Blending movement, inclusion, and innovation to expand access to the arts in Boulder County
For over 2 decades, 3rd Law Dance/Theater has brought high-quality, innovative programming to Boulder County. Blending professional performance, education, and community engagement, the company cultivates opportunities for artists and community members to connect through movement, dance, and the performing arts.
The organization is deeply committed to growing the art form by nurturing creativity and removing barriers to participation for artists, patrons, and program participants. Programs like OPEN SPACE provide a free platform for emerging artists to showcase their work, while classes like Dance for Parkinson’s (D4PD) engages people living with Parkinson’s in movement and expression. Additional initiatives—such as offering childcare to company members, utilizing flexible payment options for programs and performances, incorporating accessibility measures in production offerings, and adding bilingual elements to core programming—underscore their inclusive approach.
As a contemporary dance company, 3rd Law Dance/Theater’s seasons offer variety and exploration. From immersive productions in alternative spaces to programs in traditional theaters, each performance offers a unique experience and invites patrons to engage in new and evolving ways.
One of 3rd Law Dance/Theater’s 2024 highlights was the company’s production of INTERZONE, a performance developed by and featuring people living with Parkinson’s alongside 3rd Law Dance/Theater’s professional company members. 3rd Law Dance/Theater’s Funding Administrator, Kristi Ann Schopfer shared that INTERZONE marked a meaningful intersection of their D4PD program and professional company. “It gave us the opportunity to begin working towards a multi-generational & diversely able community,” says Schopfer.
Projects like INTERZONE reflect 3rd Law Dance/Theater’s commitment to incorporating artists into every facet of the company’s work—a partnership that Schopfer, who is a professional company member in addition to her administrative role, says has led to beauty and success. “Artists are an integral part of our community,” says Schopfer. “Many of our artists also represent an administrative leg of our operations, making policies and advising strategies that directly affect our company. Supporting 3rd Law supports an entire ecosystem of artists and a nonprofit infrastructure that feeds the cultural landscape of Boulder.”
3rd Law Dance/Theater was awarded a Community Trust grant from Community Foundation Boulder County in both 2023 and 2024. We’re proud to support their work and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next.
Learn more about 3rd Law Dance Theater at 3rdlaw.org
Learn more about Community Trust.
