Creede Repertory Theatre facts for kids
The Creede Repertory Theatre (CRT) is a special summer theater. It runs from May to September each year. Founded in 1966, CRT is a professional theater group. It is located high up in the mountains, almost 9,000 feet high. This theater is in the historic town of Creede, Colorado. Besides putting on live plays, CRT also has many fun learning programs. These include summer camps, Friday day camps, a KID's Show program, and a Young Audience Outreach Tour.
History of Creede Repertory Theatre
The Creede Repertory Theatre (CRT) started in 1966. Twelve students from the University of Kansas came to Creede, Colorado. They were responding to a letter from the Creede Junior Chamber of Commerce and Pastor Jim Livingston. The town needed help because the mining business was slowing down. They wanted new ways to bring money to the town.
Steve Grossman, a theater student, was the only one who replied. He and another student, Joe Roach, visited Creede in the spring of 1966. They made a deal with a handshake. Steve then brought 11 other students with him. Together, they started the first summer theater season in Creede. At first, they called it Operation Summer Theatre. The name changed to Creede Repertory Theatre in 1968.
Their first season began with a play called Mr. Roberts. They also showed The Bat, Our Town, The Rainmaker, and Born Yesterday. The plays ran in a "repertory" style. This meant people could see a different play each night of the week.
The Theatre Today
The Creede Repertory Theatre still follows the ideas that Steve Grossman and the students started. CRT has a busy schedule of plays. They continue to use the same group of actors and crew for many shows. They also choose a wide variety of plays.
In 2005, USA Today newspaper said CRT was one of the "10 great places to see lights way off Broadway." This means it's a top theater outside of New York City. In 2007, CRT won the Outstanding Achievement Award from the National Theatre Conference. Today, CRT is the biggest summer employer in all of Mineral County. This means it provides the most summer jobs there.
Past Seasons: A Look at 2022
The Creede Repertory Theatre has many exciting seasons. For example, the 2022 season featured a variety of plays for everyone.
- Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling
- Always...Patsy Cline created by Ted Swindley, based on a true story
- Native Gardens by Karen Zacarías
- Ken Ludwig's Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood
- Boomtown! Improv Comedy
- The KID Show: Music Box by Allison Quiller
- Young Audience Outreach Tour: Casa Alfonsa with book and lyrics by Diana Grisanti, music by Emiliano Messiez
