Community
“The last great Colorado ski town,” Crested Butte also offers a wide variety of activities and organizations associated with the Center for the Arts. In addition to its own summer season and winter season offerings, the Center hosts a wide variety of programs sponsored by other organizations. Here are some of them:
The Crested Butte Music Festival—Founded in 1997, the festival has grown from a small organization presenting nine concerts in nine days to a four-week summer music festival with a year-round performance schedule featuring internationally renowned musicians from major orchestras across the country, vocal artists from the Metropolitan Opera, and dancers from the Kansas City Ballet. The musical offerings range from world class chamber and symphony to opera, pops and bluegrass. CBMF also has a strong commitment to music education programs with master classes, lessons, and workshops.
In its 30-year history, the Mountain Theatre has produced close to 200 plays. It continues to offer a creative outlet for diversely talented people in the community: actors, writers, directors, dancers, artists, musicians, crafts people, technicians, etc. The theatre involves as many people as have the time, energy, and a much-cherished sense of community. The theatre provides quality entertainment throughout the year and through its community outreach provides theatre education for its community youth.
The Crested Butte Reel Fest celebrates the art of short independent films created by fresh young talent. Many filmmakers attend the screening of their films to discuss their work. The festival in early August provides a great opportunity to experience the very creative talent of these fine filmmakers and actors.
Other community presenters at the Center for the Arts include: