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Christopher Alleman
Producing Artistic Director
Incorporated March 10, 1993, The Lake Dillon Foundation for the Performing Arts (LDFPA) was founded to raise funds for a capital expansion project for the Lake Dillon Amphitheater and subsequently produce a free summer concert series now known as the Sunset at the Summit Concert Series. After a successful capital campaign, the organization expanded to include a chamber concert series, a youth educational series now called the Youth Theatre Workshop, and an amateur theater company now operating as a professional, regional theatre.
In 1995, the Black Coffee Theatre joined with the LDFPA and became The Lake Dillon Theatre Company (LDTC). Soon after, the LDTC moved into a historic building built in 1899 that once served as Dillon Town Hall. The LDTC added a lobby, a workshop, and lighting booth. In 2002, the LDTC hired its first full-time employee, an Artistic/Executive Director. Fundraising efforts in 2003 enabled the company to expand its lobby and a lighting booth, upgrade audience bathroom facilities, and add office space, a dressing room and a green room.
In the last decade, the LDTC has grown from a seasonal community theatre to a financially and artistically successful year-round professional theatre company. The LDTC season pass holder and donor bases increased almost 500% from 2006 to 2014. Through ongoing partnerships with The Summit Foundation, the LDTC is the most visible and patronized year round arts organization in Summit County.
In recent years, the LDTC has experienced strategic, steady growth. Total earned revenues and contributions have grown from $457,759 in 2008 to $1,090,743 in 2014. Year-round staff has expanded from one and a half in 2008 to a full time staff of nine in 2015, including an Executive Director position created in 2010 and a Director of Development position created in 2012.
In 2012, the Board of Directors and senior staff drafted a strategic plan outlining several goals including increased community programming, increased financial stability, and eventual expansion into a larger location. Since then, the organization has worked diligently to implement the goals outlined in the strategic plan.
Today, the LDTC has achieved a 16-member Board of Directors, a full-time staff of eight, an enthusiastic volunteer base, and a growing season pass holder program. Since January 2016, more than 2200 new patrons have been added to our list of growing supporters. Most importantly, our community of donors has demonstrated its enthusiasm through the continued contributed support of our programs and operations.
In December 2019, the LDTC successfully completed the capital campaign for our new home with generous support from longtime LDTC patrons and friends Valerie Williams and Chuck Lenzmeier, renaming the largest venue in the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center the CVA Flex Theatre in honor of Valerie, Chuck, and their daughter Anna.
In March 2020, the LDTC, like nearly all performance-based businesses, closed its doors for a temporary pause on productions. The LDTC staff pivoted online and outside, offering more than 22 unique virtual and/or outdoor, physically-distanced theatre, education, music, and outreach programs. During this time, the LDTC has maintained its mission while shifting the ways in which we connect with our audiences and patrons. The LDTC continues to engage families and friends with meaningful theatrical and cultural experiences. We are dedicated to providing uplifting and innovative programming online and outside until we are able to welcome audiences again to in-person and indoor performances at Silverthorne Performing Arts Center.
During the Covid shut down – it became abundantly clear that the area was changing and there was a deluge of newcomers to the county. The LDTC decided it was finally time to start researching what a new brand and new naming process would look like. Working with the Cincinnati based firm lpk, it became abundantly clear that although the LDTC had a strong brand with its friends and patrons, our brand in the community wasn’t nearly as strong. Thus, the process began to form a new brand that included a new name that reflected where the organization was geographically and creatively. The SilCo name was born. It is both is a love letter to Silverthorne, Colorado (the place where we call home) and fresh bold rebirth of an organization that is embedded in the community with our programming and outreach.
Theatre SilCo is a professional theater committed to enhancing the quality of life in Summit County and the Colorado Front Range by providing unique and accessible cultural experiences through the Performing Arts. We increase imagination, engagement, and empathy in our community through our performance, educational and outreach programming.
Theatre SilCo will continue to earn the respect of our community. We are committed to financial transparency and maintaining public trust. We act with honesty and adhere to our artistic integrity and our community’s values.
From the boardroom through the office to the stage, Theatre SilCo focuses on a culture of professionalism. Our management team creates high quality programming by integrating professional directors, actors, designers, technicians, musicians, and educators into our programs.
Our welcoming environment and Black Box Theater offer a unique, shared theatrical experience between audience and artists. The Theatre SilCo Board of Directors, staff, and creative artists believe intimacy refers to the total experience. Intimacy is not just what we do; it is who we are.
Theatre SilCo strives to produce a season with enriching experiences for everyone including a theatrical season of comedies, dramas, musicals, and provocative theatre plus a diverse program of concerts, educational opportunities and community outreach.
