RelyEx Solutions

Drayage Brokersin Denver, CO

Contact RelyEx today to quote your next shipment.

Because a drayage load can mean a few different things, confusion among carriers is common. Many carriers link drayage with going into a port, but that isn't always true. While all drayage loads typically originate from a port of entry, there are often several legs of a drayage journey before a container turns up at its final stop. Legs of a drayage load may include:

Why Are Drayage Companies in Denver, CO So Important?

You may be thinking, what's so important about drayage? It's such a small step in the container storage transport process. In reality, it's an integral piece needed in the logistics industry and a crucial part of U.S. supply chain management.

To truly understand the importance of drayage, let's use flowers as an example. Most cut flower shipments enter the market from areas in South America until they end up at Dutch auction houses. Once there, wholesalers purchase flowers in bulk and send those products to retail outlets worldwide. Because flowers are perishable, they typically need to be refrigerated and are often shipped in reefer containers. These refrigerated vessels must maintain a certain temp to prevent loss.

Drayage companies like RelyEx allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services. Drayage companies allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind, because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services.

If port drayage is compromised, it can cause delays and even fines. You know the packages you get delivered to your front door from apps like Amazon? Without drayage and drayage brokers, one or two-day shipping times wouldn't even be possible.

As a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S. alone, it seems like drayage shipping issues shouldn't exist. But the fact is inefficiencies and congestion are still major problems at ports. Whether it's a lack of carriers, absent chassis, or overburdened terminals, delays lead to missed deadlines, lost revenue, and worse.

But anytime challenges exist, so too do innovative solutions.

QUOTE REQUEST
Container Services Denver, CO

Port

 Drayage Denver, CO

Yard

 Drayage Services Denver, CO

Warehouse

 Full Truck Load Denver, CO

Rail

 Logistic Services Denver, CO

RelyEx Solves Problems

At RelyEx, we like to consider ourselves problem solvers. The nature of the container drayage industry presents new challenges every day, but we're firm believers that there's a solution to every hurdle we encounter. And while some drayage businesses implement a reactive approach, RelyEx customers choose us for our proactive mindset. We take pride in solving your company's drayage challenges to help you avoid frustrating fees, missed expectations, and delayed shipments. We strive to make every transaction successful and streamlined by partnering with shippers who prioritize transparent, prompt, and accurate communication.

 Ocean Container Drayage Denver, CO

RelyEx Has a Unique Vantage Point

RelyEx approaches your business from the customer's perspective - a unique approach that helps us provide high-quality, effective drayage services. We've been in the customers' shoes, know their pain points, and because of that, provide first-hand solutions to stressful supply chain issues. With over 30 years of collective knowledge, our team excels in:

  • Inventory Management
  • Logistics
  • Purchasing
  • Finance

Our varied, high-level drayage shipping experience helps us achieve our overarching goal: expertly managing your freight movement needs. That way, you can direct your time and focus on growing the core aspects of your business while we handle the heavy lifting. Throw in proactive planning to avoid bottleneck situations and strong communication for transparent customer relations, and you can see why so many companies trust RelyEx.

 Warehousing Denver, CO

RelyEx Nurtures Strong Carrier Relationships

When it comes to shipping logistics, it only takes one mistake by a mediocre worker to disrupt your business. That's why, at RelyEx, we pride ourselves on forming and nurturing relationships with carriers who match our standards of care. Our founding partner started his career transporting freight for companies as an on-demand carrier. He uses that knowledge to maximize the resources of our carriers so that our customer's expectations aren't just met - they're exceeded.

Based in the port city of Denver, RelyEx has a keen understanding of the challenges of managing the inbound and outbound flow of containers. Our team of container drayage experts provides your business with unique solutions to nuanced shipping problems, minimizing demurrage and ensuring the successful delivery of your freight.

 Transloading Denver, CO

Customers choose RelyEx because:

  • We are a reliable drayage logistics partner that manages your freight from beginning to end
  • We have a rare industry vantage point with 30+ years of client-side experience
  • We foster and fortify the strongest vendor relations
  • We take a proactive approach to problem-solving, not a reactive approach
Let us know how we can help.
phone-number843-885-3082
Container Services Denver, CO

Your Drayage Shipments Managed from Start to Finish

Some drayage brokers don't care how customers feel about their service as long as they sign a contract and get paid. As a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx takes the opposite approach. We're motivated by the opportunity to overachieve for our customers and to provide them with the best logistics experience possible. With professional experience as carriers and shippers ourselves, we know the roadblocks and challenges you're facing. We excel at mapping out the best plans of action to solve those problems. But that's just the start.

Our tracking experts monitor and manage every aspect of your drayage shipment from booking to delivery, 24/7. Once booked, we look for the availability of your containers hourly once they're at port. When they arrive, our team acts quickly to access your storage containers when they're available.

Plus, RelyEx ensures your company's requirements are met by the carrier during loading and delivery and provide necessary documentation as fast as possible. With real-time tracking updates and access to our customer service professionals, your team has complete visibility throughout the shipping process.

We Source Top-Notch Operators at the Best Prices

Over the years, RelyEx has built a strong network of drayage carriers, transloading locations, and container storage spaces to provide you with the best possible options to match your drayage service needs. We know that searching for quality service presents an added layer of complexity and stress to our customers. That's why we work hard to take that off your plate by connecting you with our reliable shipping partners.

With a background moving freight as an on-demand carrier, our founding partner understands how to maximize the resources and equipment of our carriers to match your needs.

 Drayage Denver, CO
 Drayage Services Denver, CO

We Make Transparent, Timely Communication a Priority

Like other industries, the global logistics space is complex. Mistakes will be made, and problems will happen. With those truths in mind, RelyEx has built its reputation as problem solvers. Unlike other drayage companies, we don't shy away from this industry's complexities because we take pride in solving problems. Even better, we aim to do what's needed to avoid those problems altogether.

As your logistics partner, we will provide your company with accurate, transparent, and prompt communication. If there are unexpected issues, we'll notify you immediately and will provide several options to remedy the problem. We even offer custom reporting for large clients who need at-the-moment updates and quick access to shipment documentation.

We Have Robust Project Management Experience

Why let the unpredictability of your industry dictate your success? With a background working in manufacturing, our founders are familiar with the demands of managing production schedules and sales orders. That experience makes it abundantly clear to us that every business and industry is different. If you struggle with seasonal surges or other factors, our team supports your business with a mapped-out plan and schedule, so you stay ahead of the game.

QUOTE REQUEST
 Full Truck Load Denver, CO

Paperwork Errors

Typically, shippers need four specific documents to clear shipments through customs: A Bill of Lading (or BOL), a commercial invoice, a packing list, and an arrival notice. Seasoned drayage brokers like RelyEx are used to preparing these documents, but new shippers tend to miss this step due to inexperience.

Payment Delays

If a shipper only pays for part of their shipment, a vessel operator may refuse to release their freight until their bill is fully paid. Payment delays lead to cargo detention at the port of entry, which triggers demurrage charges.

QUOTE REQUEST

Documents Received Too Late

Paperwork is needed when you're shipping goods with a drayage company. When documents like the Certificate of Origin or Bill of Lading arrive at their destination late, you can expect demurrage fees. RelyEx avoids this situation entirely by being proactive when submitting paperwork.

Additional causes for demurrage fees can include:

  • Damaged Container Storage
  • Custom Released Containers
  • Storage Containers Are Too Heavy

Free Consultation

RelyEx:

The Supply Chain Partner You Can Count On

At RelyEx, we know first-hand how stressful supply chain problems can be for business owners. Though drayage shipping might seem minor on the surface, it affects every stage of your shipping process. And when inevitable hurdles manifest, RelyEx propels you over the proverbial roadblocks with a proactive mindset and a passion for challenging projects. We believe that all problems have a solution, and our unique vantage point allows us to provide first-hand solutions to customers in a wide array of industries.

When it comes to your business, don't settle for anything less than RelyEx. Contact our office today to learn more about how we make your shipping experience streamlined and stress-free.

phone-number843-885-3082

Latest News in Denver, CO

Colorado snow totals for December 26, 2023

The following Colorado snow totals have been reported by the National Weather Service as of 1:45 p.m. Tuesday.Angelus, CO — 2 inches at 8 a.m.Arthur, CO — 2.5 inches at 6 a.m.Arvada, CO — 2.1 inches at 9:30 a.m.Atwood, CO — 2 inches at 7:15 a.m.Aurora, CO — 7.5 inches at 7:10 a.m.Benkelman, CO — 1 inch at 9:10 p.m. – 12/25/2023Bird City, CO — 5 inches at 8:30 a.m.Box Butte Dam, CO — 3 inches at 7 a.m.Burns, CO — 3 inches...

