After almost a year-long search, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts welcomes Chris Coleman as its new artistic director.
After the surprise resignation of Kent Thompson in the role of artistic director back in January, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) has been in search of a replacement. On Tuesday, November 14, the theater company announced that Chris Coleman will fill the role. Coleman is the fourth artistic director in the DCPA's 40-year history. He starts in January, but on a limited basis, and will assist Managing Director Charles Varian and Associate Artistic Directors Nataki Garrett and Charlie Miller to finalize the 2018-2019 season. Come mid-May, he will assume the full-time position.We are absolutely delighted to welcome Chris into our Denver family. His commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, new play development, crowd-pleasing musicals, and discovery of new voices will further the DCPA's efforts to diversify its audience and resonate throughout the region," said Janice Sinden, President and CEO of DCPA, in a press release statement.Coleman brings 17 years of experience at Portland Center Stage and, according to DCPA officials, a few directing stints in New York, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore. Portland Center Stage, under Coleman's leadership, increased its artistic reputation both locally and nationally. He has directed and produced large scale productions written by various playwrights, including Shakespeare, Chekhov, and Rodgers & Hammerstein, among others.
Now Coleman will be bringing his experience and passion for storytelling to the DCPA. Coleman said, "This notion of this great company bringing millions of citizens in the region into contact with live theatre ... the idea of bringing BIG STORIES to life for Denver -- it's all captivating."
Welcome to Denver, Mr. Coleman! We're excited to have you!
What do you think of the DCPA's new artistic director? Will you be attending any of the theater company's productions next year? If so, which show? Let us know in the comments below.
