This Saturday! Denver Kicks Off Performing Arts Season with ‘First Act’ Community Celebration

Are you ready for the spotlight? First Act is the kickoff celebration to Denver’s performing arts season on Saturday, September 12 – from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The event brings together all of the organizations that call the Denver Performing Arts Complex home (1400 Curtis St.) – including Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Dazzle, Opera Colorado, Colorado Symphony and Colorado Ballet.

Photo: Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Attendees can experience ballet, symphony, jazz, theatre and opera, while exploring the campus, meeting the artists and organizations behind the performances.

Beyond the stage, families can strike a pose for a FREE professional headshot, craft their own paper flowers or step into the spotlight at Clowning on the Complex – a playful exploration of movement, imagination and creative expression.

There will also be a Broadway Bound Community Dance Class, designed for all ages and abilities. Also, art lovers can see costumes and opera props up-close.

Admission is FREE. Registration is requested. Doors open at 9 a.m. 

Here’s what each arts organization has planned for the community event:

Colorado Ballet

The Colorado Ballet will present excerpts of ballets from around the world, including pieces from their upcoming season

Plus, visit Colorado Ballet’s interactive education table to take part in engaging dance activities for all ages and learn details about Colorado Ballet’s wide variety of programming.

Colorado Symphony

A brass quintet from your Colorado Symphony performs excerpts from the orchestra’s 2026/27 season.

Plus, experience the magic of music-making with the Colorado Symphony at their education table. Shake a tambourine, play a violin, tap some claves and more.

Dazzle

Vocalist Kelsey Wallner and jazz guitarist Ben Parish perform original compositions and personal twists on jazz standards.

In addition, stop by Dazzle’s education table to learn more about the world premiere of The Man Who Blamed His Farts on the Animals, premiering on the Dazzle stage as an interactive musical play in September. Try on different animal ears and maybe press the fart machine button, where each animal has its own sound. 

Denver Center for the Performing Arts

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts will delight attendees with excerpts from its season-opening productions — Destiny of Desire: A Telenovela Play with Music and The Tempest. First Act attendees will get an exclusive preview of the melodrama and wild antics that make the telenovela the most popular form of storytelling in the world, while classics’ lovers will get a glimpse at Shakespeare’s final play.

The DCPA will bring the campus to life with hands-on activities for all ages, including make-your-own actor headshots, paper flower crafts, Clowning on the Complex and the Broadway Bound Community Dance Class inspired by The Outsiders immediately following First Act.

Families can also explore costume displays, Meet Your Seat experiences and connect with DCPA ambassadors throughout the morning.

Review the complete event schedule here.

Want More Fun Things To Do?

Look at our full events calendar, where you can type in any date, or check out what’s happening over the next few days right here: