Lone Tree Arts Center makes enjoying art easy and fun
By Kastle Waserman
Priding itself in quality performances, the Lone Tree Arts Center offers professional art experiences encouraging engagement with children, seniors and other underserved populations within the community. We spoke with executive director Leigh Chandler about what visitors can expect and what’s coming up.
For those not familiar with Lone Tree Arts Center, what is the backstory?
We were built in 2011 by a Lone Tree citizen-approved bond. The vision at the time was for a community gathering place. It quickly turned into more. We have a main stage, a multidisciplinary event hall, an outdoor space and a gallery space with four rotating exhibits a year.
Tell me about your role as executive director.
I came on as marketing director nine years ago. Working for an organization with a hybrid model of producing and presenting shows was exciting to me. I wanted to be able to make a difference in the community. In 2021, our founding executive director left, and I became the executive director a year later. I oversee all aspects of the organization, but my real passion is the programming.
What does the programming consist of?
Our main stage has touring artists that are international, national and Colorado-based. We also produce extended-run shows. One of the things that sets us apart is that we operate under an agreement with Actors’ Equity, which means the shows are akin to what you would see at Denver Center or on Broadway.
Does the Lone Tree Arts Center offer children’s programming?
We have Seedlings for toddlers and their caregivers to get kids interested in theatre. Then, the Passport to Culture program for elementary and middle-school-aged kids will introduce them to the power of the arts.
Are there also programs for seniors?
We have Arts in the Afternoon for seniors who no longer drive at night so they can get a quality performing arts experience and social time.
Tell us about programming for people with memory loss.
Our SPARK program is for people in the early stages of memory loss. It’s an interactive performance, and you can see the connections that are sparked in our participants’ minds. We’ve heard feedback from families crying tears of joy because they felt like they were losing their loved ones, but this was a way for them to connect at that moment.
And the sensory-inclusion program is quite remarkable.
It’s for children and adults on the autism spectrum or those who have other sensitivity or developmental disabilities. We keep the lights up a bit, the sound levels down, and let people walk around if they want to. And we have a quiet room. We work with the artist to make these shows accessible for people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to experience a theatrical performance.
What exciting things are coming up at Lone Tree Arts Center?
We have the Million Dollar Quartet this fall, the Syncopated Ladies, a female tap dance group created by Emmy-nominated tap dancer and choreographer Chloé Arnold. She has worked with Debbie Allen. Beyoncé even promoted them on her website.
What do you love most about the Lone Tree Arts Center?
We always want to treat our patrons, the artists, our volunteers, staff and crew incredibly well so they can’t wait to come back. That has helped our success, and quite frankly, it also makes it a really fun place to work!
Lone Tree Arts Center is located at 10075 Commons St, Lone Tree, CO 80124, (720) 509-1000
