About Us

The Historic Elitch Theatre

Movie Night
Events at Historic Elitch Theatre
Founded in 2002

our story

The theatre closed in 1991 and the amusement park moved downtown in 1995.  The theatre was saved, but it sat empty for a decade.

A nonprofit organization, The Historic Elitch Gardens Theatre Foundation was formed in 2002 to raise funds for the restoration, as well as to maintain, preserve and restore the theatre and the carousel pavilion. (The Foundation now works under the ‘dba’ of Historic Elitch Theatre — aka HET.)

In 2006, the Foundation received $5 million in federal, state, and city funding, plus grants and private donations. Work began on phase 1 — saving and restoring the historic exterior. The process began with restoring the building’s exterior, including a concrete foundation under the exterior walls. The roof, gable, main entrance/lobby, and exterior walls were replaced and painted. A section of dressing rooms and shops on the West side of the building was demolished. Exterior restoration on the historic auditorium was completed in 2007.

Phase 2 of the restoration (2013-2014) included various health and safety upgrades, including restoring electricity and lighting throughout the building and the addition of a fire suppression system. This upgrade allowed the theatre to get temporary occupancy and begin tours and limited events.

With the completion of Phase 3 (2020-2021) restrooms were added, a new roof was put on, and various other upgrades were made, allowing for the theatre to gain a certificate of permanent occupancy.

Fundraising continues for interior renovations, including the need for theatre rigging, lighting, and sound.  The vision is to serve as a community arts center for the education and presentation of theatre, music, and film.

The Team

Meet Our Board of Directors

Chris Miller

B.A. Psychology
University of Colorado,

A passion for making a difference in the world!

Chuck Perry

Managing Partner, Perry Rose LLC
Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Founder of Perry Rose, Chuck Perry has extensive experience in community-based master planning and mixed-use, mixed-income infill real estate development.

Greg Rowley

Small Business Owner
Masters of Nonprofit Management
Regis University

Greg with his family's business, Greg enjoys the opportunity to put his MNM degree to good use as a board member for the Historic Elitch Theatre.

Mohamed Aichiouene

B.S., Aerospace Engineering
University of Colorado

A professional engineer with a love for the history of Denver and his community.

Rachelle Kalkofen

Project Manager with Perry Rose LLC
B.S. Molecular Biology
University of Wyoming

Ms. Kalkofen draws on her professional experience and close ties with Highlands Garden Village to assist the Historic Elitch Garden Theatre Foundation in operations, management, and administrative duties as Secretary of the Board.

Roberta Hamilton-Griggs

Performer, and Voice/Acting Teacher
Masters in Vocal Performance
University of Denver

31-years ago Roberta was honored to perform in the last fully staged performance at the Elitch Garden's Theatre, The Robber Bridegroom, directed by Gary Giem and starring Patrick Cassidy. That experience, and having lived in Denver her whole life, has warmed her to the history and future of the Theatre.

Ben Bryant

Emeritus Board Member
Masters in Business Administration


Ben discovered the theatre after moving to Denver and first got involved with the theatre volunteering for the outdoor film series, then joined the building committee, before joining the board.