For nearly half a century, the Denver Center Theatre Company has been woven into the fabric of Judith Pettibone’s life. What began as a shared passion with her husband, Tom, became a defining part of their family story, creating memories that continue to connect generations.

Judith and Tom moved to Colorado in 1980, and shortly thereafter began what would become a decades-long subscription to the Denver Center Theatre Company in its second season. Their commitment endured through snowstorms, raising two daughters, and even an eight-year move to the Pacific Northwest. No matter where life took them, the theatre remained a constant.

“Our first date was a play,” Judith recalled. “The theater anchored our life from that time on.”

Over the years, the couple witnessed the evolution of the Theatre Company firsthand, from the repertory company years and the Tony Award-winning era to the evolution of the Education department and the ever-changing artistic landscape. Through every season and every transformation, Judith remained captivated by the artistry on stage and behind the scenes.

Having attended an estimated 280 productions, choosing favorite plays is nearly impossible. Yet a few stand out: Quilters, The Tempest, Rattlesnake Kate, The Plainsong Trilogy, The Happiest Man on Earth, The Lehman Trilogy, Somewhere, and American Mariachi, among many others.

“Even if I don’t like a play, I always find something to admire,” she said.

One of Judith and Tom’s most cherished experiences was participating in the New Play Summit, where they delighted in following new works from early readings to fully realized productions. Following Tom’s passing three years ago, Judith chose to honor his memory by becoming a sponsor of the program they both loved.

“Watching our favorites make it to the mainstage was just the best,” she shared.

Today, Judith attends performances with one of her daughters seated beside her, carrying forward a family tradition that has spanned generations.

“She continues to put up with me whispering, ‘It’s magic time,'” Judith laughed.

Beyond the stage, Judith is deeply inspired by the Denver Center’s educational impact. After hearing DCPA leadership share the breadth of its outreach programs, she decided to direct a portion of her annual giving to arts education.

“I’ve always admired what the DCPA does for young people,” she said. “When budgets get cut, arts programs are often the first to go. The outreach work the DCPA is doing is stunning, and we should be bragging about it all the time.”

That belief in the power of theatre, arts education, and shared experiences made Judith’s decision to include the DCPA in her estate plans a natural one. She joined the Encore Society in 2017, ensuring that future generations will continue to experience the same sense of wonder that has enriched her own life.

“It was not a difficult decision to add the DCPA to our will,” Judith explained. “The theater was a centerpiece of our 50-year marriage, and the Theatre Company has been such a presence in our life together. It is lovely to think that our bequest can keep the magic going for a little longer.”

For Judith, legacy giving is not only about preserving the art she loves but also about inspiring others to invest in its future. Through her generosity, the magic that began with a first date at a play will continue to live on for generations to come.

I wonder if we should make this present tense: Even if I don’t like a play, I always find something to admire…

The past tense sounds like she’s not coming anymore.