Whitney was born and raised in the Coachella Valley, California. As a desert girl, Whitney never saw snow until she came to Summit County. She was introduced to Theatre Silco in 2019 as a stage manager just after she had received her MFA in Drama with an emphasis in Stage Management from the University of California, Irvine. Whitney also holds a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Redlands. Whitney is thrilled to now call Summit County her home and is excited about working on the development of productions and theatre seasons in a whole new way. In her career, Whitney has worked with many theatrical companies around the Southern California area including: Center Theatre Group, The Old Globe, Cygnet Theatre, Lewis Family Playhouse, and Laguna Playhouse. Whitney is thrilled to be a part of this team and excited to continue her passion for storytelling.
970.513.1151 Ext. 109 whitney@thesilco.org
Originally from North Carolina, Morgan has been working with young performers for over a decade. She has earned her BFA and MFA in theatre with a specific focus on Theatre for Young Audiences. She loves sharing her passion for the arts and education with Summit County and she looks forward to exciting programing and partnerships for the community!
Kate Groninger hails from the world of museum philanthropy where she has worked at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Guggenheim, and the Detroit Institute of Arts. She is the founder and editor of two academic journals for the museum community, and spends time serving on diverse nonprofit boards. Kate completed her PhD at the University of St Andrews (Scotland), and holds degrees in art history from Princeton, and in arts administration from NYU.
A recent Chicago transplant, Kate lives happily in Frisco with her chubby foxhound where they dabble in outdoor activities. Kate is a former beekeeper, aspiring accordion player, and enjoys ordering two desserts when out to eat. She loves watching British sports (cricket, rugby, polo) though she doesn't know the rules, and can recite the movie 'Clue' word for word.
Sorrel joins us as she transitions from the hospitality and software sales world where she paved her way working in both B2B and B2C to help customers. With a passion for working with people, building and fostering relationships, and contributing to the success of Summit County, Sorrel is excited to be a part of the Theatre Silco team.
Sorrel moved to Summit County in 2019 after completing the 480-mile Colorado Trail and passing through Breckenridge along her travels. Since then she has become an avid skier and hiker, joined the Reply All Improv Troupe, and adopted a puppy from the Summit County Animal Shelter. After work, you can find her on the trails with her dog, practicing yoga, or spending time with friends.
Born in Venezuela, longtime Montrealer, polyglot, and travel lover, Sara first came to Summit County in the spring of 2020 as a teaching artist and is thrilled to be a part of the Theatre SilCo team and serve this wonderful community. She is passionate about new play development both as a director and dramaturg. Some directing highlights include SuperDogs the Musical (Montreal, Canada); Oklahoma Samovar (winner of the Jewish Plays Project 2021 New Plays Contest, NYC), and Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad (Irvine, California). As part of her firm belief in pedagogical accessibility, Sara has co-created a limited podcast series exploring the works of Homer and Aeschylus titled Odyssey & Chill, Oresteia & Chill, and Suppliants & Chill. Recently, she worked as a libretto dramaturg for a new opera based on James Joyce's Ulysses at Lowell Opera House (Harvard University). Sara holds an MFA in directing from the University of California, Irvine.
970-513-1151 ext. 105. sara@thesilco.org
My name is Jess Short and my family and I reside in the Cove. I feel very lucky to live here in Summit County and this amazing community. I love to spend my time with my family especially outside and being creative.
I could not be more excited to be joining this team. I am coming to SilCo from the tech world, most recently Atlassian, however I have a degree in Interior Design and Studio Art. Being creative and solving problems is my happy place and therefore I am excited to return to my roots in a creative field.
970.513.11151. Ext 102. Jess@thesilco.org.
Originally from North Carolina, Morgan has been working with young performers for over a decade. She has earned her BFA and MFA in theatre with a specific focus on Theatre for Young Audiences. She loves sharing her passion for the arts and education with Summit County and she looks forward to exciting programing and partnerships for the community!
(they/them) (Production Assistant): Theatre SilCo debut! Carpenter at Dallas Children's Theatre, Circle Theatre, Wellfleet Harbour Actors Theatre, and University of Texas at Arlington. They would like to thank Theatre SilCo for the opportunity to work with them this summer and their friends for all of their support.
Emma Grace recently graduated in May from Drake University with her BFA in Acting. She has been visiting Summit County with her family for nearly 10 years and is so happy to be living somewhere she loves so much. Emma Grace is happy to help out the community and open herself up to more experiences. She is a fan of trivia, especially about movies.
