater education for ages 4-18, will be hosting a DAF Night at its grungy, ’90s performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Thursday, Nov. 14. On that night only, all ticket sales and concession donations will go directly to the DAF. Says Artistic Director Bussy Gower: “I am a recipient of DAF’s generous support, so we are excited to give back to this incredible organization!” MHYT’s mission is to introduce young people to the arts while practicing empathy, curiosity, belonging, community, safety and accountability. Thank you, Bussy and Executive Director Christina Roberts! The show is at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at 940 Fillmore St. Tickets are $10-$15 at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/0e2991af-0f04-4ab4-817f-55858a8a04a1

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16: We are thrilled to announce our latest partnership with a new local theater company called Third Side Theatre Company, self-described as “a troupe of vagabond storytellers crafting unconventional theatre in and around Denver.” Third Side will conduct audience lobby collections for the Denver Actors Fund following at the 2:30 p.m. matinee performance of “The Old Man and The Old Moon” at the People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave., in Aurora. Cash, check and QR donations will be gratefully accepted. “The Old Man and The Old Moon,” written by the Pig Pen Theatre, is an an epic tale of an old man who must abandon his duties of filling up the moon with liquid light to cross the seas in search of his missing wife. What follows is an imaginative seafaring epic. (This is a remount of the Evergreen Players’ 2022 production.) Please plan to attend the 2:30 p.m. performance on Saturday, Nov. 16 in Aurora, and remember to throw some extra change in the bucket on your way out. Thank you to Board leaders Michal McDowell and Brian Dowling for supporting the Denver Actors Fund! Tickets at https://www.thepeoplesbuilding.com/the-old-man-and-the-old-moon#/productions-view. Thank you all!

AND PLAN MORE UPCOMING DAF NIGHTS AT THE TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER!

Monday January 27, 2025: “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”
Monday April 7, 2025: “Once: The Musical”
Monday, June 9, 2025: “On Your Feet: The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan”

PLAN YOUR UPCOMING DAF NIGHTS AT VINTAGE THEATRE!

Jan. 13, 2025: “Sisters of Swing”
Feb. 3, 2025: “She Kills Monsters”
March 3, 2025: “Guys & Dolls”
March 31, 2025: “Grand Horizons”

Linda Suttle: $3,267

John Moore — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:38:35 +0000

Denver Actors Fund helps brings the sound of sounds back to director and actor

About Linda Suttle: Actor and Director Linda Suttle has been lucky enough to have been acting and directing in the Denver theater community for many years. She has worked with many companies including the Country Dinner Playhouse, Town Hall Arts Center, Miners Alley Playhouse, Vintage Theatre, Theatre SilCo, Longmont Theatre Company, Evergreen Players and the Aurora Fox. Most recently she directed “Dear Jack, Dear Louise” for Bailey Theatre Company in August. Favorites roles have included Queen Eleanor in “The Lion in Winter,” Momma Rose in “Gypsy,” Nurse Ratched in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and Kate in “The Cripple of Inishman.” Directing projects have included “Lobby Hero,” “One Man, Two Guvnors, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Wait Until Dark” and “Twelve Angry Men.” Linda is super excited to be playing Mag in “The Beauty Queen of Leenane” for Invictus Theatre Co. in January 2025. At the beginning of 2020, she retired from the Littleton Police Department after 32 years as its Victim Services Coordinator.

Her initial story: Linda broke a tooth in 2021 and was hoping it could be taken care of with a filling. Instead, she had to have an emergency crown. After insurance, she was left with a bill of $1,609. The Denver Actors Fund paid it.

‘THIS IS SUCH A RELIEF, AND I APPRECIATE THE HELP MORE THAN I CAN POSSIBLY SAY.’

The next chapter: Linda was fitted with her first hearing aids five years ago after she retired from the Littleton Police Department. “Lately they have been buzzing and giving a lot of feedback, so I started looking into new ones.,” she said. “After doing the testing, I found my hearing had deteriorated quite a bit. Although Medicare and United Health Care would cover quite a bit, I was still looking at $2400 out of pocket, so, I contacted The Denver Actors Fund. DAF helped me once before with a broken tooth that required a crown, so I wasn’t sure about asking for help again, but John assured me that it would be OK to ask.” (IT IS!!!) “I just got my new hearing aids this week, and wow, what a difference! Speech is so much clearer, and sharper, I don’t have to ask “What?” all the time when I’m talking with people!”

How we have helped: In the end, Linda’s out-of-pocket obligation for her new hearing aids came to (just) $1,658, which the DAF has paid. The DAF has now provided Linda with $3,267 in overall assistance.

