11 Best Performing Arts in Denver, Colorado

This huge complex, composed of an impressively high-tech group of theaters, hosts more shows—from classical orchestras to interactive experiences to Hamilton—than any other performing arts center in the world. Spread over a four-block area, the eight theaters are connected by a soaring glass archway to a futuristic symphony hall. The complex anchors are the round Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, built in 1991, and the ornate Ellie Caulkins Opera House, which occupies the former Auditorium Theatre built in 1908. The other six theaters include the small Garner Galleria Theatre and the midsize Kilstrom Theatre. The symphony, ballet, and opera have their seasons here. The complex has been run by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts since 1972.

Based in Denver's trendy Highland neighborhood, this small nonprofit theater produces cutting-edge, original works.

From September to June, the orchestra performs in the Boettcher Concert Hall, as well as playing ensemble concerts at venues around the city and a popular summer Symphony on the Rocks series at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre near Morrison.

This organization brings Broadway show touring companies to the Ellie and Buell theaters.

Presenting high-caliber repertory theater, including new works by promising playwrights, this company takes over the intimate stages (attendees are never more than 13 rows from the action) at the Bonfils Theatre Complex, part of the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

This Greenwood Village–based venue has changed names over the years. Most recently it was Comfort Dental Amphitheatre, but now has reverted back to its original Fiddler's Green. While the name keeps changing, the platform remains the same—large outdoor summer concerts. Although many compare this nondescript amphitheater unfavorably to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre near Morrison, Colorado, regular concertgoers may find Fiddler, with its small details, such as ample parking and individual seating, more comfortable than Red Rocks.

World-renowned for its superior acoustics and a Figaro seat-back tilting system that allows attendees to follow the text of the opera, the magnificent Ellie Caulkins Opera House has red-velvet seating and a lyre shape, ideal for full-bodied sound travel. The cherrywood-accented theater, in the Newton Auditorium, is where Opera Colorado presents its spring season, often with internationally renowned artists.

Designed by renowned local architect Temple H. Buell in the art deco style in 1930, the lovingly maintained Paramount in downtown Denver is both an elegant place to see shows and a rowdy, beer-serving party location for rock fans to enjoy large-scale concerts.

This Latino-Chicano company puts on mostly original works and festivals during its year-round season at the Denver Civic Theatre.

Selling tickets to almost all concerts, sporting events, and plays that take place in the Denver area, the ubiquitous TicketMaster is Denver's prime agency.

By presenting top-notch adaptations of nationally regarded comedies and dramas, such as Angels in America, Vintage Theatre Productions has made a name for itself locally. Its small but comfortable venue is in the Aurora Arts District, where it hosts performances most Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons.