Community College of Denver (CCD) will become the operating partner for the historic Theatre at Loretto Heights following Denver City Council's approval of an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between the college and Denver Arts & Venues (DAV).
Under the agreement, DAV will retain ownership of the facility and oversee capital improvements, while CCD will manage day-to-day operations, including staffing, programming, ticketing, marketing and community engagement. The partnership creates a first-of-its-kind model that integrates a working professional theatre with hands-on education and workforce development.
The approval follows a groundbreaking ceremony held July 24, where city leaders, community members and project partners gathered to celebrate the start of renovations and construction at the historic Loretto Heights campus.
“This is a proud moment for CCD,” said Barry Hubbard, Dean of Instruction for Arts, Communication & Design and Education Pathways at CCD. “The Theatre at Loretto Heights gives our students an unmatched opportunity to learn theatre production and venue management in a real, working venue while helping preserve a space that has already shaped generations of Denver students. This partnership expands access to hands-on learning and creates new pathways into Colorado’s growing creative economy.”
The partnership represents a significant investment in experiential learning, allowing CCD students to gain professional experience in theatre operations, technical production, stagecraft, arts administration and venue management while contributing to a community cultural asset.
CCD was selected following an extensive evaluation process led by Denver Arts & Venues that included engagement with more than 70 arts and cultural organizations and a review of multiple operating models used throughout the performing arts sector. The process identified an educational partner as the best long-term fit to fulfill community goals centered on access, cultural equity, historic preservation and workforce development.
CCD's theatre program, which emphasizes acting, technical theatre and production, combined with the college's commitment to open access and student success, made the institution uniquely positioned to operate the venue while creating meaningful educational opportunities for students.
The partnership will also support the development of a new arts-focused educational pathway at Loretto Heights. Students will have opportunities to earn a customized associate degree while gaining paid, real-world experience in a professional theatre environment. Graduates can continue into bachelor's degree programs or enter the workforce with industry experience and professional connections.
“Denver is at its best when we make sure every student has the opportunity to discover their talent and build a future doing what they love,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “The Theatre at Loretto Heights will do exactly that and bring students, educators and Denver’s arts community together in a world-class working theatre. This partnership honors the history of Loretto Heights while creating a new pathway into the creative economy, making the arts more accessible and opening doors to opportunity for the next generation of Denver creatives.”
Originally part of Loretto Heights College, founded in 1888, the theatre was completed in 1963 and quickly became one of the most technologically advanced educational performance venues in the country. Once renovations are complete, the theatre will again serve as a center for arts education, community engagement and professional performance.
The project is supported through voter-approved city bond funding, including investments through the 2021 RISE Bond and the 2025 Vibrant Bond. Planned improvements include a comprehensive renovation of the theatre, accessibility upgrades, modernized technology, code compliance improvements and construction of a new dedicated parking structure.
For more information about the CCD Arts, Communication & Design programs, please visit the following link.
