Support For Women On Display At DCPA's 13th Annual Women With Hattitude Luncheon

Thirteen years ago, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) launched a first-of-its-kind initiative - an endowment fund to support the work of women in theatre. In the same year, the DCPA created its Women with Hattitude luncheon, the proceeds of which go directly into the endowment fund. Now on Thursday, May 3, more than 600 guests will gather from 11am to 1:30pm at the luncheon for one purpose - to give voice to women playwrights whose work only accounts for 20% of plays produced across America today.

Since its inception, this annual luncheon has contributed more than $600,000 the Women's Voices Fund, which is currently valued at $1.5 million. The Fund has enabled the DCPA Theatre Company to produce 30 plays by women, commission 19 female playwrights and hire 23 female directors. Furthermore, the Fund also has contributed to 13 world premiere plays by women, including this season's productions of Human Error (May 18-June 24) and The Great Leap.

This year's benefit luncheon will be held on Thursday, May 3 from 11am-1:30pm in the Seawell Ballroom at Speer & Arapahoe in downtown's Denver Performing Arts Complex.

Always a popular event on the Spring social calendar, more than 600 guests will enjoy a social and networking hour before lunch by Epicurean Group and a musical selection from an upcoming DCPA production. The day culminates with a parade of hats; each table will select a representative to walk the runway in the Macy's Parade of Hats - an impromptu fashion show of the day's most spectacular hats judged by a panel of local fashion experts. The fashion show will be accompanied by a song performed by former Bobby G High School Musical Theatre Award winner Charlotte Movizzo.

Top Hat Tickets are available at $150 (which includes a private reception from 10-11am, preferred seating at the event, and an $85 donation to the Fund) and regular tickets are available for $65. The easiest way to purchase tickets is via our website at denvercenter.org/hats. Contributions to the Women's Voices Fund are appreciated at any time and may be made at www.denvercenter.org/wvf.

Women with Hattitude is chaired by Terri Fisher and Murri Bishop. Women with Hattitude is supported by Platinum Sponsors Macy's, Jack & Adrienne Ruston Fitzgibbons, and the Denver Center Alliance; Gold Sponsors Denise & Ray Bellucci, Margot & Allan Frank, and Mariel; Media Sponsor: Reign Magazine and Wine Sponsor Clos du Bois.