The following Colorado snow totals have been reported by the National Weather Service as of 1:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Angelus, CO — 2 inches at 8 a.m.

Arthur, CO — 2.5 inches at 6 a.m.

Arvada, CO — 2.1 inches at 9:30 a.m.

Atwood, CO — 2 inches at 7:15 a.m.

Aurora, CO — 7.5 inches at 7:10 a.m.

Benkelman, CO — 1 inch at 9:10 p.m. – 12/25/2023

Bird City, CO — 5 inches at 8:30 a.m.

Box Butte Dam, CO — 3 inches at 7 a.m.

Burns, CO — 3 inches at 7 a.m.

Bushnell, CO — 1.2 inches at 6 a.m.

Carpenter, CO — 1.5 inches at 7 a.m.

Cheyenne, CO — 4 inches at 8:38 a.m.

Colby, CO — 2 inches at 9:40 p.m. – 12/25/2023

Crescent Village, CO — 1 inch at 8:11 a.m.

Culbertson, CO — 2.9 inches at 6:19 a.m.

Denver, CO — 4 inches at 8:27 a.m.

Elizabeth, CO — 7 inches at 7:30 a.m.

Goodland, CO — 2.3 inches at 5 a.m.

Gurley, CO — 1.5 inches at 7 a.m.

Harrisburg, CO — 6.8 inches at 7 a.m.

Hayes Center, CO — 4.5 inches at 6:19 a.m.

Hillsdale, CO — 1.9 inches at 7 a.m.

Horse Creek, CO — 4 inches at 7 a.m.

Imperial, CO — 4.5 inches at 5 a.m.

Joes, CO — 1.5 inches at 12:20 p.m.

Kimball, CO — 3 inches at 7 a.m.

Kingsley Dam, CO — 2 inches at 5 a.m.

La Grange, CO — 2.4 inches at 7 a.m.

Lisco, CO — 4 inches at 6 a.m.

Littleton, CO — 0.8 inch at 7:04 a.m.

Lodgepole, CO — 3.6 inches at 7 a.m.

Ludell, CO — 3 inches at 9:45 a.m.

Manila Village, CO — 2.5 inches at 7:57 a.m.

Max, CO — 1 inch at 9:10 a.m.

Mccook, CO — 2 inches at 9 p.m. – 12/25/2023

Mcdonald, CO — 3.5 inches at 7 a.m.

Monument, CO — 2.5 inches at 8:32 a.m.

North Cheyenne, CO — 3.7 inches at 6 a.m.

North Platte, CO — 8 inches at 6 a.m.

Oakley, CO — 1.5 inches at 4:30 a.m.

Ogallala, CO — 3.2 inches at 6:27 a.m.

Oshkosh, CO — 6 inches at 6 a.m.

Parker, CO — 6.2 inches at 5:45 a.m.

Parks, CO — 2 inches at 9:15 a.m.

Peconic, CO — 1.5 inches at 7:30 a.m.

Ponderosa Park, CO — 7 inches at 7:45 a.m.

Redington, CO — 2 inches at 7 a.m.

Ruleton, CO — 1 inch at 7 a.m.

Sidney, CO — 1.1 inches at 7 a.m.

Stapleton, CO — 2.6 inches at 6:17 a.m.

Stratton, CO — 4.5 inches at 9:15 a.m.

Thornton, CO — 0.3 inch at 9:15 a.m.

Trenton, CO — 3.5 inches at 9:15 p.m. – 12/25/2023

Wallace, CO — 5.1 inches at 8 a.m.

What is Denver, CO Known For? 7 Things to Love About This City

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Denver, Colorado, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, residents enjoy a vibrant outdoor lifestyle, from hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains to exploring the city’s numerous parks and bike trails. Whether you’re drawn to the city for its outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, or thriving job market, Denver has something to offer everyone. So if you’re looking for ...