A message from Linda: “The Denver Actors Fund has helped so many of our theater folks with all kinds of medical issues over the past decade. It also has a separate Fund for assistance with expenses for pets, which is especially close to my heart. Please consider donating to the DAF. I do, whenever I can. Thanks again, DAF, for your help! I am so grateful, it’s such a relief, and I appreciate the help more than I can possibly say.”

Linda Suttle, center, in the Evergreen Players’ ‘The Cripple of Inishman.’ Photo by Ellen Nelson.

Read testimonials from other Denver Actors Fund beneficiaries here, or click on a recent name below:

WARREN SHERRILL, $3,227

The Denver Actors Fund has now made $1,500,000 available to Colorado theatre artists.

Note: At The Denver Actors Fund, anonymity of aid recipients is presumed and fully protected, unless and until the recipient chooses to have their story told.

To apply for Denver Actors Fund aid: Fill out this brief online form here

HOW YOU CAN HELP US REPLENISH:

To DONATE the Denver Actors Fund, please CLICK HERE (with our humble thanks)

ABOUT THE DENVER ACTORS FUND:

Video above: The Denver Actors Fund presents the memorial video at the Colorado Theatre Guild’s 2023 Henry Awards.

The Denver Actors Fund is a 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 $1.5 million to more than 600 artists facing medical need. In addition to financial relief, a team of more than 100 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:

MORE WAYS TO HELP:

DONATE BY MAIL:

Send checks made out to the Denver Actors Fund to:
P.O. Box 11182
Denver, CO 80211

VOLUNTEER:

Ever thought about taking a more active role in The Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information

SHOP AT KING SOOPERS

DONATE YOUR CAR

VOLUNTEER:

Ever thought about taking a more active role in the Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information

COME TO THE EVENTS THAT SUPPORT US:

strong>

AND PLAN MORE UPCOMING DAF NIGHTS AT THE TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER!

Monday January 27, 2025: “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”
Monday April 7, 2025: “Once: The Musical”
Monday, June 9, 2025: “On Your Feet: The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan”

PLAN YOUR UPCOMING DAF NIGHTS AT VINTAGE THEATRE!

Jan. 13, 2025: “Sisters of Swing”
Feb. 3, 2025: “She Kills Monsters”
March 3, 2025: “Guys & Dolls”
March 31, 2025: “Grand Horizons”

Warren Sherrill: $3,227

John Moore — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 17:08:54 +0000

When a routine test turned into a three-day hospital stay, director turned to Denver Actors Fund

Who we helped: Award-winning director Warren Sherrill was recently named the new associate artistic director and marketing manager at the Miners Alley Performing Arts Center in Golden. He directed MAP’s current hit musical “School of Rock,” running through Sept. 15, and his recent staging of “Misery” won two Henry Awards. Past Miners Alley shows include “Lend Me a Tenor,” “Lost in Yonkers,” “Frankie and Johnny in the Claire De Lune” and “Avenue Q.” He first made his mark in Denver as the co-founder of the critically acclaimed Paragon Theatre, which existed from 2002-12. Select acting credits include: “The Laramie Project” at the Arvada Center, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” with Boulder Ensemble Theatre and “Glengarry Glen Ross” for The Edge Theatre. He won a Denver Post Ovation Award for his work in Paragon’s “The Caretaker.”

Warren’s medical story: Recently, a doctor recommended that Warren undergo a preventative biopsy, a procedure that led to an infection necessitating a visit to the E.R., then a three-day hospital stay. After all of that, Warren was left with two out-of-pocket, post-insurance bills totaling $3,226.83.

How we helped: The Denver Actors Fund board approved paying the full amount due from Warren’s two medical bills, or 3,226.83.

‘THE SUPPORT I RECEIVED WAS A LIFELINE DURING A VERY CHALLENGING TIME FOR ME..’ – WARREN SHERRILL

A message from Warren: “As I was lying on that bed in the hospital room, I was frantically doing the math in my head trying to figure out how I was going to pay my bill – pretty much the last thing one should be doing while trying to recover. It’s easy to praise the DAF from afar but until something happens to you, it’s hard to imagine just how amazing they truly are. The support I received was a lifeline during a very challenging time for me, and I’m so incredibly grateful for their generosity and compassion. Thank you, DAF!”

Want to help us to replenish?: The overall Denver Actors Fund sent out more than $180,000 in medical relief in the first eight months of 2024 alone. If you would like to help us replenish so we we can keep helping other Colorado theater artists, simply mail checks in any amount made out to Denver Actors Fund, P.O. Box 11182, Denver, CO 80212. Or use this donation link, with our humble thanks.

Warren Sherrill in the Arvada Center’s 2023 ‘The Laramie Project.’ Amanda Tipton Photography.

Read testimonials from other Denver Actors Fund beneficiaries here, or click on a recent name below:

The Denver Actors Fund has now made $1,500,000 available to Colorado theatre artists.

