Shakespeare in the Parking Lot. Photo by McLeod9 Creative

Just as the great Bard had patrons to help produce what would become iconic plays at the Globe Theatre, so does the DCPA’s annual Shakespeare in the Parking Lot. One of the major supporters is UCHealth, which understands the importance of theater, art, and music for the human condition.

“UCHealth is pleased to partner with the DCPA on the Shakespeare in the Parking Lot program,” said Manny Rodriguez, UCHealth’s Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. “It’s a unique way to bring the arts into the community and allow more people to experience the health benefits that exposure to the arts can provide.”

The community is exactly who the program benefits. After all, the gist of Shakespeare in the Parking Lot is to bring theatre to schools and community centers. It does this thanks to donors who not only support the event, but helped pay for the prop truck that acts as a home, wall, destination, secluded alcove and more during the live performances.

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot typically runs for six weeks in early fall (September -October) and late spring (April-May). It features eight actors playing all the roles. Each performance showcases an abridged version of either Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Macbeth. The actors gender bend and work so hard that, by the end of the six-week run, they have done more than 30 shows.

It’s a lot of effort to put on the shows, and production costs are steep. This is where UCHealth comes in. Its contribution largely helps cover the costs, making community performances entirely free and school engagements affordable. The later part allows students not only to enjoy the magic of Shakespeare through live performance, but also provides in-class workshops that take a dive deep into how the plays’ themes still resonate today.

“UCHealth is committed to sharing the health benefits of the arts with our youngest community members,” said Rodriguez. “By creating a fund to cover the cost of tickets, classes or workshops, we hope to inspire the next generation of artists and fans.”

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot began in 2015. Allison Watrous, Executive Director of DCPA Education & Community Engagement, not only directs the event, built the program too. The idea, she said, was to open up theatre to unconventional places and allow creativity to thrive outside the traditional stage. That, and she wanted to help teachers bring to life the vibrancy of the Bard’s great works, something that’s much better understood live than by reading quietly at home.

The best part is seeing these plays come alive for people in their very own neighborhood, which couldn’t happen without the generous support of loyal patrons of the arts.

For a full schedule of free Shakespeare in the Parking Lot performances, visit denvercenter.org/community-events