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Denver, Colorado, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, residents enjoy a vibrant outdoor lifestyle, from hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains to exploring the city’s numerous parks and bike trails. Whether you’re drawn to the city for its outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, or thriving job market, Denver has something to offer everyone. So if you’re looking for homes for sale in Denver, an apartment to rent, or want to learn more about the area, this Redfin article will guide you on what Denver is known for.

1. Outdoor recreation

Denver is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering immediate access to the majestic Rocky Mountains for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Its extensive network of parks, such as City Park and Washington Park, coupled with nearby scenic trails and biking paths, solidifies Denver’s reputation as an outdoor paradise.

Your next home is just a tap away

Access new homes anytime, anywhere with the Redfin app. Download app 2. Craft beer scene

Often referred to as the “Napa Valley of Beer,” Denver boasts a great craft beer scene. The city is home to numerous breweries offering various unique and flavorful beers. Denver hosts the Great American Beer Festival, attracting beer lovers worldwide.

3. Arts and culture

The renowned Denver Art Museum highlights Denver’s art and culture scene, featuring an extensive collection spanning various cultures and periods. The city’s RiNo (River North) Arts District, with its eclectic street art, galleries, and creative spaces, showcases Denver’s dynamic and evolving artistic landscape. From the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre to the diverse culinary experiences, Denver has much to offer its residents.

4. Skiing and snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding is Denver’s way of life. The city is a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding, serving as a gateway to world-class resorts including Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen. The proximity to these renowned ski areas and the stunning slopes of the Rocky Mountains positions Denver as a hub for winter sports enthusiasts. With a short drive from the city, visitors and locals can access unparalleled snowy terrain, making Denver a mecca for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.

5. Startup and tech hub

Denver has a thriving startup and tech hub, attracting entrepreneurs and tech professionals nationwide. The city’s supportive business environment, access to capital, and skilled workforce have contributed to its reputation as an expanding tech hub.

6. Red Rocks Amphitheatre

The Red Rocks Amphitheatre stems from its stunning natural setting, nestled amidst towering red rock formations, offering a unique and picturesque concert experience. Renowned for its acoustics and breathtaking city skyline views, this iconic outdoor venue has hosted legendary performances, making it a must-visit for music enthusiasts worldwide. The Red Rocks Amphitheatre’s allure lies in its concerts and natural beauty, attracting visitors for fitness activities, film screenings, and unforgettable sunrise yoga sessions.

7. Active lifestyles

Denver is known for its active lifestyle and fitness culture. The city’s residents are passionate about health and wellness, and Denver offers many fitness studios, outdoor workout spaces, and recreational activities. The city’s emphasis on fitness contributes to its reputation as one of the healthiest cities in the United States.

Today's Forecast for Denver, CO

46140 responsesUpgrade to the most wonderful experience we have to offer. Get 50% off the first year.Thursday, December 28Clear33°1%SW 5 mphClear32°1%SW 5 mphClear32°1%SSW 5 mphClear32°1%SW 5 mphClear1%SSW 4 mphClear1%SSW 4 mphClear1%SSW 4 mphFriday, December 29Clear1%SSW 5 mphClear1%SSW ...

46140 responses

Upgrade to the most wonderful experience we have to offer. Get 50% off the first year.

