An Open Letter to Our Community

Dear Friends,

In 2010, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) embarked on a great experiment. Charlie Miller and Emily Tarquin co-founded Off-Center — a “test kitchen” for immersive theatre with a simple recipe — put the audience at the center of the story.

As one of the few pioneers to invest in and produce large-scale immersive experiences, DCPA Off-Center has served as an international model for this emerging artform, welcoming more than 653,000 audience members, producing 70 unique experiences both large and small, and generating more than $80 million in economic impact. With landmark productions such as Sweet & Lucky, Camp Christmas, and Theater of the Mind, Off-Center has helped shape Denver’s cultural identity and positioned our city as a national leader in immersive art.

However, after much reflection, the DCPA will make a shift in its approach to immersive programming, no longer investing in the development and production of new immersive experiences. As we look to the future, the DCPA remains committed to innovative programming and will continue to explore opportunities to present established immersive projects.

This difficult decision was made in response to a constellation of factors: budget challenges and economic uncertainty, unpredictable ticket buying trends, a limited pipeline of immersive content, and the lack of partners to share in the risk of producing new immersive work.

Aligning with this decision is the departure of Charlie Miller, Off-Center’s Co-Founder, Executive Director, and Curator who will leave the DCPA at the end of March after 17 years of visionary leadership. Over the next six months, Charlie will continue to work on Off-Center collaborations around Camp Christmas and Theater of the Mind.

We know this news may be difficult to hear. Off-Center has been more than a programming line; it’s been a place of wonder, experimentation, and connection. And while this chapter is closing, our commitment to bold, transformative theatre remains stronger than ever.

In the coming season, the DCPA will present nearly 35 productions across our programming lines. These productions reflect our ongoing mission: to engage and inspire through the transformative power of live theatre. We remain committed to creating space for joy, reflection, and connection — for everyone in our community.

To Charlie: thank you. Your vision expanded our imagination and redefined what theatre could be. To our audiences and donors: thank you for believing in Off-Center and for joining us on this extraordinary journey. And to our incredible team: your ingenuity, dedication, and spirit have been the heartbeat of Off-Center. You brought stories to life with boldness and care, and your contributions have left an indelible mark on our community and the field of immersive theatre.

We invite you to read more about Off-Center’s 15 years with this tribute by Lisa Kennedy — a reflection of 15 years of innovation, artistry, and impact.

Janice Sinden
President & CEO