THE VENUE THEATRE
The Venue Theatre Company, founded in 2013 as an educational 501c3 nonprofit, provides enriching performing arts education for the youth of the greater Denver and Foothills area. With highly trained, Broadway experienced educators, The Venue meets all children at the level they are currently at and encourages them to develop their skills both as performers and as individuals.
Here at The Venue Theatre Company, we are deeply invested in the magic of art and performance. We believe in opening hearts and minds by giving youth the tools to share their songs and stories. The Venue is more than just a nonprofit theatre—it's a safe haven comprised of students, volunteers, and instructors all working toward one common goal: creating the best environment for children and young adults to become all that they can be.
OUR TEAM





Amy Fletcher
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Amy is a native New Yorker with 35 years of experience in professional theatre. After performing on Broadway and in numerous touring productions, Amy began pursuing a career as an educator and mentor. She has worked at several high schools, as a professor of Theatre and Dance at Five Towns College and achieved her MFA in interdisciplinary arts and theatre education from Goddard College. She was thrilled to join the Venue Theatre, after relocating to Colorado with her amazing husband Michael and son Matthew. Venue director and/or choreographer credits include: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Bye Bye Birdie, Guys and Dolls, Urinetown, Anything Goes, Newsies, Venue on Broadway and Venue Through the Years.
Emery Pace Archer
INSTRUCTOR
Emery Pace Archer (EP) is a composer, musician, educator, performer, poet, singer-songwriter, playwright, collaborator & arts activist. EP has worked as a Teaching Artist with the Colorado Symphony’s Very Young Composer program, and as a professor of songwriting for the Lamont School of Music at DU. Most recently, EP signed on to teach both Vocal and Theater Arts at Conifer High School & joined the team at the Venue Theater as a creative coach and workshop instructor. With 25 years professional experience as a performing artist & both MM & BA degrees in Music, EP is the composer, lyricist and author of CRESCENT HEARTS, a new rock opera in progress. EP’s solo release UNDERNEATH is an album of songs currently performed on voice, violin, piano and guitar. EP is an advocate for neurodiverse students and the LGBTQ+ community.
Lora Haimes
GRANTS MANAGER
Lora is passionate about theatre eduction as she has seen first hand how it benefits not only the students, but parents and families as well. She also loves the collaborative nature of theatre and working with a wide range of people to make things happen. Lora served as the Education Director at Stagedoor Theatre from 2005 through 2011. After that she owned her own business with a staff of 20, which she grew significantly, then sold in 2017. Lora is excited to be back in the theatre world and to be working with the Venue community.
Nelson Conway
FOUNDER
Nelson retired from a 25-year career teaching music and drama in 2007. He studied music under Dr. George Lynn at Loretto Heights College and Lynn Whitten at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He studied technical theater with Joseph Psuik, drama and musical theater under Richard Clark, Tom McNally and Jan Sullivan. Nelson started the choral and drama departments of Conifer High School in 1996 and has directed and produced countless shows. Nelson co-founded The Venue in 2013.
Joni Havens
FOUNDER
Joni, a certified K-12 teacher, found her interest in theater while performing in elementary and high school productions. In college, she became a professional pantomime and circus aerialist, performing on stages across the U.S. and on television. She has directed over 30 community theater productions and founded a performing drama club in a Colorado high school. She loved performing but her heart's delight is in directing children's theater. Joni is a cofounder of The Venue.
OUR BOARD
TJ Bartt
BOARD PRESIDENT
Hallie Hannum
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE
Bitsy Bernat
ACCOUNTANT/TREASURER
Alaska Jenkins
STUDENT BOARD REPRESENTATIVE
Bethany Van Beek
SECRETARY
Paul Liffengren
MEMBER AT LARGE
RENTALS
Rent our theatre or studio
From performances to conferences, recitals to celebrations, The Venue Theatre is the best place to host your event this season. With a seating capacity of over 100, there is more than enough room to spare. We are proud to offer our space to any member of the community for classes, services or events. Consider The Venue for your upcoming event or check on availability for weekly or monthly use. We are proud to offer competitive pricing and hosting if necessary.