The Denver Center for the Performing Arts sits right across from campus, easily identifiable by Jonathan Borofsky’s Dancers that tower over Speer Boulevard, as well as the glass ceiling that shelters the complex from Denver’s harsher weather. It’s a short walk from campus, and, whether you park or take public transportation to get to school, you can save yourself the $18 it costs to park in the crowded DCPA parking garage during an event, especially if you want to go on a school night.

Within the Performing Arts complex, countless forms of entertainment play six days a week, with national musical theatre and other one-off events at the Buell Theatre, opera, ballet, and concerts at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and our very own Colorado Symphony at the Boettcher Concert Hall. You can also find four local theatres in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex, Dazzle Jazz Club, and the Garner Galleria Dinner Theatre, all under the same roof. 

Just a few weeks ago, the Colorado Symphony went on a send-off tour in New York City, playing at two of the most coveted concert halls; Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall. Their talent is immeasurable, and the same goes for every other theatre in the complex. Going to the theatre, the symphony, or a jazz show may seem daunting, especially on a student budget. However, it is very possible, especially if you know where to look! 

Outside food and drink are not allowed in any of the houses (and the drinks inside are often quite overpriced), but there are plenty of places to grab a bite, even within the complex.  Olive and Finch, located on the corner next to Ellie Caulkins, has its happy hour from 3-5 PM every day, with discounted drinks and appetizers. (Be sure to check out CU Denver’s Experience Gallery for free, also within the complex!) 

The Buell, Garner Galleria, and the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex share several forms of student and educator discounts. If you don’t mind a seat that’s further back and are willing to take a gamble for more popular shows, students, teachers, seniors, and military can come to the box office an hour before showtime and get up to two rush tickets for 50% off on most Broadway and Cabaret shows. For Theatre Company shows, rush tickets for students are $15, and 50% off for teachers. If you are 30 years or younger and want to get tickets for a season in advance, especially for local shows, be sure to check out the RAdvantage plan – a flat $25 for the entire season, which will get you discounted tickets for a wide variety of shows. 

At the Boettcher, classic concert tickets can be bought for $10-15 by students and teachers, using the discount code: “LISTEN” when purchased online. If you happen to be interested in more than five or six shows throughout the current season, there is also a $60 one-time purchase for a solo student membership to most shows, and a $99 Harmony Student Membership to bring a fellow student along. 

So, support the arts on your own budget — make that walk across Speer, and see what the DCPA has to offer!