DCPA's Fourth Wall Young Professional Group Welcomes New Members

In the theatre, the fourth wall is the term for the imaginary wall separating the audience from the world of a theatrical performance. Consistent with that tradition of breaking through the typical audience experience, the Denver Center's Fourth Wall group is a new generation of arts and culture lovers in their 20s and 30s seeking to engage more deeply in the themes and meaning of Denver Center shows. The group, now entering its second season, will hold a kickoff event Wednesday, September 1 at Sweet Action Ice Cream in Denver.

Fourth Wall is led and organized by the Denver Center's Young Professional Advisory Board, a group of 19 young leaders from the Denver area who endeavor to engage the next generation of theatre goers. The group began its Fourth Wall activities in the fall of 2009 and those events grew exponentially throughout the season. The Denver Center hosts Fourth Wall events every month during the Denver Center Theatre Company theatre season.

Jamie Alexander, the DCPA's Audience Development Coordinator, founded the Young Professionals Advisory Board, along with DCPA Multimedia Specialist Charlie Miller. "Engaging this generation is key for the sustainability of our theatre in the future," says Alexander. "We created an advisory board not only to help us figure out new and innovative ways to reach this crowd, but also to get this particular group excited about the theatre. And that excitement has been contagious."

Founding board member Alyce Blum notes, "In the fall of 2008, we as a board recognized the need to 'spice up' the traditional theatre going experience and create a setting where 20- and 30-somethings could meet new people, see a play and go to an after party themed according to the play. Every event has been a success and our membership continues to grow."

This Wednesday, September 1, Fourth Wall will welcome new and existing members at a launch party at Sweet Action Ice Cream (52 Broadway) from 5:30-7:30pm. Attendees will learn about Fourth Wall, the group's plays and parties, meet new people, and feast on some of Denver's best ice cream.

The first three 2010/11 Fourth Wall events of the season have been announced.
· THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS - Saturday, September 25 - kicks off the season with a pre-show reception at Limelight, post-show dance party and interactive art activity.

· DRACULA - Wednesday, October 27 - includes a pre-show reception at The Corner Office and post-show ghost tour.

· THE 39 STEPS - Saturday, November 13 - includes a pre-show mingle with sandwiches from Jay's Hot Ticket Café, a choose-your-own adventure murder mystery game, and an after-party at a local restaurant.

About the Young Professional Advisory Board: Formed in November 2008, the Young Professional Advisory Board helps The Denver Center determine and overcome the barriers that young adults face in attending the theatre. The Board created the Fourth Wall group, and continues to play a large role in the planning and promotion of its events. The Young Professional Advisory Board members are: Alyce Blum, Brian Elkins, Aaron Goldhamer, Jess Harvey, Sarah Indyk, John Johnstone, Erin Meyer, Cara Miale, Shannon Myers, Scott Rathbun, Angela Neese Rathbun, Lauren Press, Willie Recht, Lyndsey Richard, Ean Seeb, Sami Seeb, Ilana Simon, Kahlan Wiles, Mara Wiles.

Memberships cost $50 and allow each member to buy additional tickets to Fourth Wall events for $20 compared to the usual Fourth Wall single ticket price of $35. To charge by phone, call Denver Center Ticket Services at 303.893.4100. TTY (for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons): 303.893.9582. Tickets may also be purchased at the Denver Center Ticket Office, located at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex Lobby. Buy and print online at www.denvercenter.org.

For more information, visit www.denvercenter.org/fourthwall

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