A Legacy to Last a Lifetime
Before the performance begins today, notice the changes to the Roe Green Theatre (formerly the University Theatre). If you’ve visited before, you’ll note that as of last summer, there are new cosmetic upgrades to the theatre interior, making the space more welcoming than ever before.
During the performance, close your eyes for just a moment. You’ll notice the sound in the space is remarkably improved, where even the most intimate moments on stage can now be captured from the furthest reaches of the balcony.
These improvements are courtesy of a record-breaking $5 million gift from Roe Green herself, $2 million of which went specifically to an acoustic overhaul of the indoor theatre. With her gift, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and its academic partner CU Theatre & Dance are now capable of creating total theatrical magic inside this room.
But the university isn’t resting on its laurels. An overhaul of the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre and its surrounding building is already in progress.
“This is a big transition moment for the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and for the University of Colorado. Both of our theatres are going through massive multi-million dollar renovations in the span of a couple of years,” says Producing Artistic Director Tim Orr.
The More Things Change…
Construction is underway to renovate the century-old Hellems Arts & Sciences building. Hellems was the first campus building designed by Charles Z. Klauder in the Tuscan Vernacular style the university is so well known for. An initial section of the building was completed in 1921, and its east and west wings were added in 1937, forming a courtyard around the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre.
“For most of its history, the Rippon has existed as somewhat of a secret garden in the center of its facility,” says Jon Dunkle, CSF Production Manager. “You would be forgiven for having classes in that building for four years straight and still never knowing the Rippon existed.”
The next iteration of Hellems will place the iconic flagstone amphitheatre in the spotlight.
“Now, walking into the building, our patrons will be greeted with a new entryway and spacious lobby, featuring large windows looking out onto the space where you’ll soon enjoy the show.”
Dunkle has been working closely with the university throughout the outdoor renovation process. While Hellems has been redesigned primarily with students in mind, CU has welcomed input from festival leadership to ensure the building’s upgrades support the theatre lying at its heart.
In addition to the lobby, the interior renovation will include necessary upgrades to audience spaces like the restrooms. Impactful changes are coming outdoors, too, with the addition of large terraces behind the seating arena, an indoor cafe counter and improved accessibility features for audience safety.
…The More They Stay the Same
With so much change, it would be easy to assume the Rippon will lose some of its signature magic. Not to worry: The Tuscan style and flagstones have been preserved. The Boulder Flatirons aren’t going anywhere. Most importantly, the experience of enjoying the classics under the stars will be the same—or better—than before.
“You will still enter a beautiful outdoor amphitheatre with mountains in the background and gorgeous scenery in front of you. The costumes, the scenic design, the performances will be the same. And when you come back from intermission, you will still experience the sundown transformation when the stage lights come on in the cooler evening air,” Dunkle shares.
Much like its approach to Shakespeare’s work itself, the festival intends to honor the Rippon’s history, while also recognizing that it must speak to who we are today, serving the needs of audiences and artists in the 21st century and beyond.
“Theater evolves with time and with the people who work in it. Throughout this project, one of the things I have been endlessly fascinated with is looking back at the photographic history of our theatre.
“What did the experience feel like in 1958? In 1971 or 1995? In the beginning, plays were performed on the lawn. Eventually we added the stage and trusses. As the company has evolved and as American theatre and technical practices have evolved, the space has evolved, too.”
Help Protect the Magic
Rich poetry, sweeping pathos, supernatural adventures—these are hallmarks of Shakespeare’s legacy.
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s legacy has always been its superior artistic quality and its relationship with our surrounding community, be that on campus, in Boulder, or across the industry. None of which would be possible without the philanthropy of donors like Roe Green.
“Like all performing arts organizations, ticket sales only cover a portion of CSF’s annual operating costs. Annual giving from individuals funds the gap,” says Assistant Dean of Advancement Andrew Todd.
“There is a direct correlation between high-caliber artistic productions and philanthropic support. The greater the investment from individuals, the more festival leadership can continue the current upward trajectory of this national festival. And that’s what really sets the festival apart as a crown jewel in our presenting arts constellation.”
While audience members may not be architects, you too share the power to transform the arts on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, Todd says.
There are giving opportunities at every level, whether you make your first small, annual contribution today, name a seat inside the Roe Green Theatre, or donate to one of the festival’s important educational programs that impact our relationship with the community, like the touring Shakespeare & Violence Prevention school program.
“The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is approaching 70 years old. The indoor renovation and outdoor refresh will keep us relevant and performing here for 70 years more,” Orr said. “But there’s more to ensuring a legacy than renovating our spaces.
“We hope you’ll join the growing chorus of support that can ensure world-class performances continue for the next century.”
To make a gift to the Colorado Shakespeare Festival today, visit cupresents.org/csfgiving