There’s more to the Denver Performing Arts Complex than just stunning performances, and taking a tour showcases the wonder that makes theatre so great.

When the former Auditorium Theatre at 14^th & Curtis streets opened in 1908, it started with a bang. Or more specifically, an epic snowball fight. In a push to impress the dignitaries who were coming from around the country to Denver for the state’s first Democratic National Convention, the city had a team of trucks deliver snow from the mountains and pile it outside the building. It was a big hit for both the visitors and the civic auditorium.

This historical story is just one of the many things you may learn when booking one of the tours provided by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA). There are eight theatres in the Arts Complex, but each tour starts in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex, which houses half those venues. From there, groups of up to 10 people branch off to different areas of the four-block, 12-acre campus, each tweaked depending on who joins.

“At the top of the tour are items patrons want to hear about,” said Evan Gendreau, former Associate Director of Theatre Services. “The Arts Complex is the largest performing arts complex in the country…under a single glass roof.”

Said roof towers 80 feet high and spans two city blocks, something else you may learn from this special tour.

Tour Ambassadors are recruited from the DCPA’s pool of volunteers, which numbers around 500. These ambassadors must have at least five years’ experience volunteering at the theatre. That way, they have knowledge of how each system works, from ticket scanning to ushering to theatre capacities.

Once approved, the volunteers go through training, learning even more about the Arts Complex and its history. While there is a basic script for them to follow, each tour is different as the guides give their own anecdotes and stories to visitors.

Depending on the Broadway schedule, you may get to see the stage at the Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre. Behind the scenes there’s an oxygen tank for performers to use if they feel out of breath in Denver’s arid and high-altitude air. If you’re lucky enough to walk the stage, do a little twirl and channel your inner diva.

This is also where Actors’ Alley resides. The unique spot is filled with door-size replicas of Broadway show posters painted on the walls and signed by touring cast members.

Stage visits are tricky at the Bonfils Theatre due to the intricacies of the set, which includes trap doors, revolving parts, and other surprises. While you can’t go on the stage, if you’re lucky you’ll see the stagehands building and setting it up for a performance.

The culmination of the tour usually ends at the Newman Center for Theatre Education, which has history of its own. The tour guide may mention it used to be “car barn” where Denver’s former street cars were stored and serviced. In fact, the architecture of the building with its extremely high ceilings makes it perfect to build large sets, paint backdrops, and even offer low-flying trapeze classes.

“These [workshops] are really unique to the organization, and you can see how the show is built from the ground up,” added Gendreau. “[The production teams create] everything from top to bottom rather than renting sets and costumes.”

Taking one of the DCPA guided tours is a great way to learn more about the Arts Complex and what goes into making all the magic we see on stage. Leaving with some Denver history is just one of the many perks.

Public tours run Saturdays and Mondays at 10am, year-round. You can also look into booking a private tour and bringing school groups by emailing tours@dcpa.org. All ages are welcome on the tour, though minors must have an accompanying adult. Wear comfortable shoes and expect a 90-minute to two-hour romp around the Complex. It’s accessible to everyone too – patrons have the opportunity to provide information about their needs when buying tickets. Tickets are $12 each. Visit denvercenter.org to learn more!