The Lakewood Cultural Center

As people find out that I work in the theatre community, there is one question I get all time. “I didn’t know there was so much theatre in Denver. What are your favorite places to go?” I’m constantly amazed at how many people still don’t realize just how much smaller theatre there is in this fine city. Yes, the Denver Center and the Arvada Center put up some excellent theater and not to take anything away from them, but the majority of people still don’t know about the rest. So, in an attempt to help you theatre-newbies out there find some new places to go, I present my list of the top 5 hidden gems of Denver Theatres. This isn’t a show review, this is more about the space itself. The stage, the staff, the parking, nearby dining, and ticket prices all went into my choices. Disagree with me? Feel free to let me know in the comments below.

5. Shadow Theatre
About: Shadow Theatre was built in 2008, and it is a warm and welcoming theatre space that is incredibly inviting. The theatre seats 136, so it’s a large but still intimate space. The lobby is also very beautiful with a small bar that is run by an incredibly kind and warm staff.
Dining: Located near Colfax and Dayton, there aren’t a lot of great options within walking distance, but its centrally located enough that there are a number of restaurants that are certainly within a short drive.
Parking: Parking can be difficult here, they have 2 small lots on either side of the theatre, and those do fill up quickly.
Who performs here: Shadow Theatre Company is the only African American theatre company within Colorado.
Prices: Tickets range from $10 to $20 and are usually very affordable

4. Lakewood Cultural Center
About: The Lakewood Cultural Center is hidden behind Alameda and Wadsworth near the Belmar area of Lakewood. If you didn’t know it was there, you’ve probably driven past it a hundred times and not realized the little gem that was nestled behind that strip mall. This is the largest of the “small” theatres, and has a large but welcoming house. There isn’t a bad seat to be had, its very comfortable, and the staff is always friendly.
Dining: Of course their proximity to Belmar means there are so many excellent dining options for before and after the show that it would be difficult not to find a place nearby to enjoy some pre or post-show munchies.
Who performs there: Performance Now Theatre Company makes its home here, as does a number of children’s theater companies and other dance companies.
Parking: Parking at the Lakewood Cultural Center is ample, they have a large lot and I’ve never had trouble finding a space that was close.
Prices: Prices here can be a little higher than the average small theatre. They range from $10 to $80 depending on the show and/or concert.

3. The Bug Theatre
About: The Bug Theatre remains one of my favorite places in Denver. (Full disclosure: I work here quite a lot, but before I ever started working here, I always loved this venue) The Bug was built in 1912 as a nickelodeon movie house and has survived many different incarnations before the current owners renovated the building in 1994. The Bug is a larger space, seating close to 200 people so it is advised to get there early for the best seats. What I love the most about The Bug is their philosophy about creating and taking risks. You can see film, theatre, comedy, dance, and so many other different things here.
Dining: There are many different options near-by, but my favorite is still Patsy’s Inn Italian restaurant located directly across the street.
Parking: There is a free lot located across the street and plenty of free on-street parking
Who performs there: The Bug is home to many different companies from film to theatre. They also have their own events such as their open-mic night called Freak Train and their Emerging Filmmakers series.
Prices: Prices here are usually set by the company that is presenting the show, but they range from $5 to $20 and are usually very affordable
 
2. Miners Alley Playhouse
About: Miners Alley Playhouse is located in downtown Golden. It is the perfect example of Colorado and Theatre. They have a large welcoming lobby with a full bar, run by a very friendly and warm staff. The lobby comes complete with a beautiful view of the mountains that you simply must take a minute to enjoy before you enter the theatre. The stage itself is a ¾ configuration, which brings a different view to many productions here. This is also a smaller house, and the audience is given a very close and intimate view of the action on stage.
Dining: Downtown Golden seems to close a bit early, but there are several dining options along Washington street, where the theatre is located.
Who performs there: Miners Alley Playhouse has its own award-winning resident theatre company
Parking: There is a large lot located directly behind the theatre
Prices: Miners Alley has just announced a change in their pricing. They have decided to offer reserved seating with three different price levels - $19, $22, and $26.50

1. John Hand Theater
About: The John Hand Theater is another hidden gem. Located in Lowry near 1st and Quebec in the Colorado Free University complex, this is probably the hardest to find space on this list. It is also the most worth it. This is a small theatre, seating about 70 people, and the intimacy of the space brings theatre patrons closer to the action than many other theaters. The seats are also arranged so there isn’t a bad seat in the house, and the staff is always extremely friendly.
Dining: They are located near the Lowry shops at 1st and Quebec, so there is limited options, but the Tavern at Lowry is always an excellent choice. They have a great value menu after 10 PM and the drinks are always plentiful.
Who performs there: Spotlight Theatre Company and Firehouse Theater Company share this space.
Parking: There is a very large parking lot right in front of the theatre, so there is certainly no need to worry about parking here.
Prices: Prices for Spotlight and Firehouse productions are always very affordable. They range from $15 to $20.