Curious Theatre Company is thrilled to announce the sale of 1080 Acoma Street to Acoma Theater LLC, a non-profit project of Spira Giving Colorado, which will lead a comprehensive redevelopment of the property. As part of the agreement, Curious will remain at 1080 Acoma as the resident company and anchor tenant in a reimagined and fully renovated cultural venue that will enhance the cultural landscape of the Golden Triangle Neighborhood and Denver.
Acoma Theater, LLC, whose President and Director is real estate executive David Spira, will lead a restoration and renovation, including seeking historic designation of the property. Spira’s KEW Realty Corporation will also purchase the parking lot adjacent to the building. The venue is envisioned as a dynamic, high-quality cultural and events destination in the heart of Denver, with Curious positioned as a central artistic presence in the space.
“1080 Acoma has the bones of something truly special, and we intend to honor that,” said Spira. “Our goal is to create a truly great cultural destination that serves Denver for generations, and having Curious Theatre Company as the resident artistic voice is central to that vision. They have had a 30-year history in this building, and this investment helps ensure they will have another 30 years here. This is about preserving a piece of Denver’s history. It protects this historic building and keeps arts and culture thriving in the Golden Triangle.”
Curious’ return to 1080 Acoma is planned for late 2027, during its 30th season. The company, known for bringing new and bold plays to Denver, will return home to a redesigned venue prepared to support its continued bold theatrical work, with expanded audience engagement and long-term organizational strength.
History
Curious Theatre Company began producing in the 1080 Acoma space in 1997 and purchased the building in 2008. The approximately 9,500-square-foot structure has deep roots in Denver’s history. Constructed in 1895 for the Swedish Evangelical Free Church, the building was expanded with the addition of a mezzanine in 1904. In 1966, it became home to the Upper Room United Pentecostal Church, which remained in the space through 1995. The building was subsequently converted into a theater and used by a number of arts organizations before becoming Curious Theatre’s permanent home.
The building also carries a unique piece of presidential lore. A reception area known as Mamie’s is named after First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, who is said to have attended the church when it was the Swedish Evangelical Free Church.
“This deal secures Curious’ long-term future at 1080 Acoma while allowing us to thrive as an organization, support local artists, and continue to produce the work that we are emboldened to continue,” said Jada Suzanne Dixon, Producing Artistic Director at Curious. “We are approaching this moment with clarity and intention. Our goal is not simply to return to 1080, but to return with even greater artistic strength, stronger systems, and the readiness to lead in a reenergized cultural venue.”
Curious completed a significant renovation of the space in 2015, including the addition of the recognizable front entry stairs, further adapting the historic structure for contemporary performance use.
“No guts, no story” embodies the ethos of Curious Theatre Company. Established in 1997 by a vanguard Artistic Company, they produce thought-provoking plays designed to challenge ideas, stir emotions, and leave audiences thinking and talking for days. Curious has cultivated a local and national reputation as a destination for artists and playwrights to foster and develop new work, and as a place that challenges audiences.
The redevelopment also aligns with broader infrastructure and urban design improvements in the neighborhood, including the City and County of Denver’s Acoma Street improvements and the 5280 Trail project, which aim to enhance connectivity and public life in the area.
Curious Theatre’s 29th Season in community with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Curious Theatre Company is proud to announce that its 29th season will be produced in residence at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance’s Historic Shorter AME building, continuing its tradition of bold, intimate, and thought-provoking theatre while its historic home at 1080 Acoma undergoes a planned renovation following the recent sale of the building. Curious will return to 1080 Acoma for its 30th season as the anchor tenant in a reimagined and revitalized cultural venue.
Season 29 reflects Curious’s deep commitment to artistic rigor, meaningful storytelling, and collaboration with organizations that share its values. The partnership with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, one of Denver’s most enduring and impactful cultural institutions, marks a powerful alignment between two mission-driven organizations dedicated to serving artists and audiences.
“Curious will continue to produce bold, intimate, essential theatre throughout the renovation period,” said Greg Laugero, Board Chair of Curious Theatre Company. “We’re thrilled to create Season 29 at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, a place rooted in artistry, rigor, and community, while building toward an exciting return to our home at 1080 Acoma.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Curious Theatre Company into our space for Season 29,” said Malik Robinson, President/CEO of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance. “Cleo Parker Robinson Dance has always believed in the power of the arts to heal, connect, and strengthen community. This partnership is an exciting example of what’s possible when two mission-driven cultural organizations come together in service of artists and audiences.”
For Producing Artistic Director Jada Suzanne Dixon, the partnership carries personal significance. “Producing next season at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance is especially meaningful to me,” said Dixon. “I grew up dancing and took classes with Cleo. Long before I had the language for directing, I understood storytelling through movement. That early experience shaped my love of story, rhythm, and human connection. To create this season in partnership with an organization that has meant so much to me personally—and that has given so much to this city—feels deeply aligned.”
What you’ll see in Season 29
Season 29 will feature three regional premieres alongside a venerated modern classic:
- Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks
A Pulitzer Prize–winning play about two brothers navigating identity, rivalry, and survival in a story of intimacy, danger, and inherited struggle. - One of the Good Ones by Gloria Calderón Kellett
A vibrant and character-rich comedy about love, belonging, and the messy, beautiful complexity of family. - Marjorie Prime by Jordan Harrison
A haunting and deeply human drama that explores memory, grief, and the ways technology reshapes how we hold on to one another. - Purpose by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
A sharp, expansive family drama in which generational conflict, political legacy, and cultural identity collide over one unforgettable weekend.
Throughout the season, Curious will continue producing the work it is known for at Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, while using this period to deepen partnerships, strengthen operations, and prepare for a strong return to its newly renovated home at 1080 Acoma.
The renovation of 1080 Acoma also ensures the preservation of one of the Golden Triangle’s historic cultural spaces, maintaining its role as a home for the arts rather than yielding to new high-rise development.
For updates on Season 29 performances, tickets, and the renovation timeline, visit CuriousTheatre.org.