WHEAT RIDGE —You shouldn’t have to be an experienced thespian to have an opportunity to get on stage and perform in local theater.
That was the philosophy Cindy Troup and two other Jeffco parents had 18 years ago when they started theater productions so their nine kids and anyone else could have fun and do something different without a full-time commitment.
“Our classes meet about one time per week; with a lot of activities, students have to declare it as their goal in life, and our mission is to avoid that,” Troup said.
The first classes and performances were held in church basements, schools and fellowship halls across Lakewood and Arvada.
Almost two decades later, the Actors Company and Theater School, known as Colorado ACTS . The nonprofit was forced out of the Arvada Plaza, 9460 W. 58th Ave. in Arvada last year
“The biggest challenge now is getting seats filled to each performance,” Troup said, noting the new location is smaller and in a more industrial area.
Then, as now, members scrimp and save by building their own sets and costumes and rely on strong local support along with students who return year after year.
Actors don’t audition to see if they’ll be in the performance; that’s a given. Instead, they audition for roles, which are tailored as much as possible to make all parts equal in a low-stress, fun environment.
“We’re not doing Bible shows — we don’t preach or teach but want students to come have a safe place where they can be themselves, be creative and feel supported,” Troup said.
Colorado ACTS has grown from one class every six months to constantly juggling multiple productions for almost 30 performance runs a year. The 250 actors involved at any given time range in age from 7 to 70, performing children’s shows, murder mysteries and musicals.
“We’re going to teach them everything they need to know, whether it’s singing or dancing or acting a character on stage,” said board president Cindy Oury.
Decked out in full costume, 13-year-old Clare Edmundson took a break from “Snow White” rehearsals last week and talked about why she’s signed up for classes four years in a row.
“My favorite part is coming here and making friends and being around people I can trust,” Edmunson said.
Lauriel Miranda, 21, said she’s been performing with Colorado ACTS since before she could walk. Not surprising, considering she’s Troup’s daughter.
“It’s such a fun experience, and the people you meet are so incredible and make you feel like you’re home,” Miranda said. “The opportunity to get on stage and be someone completely new is such a fun experience.”
The group also performs in Jeffco elementary schools, exposing youngsters to theater.
“They’ve performed here the last three years, and they truly are amazing,” said Chris Nielson, the principal’s secretary at Peck Elementary. “They really meet the needs of the students in a fun way, and it’s free. It’s just a big deal for our kids.”
Austin Briggs: 303-954-1729, abriggs@denverpost.com or twitter.com/abriggs
Colorado acts
For more information or to purchase tickets for an upcoming show, visit or call 303-456-6772.
