Arvada Center awarded the Social Impact Theatre Grant from Biller Family Foundation
The Arvada Center is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a Social Impact Theatre award from the Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation for our upcoming production of The Laramie Project. This foundation provides grants to organizations in the Western states who are igniting positive change in their community through the programming we bring to life on stage. Read American Theatre Magazine's article about this grant award here.
The Biller Family Foundation recognized the need for opportunities to deepen patrons’ experiences and understanding around our production of The Laramie Project. This additional programming will help our patrons gain a deeper insight into the production and its legacy, as well as provide guidance on how to be a more active ally. We are grateful for the philanthropic help that we receive that allows us to create moments that can bring positive change. Please read below to learn more about these free events with links to RSVP.
Allyship & Advocacy in Action: Supporting the LGBTQAI+ Community
October 7, 5-6 pm in the Black Box Theatre
Panelists: Charlie Ocean, Owner of GenderSexuality.info
Dr. Benjamin Finlayson, Director of Support Services, PFLAG
Nadine Bridges, Executive Director of One Colorado
Facilitator: Brett Lord, Freelance consultant and community advocate
Both allyship and advocacy play important roles in cultivating the momentum to confront barriers and biases, amplify underrepresented voices, connect people across differences, and value diversity in our lives. This free panel conversation, presented by the Arvada Center, focuses on how to turn the desire to support and advocate for our LGBT+ family members, friends, colleagues, and the community at large into action.
Representatives from three LGBT+ support organizations in Colorado will discuss their work, and how we can all be more active allies and advocates for LGBT+, specifically transgender, communities in our state, and the world.
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Judy and Dennis Shepard - Talkbacks
October 28 and 29, 5-6 pm in the Main Stage Theatre
Through their personal appearances across the country and around the world, Judy and Dennis Shepard are changing hearts and minds by sharing their son Matt’s story and highlighting the importance of standing up for the LGBT+ community. Join the Arvada Center and the Matthew Shepard Foundation for a free community talkback with Dennis and Judy. It's recommended you see a performance of The Laramie Project before attending this event!
After their son was killed, Judy and Dennis Shepard set out to ensure people recognize the role that hate plays in society and to ask people to do all they can to erase that hate. They founded the Matthew Shepard Foundation on that principle, and the Foundation continues to create open dialogues with a diverse range of people in order to erase hate.
To learn more about our production of The Laramie Project and to purchase tickets, visit the event page on our website here: The Laramie Project
