Tessa Nelson is a Denver-based theatre writer, performer, and dramaturg whose work focuses on the intersection of theatre and public health. Drawing on experience in production, dramaturgy, and narrative development, she approaches performance with an eye toward how live theatre cultivates empathy, frames social issues, and reaches audiences beyond the stage. She is especially interested in new works and musical theatre that engage questions of care, community, and collective experience.
MOST POPULAR ARTICLES
May 17, 2026
What did our critic think of SOMEWHERE at Denver Center For The Performing Arts?
May 7, 2026
Furlough’s Paradise at Curious Theatre Company examines the strained relationship between estranged cousins Mina and Sade, reunited by grief and forced to confront the divergent paths their lives have taken.
April 29, 2026
Elham, playwright Sanaz Toossi’s brilliant character played by an equally brilliant Vanah Assadourian, frustratedly exclaims in a tongue unfamiliar to her mouth, “I want everyone to know I am not an idiot and also I am nice.” English, produced by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, captures the day-to-day drama of living your identity in an unfamiliar language.
April 21, 2026
Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts tells a perfectly coherent story—it’s just not a very interesting one. An overprotective mother badgers her daughter to stay safely in her apartment and away from the glitz, glamour, and danger of those pernicious New York City Streets; a father forges an emotional and artistic connection with his daughter, but is only there for her inconsistently; a young, naïve girl is looking for love in all the wrong places.
April 15, 2026
Brilliant musicianship, soulful performances, and expert craft make Next to Normal at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts deeply identifiable. Unfortunately, the pathos it creates through these immense talents may cast more doubt on mental health care than broker clarity surrounding mental illness.
April 7, 2026
Cryptic, co-produced by Fictive and OddKnock Productions turned a warehouse space into an immersive production that felt more like a fast-paced amusement park ride. Without spoiling too much, the premise is that a chipper tour guide (on my night played by Beau Fisher, though the role may alternately be played by Deanna Schaekel) geeks out to an audience of ten about an ancient roadside mystery (previously visited by the likes of Dolly Parton).
March 9, 2026
What did our critic think of BIRTHDAY CANDLES at Curious Theatre? Curious Theatre's talented team and more than capable actors show case a brilliant play new to the Denver area.
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