By Barbara Thorngren

FACTS, FOOD AND FAMILY. What do these three disparate subjects have to do with the theatre? I’m a tour ambassador, a volunteer who leads  BACKSTAGE TOURS at the arts complex and I was involved with all three of these topics last month. They may not sound like performing arts, but they each play a role.

The FACTS are what we tour ambassadors convey to our tour groups. We talk about history, how shows are put together, and how one man’s vision brought us the largest performing arts center under one roof in the country. But, believe me, it’s not boring; the stories behind our civic jewel are interesting and inspiring.

In August I was privileged to attend the first reading of the Denver Center Theatre Company’s first play for the 2009/10 season, THE VOYSEY INHERITANCE. That’s where the other two “F’s” come in. The tour ambassadors provide snacks for the cast, crew and other DCTC employees at each first reading. The information we learn there helps us provide insights for our tours into upcoming performances. The 1905 play, adapted by David Mamet, is as timely as anything written last year. When Phil Pleasants introduced himself, he said, “I’m playing Bernie Madoff, oops, Mr. Voysey.” Yes, it’s a play about a Ponzi scheme and how the Voysey family and friends are affected by its revelation. It’s funny and thought-provoking.

Now for my “oops”; I forgot one F: It’s FUN to be a DCPA volunteer.

The Voysey Family. Photo by Terry Shapiro.

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