Is 'Diversity' Just a Buzzword in Denver’s Theater Scene?
For 13 years, the Black Actors Guild created and performed some of the most provocative and entertaining plays in Denver. They started out as students at Denver School of the Arts and went on to bring in as much as $700,000 per year through their plays and arts education courses. But after a rough couple of years, they’re closing the curtain. So host Bree Davies sat down with her friend and Black Actors Guild co-founder Ryan Foo to talk about the state of theater in Denver and answer some big questions: Is “diversity” still just a buzzword, or are our arts institutions actually doing the work? What can theater companies do to uplift and make space for younger creators — and audiences — of color? If Denver can attract big, sell-out Broadway shows but not support local artists in the same way, has the city become a victim of its own success?
We mentioned Ryan Foo’s latest immersive theater-party, IllFooMinati VI, happening tomorrow and Saturday night at the Savoy Denver. Tickets and more information here.
More news you can use in our daily City Cast Denver newsletter. Read and subscribe: https://denver.citycast.fm/newsletter/
Find us on Twitter: @citycastdenver
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
- Denver Film presents Film on the Rocks
- Wonderful Waste
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Your Guide to August 2026 in Denver
We’re in the thick of the summer season! There’s no end to the high temps in sight, so how do you stay cool and keep your sanity? Green c...

Are Denver’s Neglected Buildings Being Exploited for Profit?
You know that busted old, abandoned home down the block? City officials revamped the regulations around these neglected properties last y...

The Data Center Being Built in Elyria-Swansea is Getting Loud
The CoreSite data center in Elyria-Swansea is nearly complete, and some skeptical neighbors are already starting to see their concerns ma...

Is Utah Luring One of Denver's Biggest Companies? Plus, a Huge City Council Shake-Up and the Science of 4AM Bars
Denverites will vote in both a special election in November and municipal election in April as at-large councilmember Sarah Parady steps...

City Cast vs. Denverite: Who Knows Colfax Best?
Colfax Avenue is undoubtedly one of Denver’s most infamous and storied streets. It’s got so much gritty charm that it’s practically a rit...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: The Trick to Getting People To Volunteer — Presented By City Cast Denver
It’s not a given that every Denverite will chip in to help their community. In this episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with writer...

How Denver Chefs Are Changing Our Mexican Food Scene
For a long time, Mexican food in Denver was seen as an unchangeable, untouchable cuisine. While Den-Mex is still king, local chefs are br...

Are Mayor Mike’s Big New Promises Enough to Win Him Reelection? Plus, Coloradans Think This Place is Pretty OK!
On Tuesday night, Mayor Mike Johnston delivered his annual State of the City address, which included a pilot program for universal childc...

Is the Front Range Train Actually Happening? Plus, Denver's Water Fails and Our Water World Speedo Mystery
Denverites can’t seem to stop watering their lawns. Amid a drought, Denver Water says they’ve asked customers to cut water usage by 20%,...

Inside the Shooting at Aurora's Immigration Detention Facility. Plus, Gov. Polis vs. Socialism
Gov. Jared Polis popped up on both CNN and Fox News this weekend to talk about his unfavorable view of socialism. In the wake of democrat...

