Community Spotlight
The DCPA is always excited to collaborate with organizations to uplift the incredible work they do in our community. The community spotlight showcases their work in the Denver metro area.
Shining the light On Community –
Inside the Orchestra – Tiny Tots
Bringing music to life for young people – through joyful, interactive orchestral programming and concerts.
This month, we’re honored to highlight and share our long-standing partnership with Inside the Orchestra on Tiny Tots, an educational program that cultivates music appreciation in children through interactive experiences with orchestral music.
Tiny Tots
What They Do
Tiny Tots programs are 45-minute immersive, interactive concerts for kids aged 0-7 (and their adults) to get truly “inside the orchestra.” Attendees are seated on the floor and encircled by a 30-piece orchestra. Music selection, program design, and scripting are all geared to connect young children with music – physically, emotionally, and mentally.
The program and independent nonprofit were created in the 1980s, when the women of the Junior Symphony Guild recognized a need for vibrant educational programs to introduce young children to orchestral music, and a need to provide a diverse set of students and families with the opportunity for exposure to orchestra music in a way they would not receive otherwise. In 2012, the Junior Symphony Guild was renamed Inside the Orchestra.
Since the beginning, the organization has adopted values around equity and inclusion, further committing to a future where the organization helps reduce barriers to the performing arts and orchestra music by ensuring accessibility, affordability and representation of diverse composers. This resulted in the creation of a series of Tiny Tots performances with different themes and virtual content to further promote accessibility for all kids. Free and reduced-cost tickets are available for each Tiny Tots series.
In 2014, the group approached the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) to partner on the performances to include the artistry of the DCPA teaching team to engage the young audiences and help deepen and enrich the experience. The orchestra has expanded Tiny Tots by collaborating with other cultural partners to offer original music complemented by dance, theatre, storytelling, and other multidisciplinary arts.
How We Partner
Denver Center for the Performing Arts is proud to partner with Tiny Tots in the following ways:
- DCPA Teaching Artists participate in Tiny Tots performances, helping facilitate interactive activities, movement, storytelling, and audience engagement for children and families.
- The collaboration is designed to make live arts experiences more accessible and engaging for young audiences by combining music, theatre, movement, and storytelling. DCPA is Tiny Tots’ main partner in facilitating English-Spanish bilingual performances.
- In 2025 through this amazing partnership, we were able to engage 7,198 community members.
Together, these efforts foster an appreciation for music and the performing arts among young children and enrich their education through interactive, engaging experiences.
Contact Info
Inside the Orchestra
9995 E Colfax Ave,
Aurora, CO 80010
303-355-7855
Program – Inside The Orchestra
Social Media:
Facebook: Inside the Orchestra
Instagram: insideorchestra
YouTube: InsideOrchestra
Opening Act
Opening Act Theatre was founded in 2016 by Public Relations Consultant Sylvia Cordy, and eight Black professional women in Denver. Their goal is to instill confidence and develop personal and professional leadership qualities in young Black women between the ages of 6 and 17 years old.
Mission
Our mission is to use theatre arts to promote and enhance the creative talents and positive development of young Black women.
Vision
We envision successful, poised, and skilled women empowered to create change in themselves, their community and their world.
Our Values
- Confident self-expression and professional proactive communication
- Integrity and personal ethics
- Excellence
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Mutual respect for diverse values and communities
- Humor and versatility
- Personal and professional resilience
Contact info
Sylvia Cordy
Chief Executive Officer
3131 E. Alameda Avenue, Suite 1606
Denver, Colorado 80209
Website: https://openingacttheatre.org/
COMMUNITY AT DCPA
As part of our community engagement efforts we strive to have deeper connections with our community. We are excited to share stories on our stage and stories of the community.
Please visit our NewsCenter to stay connected to theatre and Community news from the DCPA.
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