The Academy
A community theatre in our roots, a professional theatre in our standards. Classes and workshops for youth, adults, and community learners — grounded in evidence-based practice and intergenerational continuity.
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Stay tuned.
Stay Tuned
Tap to flip →New classes in development.
Stay tuned.
Stay Tuned
Tap to flip →New classes in development.
Stay tuned.
Stay Tuned
Tap to flip →New classes in development.
Stay tuned.
Stay Tuned
Tap to flip →New classes in development.
Stay tuned.
Stay Tuned
Tap to flip →New classes in development.
Stay tuned.
Why Arts Education Matters in Southwest Denver
Access to arts education in Southwest Denver has historically been uneven. Many schools in the area have limited or no theatre programming, and professional arts training is often financially out of reach for working families. Ruby Hill Productions was founded in part to close that gap — to ensure that every resident, regardless of age, income, or prior experience, has a pathway into the performing arts. We believe that creative expression is not a luxury but a fundamental part of how communities build identity, process experience, and imagine futures together.
Our approach to arts education is rooted in the communities we serve. Rather than importing a curriculum designed elsewhere, we co-create programming with residents, teaching artists, and community partners. This means our workshops respond to what neighbors actually want to learn — whether that is acting, playwriting, directing, stagecraft, oral history collection, or arts administration. Every class is taught by working professionals who reflect the cultural backgrounds and lived experiences of our students.
Our Workshop Model
Ruby Hill Productions workshops are designed to be accessible, rigorous, and community-centered. Sessions are kept small so that every participant receives individual attention. Sliding-scale and scholarship options ensure that cost is never a barrier. Our teaching artists are paid professional wages, reflecting our commitment to valuing creative labor and modeling sustainable arts careers for our students.
We offer programming across multiple disciplines. Acting workshops cover fundamental technique, scene study, and ensemble building. Playwriting workshops guide participants from first draft to staged reading. Technical theatre workshops train students in lighting, sound, set construction, and stage management. Our arts administration track introduces participants to the behind-the-scenes work of running a theatre organization — grant writing, marketing, box office, and community engagement strategy.
Partnerships and Pathways
We partner with schools, libraries, and community centers across Southwest Denver to bring workshops directly into neighborhoods. Through these partnerships, we reach young people and adults who might never walk into a theatre on their own. Our goal is not only to teach skills but to build lasting creative infrastructure — networks of trained, confident artists and arts supporters who continue to shape the cultural life of their communities long after a workshop ends.
For participants who want to go further, our mentorship program pairs emerging artists with established professionals for one-on-one guidance. Several of our workshop graduates have gone on to perform in our productions, lead their own story circles, or pursue further training at conservatories and university programs. We are proud to be a first stage for many and a creative home for all.