Business Details
46 Years
experience
Classical Theatre in Boulder, CO
The Upstart Crow has been dedicated to classical theatre for over 45 years, founded in 1980 by Richard and Joan Bell. Our mission centers on producing language-driven plays that emphasize playwrights' intentions, actors' craft, and audiences' intellectual engagement. We prioritize accessibility, offering affordable ticketing options like Name-Your-Price Nights and season subscriptions to ensure community-wide participation. Our productions, such as Aaron Sorkin's *A Few Good Men*, explore timeless themes of truth and morality through rigorous artistic interpretation. We foster inclusivity through open auditions, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships with local venues like the Dairy Arts Center.Our commitment to classical works is matched by our dedication to modern relevance, ensuring each performance invites self-reflection and dialogue. We actively seek diverse talent, including trans and non-binary actors, to reflect contemporary realities on stage. As a community-driven organization, we rely on patron support, donations, and sponsorships to sustain our programming. Our rehearsal and performance spaces are designed to be safe, harassment-free environments for all participants. With decades of experience, we remain Boulder's premier destination for thought-provoking classical theatre.
Services
Classical Theatre Productions
Community Engagement
Audition Opportunities
Volunteer Programs
Season Ticket Subscriptions
Inclusive Casting
Affordable Ticketing
Educational Outreach
Post-Show Discussions
Local Sponsor Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- 45 years of experience producing classical theatre in Boulder
- Inclusive casting policies for trans and non-binary actors
- Name-Your-Price Nights ensure accessible ticketing for all
- Community-driven productions with post-show audience discussions
- Founders' legacy of language-focused theatrical interpretation
What people say
Powerful performances
Inclusive casting choices
Affordable ticket options
Engaging post-show discussions
Historic theatre experience
Services
Classical Theatre Productions
We stage four classical plays annually, emphasizing language-driven storytelling. Our productions like *A Few Good Men* explore moral dilemmas through rigorous textual interpretation. Each show runs Thursday-Sunday with special matinee and industry nights.
Community Engagement
Post-show talk-backs and Name-Your-Price Nights ensure accessible theatre experiences. We offer volunteer opportunities for set construction, costume design, and event organization to local residents.
Inclusive Casting
Our open auditions prioritize trans, non-binary, and racially diverse talent. We guarantee at least one trans role in major productions while maintaining traditional gender interpretations when appropriate.
Educational Outreach
We provide rehearsal space access, prop storage, and mentorship for emerging theatre professionals. Our programs connect volunteers with experienced directors and designers for hands-on learning.
Affordable Ticketing
Name-Your-Price Nights and $80 season subscriptions make classical theatre accessible. Open dress rehearsals offer free public access to preview performances before official openings.
People
Richard Bell
Founder
Co-founded the company in 1980 with Joan Bell. Directed and acted in 38 seasons of language-focused productions before retiring in 2018. Passed away in 2024.
Joan Bell
Co-Founder
Co-founded the company with Richard Bell in 1980. Shared acting and directing responsibilities for 38 years, establishing the company's classical theatre aesthetic.
Captain Robert Greene
Audition Coordinator
Retired U.S. Marine Corps officer oversees casting for military-themed productions. Manages audition logistics and casting diversity initiatives for major shows like *A Few Good Men*.
Questions
What types of plays do you produce?
We specialize in classical theatre with language-driven scripts, including Shakespearean works, Greek tragedies, and modern courtroom dramas like *A Few Good Men*.
Are tickets accessible for low-income patrons?
Yes! Our Thursday Name-Your-Price Nights allow pay-what-you-can admission. We also offer $80 season subscriptions for all four shows.
How can I audition for a show?
Sign up online for scheduled audition slots. Prepare a dramatic monologue and expect cold readings from the script. All gender identities and ethnicities are encouraged to participate.
Do you offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes! Volunteers help with set construction, costume design, prop management, and event coordination. No experience required – just enthusiasm for theatre.
What accessibility features exist?
The Dairy Arts Center venue offers wheelchair access. We provide assistive listening devices and large-print programs upon request for patrons with disabilities.
Can I donate to support your work?
Yes! Tax-deductible donations fund community programs. We also accept in-kind donations of costumes, props, and rehearsal space to support our productions.
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