About
us
Our Mission:
MHYT creates theatre experiences that allow students to thrive artistically, socially, and emotionally. We believe that in teaching empathy through the performing arts, we will not only nurture exceptional artists, but exceptional humans.
Our Vision:
Empowering and enriching the lives of Denver youth through theatre.
Our Educational Philosophy:
MHYT believes that theatre education should meet each child where they are and give them the tools to succeed both on and off the stage. The arts are a catalyst for community, teaching empathy, problem-solving, and a positive sense of self. We believe in creating space to celebrate our differences while building understanding for the experiences of others.
Mile High Youth Theatre is a core values-driven organization. We develop our programming and make decisions with the following in mind:
Meet the
Co-Founders
Christina Roberts
Executive Director
Bussy Gower
Artistic Director
Christina is a National Youth Arts award-winning director, teacher, facilitator, and actor whose work has been seen on such stages as the Parsons Theatre, Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, People's Building, Longmont Theatre Company, Bas Bleu, and more. Other previous teaching, directing, and playwriting credits include Kaiser Permanente's Arts Integrated Resources, Denver Museum of Nature and Science exhibits, Anythink Wright Farms, Lincoln Center Fort Collins, Denver Language School, DSST, DPS, APS, and Thompson Schools. She holds a BA in Theatre Education (UNC) and an MA in Arts Leadership and Cultural Management (CSU).
Bussy is a teacher, choreographer, and performer in the Denver Metro Area. She began her theatre education career at Playhouse on the Square's After School Acting Program in Memphis, TN in 2013. Previous CO teaching and directing credits include High Tech Elementary, Isabella Bird Community School, Denver Language School, DPS Shakespeare Festival, and multiple theatre companies along the front range. Bussy believes deeply that theatre skills are life skills. "What I love about theatre education is that it is entirely adaptable. Here at MHYT, we meet kiddos where they are both emotionally and artistically. Setting kids up for growth and success is the name of the game. If we have a student walk away with a stronger sense of self and community, we've won." Bussy holds a BA in Theatre Performance from Radford University.
Board of Directors
Lacey Ruskin
Board Chair
Chelsea Thomas
Vice Chair
Hope Hartman
Secretary
Mike Hartman
Treasurer
Ras Casiano
Business Liason
Member at Large