Co-founded in 1991 by Lee Osterhout-Kaplan and Gregg Osterhout, Debut Theatre Company is based in Fort Collins. It is Northern Colorado’s only troupe structured, non-profit, young person’s theatre school and acting company. In addition, it is the only hands-on, year-round, progressional children’s theatre in Colorado. DTC offers troupes, classes, and workshops for a wide range of ages, talents and interest levels. DTC trains creative young people in the theater arts and provides community productions for the benefit of regional adults and children.
Producing a live performance is more than just acting; the show becomes a team effort that the members can take pride in. “Theatre for young people, by young people” is more than just our motto, according to Artistic Director Kaplan. Through “hands-on” experiences, the Debut founders believe that learning is best done by doing and that quality arises through pride of ownership and participation. The actors don’t just act. They participate in the design and construction of everything from posters to costumes to sets. Debut’s members are Debut!
“Because the production of a play embodies the skills a person needs to face life’s challenges – dedication, creativity, confidence, desire and responsibility – we believe Debut’s kind of encouragement is important to the future success of our members,” says Kaplan.
Debut Players–DTC’s signature troupe is one of only three professional children’s performing arts companies found between California and Minnesota. By audition, Debut Players is made up of 17 talented young people between the ages of 12 and 17 years. Recent productions include: Little Women, James and the Giant Peach, The Arabian Nights, Nancy Drew, Dracula, and The Firebird.