The Venue Theatre exists to provide an accepting and enriching environment for the youth of our community—for discovery, exploration, and celebration of their unique and extraordinary abilities.
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.
The Venue Theatre is committed to being a diverse, inclusive, and safe space for authentic expression and creative collaboration. All students, crew members, and volunteers, whatever their race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or identity, biology, education, neurodiversity, or physical ability, will be honored, integrated, and respected.
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.
Stephanie Fernsler
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH DIRECTOR
A specialist in voice and piano instruction, Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education/Choral from the University of Delaware and a Master of Arts in Music Education from the University of Maryland-College Park. Her research is geared towards rural elementary music teaching and how teachers can provide strong characteristics and attributes to teaching in rural demographic areas. Stephanie spent four years teaching high school choir and theatre. She directed three different high school choirs including a mixed choir, women’s choirs, and a cappella choirs. In addition to her classroom teaching, Stephanie is an experienced private vocal instructor able to teach in a variety of styles including jazz, classical, and musical theater. She spent three years teaching with a music studio in Washington, D.C. where she taught piano and voice to students ages 4-18, as well as adults. Stephanie has also played the piano for 26 years, in classroom, church and other accompaniment settings. Stephanie is also the co-founder of Elk Creek Music Studio in Pine Junction, CO, providing music lessons to the Conifer/Pine/Bailey communities.
Rebecca Schonbrun
DIRECTOR - DISASTER! THE MUSICAL
Rebecca is an award-winning director and choreographer, specializing in giving confidence to new actors and dancers. She believes that with patience and respect to the process, any child can perform like a pro! Originally from St Louis, Missouri, Rebecca could be found in regional productions including West Side Story, and Jekyll & Hyde the Musical before transitioning into directing and choreographing productions all over Colorado. Rebecca has directed and choreographed children's theatre productions including: West Side Story, The Music Man Jr., Newsies, Into the Woods Jr., and Oliver. She has also contributed to several awards won at the Junior Theatre Festival (Excellence in Dance, Excellence in Music, and Excellence in Ensemble). When not in the studio, Rebecca can often be found on the hiking trail with her dog, Rudy. She is thrilled to be joining the Venue for her first season, and can't wait to get started!
Elizabeth Tanner
DIRECTOR - ROMEO & JULIET
Elizabeth holds her B.A. in Speech Theatre and M.F.A. in Acting/Performing Arts from Roosevelt University. She studied Acting at the Royal National Theatre in London, England. She has been an educator and professional actor all over the United States and abroad. Tanner acted in productions at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Bohemian Theatre Ensemble, Provision Theatre Company, Melvin Theatre, Majestic Theatre, NewBridge Theatre Company, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, St. Croix Off Broadway, and Porchlight Musical Theatre Company. Film credits include Edge of the Road (Indianapolis Film Festival Lead Actor award winner). Tanner toured with the St. Olaf Choir, was awarded a MRAC grant, and was the Artistic Director for NewBridge Theatre Company. Currently works as the Performing Arts teacher at Evergreen Middle School.
Marisa VerSteegh
DIRECTOR - ELF JR.
Marisa VerSteegh is a recent graduate and holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts and Dance from the University of Northern Colorado. Originally from Twin Falls, Idaho, Marisa is extremely active in the Colorado theatre scene. Having recently finished a summer season with The Spark in Boulder, Marisa is thrilled to be a part of The Venue Theatre Company. Her recent appearances include Squidward in the first regional production of Spongebob the Musical, Peggy, the darling starlet in 42nd Street, and Judy in A Chorus Line. She has also directed, choreographed, or performed in over 50 productions, and is ready to apply her knowledge at The Venue.
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 Theatre 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.
Luke Liffengren
MARKETING MANAGER
After graduating college with a B.A. in Digital Design with emphases in theatre and filmmaking, Luke returned to The Venue of which he is an alum. He specializes in digital marketing and lighting design and is passionate about the cultivation of fine arts for children. He hopes that through hard work and creativity, Colorado's mountain area can be a hub for the performing arts.
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 co-founder of The Venue.
OUR BOARD
TJ Bartt
BOARD PRESIDENT
TJ Bartt currently works in the property insurance field, supporting the state of Colorado. When his family moved here, their interest in the theatre landed their family with “The Venue” family which has provided a safe and education environment for their children. The joy of being surrounded by such talented people and the caring approach to teaching the crafts associated with the theatre has been a bright light for he and his family in their mountain community.
Bethany Van Beek
BOARD SECRETARY
Bethany works as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. She got involved with The Venue when her children became students. She continues to be involved because she loves The Venue’s mission statement and what they have done for kids and families in the mountain community.
Bill Bruner
MEMBER AT LARGE
Bill has over 23 years’ experience in taxes, working 9 years at Ernst & Young, LLP. In addition, Bill was a professional actor for over 10 years and ran the Beckman Theatre in Indianapolis, IN for 5 years. Bill believes theatre is the gateway to growth for children of all ages. The lessons learned on stage can’t be found in any other venue and are sorely needed in this time.
Paul Liffengren
MEMBER AT LARGE
Paul brings 30 years of experience in the financial services industry to the board. Paul is currently a Financial Consultant with Fidelity Investments. Paul got involved with the Venue Theatre in 2013 and he helped with the building of the theatre. Paul is passionate about the mission of the Venue and the impact the theatre family has had on his own family and the community at large.
Stephanie Martin Wolverton
MEMBER AT LARGE
As the proud owner and head trainer of HealthQuest Adventure and Wellness, Stephanie has been honored to serve the mountain community since 1998. A native of Evergreen, Colorado she has a deep appreciation for the outdoors and teaching these activities. Since her son Tristan joined the Venue Theatre in 2014, Stephanie has had the privilege of volunteering with the students and directors in activities such as goal setting; team building; positive mindset; body awareness; fitness and acrobatic skills. By working with other parent volunteers on costuming, set design and props she has acquired new organizational skills as well as developing life-long friendships. It is truly an inspirational environment to work in.
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.