Historic Elitch Theatre Walking Tour
July 16, 10-11:30AM & July 21, 4:30-6PM
DAF Member tickets on sale now. Pending availability, tickets are available to the public on July 2 at 4PM MST. DAF Membership will be verified upon ticket purchase. Click here to become a DAF member.
About the tour: Explore the historic theatre that has been a vital part of Colorado’s cultural landscape since its first season in 1891. Once home to the oldest summer stock theatre in America, it hosted the state’s first moving picture in 1896 and delighted Denver audiences until its last production in 1991. Legendary performers in theatre, film and television passed through this iconic American playhouse, including Douglas Fairbanks, Grace Kelly, Edward G. Robinson, Cecil B. DeMille, Robert Redford, Debbie Reynolds and Vincent Price. See how the Historic Elitch Gardens Theatre Foundation is working to restore the building and recognize its legacy as a nationally renowned venue for the celebration of the arts.
About the building: Denver architects Rudolf Liden and Charles Lee designed the Historic Elitch Theatre, completed in 1891, in the “stick” or “shingle” style that emerged in the late 19th century. The theatre featured an open two-story veranda surrounding the auditorium, supported by simple posts with knee braces. The backstage building enclosed the western side of the theatre, and a signature castle-like cupola crowned the roof. Over the next quarter-century, modifications to the stairways and entrances—and the eventual enclosure of the verandas—resulted in the theatre’s most durable and well-known configuration. The roofline, octagonal floor plan and general auditorium arrangement varied little from the 1891 design until the construction of a new backstage building in 1954.
About the tour guides: Greg Rowley, MNM, Historic Elitch Gardens Theatre Foundation President, enjoyed a 20-year career in social services and nonprofits before moving to work in computer programming and creating software for nonprofits. Following Hurricane Katrina, the Red Cross used Greg’s software to case manage the needs of the displaced residents at the Houston Astrodome. While he now works with his family’s business, Greg enjoys the opportunity to put his Master of Nonprofit Management degree to good use as a board member for the Historic Elitch Theatre.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access is available for the theatre and stage. Opportunities for seated rest will be available throughout the tour.
Refund policy: The Denver Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization. Ticket sales support the Foundation in continuing to provide quality events to the public. We are unable to provide refunds or credits for any reason less than 48 hours prior to the event.
Please note that DAF tours take place rain, snow or shine. If your tour includes an outdoor portion, please dress for the weather. DAF staff will contact all attendees directly should a tour be cancelled for any reason.