Note: At The Denver Actors Fund, anonymity of aid recipients is presumed and fully protected, unless and until the recipient chooses to have their story told.

To apply for Denver Actors Fund aid: Fill out this brief online form here

HOW YOU CAN HELP US REPLENISH:

To DONATE the Denver Actors Fund, please CLICK HERE (with our humble thanks)

ABOUT THE DENVER ACTORS FUND:

Video above: The Denver Actors Fund presents the memorial video at the Colorado Theatre Guild’s 2023 Henry Awards.

The Denver Actors Fund is a 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 $1.5 million to more than 600 artists facing medical need. In addition to financial relief, a team of more than 100 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:

MORE WAYS TO HELP:

DONATE BY MAIL:

Send checks made out to the Denver Actors Fund to:
P.O. Box 11182
Denver, CO 80211

VOLUNTEER:

Ever thought about taking a more active role in The Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information

SHOP AT KING SOOPERS

DONATE YOUR CAR

VOLUNTEER:

Ever thought about taking a more active role in the Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information

COME TO THE EVENTS THAT SUPPORT US:

strong>

Johanna Jaquith and Abid Hassan in “Della Doucet.” RDG Photography.

MONDAY, SEPT. 16: Please join us for Vintage Theatre’s Industry Night performance of “Della Doucet,” with 50 percent of all proceeds donated to The Denver Actors Fund! This sparkling romantic comedy, written by Kirsten Dahl, was the winner of the company’s 2023 New Play Festival – with a prize including this fully staged world-premiere production! On the run from a military marriage, Southern-born Della struggles to find her way in the gritty New York art world of 1981. Content Awareness: Adult language, spousal abuse and references to sexual situations. Directed by Paul Jaquith. Please join us at 7:30 p.m. on SEPT. 16 in The Bond-Trimble Theatre. And if you can;t join us on DAF Night, please support the companies that support us whenever you can. “Della Doucet” plays Aug. 23-Sept. 22. Tickets at vintagetheatre.org.

PLAN YOUR UPCOMING DAF NIGHTS AT VINTAGE THEATRE!

Sept. 16: “Della Doucet”
Sept. 30: “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express”
Oct. 21: “Murder For Two”
Dec. 16: “Black Nativity”
Jan. 13, 2025: “Sisters of Swing”
Feb. 3, 2025: “She Kills Monsters”
March 3, 2025: “Guys & Dolls”
March 31, 2025: “Grand Horizons”

Marco Alberto Robinson and Anne Terze-Schwartz. Amanda Tipton Photography

SUPER-SATURDAY ‘WAITRESS’ SHIFTS: On Sept. 7 and 14, the Arvada Center will conduct audience lobby collections following the evening performances of “Waitress,” with star (and DAF recipient) Anne Terze-Schwarz speaking on our behalf. If you have yet to hear, the Arvada Center will be presenting the big-buzz Colorado premiere of this Tony Award-winning musical based on the breakout 2007 indie film. It’s about a waitress (and expert pie-maker) who is trapped in a small town and a rocky marriage until she discovers the power of friendship, chosen family and following your dreams. “Waitress,” directed by Lynne Collins, features original music and lyrics by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles. Please plan to attend on either Saturday, Sept. 7 or 14 and throw some extra change in the bucket on your way out. (Think of it as a tip!) Thank you to Anne, Lynne, Arvada Center reps Sarah Kolb and Leslie Simon, and the entire cast, crew and staff and volunteers for your support in this important effort! In the songwriting words of Sara Bareilles herself: “I can heal and I can breathe, because I can feel myself believe.”

The Arvada Center is located at 6901 Wadsworth Boulevard. Tickets at arvadacenter.org. Please choose Sept. 7 or 14. And if you can’t make it, support the Arvada Center’s effort by donating directly to coloradogives.org/organization/DenverActorsFund. If you can’t join us on DAF nights, be sure to check out “Waitress” on another night. It runs from Aug. 30-Oct.13.

MONDAY, SEPT. 30: Please join us for Town Hall Arts Center’s Industry Night performance of “Jersey Boys.” 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, SEPT. 30 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, Dec. 16: Meredith Willson’s “Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical”
Monday January 27, 2025: “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”
Monday April 7, 2025: “Once: The Musical”
Monday, June 9, 2025: “On Your Feet: The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan”

MONDAY, SEPT. 30: Please join us for Vintage Theatre’s Industry Night performance of “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express,” with 50 percent of all proceeds donated to The Denver Actors Fund! Ken Ludwig’s clever adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic boasts all the glamour, intrigue and suspense of the original, with a contemporary boost. Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks and by morning it is one passenger fewer. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – before they strike again. Directed by Bernie Cardell. Please join us at 7:30 p.m. on SEPT. 30 in the Nickelson Auditorium, 1468 Dayton St. And if you can’t join us on DAF Night, please support the companies that support us whenever you can. “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express” plays Sept. 20-Oct. 20. Tickets at vintagetheatre.org.

