Article by Mel Ulle
I’m a big fan of all the varied creative geniuses that bring magic to Colorado every damn day. But I’m an even bigger fan when the genius comes from friends from the days of old- the halls of South High, the quads of Colorado College, the drive-thru liquor store on Buchtel… I’ve written about Buntport Theater Company before, and I am guessing I’ll do it again. They’re funny, strange, original and have convinced me that theater isn’t boring.
They write and perform all their own work and whenever I go, I don’t get that, “this is going to be a really expensive nap” dread in my core. My faves have included: Cabaret De Profundis, How to Sing While Ugly Crying, Titus Andronicus: The Musical, and Middle-Aged People Sitting in Boxes.
Now, Buntport, our perfect little gem of a theater, is doing something absolutely massive and important. After 25 years, Buntport is buying its building at 717 Lipan Street.
I know, you might think 25 years in the same spot seems stable, but for decades, they’ve been renters, always living with the angst of impermanence. That anxiety got real when a “For Sale” sign popped up and a developer came sniffing around. We almost lost one of our city’s most brilliant institutions to a condo complex.
Buntport moved fast. They made an offer and now they’ve launched a $2.65 million capital campaign aptly named “Buntport’s Big Ask,” to purchase and renovate the entire space. And because their community knows what a treasure it is, they’ve already raised over $1.1 million of that goal.
The Buntportians (Samantha Schmitz, Brian Colonna, Hannah Duggan, Erik Edborg, and Erin Rollman) are taking over the entire building, they are more than doubling their physical square footage.
What does that mean for the greater arts community? It means that in the future Buntport will be an arts hub offering low-cost rehearsal space. They are adding a large new rehearsal room that will be available at a low cost to small, space-starved companies and other creatives in our community.
Long-term plans include creating a small living area that can be used as artist housing for visiting creatives. Consistent with their history, the whole crux of their greater vision is affordability and accessibility. They are committed to maintaining their pay-what-you-can ticket policy and providing reasonably-priced rehearsal spaces and extremely low rental rates, ensuring that making art—or holding a community meeting, wedding, or funeral (they host them all!)—is within everybody’s reach.
In a very typically Buntport move, the five members of the company are running this capital campaign themselves to ensure that administrative costs are minimal, allowing donations to go directly to the purchase of the building.
If you feel overwhelmed or discouraged with the state of, well, everything, remember that amazing, creative, bizarre things are happening right here in our community. Supporting Buntport’s Big Ask makes sure that Denver keeps a space where unique and original art can thrive for years to come.
I love to talk about the Colorado Way. It’s a political concept that refers to our spirit of collaboration and consensus-building in a politically diverse state. And this campaign to create more for everyone and not just themselves is a classic example of it. Our lovely team of Buntportians are committed to helping fellow creatives and sharing resources.
Now, here’s the pitch. I rarely directly ask readers to make a financial investment, but this one is worth it. Please consider investing in Denver’s weird, beautiful, artistic soul. To check out their campaign, donate, or perhaps pledge $10,000 to get your name listed permanently in the theater, visit buntport.com. Every small amount adds up and makes a difference and will make their building a permanent home.
Read Melanie Ulle’s monthly Making a Difference Articles at Urban Life Wash Park.
