Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Stories on Stage?
A: Stories on Stage is great actors reading great short fiction to a live adult audience. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization devoted to nurturing empathy and understanding among people by presenting popular local and national actors in dramatic readings of literature.
Q: What is a performance like?
A: A typical performance consists of four short stories, each read by a professional actor. Two stories are read before intermission and two stories after. Individual audience members report feeling as if the actors are reading a story expressly for them. Following the performance, there is a reception in the lobby for the audience with free milk and cookies and the opportunity to meet the actors, artistic director and staff. In addition, we present four alternative programs each season. These shows use several actors to perform each story, and sometimes a program will focus on a social issue or subject of intense interest. These have included disability, mental health, substance abuse, and science fiction.
Q: Who comes to Stories on Stage?
A: Stories on Stage is for people 16 years of age and older. We welcome an audience that is representative of our community, in other words, varied in race, age, culture and socio-economic background.
Q: Does this kind of programming happen only in Denver?
A: Actors reading short stories to adults began in New York City in 1985. It proved to be so popular with audiences that performances are now broadcast on New York’s public radio and on National Public Radio. In the last 10 years, similar programs have been established in Chicago (sponsored by Chicago Public Radio) and in Dallas at Arts & Letters Live. All three programs are extremely popular.
Q: What is the price of a ticket?
A: In keeping with our mission, we maintain an affordable price. Subscriptions range in price from $80 to $280. Single tickets are $25. Groups of 10 or more pay $20 per ticket. Our LoDough Program provides scholarships for individuals and organizations in need.
Q: What kinds of stories are performed?
A: Each program presents stories that vary in mood and style. We perform classic and contemporary short stories that range in mood from light and funny to serious and thought provoking. We perform the work of writers of diverse backgrounds, styles, and cultures.
Q: Where are the actors from?
A: Denver is fortunate in having a gifted local acting community, and many of our actors are hired out of this group. We also hire from the acting communities of Broadway and film and television. Actors enjoy this kind of performance and are eager to fit us into their schedules. Our well-known guests have included Bill Pullman, Ed Asner, Fritz Weaver, G.W. Bailey, James Avery, Elliott Gould, Esai Morales, Judith Ivey, Malachy McCourt, Edward Herrmann, Wes Studi, Kathleen Chalfant, Tony Plana, and Hattie Mae Winston.
Q: When and where are performances?
A: Our core programming, Always on Sunday, performs on the following dates: October 25, December 13, February 21, April 18 and May 16. Performances are at the Stage Theater, Denver Performing Arts Complex at 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm.
Our Out of the Box series performs on the following dates at the venues noted: September 26 at the Jones Theatre, DCPA; November 14 & 15 at the Buntport Theater, 717 Lipan St., Denver; January 16 at the Ricketson Theatre, DCPA; and March 13 at the Jones Theatre, DCPA. All performances in the Out of the Box series are Saturdays at 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm.
There is an additional performance at the Buntport Theater on Sunday, November 15 at 1:30 pm.
Parking for the DCPA is at 13th and Arapahoe Streets.
Q: How is Stories on Stage supported?
A: We are supported by our community and our audience. Please visit our sponsors page for a complete list of our sponsors. We are tremendously grateful for the individual contributions we receive. Our 2009-10 sponsor is Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital. We receive financial support from the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District and the Denver Foundation. Media sponsors include The Denver Post Community. The Denver Center Theatre Company and Denver Center for the Performing Arts provide enormous in-kind support. Authentic Persian Rugs provides our stage décor.
Q: I have an Always on Sunday matinee subscription. May I attend in the evening?
A: For shows at the Stage Theatre, our venue for Always on Sunday programs, this usually is not a problem. More seats generally are available at the evening performances. Please telephone the box office at 303.494.0523 to advise us of your change in ticket use.
Q: May I bring my children?
A: Great stories often contain adult content. Parents and grandparents should make their own determination as to whether to bring young people under the age of 16.