THURSDAY, OCT. 3: Our red-hot new friends at Two Cent Lion Theatre Company, coming off their first two Henry Awards, are embarking on their first-ever musical, “The Rocky Horror Show,” in collaboration with Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient, the largest and longest-running “Rocky Horror Picture Show” Shadow Cast in Colorado. “The Rocky Horror Show” is a queer cult classic, fitting in nicely with Two Cent Lion’s mission of putting LGBTQ+ stories in the spotlight. Showtime is 7 p.m. at The People’s Building, 9995 E. Colfax Ave., in Aurora. Lions Kevin, Gracie and Izzy will donate 50% of all proceeds that night to the Denver Actors Fund. It’s pay-what you can, with a suggested donation of $15-$45. Reserve your seats at thepeoplesbuilding.com. Remember to choose Oct. 3.

MONDAY, OCT. 14: Our wonderful friends at Firehouse Theater Company have designated their Industry Night performance of “The Girl on the Train” as a benefit for the Denver Actors Fund. Please join us at 7:30 p.m. MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 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.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16: A brand-new theater company called Beehive Productions, run by longtime local theater stalwarts Jalyn Webb and Bryan Bell, are launching with a Halloween-inspired production of “The Rocky Horror Show” that, in a twist on the norm, will perform only on Tuesday and Wednesday nights (plus Oct. 31) starting on Oct. 1 at The Denver Improv, located in The Shops at Northfield. In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet are corrupted/liberated by a transvestite scientist named Dr. Frank-N-Furter. On Wednesday, Oct. 16, Beehive will donate 50% of all proceeds from that night to the Denver Actors Fund. And here’s a fun twist: On DAF Night, actor and longtime DAF friend Carla Kaiser Kotrc will cede the role of The Narrator to Kenny Moten, a co-president of the DAF’s Board of Directors (and an award-winning performer and director in his own considerable right). Showtime is 7:30 p.m. at The Denver Improv, 8246 Northfield Blvd., Denver, 80238. (Come early for dinner starting at 6:15 p.m.) Reserve your seats at etix.com and remember to choose Oct. 16! Thank you, Jalyn, Bryan, Kenny and The Improv’s Chris Martin!

VISIT OUR ONLINE MERCH STORE:

Click here to see how you can buy DAF products such as T-shirts, key chains, puzzles and much more.

Jennasea Pearce: $4,588

John Moore — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 23:02:54 +0000

Jennasea Pearce in ‘The Sound Of Music’ for Parker Arts. Photo by Becky Toma.

Bella ‘n Jenna(sea): Two separate calls for help answered by the Denver Actors Fund!

Who we helped: Jennasea Pearce has been busy acting on Colorado stages since bursting on the scene in her 2021 True West Award-winning title turn in “The Lizzie Borden Musical” for Forge Light Theatreworks. As Lizzie, Jennasea decapitated pigeons, planned a poisoning and, of course, necessarily ended up drenched in blood. The Denver Gazette‘s John Moore wrote that Pearce “took to the challenge like Sweeney Todd to shaving cream. Only more (Patti) Smith than Sondheim.” (Pearce also designed the steampunk costumes.) She also appeared in BDT Stage’s final production, as Hodel in “Fiddler On the Roof,” before debuting at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in “The Secret Garden.” Next, she will appear as The Narrator in Performance Now’s “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat” from Sept. 6-22. Tickets at performancenow.org.

Jennasea’s medical story: Some scary symptoms recently sent Jennasea to the emergency room, which called for a CT scan as well as other expensive tests. Despite having what she describes as “decent” insurance (although we’re not so sure there is such a thing), she was stuck with an out-of-pocket bill totaling $3,884.10.

How we helped: The Denver Actors Fund board approved paying the full amount of Jennasea’s hospital bill. Combined with an earlier PAWS gift that helped Jennasea’s dog, Bella, through a leg injury, the DAF’s overall support for Jennasea to date is now $4,587.91.

‘I AM SO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL TO BE PART OF A COMMUNITY THAT TAKES CARE OF EACH OTHER.’ – JENNASEA PEARCE

A message from Jennasea: “I am so incredibly grateful to be part of a community that takes care of each other as well as we do here with The Denver Actors Fund. This is the second time I’ve received help from the DAF, first from the PAWS Fund for my sweet pup, and most recently for myself. I am so thankful.”

Want to help us to replenish?: The overall Denver Actors Fund sent out more than $160,000 in medical relief in the first seven months of 2024 alone. If you would like to help us replenish so we we can keep helping other Colorado theater artists, simply mail checks in any amount made out to Denver Actors Fund, P.O. Box 11182, Denver, CO 80212. Or use this donation link, with our humble thanks.

Jennasea Pearce was named a breakout star of 2021 by the True West Awards.

Read testimonials from other Denver Actors Fund beneficiaries here, or click on a recent name below:

The Denver Actors Fund has now made $1,500,000 available to Colorado theatre artists.

Note: At The Denver Actors Fund, anonymity of aid recipients is presumed and fully protected, unless and until the recipient chooses to have their story told.

To apply for Denver Actors Fund aid: Fill out this brief online form here

HOW YOU CAN HELP US REPLENISH:

To DONATE the Denver Actors Fund, please CLICK HERE (with our humble thanks)

ABOUT THE DENVER ACTORS FUND:

Video above: The Denver Actors Fund presents the memorial video at the Colorado Theatre Guild’s 2023 Henry Awards.

The Denver Actors Fund is a 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 $1.5 million to more than 600 artists facing medical need. In addition to financial relief, a team of more than 100 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:

MORE WAYS TO HELP:

DONATE BY MAIL:

Send checks made out to the Denver Actors Fund to:
P.O. Box 11182
Denver, CO 80211

VOLUNTEER:

Ever thought about taking a more active role in The Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information

SHOP AT KING SOOPERS

DONATE YOUR CAR

VOLUNTEER:

Ever thought about taking a more active role in the Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information

COME TO THE EVENTS THAT SUPPORT US:

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PLAN YOUR UPCOMING DAF NIGHTS AT VINTAGE THEATRE!

Sept. 16: “Della Doucet”
Sept. 30: “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express”
Oct. 21: “Murder For Two”
Dec. 16: “Black Nativity”
Jan. 13, 2025: “Sisters of Swing”
Feb. 3, 2025: “She Kills Monsters”
March 3, 2025: “Guys & Dolls”
March 31, 2025: “Grand Horizons”

PLAN YOUR UPCOMING DAF NIGHTS AT THE TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER!

Monday, Dec. 16: Meredith Willson’s “Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical”
Monday January 27, 2025: “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike”
Monday April 7, 2025: “Once: The Musical”
Monday, June 9, 2025: “On Your Feet: The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan”

VISIT OUR ONLINE MERCH STORE:

Click here to see how you can buy DAF products such as T-shirts, key chains, puzzles and much more.

Lindsey Pierce: $1,578

John Moore — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 17:07:27 +0000

The Denver Actors Fund helped local actor get out of town fast – and pain-free!

Who we helped: Lindsey Pierce has been acting on Colorado stages for more than 20 years and is an ensemble member of the Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company. She is presently nominated as outstanding supporting actress in a drama for her work in BETC’s “Coal Country. She also just appeared in UpstART Theater’s production of “Good People” in Ouray. She will be appearing in “Jane Eyre” with Grapefruit Lab in February 2025.

Lindsey’s medical story: Lindsey was in need of immediate dental work that was only going to get worse (and would require much more extensive treatment) if she waited.

How we helped: The Denver Actors Fund referred Lindsey to our partnering dentist, Dr. Brian Kelly DDS. After a free consultation, Brian referred Lindsey to an endodontist who said she needed a root canal. Lindsey had been quoted a price of $1,500 by her own dentist. Because Dr. Kelly, also a DAF board member, is committed only to working with dentists who are committed to ethical and fair pricing, the total cost of the work paid by the Denver Actors Fund to Endontics of Cherry Creek was $950. Including a previous dential issue in 2019, the DAF’s overall support to Lindsey Pierce to date is $1,578.

‘WITH GREAT RELIEF, I WAS ABLE TO LEAVE TOWN PAIN-FREE AND READY TO FOCUS ON MY ROLE IN THE SHOW.’ – LINDSEY PIERCE

A message from Lindsey: “At the start of this summer, I was experiencing severe pain and sensitivity in some of my teeth and about to leave town for a month-long project. After being informed that I needed to get a root canal and crown for a cracked tooth, I was doubtful I’d be able to get the work done in time and extremely worried that I was going to have to just ‘suck it up’ and be in a lot of pain for a while. But the Denver Actors Fund helped me out so fast! I was able to get in to see the dentist almost immediately and they helped me set up the rest. With great relief, I was able to leave town pain-free and ready to focus on my role in the show. I’m so grateful the DAF was there to help me in a tough spot and allow me to come out of treatment without a large debt. They covered all of my out-of-pocket expenses, and it was a huge load off my mind. I’m so grateful for this organization and the work they do!!”

Want to help us to replenish?: The overall Denver Actors Fund sent out more than $135,000 in medical relief in the first half of 2024 alone. If you would like to help us replenish so we we can keep helping other Colorado theater artists, simply mail checks in any amount made out to Denver Actors Fund, P.O. Box 11182, Denver, CO 80212. Or use this donation link, with our humble thanks.