Thursday, December 28

Clear

33°

1%

SW 5 mph

Clear

32°

1%

SW 5 mph

Clear

32°

1%

SSW 5 mph

Clear

32°

1%

SW 5 mph

Clear

1%

SSW 4 mph

Clear

1%

SSW 4 mph

Clear

1%

SSW 4 mph

Friday, December 29

Clear

1%

SSW 5 mph

Clear

1%

SSW 5 mph

Clear

1%

SSW 5 mph

Clear

29°

1%

SSW 5 mph

Clear

29°

1%

SSW 5 mph

Clear

29°

1%

SSW 5 mph

Clear

29°

1%

SSW 5 mph

Clear

29°

1%

SSW 5 mph

Sunny

30°

1%

SW 5 mph

Sunny

34°

0%

SSW 5 mph

Sunny

39°

0%

SSW 5 mph

Sunny

44°

S 5 mph

Sunny

47°

S 4 mph

Sunny

49°

S 4 mph

Sunny

51°

1%

S 4 mph

Sunny

51°

1%

S 5 mph

Sunny

47°

0%

S 6 mph

Clear

44°

1%

S 6 mph

Clear

40°

1%

SSW 6 mph

Clear

37°

2%

SSW 6 mph

Clear

35°

2%

SSW 6 mph

Mostly Clear

33°

3%

SSW 5 mph

Mostly Clear

32°

2%

SSW 5 mph

Clear

31°

2%

S 5 mph

Saturday, December 30

Clear

31°

2%

S 5 mph

Clear

31°

1%

SSW 5 mph

Clear

30°

1%

S 5 mph

Clear

30°

1%

SSW 5 mph

Clear

30°

1%

SSW 5 mph

Clear

30°

1%

S 4 mph

Clear

31°

1%

SSW 5 mph

Clear

31°

1%

SSW 5 mph

Sunny

32°

1%

SW 6 mph

Sunny

36°

0%

SSW 6 mph

Sunny

41°

0%

S 6 mph

Sunny

45°

0%

S 6 mph

Sunny

48°

SSE 5 mph

Sunny

50°

0%

ESE 4 mph

Mostly Sunny

51°

1%

N 3 mph

Partly Cloudy

50°

1%

N 4 mph

Partly Cloudy

50°

1%

N 5 mph

Partly Cloudy

45°

2%

N 5 mph

Partly Cloudy

42°

2%

N 4 mph

Partly Cloudy

39°

3%

W 4 mph

Partly Cloudy

39°

3%

W 4 mph

Partly Cloudy

39°

3%

W 4 mph

Partly Cloudy

39°

3%

W 4 mph

Premium ProUnlock more hourly forecasts

Upgrade to Premium Pro and get 192-hour forecasts, so you can plan further ahead.Level up your forecast.

Go Premium

Radar

Now

Safety First!

Holiday Lights Safety Checklist

‘Tis The Season For Safe Holiday Decorating

See More

Don't Miss

Plane Struggles In Epic Battle With Strong Winds

Where You Can Expect Snow In Midwest, South, Northeast

Polar Vortex Could Return To U.S. In January

See More

Pets And The Holidays

See More

That's Not What Was Expected

Colorado weather: Blizzard Warning issued for areas south and east of Denver

Our two storms over the holiday weekend have merged into on big winter storm centered over Nebraska! This is creating blizzard conditions for Colorado and 4 other states from the Rockies into the Great Plains.We have a First Alert Weather Day posted for Blizzard or Blizzard-like conditions spreading all day from Castle Rock and Parker out across Colorado's Eastern Plains to Kansas and Nebraska.The Blizzard Warning is south and east of the Denver metro area and includes parts of 5 states including Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Nebr...

Our two storms over the holiday weekend have merged into on big winter storm centered over Nebraska! This is creating blizzard conditions for Colorado and 4 other states from the Rockies into the Great Plains.

We have a First Alert Weather Day posted for Blizzard or Blizzard-like conditions spreading all day from Castle Rock and Parker out across Colorado's Eastern Plains to Kansas and Nebraska.

The Blizzard Warning is south and east of the Denver metro area and includes parts of 5 states including Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota thru 5am on Wednesday morning.

A Blizzard Warning is posted not necessarily for the depth of snow but, more for the wind and visibility. If for a duration of 3 hours or longer visibility is expected to be less than 1/4 mile or whiteout conditions along with sustained winds or gusts of 35 mph.

Travel is strongly discouraged with this storm. The warning led to a full closure of Interstate 70 in eastern Colorado on Tuesday morning.

Dave Aguilera

Watch First Alert Meteorologist Dave Aguilera's weather forecasts on CBS News Colorado -- on TV and on our free streaming service. Check out his bio and send him an email.

Twitter Facebook Instagram

Amid national theater crisis, Denver has staged a comeback. Will it last?

For the past three years, the theater world has been in crisis. Across the country, companies have staged fewer shows and laid off employees. Some have stumbled financially while others — mostly in entertainment-rich cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles — have even closed.The state of the industry has garnered headlines. A New York Times op-ed from last summer argued that American theater is implo...

For the past three years, the theater world has been in crisis. Across the country, companies have staged fewer shows and laid off employees. Some have stumbled financially while others — mostly in entertainment-rich cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles — have even closed.

The state of the industry has garnered headlines. A New York Times op-ed from last summer argued that American theater is imploding before our eyes, soon to collapse without a bailout.

Denver hasn’t been immune to these challenges. Attendance is down here even as it has dropped 20% nationwide since the beginning of 2020 — and could drop even further, according to American Theatre, a magazine that covers theatrical news and trends.

And yet Denver’s theater scene is doing measurably better than most. Unlike other cities, there have been no major closures. Instead, the buzz for some shows has built far in advance of their openings, while upcoming titles for next year have recorded impressive pre-sales.

It’s not by accident.

Denver stages have benefitted from a unique mix of funding and support, as well as successful efforts to attract younger patrons with bold titles such as Curious Theatre’s staging of “The Minutes,” a horror-drama that takes on systemic violence, or David Byrne’s daring “Theater of the Mind,” a mind-bending interactive show that world-premiered in Denver last year.

But the local scene is also balancing new theatrical works with comfort food that satisfies emotional needs and offers spectacle you can’t get at home. That includes the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ (DCPA) touring Broadway production of “Frozen,” which was recently extended due to ticket demand, having already had its pre-Broadway premiere here in 2017.

“We’re still not having the banner year that most companies had in 2019, but the theater community here is coming out of hibernation,” said Betty Hart, president of the Colorado Theatre Guild. “This calendar year has been extraordinary for artistic quality, but we’re also representative of the national scene, which has seen declining attendance.”

The main act

Theater in Denver starts at the top, with the Denver Center Theatre Company and its parent, the DCPA, a nonprofit that resides at the city-owned Denver Performing Arts Complex. That city-owned complex’s biggest venues are the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, the Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre — DCPA’s Broadway venue — and Boettcher Concert Hall.

Following an encouraging 2022-23 season, and DCPA’s first full one after COVID, the organization is prepping for blockbuster runs of “MJ” (April 10-29, 2024), Disney’s “Frozen” (June 19-July 3, 2024) and “Wicked” (July 21-Aug. 4, 2024). Sales for those have hit pre-pandemic levels, covering more than 90% of its annual budget of $74.5 million, according to the DCPA.

In addition, DCPA has in recent years received about $17 million in public, pandemic-era support, and $31.1 million in Build a Better Denver, Elevate Denver and RISE Denver bond funds. But these robust figures — DCPA said it also secured $21.6 million from donations and fundraising drives last year — can obscure how deeply intertwined the art and finances truly are.

Stability doesn’t mean the organization is rolling in money. In fact, tickets sold for touring Broadway shows like “Frozen” pay for most of DCPA’s other ventures, such as the unprofitable, “mission-based” Theatre Company, whose annual productions put the “Denver” in DCPA.

In addition, theater subscriptions have declined in favor of single, less commitment-heavy purchases. DCPA still relies on those, with 26,000 subscribers contributing to last year’s total of 727,465 ticket sales, according to a draft community report from the nonprofit.

“It’s a very, very different world now,” said Chris Coleman, artistic director of DCTC. “Even though (DCTC) has stronger underpinnings than many in the field, we still have to be much more mindful of our resources and our choices. We’ve had to make incredibly difficult decisions quickly.”

Those decisions are both artistic and financial. The DCPA is currently polishing a five-year strategic plan and fundraising campaign, but inflation and labor shortages aren’t helping. Nor is a hollowed-out downtown and the perception that all theater, everywhere, is faltering.

“We’re trying to show donors that we’re a sound investment,” said DCPA president Janice Sinden.

One way to do that is to diversify its revenue streams by producing younger-leaning fare such as the surreal selfie installation “Camp Christmas”; another is to rent out its wholly-owned theaters for private downtown events. DCPA has also ramped up its collaborations with other theaters, done some smart marketing, experimented with dynamic pricing and upped its audience polling in order to convince people that theater tickets are still worth the price.

Coleman notes that audiences have also been excited by an uptick in work from “BIPOC writers since the pandemic,” which includes its acclaimed restaging of “The Color Purple” in the spring, which Mayor Mike Johnston said brought him to tears in a Denver Post interview.

