Butterfly Effect Theatre of Colorado (BETC)

Theatre as a catalyst for a better world.

  • Home
  • 2022-2023 Season
    • Eden Prairie, 1971
  • Programs
  • Support
  • About
  • Contact
  • Tickets Give

Post-pandemic, Colorado theatre company spreads its wings

June 3, 2021

Simone St. John, Josh Hartwell, Diana Dresser, and Rodney Lizcano in BETC’s production of TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS by Cheryl Strayed, adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos (photography: Michael Ensminger)

Since 2006, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company (BETC) has presented new works and reimagined classics in Boulder. Critically acclaimed, national award-winning, BETC was a regional company on the rise.

Then came March 2020. “Suddenly, we couldn’t make theatre,” says Rebecca Remaly, Managing Director. “We had to think the unthinkable. After 15 years, maybe this was just it, the end.” 

Committed to adapting, BETC presented a season of virtually devised and performed works from “The Nina Variations” to the critically-acclaimed theatrical feature film “CO2020.” “The support was overwhelming,” Remaly continues, “and the situation kept improving. Within months we weren’t talking about just surviving anymore.” Widespread financial support from within the community—along with state and federal aid—allowed BETC to thrive. Throughout the shutdown, BETC hired well over 100 local artists.

Then came the renewed national movement for racial justice, the 2020 election, and a deadly winter.  “2020 was brutal on so many levels,” Artistic Director Stephen Weitz says. “But it also presented us with a rare opportunity to breathe, to evaluate.”

Weitz continues, “We recognized that we have a responsibility. It’s incumbent upon us to lead, not only on stage but behind the scenes and in our community. For years we’ve worked hard to bring new audiences and artists to Boulder. While we’ve seen some success, the progress just wasn’t fast enough. So we reframed the question: If we want to break down access barriers to the performing arts, then let’s bring the theatre to the people.”

This summer, BETC will premiere a new touring theatre truck program. BETC will reach new and diverse audiences by working hand-in-hand with organizations throughout Colorado to bring free outdoor theatre right into the heart of their communities. This first year kicks off with “JQA” by Aaron Posner, a witty historical fiction centered on the life of President John Quincy Adams and his journey as an advocate for the abolition movement.   

Inspired by this new direction, Weitz and Remaly gathered supporters, artists, and company members to build a new vision and mission for the company and a new name. “We held on to the BETC moniker because of all it stands for in our community,” says Weitz. “Now, Butterfly Effect Theatre of Colorado represents our evolution, our commitment to a wider audience, and a foundational belief that even the smallest undertakings have profound effects on our world.”

In addition to its newest venture this season, Butterfly Effect Theatre of Colorado will present a reduced season of plays at their traditional home, the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder. BETC will also expand its boundary-breaking programming, including Generations, a new play development residency; Science Shorts, a new play series; and (inter)Gen, an intergenerational playwriting class. 

“We’re excited to get back to work,” says Remaly. “It’s been a tremendous 15-year journey for BETC.  We’re thrilled to launch this next chapter,” agrees Weitz.

Westword: BETC Tackles Terrible 2020 in a Sprawling Documentary Performance
Theatre company hits the road bringing presidential play to Colorado

Current Season Sponsors

  • SCFD
  • The Schubert Foundation Inc.
  • Karolynn Lestrud
  • Noel and Terry Hefty
  • Peak Asset Management
  • Cheri Belz, Architect & Realtor
  • Colorado Creative Industries
  • Hazel's Beverage World
  • CU Boulder Office for Outreach and Engagement
  • Artboard 12

Recent Press Articles

  • BETC Kicks Off 2022-2023 Season With Eco-Thriller “The Children”
  • Industry Discount Email Sign-up
  • BETC partners with tiny home builders to bring free theatre to Colorado communities
  • Parent playwright development program accepting submissions
  • Boulder Magazine Review “Fourteen Funerals”

Upcoming Events

“Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson, Apt 2B” by Kate Hamill: Feb 2-25 2023 More

“Eden Prairie, 1971” by Mat Smart: April 6-29 2023 More

View All Events

Butterfly Effect Theatre of Colorado (BETC):
Formerly Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company


Named 2019 and 2017 Best Theatre for Adults (Denver Westword)

"Now in its 13th season, BETC has, in my experience, never put on a bad show. That’s not just incredible, it’s damn near impossible." (Boulder Weekly)

"Just put the dates for the rest of this season’s BETC shows on your calendar in advance so you won’t miss any of them. Do it!!" (Boulder Magazine)

"This is an excellent cast, working together as a sincere and talented ensemble, in a marvelous production...Now go get a ticket." (Theatre Colorado)
Get Tickets Give Now Work With Us Email Sign Up
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

 

Show info for staff, board, ensemble, and artists

 

 

 

Butterfly Effect Theatre of Colorado (BETC) | 2590 Walnut Street #1, Boulder, CO 80302 | (303) 351-2382

© 2023 · BETC - Responsive Web Development by Ramblin Jackson