Lindsey Pierce, center, with ‘Coal Country’ castmates Chris Kendall, left, and Mark Collins. Photo by Michael Ensminger for Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company.

Read testimonials from other Denver Actors Fund beneficiaries here, or click on a recent name below:

The Denver Actors Fund has now made $1,400,000 available to Colorado theatre artists.

Note: At The Denver Actors Fund, anonymity of aid recipients is presumed and fully protected, unless and until the recipient chooses to have their story told.

To apply for Denver Actors Fund aid: Fill out this brief online form here

HOW YOU CAN HELP US REPLENISH:

To DONATE the Denver Actors Fund, please CLICK HERE (with our humble thanks)

ABOUT THE DENVER ACTORS FUND:

Video above: The Denver Actors Fund presents the memorial video at the Colorado Theatre Guild’s 2023 Henry Awards.

The Denver Actors Fund is a 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 $1.4 million to more than 590 artists facing medical need. In addition to financial relief, a team of more than 100 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:

MORE WAYS TO HELP:

DONATE BY MAIL:

Send checks made out to the Denver Actors Fund to:
P.O. Box 11182
Denver, CO 80211

VOLUNTEER:

Ever thought about taking a more active role in The Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information

SHOP AT KING SOOPERS

DONATE YOUR CAR

VOLUNTEER:

Ever thought about taking a more active role in the Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information

COME TO THE EVENTS THAT SUPPORT US:

strong>

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11: Give 5 Productions has designated its Industry Night of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ as Denver Actors Fund Night. If you use code DAF10, you will receive 10 percent off tickets, and 10 percent of each ticket sold with this code will be donated to the DAF. “Hedwig” is an immersive, iconic, queer Broadway rock musical that runs Aug. 1-17 at The Arch at 3001 Walnut St. in RiNo. One-hour variety pre-show with Jessica L’Whor, circus and burlesque acts. Nightly costume contest with prizes. Theme: ’80s rock glam with East Berlin vibes. (Costumes not required for entry.) Tiockets at eventbrite.com.

MONDAY, AUGUST 12: Please join us for Miners Alley Playhouse’s Industry Night performance of “School of Rock,” based on the hit 2003 movie starring Jack Black. Our friends at Miners Alley are again donating ALL PROCEEDS from their big-buzz production to the DAF. This fun musical from Andrew Lloyd Webber follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school where he turns straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. Starring John Hauser and directed by Warren Sherrill. On this night only, $47 tickets can be yours for only $23! Call 303-935-3044 or choose your own seats at minersalley.com/shows. Be sure to choose Aug. 12 as your performance date. Since 2014, MAP has generated more than $64,000 in donations to The Denver Actors Fund through evenings just like this one. Thank you to all involved, including Len Matheo, Lisa DeCaro, Jonathan Scott-Mckean, cast, crew, creatives and staff. We love you, Miners Alley Playhouse! If you plan to go see this great show, please consider joining us at 7:30 p.m. on MONDAY, AUG. 12 The (new!) Miners Alley Playhouse is located at 1100 Miners Alley in Golden.

MONDAY AUGUST 19: Shifted Lens Theatre Company, a brand new Aurora-based community theater, is about to present its first show, “Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical,” and it is designating its Industry Night performance as a DAF benefit with ALL PROCEEDS (except bar) going to the DAF. Based on the hit movie, “Cruel Intentions” pulls you into the manipulative world of two diabolically charming step-siblings who place a bet on whether or not the boy can destroy the innocence of their incoming headmaster’s daughter. The score features throwback hits by Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, REM, *NSYNC, and, of course, Britney Spears. Tickets normally $29 are $20 on DAF night with code Industry19 at onthestage.tickets Thank you, Lexie Lazea, cast and crew.

VISIT OUR ONLINE MERCH STORE:

Click here to see how you can buy DAF products such as T-shirts, key chains, puzzles and much more.

Miranda Guettlein: $500 (PAWS Fund)

John Moore — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 21:33:55 +0000

Meet the Denver Actors Fund’s 600th individual aid recipient: Miranda Guettlein and her dog, Charlie!

Who we helped: Miranda Guettlein, dialect coach for StageDoor Theatre’s current production of “Sweeney Todd” in Conifer, is a Knight-Thompson Speechwork (KTS)-certified voice, speech and accents teacher. Miranda is a member of the Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA) and the editor-in-chief of its academic journal, “The Voice and Speech Review.” She has a master’s degree in linguistics from CU Boulder, a bachelor’s degree in inguistics from Regis University, and taught voice and speech at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Previous coaching credits include “A Murder on the Orient Express,” “The Pirates of Penzance,” “Titanic,” “The Scarlet Pimpernel” and “Noises Off.” She was born in Arvada, graduated from Ralston Valley High and now lives in Fort Collins. Her companies as an actor and dialect coach have spanned The Candlelight, Town Hall Arts Center, Evergreen Players, OpenStage, Firehouse Theatre Company and more.

Bonus bio! Miranda’s dog, Charlie, is a 9-year-old Australian Cattle Dog. She was rescued from the Humane Society of Boulder Valley in 2016 when her mom “just went to pet some dogs” during her last week of college. Since then, Charlie has completed puppy school, gone on lots of adventures, and worked to overcome her anxiety and rough puppyhood. She most enjoys spending time with her mom and her Christopher, and taking care of her “rat baby.”

Charlie’s medical story: Charlie had to have emergency dental surgery to remove 12 teeth – and for a dog, dental health is the window to overall health. Doctors found that the roots of many of Charlie’s teeth were eroding. The procedure came to nearly $1,500, wiping out Miranda’s savings

How we helped: The Denver Actors Fund Board unanimously approved a $500 grant – the most allowed in any 12-month period to a PAWS Fund recipient.

‘NOTHING CAN DEMONSTRATE THE MAGNITUDE OF THE DENVER ACTORS FUND’S CARE FOR THIS COMMUNITY BETTER THAN ITS CREATION OF THE PAWS FUND.’ – MIRANDA GUETTLEIN

A message from Miranda: “I don’t think that anything could demonstrate the magnitude of care that the Denver Actors Fund has for its community better than the creation of the PAWS Fund. They made it so accessible to ask for and receive support, even if you’re the kind of person who hates asking for help. Charlie means the world to me, and it’s such a massive relief to know that she is now healthy and pain-free, and that I didn’t have to bear the burden of the massive unexpected cost on my own. Thank you, donors and DAF, from both of us! Support local theater, the artists who create it, and the pets who keep them sane by donating to the DAF, and by seeing productions that give a portion of their funds to keep the mission going!”

LOW FUNDING ALERT: DONATE TODAY TO KEEP THE PAWS FUND GOING!

What is up with the PAWS Fund?: The PAWS Fund is a 1-year-old separate fund administered by the Denver Actors Fund to help qualified Colorado theater artists (both on- and off-stage) with sudden veterinary medical expenses. It launched in May 2023 with $35,000 in seed money that, with your kind donations, has grown into a 67,000 fund. Problem is, about $64,300 of that already has been distributed to qualified applicants. The leaves the the PAWS Fund with a present remaining balance of just $2,752. If designated donations to the PAWS Fund continue to come in, the PAWS Fund will continue. If not, it will expire whenever the balance is gone. If you would like to help us keep it going, simply mail checks in any amount made out to Denver Actors Fund, P.O. Box 11182, Denver, CO 80212. Please write “PAWS Fund” in the memo field. Or use this donation link, with our humble thanks. When you donate online, be sure to use the pull-down menu that gives you the option to specifically designate your donation to the PAWS Fund by choosing “Domestic Animal Medical.” Otherwise, as always, your donation will go to the General Fund and will be reserved for our primary mission, which is paying qualified applicants’ own (human!) medical bills.

Help us to replenish?: The overall Denver Actors Fund sent out more than $108,000 in medical relief in the first five months of 2024 alone. If you would like to help us replenish so we we can keep helping other Colorado theater artists, simply mail checks in any amount made out to Denver Actors Fund, P.O. Box 11182, Denver, CO 80212. Or use this donation link, with our humble thanks.

Read testimonials from other Denver Actors Fund beneficiaries here, or click on a recent name below:

The Denver Actors Fund has now made $1,400,000 available to Colorado theatre artists.

Note: At The Denver Actors Fund, anonymity of aid recipients is presumed and fully protected, unless and until the recipient chooses to have their story told.

To apply for Denver Actors Fund aid: Fill out this brief online form here

Kayleigh Bernier and Ali Chung in “Legally Blonde,” now playing at the PACE Center in Parker. The dialect coach is Miranda Guettlein. Photo by Becky Toma.

HOW YOU CAN HELP US REPLENISH:

To DONATE the Denver Actors Fund, please CLICK HERE (with our humble thanks)

ABOUT THE DENVER ACTORS FUND:

Video above: The Denver Actors Fund presents the memorial video at the Colorado Theatre Guild’s 2023 Henry Awards.

