What’s Next for Debut Theatre?
A New Home for Youth Arts
We are raising the curtain on a new act: the construction of a new building for Debut Theatre Company. For over 30 years, Debut has operated out of a small building with limited space for rehearsing, storage, and set construction. Our costumes, props, and set pieces are stored in various facilities around town. Our sets are built in a garage. Most importantly, we rent our performance venues at a significant cost and our students are not able to step foot on a stage until the day of their performance. We dream of a day when we can have a dedicated home that brings all of these components under one roof.
Debut has been generously given use of the old AMC movie theater in midtown Fort Collins, but it's not ready for our youth theatre program just yet. While the property owner will be handling basic structural upgrades, our capital campaign is focused on raising the money needed to transform this building into a comprehensive arts education facility with a black box theater, main theater, classrooms, costume shop, workshops, and more, finally providing the students everything they need for their hands-on theater training.
Support Building Improvements
Your donation will support the creation of:
the main performance theater space
a black box theater that seats 118
dedicated classrooms for student training
a back shop for set construction
a costume room for storage, sewing, and care
dressing rooms and a green room with makeup stations
vital storage space for equipment, sets, props, and more
a theatre library and office
a welcome lobby and a hospitality kitchen for special events
lighting and sound equipment for performance spaces
an artist-in-residence studio
All of the funding focuses on the crucial work required to convert the existing building into a fully functional and inspiring home for youth arts.
Why Theatre?
Debut Theatre is not just about putting on plays based on classic literature; it's a transformative experience that shapes young lives in profound ways. Here, students don't just learn lines; they develop essential life skills that empower them far beyond the stage. Through hands-on participation in every aspect of theatre, from acting to set design, lighting, costuming, and stage management, they learn problem-solving, responsibility, and communication.
Perhaps most importantly, Debut fosters confidence and a sense of belonging. It's a place where community, collaboration, and creativity are valued. This supportive environment allows young people to experiment, make mistakes, learn accountability, and be treated with professionalism. Ultimately, theatre provides a safe place where students feel welcomed and accepted.
The impact of the arts extends beyond entertainment and individual skill-building; it is fundamental to a healthy, connected community. Research confirms that communities are increasingly realizing the importance of theater to children's development, recognizing theaters for young audiences as worthy of respect. Studies show that the arts can be a vehicle to reduce discrimination and prejudice; to promote understanding and education; to open minds and expand the sense of self; and to foster an appreciation for others. Furthermore, research suggests that attending live theater is a communal experience that contributes to improved mental health .
Ultimately, we believe that investing in youth theatre is an investment in the growth of individuals and the health of the community.
A Hub for Arts Education
Our plan is not just about a building; it's about creating the a new home designed to unleash even greater potential in young people and strengthen the entire youth arts community in Northern Colorado. This vision is born from recognizing that our current facility limitations are sadly familiar to many other struggling nonprofit youth arts and theater organizations in the region. These groups also crave additional classroom and theater space for their own vital initiatives.
Our plan is to create a dynamic hub for arts education, a resource that will not only elevate Debut's programs but also provide much-needed, affordable space to other organizations. Once established, we intend to offer discounted rates to other nonprofits needing classroom or theater space.
The Investment
Debut Theatre has a long history of achieving extraordinary outcomes with limited resources. Debut operates on a relatively modest budget, with a large majority (up to 80%) coming directly from program fees, supplemented by donations from individuals, companies and foundations. Our commitment to responsible financial management has allowed us to keep both tuition fees and ticket prices low, making theatre education and experiences accessible and affordable for families and the broader community.
This tradition of maximizing impact with limited resources is deeply embedded in our model. Our dedicated staff, skilled volunteers, and mentors contribute significantly, integrating skills like construction, design, and sewing directly into the student experience without requiring vast overhead. Our Capital Campaign investment is not about changing this fundamental ethos of responsible stewardship and hands-on, impactful learning. Instead, it's about enhancing and expanding the reach of this proven, effective model.
We understand the importance of transparency, especially regarding the unique building ownership structure whereby we are operating lease-free. Our Capital Campaign advisory board and staff members will ensure that funds raised are dedicated to improvements essential for Debut Theatre's program delivery and long-term success in the space.
