Where history, artistry, and local partnerships take center stage
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Littleton, the Town Hall Arts Center is more than just a theater; it’s a cornerstone of community, creativity, and collaboration. For over four decades, this nonprofit performing arts venue has brought Broadway-caliber productions, youth education, and visual arts to the region, all within the walls of a 103-year-old Gothic-style building that’s as iconic as the performances it hosts.
At the helm is Executive Director Robert Michael Sanders, whose passion for the arts and deep ties to the community have helped shape the center’s vibrant legacy. “What makes this place special isn’t just what we do, it’s the people who do it,” Sanders says. “You’re not just watching a show here. You’re in it. You’re part of it.”
A Theater That Brings You into the Action
With a 250-seat, three-quarter thrust stage, the Town Hall Arts Center offers an intimate experience that’s rare in today’s theater world. “There’s not a bad seat in the house,” Sanders explains. “You can smell the fear, see the sweat. You’re up close and personal with every show.”
Each season features five to seven productions, ranging from beloved musicals to thought-provoking plays. The programming is carefully curated by a trio of seasoned professionals, including Sanders, Artistic Director Matthew Kepler, and Technical Director Mike Haas, who combine decades of experience with patron feedback to select titles that resonate with the community.
“We survey our audience, and it matters,” Sanders says. “We want to know what people love, what they want more of, and how we can make sure everyone feels represented.”
When we launched our capital campaign, we needed a bank that understood nonprofits and could handle the flow of several million dollars. Redstone was that bank. I know I can walk in and talk about music, not just banking. It’s not transactional; it’s personal.
More Than a Stage: A Hub for Learning and Connection
Beyond performances, the center offers robust educational programming, including semester-long classes and summer camps that draw hundreds of young artists each year. The building also houses a rotating art gallery and serves as a gathering space for over 35,000 visitors annually.
With eight full-time staff members, a dozen part-time employees, 250 contractors, and 110 volunteers, the Town Hall Arts Center is a bustling hub of creativity and collaboration.
The Power of Local Partnerships
As a nonprofit, the center relies heavily on grants, sponsorships, and individual donations to sustain its programming. Fundraisers like the annual Ovation Gala and Colorado Gives Day play a vital role, but so do relationships with local businesses, especially Redstone Bank.
“Our relationship with Redstone is fantastic,” Sanders shares. “When we launched our capital campaign, we needed a bank that understood nonprofits and could handle the flow of several million dollars. Redstone was that bank. I know I can walk in and talk about music and not just banking. It’s not transactional, it’s personal.”
That personal touch proved invaluable when Sanders experienced a security issue with his account. “They caught it immediately and called me. We shut it down right away. That’s the kind of service you want, especially when you’re running a nonprofit.”
A Community That Lifts Each Other Up
Littleton’s charm lies in its tight-knit community, and the Town Hall Arts Center is a vital part of that ecosystem. “We’re not just a theater,” Sanders says. “We’re a reason to come downtown, to shop, to dine, to connect. Everyone here supports each other, it’s unique.”
As the center prepares to enter its 43rd season, its mission remains clear: to amplify voices, tell meaningful stories, and bring people together through the power of the arts.