The level of anticipation grows as the Lone Tree Arts Center’s
steel skeleton begins to show some inner form. There’s a large main
stage, with 49-foot fly space behind it for large set pieces; a
multipurpose room; glass around the impressive Grand Entry Hall;
forms for auditorium and balcony theater seats for the main stage
(500 seats).
By late August, the south metro area will have a sophisticated
new arts venue, located in Ridgegate, just south of Lincoln Avenue.
The building is next to Lincoln Commons shopping center.
Executive Director Lisa Rigsby Peterson says that the
architectural firm, Westlake Reed Leskosky, has paid particular
attention to acoustics in this theater, from the first discussions
— a request from Lone Tree Arts Commission members and others who
had previous experience in venues without satisfactory
acoustics.
The firm has retrofitted older theaters in past years to improve
acoustics. The multipurpose room can also be draped when needed to
make a small theater space (150 to 225 seats).
The HVAC unit downstairs will circulate silently for example,
through floor vents. Acoustical draping will be adjusted by the
technical crew, according to performance needs.
Peterson has hired an experienced technical director from Blue
Man Group who has opened new performing arts spaces before, as well
as an experienced local marketing director.
Sight lines are planned so there will not be side seats with
occupants who can’t see the entire stage. The proscenium stage is
spacious enough to accommodate ballet, musicals, opera — and of
course the Lone Tree Symphony, which draws overflow crowds at the
church where it has been performing.
The arts center will not be a producing organization, Peterson
says, but will present shows that others have produced, locally and
nationally, as well as renting space to performing organizations.
See the city website for rental prices.
Art will hang in the entryway and the multipurpose room can
become a gallery, with moveable walls.
“We will be offering classes — utilizing as much of the building
as we can,” Peterson says. “There are no dedicated classrooms, but
we envision the multipurpose room, the Grand Entry Hall, the Main
Stage and even the Terrace Theater,” outside, as class space for
children and adults.
The Terrace Theater will host bands, plays and children’s
entertainment during warm weather.
An ongoing capital campaign will complete the design for the
Terrace Theater, purchase an orchestra shell to further enhance the
acoustics and provide other amenities.
The Lone Tree Center Guild is almost 100 strong and will help
with preparations for a Grand Opening Gala, as well as providing a
volunteer corps when the center has opened.
You can put your name on a seat for $500 and there are other
opportunities. For information, see www.lonetreearts.org or call
720-880-2499.
Art Center Numbers
Cost to build: $21 million.
Seating: 350 on lower tier, 150 on upper tier.
Three stages.
Orchestra pit holds 12 to 17 musicians.
250 Parking spaces.
16 month production schedule.
43,000 square feet.
(compiled by Chris Michlewicz)
