From CultureWest’s ongoing “It’s Opening Night in Colorado Theater” photo series: Backstage at the opening of Magic Moments’ “Spirit & Soul.”
By John Moore
Aug. 2, 2013
One year ago, a local foundation created www.CultureWest.Org on my behalf as a beta blog for what we all hoped would become a new, fully staffed and fully funded, web-based media outlet exclusively covering arts and culture in Colorado. Well, when life hands you lemons …
That particular dream may have died, but one year later, be it ever so humble, that beta blog is still here, celebrating its one-year anniversary of covering mostly the local theater community in fun, innovative and, in some cases, groundbreaking ways, telling stories using words, photos and video.
When I was a staff writer for the Denver Post, I averaged about 250 bylines a year — and I was paid for it. I am proud as a peacock to note that CultureWest has launched 234 pieces of new content in its first year — without my getting paid for it.
This web project has been a labor of love. And so today, if you will allow me, I want to take a moment to look back at just some of the highlights in taking on this journalistic experiment. And to offer those of you who may be new to the website the chance to explore some of the projects we have undertaken. Enjoy!
Ongoing photo and story projects:
It’s Opening Night in Colorado Theatre: For this ongoing photo series, we have visited backstage before 99 theater openings in 2013 — so far.
Beautiful Women Wearing My Sunglasses: A daily profile of a woman (and a few token dudes) as a cheeky way of promoting the people and plays being staged in the area. Today was daily entry No. 104.
Anatomy of a director: We interviewed 40 local directors for 40 days asking them about this seldom-discussed aspect of the creative process.
Video projects:
The Shelly Bordas Story: A beloved local actor is given a terminal diagnosis. Part 3 is in the works.
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson: Following the story of a self-started local musical takes a turn when the director (and star) is seriously injured on opening night.
Equinox, Sugar honor Adam Perkes by resuming “Bat Boy” performances
My memorial film for the 2013 Henry Awards
Interesting interviews:
Eden Lane: The first transgender journalist on mainstream TV opens up about her life and challenges
Video: Quincy Jones on Michael Jackson as “Thriller” turns 30
Video: Oskar Eustis on the American theater: ‘The worst of both worlds is happening’
Video: Three minutes with … Pam Grier
Video: The Skype Sessions: Constantine Maroulis of ‘Jekyll and Hyde’
Phil Sneed’s exit/entrance interview
Denver Center actor John Hutton on Spielberg, “Lincoln” and on being invited to the party
Mark Collins turns actor: Two ex-theater critics, sitting around having coffee
Breaking news:
Shows go on, theaters safe as fires rage near Creede
Convicted UNC theater professor Vance Fulkerson released from prison one year early
Germinal Stage’s theater to close, but company will play on
Heritage Square Music Hall will close at end of year
Long-form stories and personal essays:
Moore on Moore: You can’t say ‘director’ without ‘dire’ (on directing “Always, Patsy Cline”)
What companies can learn from the reinvention of Curious Theatre Company
10 years later, the first openly gay athlete in team sports history
Don’t be frightened, Regis High School students, but … We are your future
Greater good:
The creation of the new Denver Actors Fund: This new nonprofit will help members of the local theater community during medical emergencies.
Launch of the 2012 True West Theater Awards
Fund to aid actor Robert Michael Sanders launches like a rocket
Local music:
Our coverage of the 2013 Underground Music Showcase (The UMS)