The Denver Actors Fund is a 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 $1.4 million to more than 590 artists facing medical need. In addition to financial relief, a team of more than 100 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:

MORE WAYS TO HELP:

DONATE BY MAIL:

Send checks made out to the Denver Actors Fund to:
P.O. Box 11182
Denver, CO 80211

VOLUNTEER:

Ever thought about taking a more active role in The Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information

SHOP AT KING SOOPERS

DONATE YOUR CAR

VOLUNTEER:

Ever thought about taking a more active role in the Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information

COME TO THE EVENTS THAT SUPPORT US:

MONDAY, JULY 8: Our wonderful friends at Firehouse Theater Company have designated their Industry Night performance of “Othello 2024” as a benefit for the Denver Actors Fund. Misinformation. PTSD. Betrayal. Deep fakes. A play written 420 years ago is as relevant as ever. This version, adapted by Greg Sherman and Gregory Wolfe, features Kelly Uhlenhopp as the wicked Iago, and her director is her husband, Andrew. Please join us at 7:30 p.m. MONDAY, JULY 8 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.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11: Give 5 Productions has designated its Industry Night of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ as Denver Actors Fund Night. Use code DAF10 for 10 percent off tickets, and 10 percent of each ticket sold with this code will be donated to the DAF. (Psst: This code is good for all performances). “Hedwig” is an immersive, iconic, queer Broadway rock musical that runs Aug. 1-17, at Herman’s Hideaway, 1578 S. Broadway. One-hour variety pre-show with Jessica L’Whor, circus and burlesque acts. Nightly costume contest with prizes. Theme: ’80s rock glam with East Berlin vibes. (Costumes not required for entry.) Tiockets at eventbrite.com.

VISIT OUR ONLINE MERCH STORE:

Click here to see how you can buy DAF products such as T-shirts, key chains, puzzles and much more.

Melanie Mayner: $4,170

John Moore — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 20:09:20 +0000

Denver Actors Fund helps former Colorado Theatre Guild president through year-long dental odyssey

About Melanie Mayner: Melanie Mayner has been a constant presence in the Colorado theater community for almost 35 years. She was publicist for numerous companies over the years, served as president of the Colorado Theatre Guild and produced several plays and musicals. She also worked with Phamaly Theatre Company for 18 years in many capacities, including production manager and later executive director. In retirement, Melanie returned to the creative side of theatermaking last year as Properties Designer for the Wheat Ridge Theater Company’s “The Woman in Black.” Melanie received a lifetime achievement award from the Colorado Theatre Guild’s Henry Awards and continues to support organizations across the Front Range in various ways.

DONATE TODAY TO KEEP THE DENVER ACTORS FUND GOING STRONG!

Melanie’s medical story: Melanie has been through a very long dental odyssey that has included two emergency surgeries and two implants. But after a sudden and difficult job elimination, Melanie was left with no severance, little income and no dental insurance.

A scene from the Wheat Ridge Theatre Company’s ‘Woman in Black’ in October 2023.

How we have helped: The Denver Actors Fund’s partnering dentist, Dr. Brian Kelly, has directly overseen Melanie’s journey for nearly a year. He has conducted some of the work himself but, because he does not do surgeries himself, he set Melanie up with the surgical team of Nelson & Welles, which charged the Denver Actors Fund a slightly reduced rate. All work done by Dr. Kelly is his in-kind donation to the Denver Actors Fund, or about 50 percent of the street value of his treatment. The other 50 percent is paid by the DAF to Hakala Family Dentistry, which makes its facilities and staff available for Dr. Kelly to do his work. Melanie’s medical journey is not yet finished but, to date, the DAF has paid out $4,710 toward her dental care – a figure that will rise once we learn what Dr. Kelly’s in-kind donation comes to, and our matching obligation to Hakala Family Dentistry. Last year, Melanie designated her birthday as a fundraiser for the DAF, and in doing so raised $415 for our PAWS Fund. While we neither ask nor expect our recipients to pay back anything they receive from the DAF, we are grateful to report that Melanie is also now a monthly donor! Learn how you can join her at coloradogives.org/organization/DenverActorsFund

‘THE COLORADO THEATER COMMUNITY IS SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE THE DENVER ACTORS FUND AS A RESOURCE.’ – MELANIE MAYNER

A message from Melanie: “As a longtime supporter of the Denver Actors Fund, I never dreamed the time would come when I would need their assistance to cover a dental emergency. Yet, following a layoff during COVID and having my income cut in half, I needed help – and the DAF willingly stepped up to help me. I am humbled and so grateful to have a resource like DAF to help me and others get through challenging times. The Colorado theater community is so fortunate to have this resource, and I hope people continue to support their efforts for many years to come. Thank you to all the donors, the Denver Actors Fund, and to Dr. Brian Kelly for helping me when I didn’t have the resources to help myself.”

The Denver Actors Fund has now made $1,400,000 available to Colorado theater artists.

Note: At the Denver Actors Fund, anonymity of aid recipients is presumed and fully protected, unless and until the recipient chooses to have his or her story told. Read testimonials from other Denver Actors Fund beneficiaries here, or click on a recent name below:

MIRANDA GUETTLEIN, $500

Note: At The Denver Actors Fund, anonymity of aid recipients is presumed and fully protected, unless and until the recipient chooses to have their story told.