“I understand the collapse narrative, because there are some really dramatic stories of closure,” Coleman said about the national scene. “But I also see people in Denver rising to the occasion.”

Stage left

American theater has long been buoyed by a mix of private and public funding, which is why most performing arts groups are nonprofits. Colorado has more than 100 theater companies of various sizes, according to OnStage Colorado, and dozens of venues at which to perform.

In the metro area, unique public funding from the tax-supported, seven-county Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) is vital for those groups. The district pumped $68 million into hundreds of organizations last year, such the Denver Zoo and the Denver Botanic Gardens, but also theater, art collectives, music venues and dance.

But, like the DCPA, smaller companies are also having to make smarter choices more quickly.

For example, a handful of new, ambitious dramas and regional premieres are intended to whip up interest in shows like the Curious-hosted version of the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Cost of Living” by Denver’s Phamaly Theatre Company, which employs artists with disabilities.

Producers are also booking shows to draw new and younger audiences, whether it’s “Mean Girls: The Musical” or immersive experiments from companies like Boulder’s Catamounts, which recently staged the show “Pride of the Farm” on an actual farmstead.

Denver doesn’t wait until a title has been established or sanctioned by another city to produce it, said the Colorado Theatre Guild’s Hart, who’s also an actor and co-director at Boulder’s Local Theater Company.

“Look at the immersive shows the Catamounts are doing, or the (sales) success of Jeffrey Neumann’s ‘The Headliners’ at Cherry Creek Theatre,” she said, noting the novel settings and intimate dramas, respectively, that has lately drawn audiences.

In Golden, the city is dusting off a $17 million performing arts center for Miners Alley Playhouse, which has seen an increase in audiences this season, said artistic director Len Matheo, and has already surpassed its attendance and revenue of 2019.

“I credit this to not shutting down during the pandemic and always creating content and keeping our audience engaged,” Matheo said.

Denver’s Curious Theatre Company, which was founded in 1997 and showcases progressive works from playwrights of color, LGBTQ playwrights, or female playwrights, has also seen keen interest in new shows so far this season, which is a good sign, wrote artistic director Jada Suzanne Dixon and managing director Jeannene Bragg via email.

“We were delighted that our season opener, ‘The Minutes,’ exceeded our optimistic single ticket projections by $10,000 and are hopeful this represents a shift in sales trends,” Dixon and Bragg wrote. “We also saw a significant increase in brand-new attendees for that show,” which explored thorny and relevant political topics with dark humor.

But with its lifeblood subscriptions ($100 to $230 each) down by 30% compared to 2019, Curious has had to cut budgets, production sizes and performance runs.

“We are still in a recovery phase and working with about 75% of the earned income we had in 2019,” Dixon and Bragg said. “Individual giving is down as donors are becoming more discerning with where and how they spend their dollars.”

An unknown ending

To survive, though, theaters will need to go even further, said Alex Miller, founder of OnStage Colorado, a theater news and reviews website that was born five years ago. A former news editor at the Summit County and Vail daily newspapers, he’s also a veteran actor, director and playwright with a dual perspective on art and business.

“Unless they’re filling every seat every night with full-price tickets — which they’re not — theaters should make discounted seats available for kids and other people under, say, 30,” he wrote in an email to The Denver Post. “They need to be creative – offer a free beer for anyone between 21 and 30 on Thursday nights, have a weed ‘n’ theater night … and reach out to local colleges and universities with student discounts. …

“The same goes for communities like Black and Latino Coloradans who are woefully absent in most theater audiences — even with shows that feature these groups,” he added.

Theater leaders are counting on audience growth from new fans across the board, with public funding bringing in audiences who don’t always fit the high-income demographic. If not, Denver’s scene may begin to resemble its failing national counterparts.

“We want to make sure the stories we’re telling make sense to who’s in our audience and who’s in our community,” DCPA’s Sinden said of this season’s 32-title calendar.

“Because of SCFD and funding models here, it takes pressure off our philanthropic community. When you spread the peanut butter wider, where everybody pays a little, we’re able to substantially support new work,” she added. “For that we’re deeply grateful.”

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, In The Know, to get entertainment news sent straight to your inbox.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.