The DU theatre professor joins to talk about the value of theatre training, plus Greener Theatre Colorado with Megan Holdeman and our Top 10 Colorado Headliners

In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, Alex and Toni are joined by special guest host Anne Penner. The well-known actor, director and professor of theatre at the University of Denver weighs in on the many benefits of theatre education — whatever career you may end up in. Check out The Actor’s Mind podcast, which Anne hosts with Kateri McRae.

Later in the episode, Alex chats with Meagan Holdeman, founder of Greener Theatre Colorado. The organization looks to help state theatres reduce their waste, recycle things like set pieces, props and more and to mobilize and organize the performing arts community toward climate-positive practices.

Anne Penner headshot

Anne Penner

And as uzh (yoozh?), we run down our Top 10 Colorado Headliners — upcoming shows to keep an eye out for on Colorado stages. This week’s list:

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On Stage Colorado Podcast Episode Chapters

Introduction

  • 00:00 – 00:21: Opening and welcome with hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca, introduction of special guest Anne Penner

Recent Show Reviews

  • 02:16 – 05:41: Discussion of “Baskerville” at Lone Tree
  • 05:41 – 06:23: Review of “Grand Horizons” at Vintage Theatre
  • 06:23 – 08:17: Review of “Perfect Arrangement” at Firehouse Theater
  • 08:17 – 09:09: Discussion of “The Matriarchy” comedy show at Rise Comedy
  • 09:09 – 11:07: Anne Penner’s review of “Downstate” at Curious Theatre
  • 11:07 – 13:34: Discussion of “John Proctor is the Villain” play
  • 13:34 – 14:34: Review of “Twelfth Night” by Bulls with the Bard at Coffee Joint
  • 14:34 – 16:04: Toni’s visit to Nocturne Jazz Club

News & Updates

  • 16:27 – 17:50: News about Lafayette’s Arts Hub Theater renovation
  • 17:50 – 19:56: Discussion of April Fool’s theater promotions
  • 20:02 – 23:47: Update on NEA economic impact data for arts and culture industry

Main Topic: Theater Education with Anne Penner

  • 24:09 – 26:11: Anne’s background in theater education
  • 26:11 – 32:28: Discussion of theater skills valuable for non-theater careers
  • 32:28 – 39:38: Value of liberal arts education and transferable theater skills
  • 39:38 – 42:02: How theater experience contributes to professional development
  • 42:02 – 45:31: Advice for theater students regarding the industry
  • 45:31 – 47:56: Discussion of Anne’s recent and upcoming projects

Upcoming Shows & Headliners

  • 52:22 – 59:58: Top 10 Colorado Headliners (upcoming shows)
  • 52:35 – 53:03: Annie at Jester’s Dinner Theater in Longmont
  • 53:34 – 54:00: Bright Star at Candlelight in Johnstown
  • 54:10 – 54:47: The Wiz at Denver Center
  • 54:57 – 55:59: Ballet Masterworks by Colorado Ballet
  • 55:59 – 56:26: Collecting Myself at Roaming Gnome Theatre
  • 56:40 – 57:09: Little Shop of Horrors at Denver Center and Steel City Theater Company
  • 57:09 – 58:14: Doubt: A Parable at Springs Ensemble Theater
  • 58:14 – 58:57: The White Chip at Betsy (Boulder Ensemble Theater Company)
  • 58:57 – 59:58: Live! An Evening of Dance with Third Law at Dairy Arts Center

Interview with Megan Holdeman of Greener Theater Colorado

  • 1:00:11 – 1:06:46: Origin and mission of Green Theater Colorado
  • 1:06:46 – 1:10:52: Climate impacts specific to performing arts industry
  • 1:10:52 – 1:13:06: Green Theater Colorado’s initiatives and success stories
  • 1:13:06 – 1:16:28: Discussion of sustainability challenges and inspirational examples
  • 1:16:28 – 1:19:18: Future goals for Colorado’s performing arts sustainability
  • 1:19:18 – 1:21:25: Advice for smaller theaters with limited resources
  • 1:21:25 – 1:24:05: Green certification programs and recognition
  • 1:24:05 – 1:25:46: Importance of sustainability messaging in theaters

Closing

  • 1:25:52 – 1:28:12: Wrap-up and preview of next week’s podcast