Credits include: The Bacchae (Director), Silent Sky (Williamina), Vigilantes (Director), Directing Program (National Theatre Institute)
Career Highlights include: At Phillips Hall Theatre: Antony and Cleopatra, Sebastian, Springtime, Mrs. Warren's Profession, Heights, Sebastian, 30 Plays in 60 Minutes, A Sick World, Brown Bag Theatre Company: Culture Clash, Quebrando El Silencio, Lydia, Just Like Us, Ni de Aqui Ni de Alla.
Thank you to my family, my partner, and all my friends.
Nicole grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania, and has been mesmerized by the Rocky Mountains since she arrived in Denver in 2019. A multi-disciplinary artist, Nicole has created new works and performed with theatre and dance companies across the country. In Colorado: The Pastisserie (co-creator), Zotto (Kaibyo), and Clown Lung (staged reading). Additional credits include: The Three Musketeers (Sabine), Blithe Spirit (Ruth), The Threepenny Opera (Jenny), Romeo and Juliet (Juliet), Midsummer Night's Dream (Titania), Our Town (Emily), The Importance of Being Earnest (Cecily), Mad Forest (Lucia), Translations (Sarah), and Nicole's own solo shows Unmarked Boxes and Sisrahtac I: American Character. Nicole holds an M.F.A. in Acting from the University of South Carolina.
Lynn has been a writer for 14 years and writes for the screen and stage. She currently lives in Dillon, Colorado. She has written and produced 8 sketch holiday shows at the Bovine Metropolis Theatre in Denver. Three of her short plays were produced in London at Southwark Playhouse and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Past theatrical positions include writer, actor, assistant director, producer, improvisor, and co-head writer. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Stage and Broadcast Media from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London.
(she/her) (VIVO Teaching Artist): Hannah is a musical theatre performer and is thrilled to be joining Theatre SilCo for the year as a teaching artist. Hannah grew up in the beautiful mountains of Colorado and graduated from NYU Steinhardt with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance: Music Theatre. She recently completed her apprenticeship with the Commonweal Theatre Company. NYC credits include The Wild Party, Assassins, and Damnation! The Musical!, which Hannah co-created at NYU. Favorite regional credits include She Loves Me, A Chorus Line, Les Miserables, and EDGES: A Song Cycle. Endless thanks to her mentor Alex and her loving supportive family! XOXO hannahheil.com
Audrey Lang (she/her) is a playwright and stage manager born and raised in New York City. As a playwright, she is a current finalist for the Jewish Plays Project's 2023 contest with her play Birdie and Cait and the Book of Life and her play alex getting better recently had its U.K. Premiere at the Bread & Roses Theatre in London. Other work includes Lily Ineffable (2022 Jewish Plays Project finalist), You Have To Promise (Pride Plays 2020), two short plays at London's Theatre503, and two 24 Hour Plays Viral Monologues. As a stage manager, recent credits include: National Tour: CoComelon Live! JJ's Journey (Production Stage Manager), Jersey Boys (Asst. Stage Manager); Off-Broadway: Wolf Play at Soho Rep (Production Asst.); Regional: 2 seasons at the Mac-Haydn Theatre. Audrey has taught playwriting for the Bronx High School of Science's summer program. Proud alumna of MCC Theater Youth Company and SPACE on Ryder Farm. B.A. Theatre Studies, Ithaca College. Thank you to Sara for bringing me to Colorado! www.audreyglang.com
(she/her) is a teaching artist and performer from Orlando, Florida. Juliana is an accomplished vocalist, singing programs with Opera Orlando, The Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, Musiktheater Bavaria, and the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience tour. Juliana has more than five years experience in arts education, teaching students of all ages in private lessons and summer camps for more than five years at nonprofit organizations on the east coast. She is excited to make the move to Colorado and join the SilCo team to fulfill her passion for theatre education! She is committed to fostering the wellbeing of every unique student in body, voice, and imagination through theatre.
Cait McCluskie (she/her) is a Summit County local and has been involved with Theatre SilCo/LDTC since she was 4 years old. Previously at Theatre Silco, she has acted in Sister Act (Ensemble), taught children's programs, and worked as the Patron Services Manager. When she's not trying to stump her improv-mates on stage, she can be found binging movies in Breckenridge as the Film Festival Coordinator for Breck Film. Cait holds a BA from St Olaf College and a MA from the University of St Andrews.
You can make a donation online here or contact our Director of Development Shawnna Gauss at shawnna@thesilco.org or (970) 513-1151 xt. 107
Yes, we would be delighted to host your private event! Contact Chris Alleman at chris@thesilco.org or (970) 513-1151 xt. 101 for more information.
460 Blue River Parkway
Silverthorne, CO, 80498
PO Box 1759
Silverthorne, CO 80498
Box Office: 970.513.9386
Admin: 970.513.1151