Brenda Billings, a well-known member of the Denver-area theater community, died April 13 of complications from a brain hemorrhage. She was 57.
Billings was the co-artistic director at Miners Alley Playhouse since 2013 and a longtime contributor to Colorado’s nonprofit community. She served on the board of the Colorado Children’s Chorale and was active in fundraising for the Denver School of the Arts and The Evergreen Players.
She was conducting auditions at the time of the hemorrhage.
The , a nonprofit offering “situational medical support” for members of the local theater community, named Billings president last summer. According to her , “from stage management and directing to acting, dancing and singing — she is most at home in the theatre.”
Billings was the daughter of the Evergreen Players’ and part of a multigenerational theater family. In fact, daughter Jacquie Jo Billings and her fiancé, Cody Schulyer, are currently in the classic comedy “You Can’t Take it With You” at Miners Alley, directed by daughter Jamie Billings. Jamie Billings, who performed in the national touring production of “Spring Awakening,” has been working in the theater in London but will stay in town to direct the upcoming “Little Shop of Horrors” at Miners Alley in her mother’s place.
The comedy “You Can’t Take It With You” went on as planned this weekend.
“That’s what Brenda would have wanted without a doubt,” said co-artistic director Len Mateo. “Brenda believed theater could change the world by connecting us through music, story and love. We are continuing that tradition because the show must go on.”
Billings is survived by her husband, Jim Billings; their children, Jessica, Jacquie Jo, Jamie and Brady; grandchild Liam (son of Jessica and Will Barnette); her brother, Tag Worley; her mother, Ruthie Barker, and stepfather, Bob Barker of Kansas; and nephews Tucker Worley of New York and Dylan Worley of Florida.
A memorial gathering in Billings’ honor will be held from 1-9 p.m. Sunday at Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St. in Aurora. The bar will be open, with all proceeds benefiting Miners Alley Playhouse. Donations to the Denver Actors Fund also will be accepted.
Additionally, a celebration of Billings’ life will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Denver School of the Arts, 7111 Montview Blvd. in Denver.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Miners Alley Playhouse or The Denver Actors Fund.
Joanne Ostrow: 303-954-1830, jostrow@denverpost.com or @ostrowdp
