Humans of the Arvada Center

As we look to reopen our doors and reignite the arts, one thing becomes clear: the key to our creativity is our people. Songs are not sung, sets are not built, choreography is not taught, and canvases are not painted on their own. Meet the heartbeat of the Center - the people that make up the Arvada Center family.

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Humans of the Arvada Center: John R. Hamilton III

How pop culture and a challenging multiracial upbringing set Arvada Center Instructor John R. Hamilton's life on a ceramic rocket ship to the arts.

Emily Grace King

Growing up home-schooled in upstate New York, Galleries Exhibition Manager Emily Grace King could not have known the world that would open up for her when she moved to Colorado. Then along came “Hair.” Let the sunshine in.

Gabriel Morales

How 'Mean Girls' uplifted a Mexican immigrant on his way to a life in the arts – and the Arvada Center. This is actor and Patron Services Representative Gabriel Morales' human story.

Abygail Rosales

When the situation calls for calm, say their colleagues, that's when this Patron Services Representative becomes the star of the show.

Jon Olson

Lighting Director Jon Olson has always had a clear vision of what he wanted from life. And, for the most part, he’s made it happen. But through some very hard life experience, he has also learned that life changes in the ordinary instant. Here's how theatre helped him find light in the dark.

Adam Stolte

In many ways, Arvada Center Production Manager Adam Stolte was living the idyllic Arvada life ever since childhood. Until life – and death – intervened.

Cal Meakins

There is a reason the Children's Theatre House Manager has been given so much responsibility at the age of only 20. He's earned it.

Jessie Page

Arvada Center Wardrobe Supervisor Jessie Page is legally a blonde, but she's nothing if not pretty in pink.

Ashi K. Smythe

The longtime educator with the Arvada Center Dance Academy was an original cast member in Broadway’s “The Lion King” from 1997-2001.

Steven Cogswell

Read about the Arvada Center's House Manager, a former performer and director whose job is akin to a hotel concierge.

Christine Moore

Read about Arvada Center Stage Manager Christine Moore, who has been certain of her career path since age 12.

Christina Noel Adcock

Read about longtime Arvada Center Dance Coordinator Christina Noel Adcock, who turned an injury into a revolutionary new way of teaching dance.

Collin Parson

As we look to reopen our doors and reignite the arts, one thing becomes clear: The key to our creativity is our people. In our new series, meet the heartbeat of the Arvada Center: The people who make up our family. First up: Director of Galleries Collin Parson, who says: "I did not find the arts as a child. The arts found me."