Identify, contract, and support a third-party operating partner that can help us achieve the project goals and transform this public asset into community impact:
- Civic Ownership for Community Growth - City-owned facility enables equity-driven programs and access focused on public benefit over profit.
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Empowering Local Talent - Support cultural sector that reflects neighborhood demographics, advancing equity and representation.
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Strategic Talent Pipeline - Venue as a training site supporting Denver’s creative economy and arts ecosystem in careers in venue management, arts, hospitality, marketing, and technical theatre.
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Positioning Denver as a National Leader - Elevates Denver as a national model for turning public assets into community and workforce impact.
Community College of Denver Named Operating Partner
Following nearly a decade of community engagement and a rigorous evaluation of five operating models across the performing arts sector, DAV selected Community College of Denver (CCD) as the theatre's operating partner. Denver City Council approved an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) on August 24, 2026, formalizing the partnership.
Under the agreement, DAV retains ownership and oversees capital improvements, while CCD manages day-to-day operations, including staffing, programming, ticketing, marketing and community engagement.
CCD stood out for its 100% acceptance policy, placing access at the center of its mission, and for its theatre program with strong roots in acting, technical production and stagecraft. The project will also create a new career pathway into the arts at Loretto Heights, including a customized two-year associate degree program with CCD where students can earn while they learn, then choose to continue into a four-year pathway or enter the workforce. This partnership creates a talent pipeline for Denver's creative economy and is the first model of its kind in the country.
