Videos Login Subscribe Renew E-edition
logo
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
  • News
  • Features
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Letters
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
    • Place a Classified
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Legal Notices
    • Read Statewide Legal Notices
  • Archives
    • News
    • Features
    • Opinion
      • Columns
      • Letters
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
      • Place a Classified
    • Advertise
    • Contact us
    • Legal Notices
      • Read Statewide Legal Notices
    • Archives
Season of Sharing – UpstART: Theater That Moves
Actor Ian Lassiter plays Othello and Elizabeth Mueller performed as Desdemona in UpstART's No Holds Bard production of "Othello" in August 2023. The production was directed by John Kissingford of Ouray, the cofounder of UpstART Theater. Photo courtesy UpstART Theater
Feature
November 29, 2023
Season of Sharing – UpstART: Theater That Moves

SEASON OF SHARING

Editor’s note: The Ouray County Plaindealer started publishing profiles of nonprofits between Thanksgiving and New Year’s in 2020 as a community service.

The purpose of these profiles is to highlight the meaningful work being performed by these organizations and let the community know how they can help them even more, as the holidays approach and we reach the end of 2023. Nonprofit organizations that are based in Ouray County and serve Ouray County are eligible for these profiles. To participate, please email erin@ouraynews.com.

Year established as a nonprofit: 2015

What does your organization do for Ouray County?

UpstART creates professional, quality theater for Ouray Coun-ty audiences, by collaborating with artists from all over the country and combining them with local talent. UpstART seeks to awaken, enliven and entertain audiences with an intensity and excellence hard to find outside of metro areas. And our shows are fun – they move you – in pace, emotion and insight.

What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2023?

Audiences loved our production of “Othello,” with New York actor Ian Lassiter in the title role. They were thrilled by our collaboration with the Sherbino Theater for “Big Love.” They were mesmerized by our production of “Everybody” at the Wright Opera House.

What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2024?

We have “Heroes of the Fourth Turning,” planned for performances in February, “Good People” in June and our “No Holds Bard” Shakespeare production in August (still to be determined, but I think we can promise you a comedy). We’ll have spectacular actors from all over the country and a guest director at one of the performances.

Tell us how the community can help you do more here in Ouray County.

We are always seeking hosts for our actors, so if you have an ADU or guest room and would like to get to know one of our extraordinary artists, please let us know! And of course we fundraise steadily to make these spectacular collaborations possible. We so appreciate your generosity. Visit upstartmoves. org to donate or get in touch.

Thank you to Steve Gallion for providing this information.

‘This is the challenge that I needed in my life’
Main, News...
‘This is the challenge that I needed in my life’
Ouray Ice Park's new executive director trims staff, seeks more buy-in from recreational climbers amid financial crunch
By Chart Riggall 
October 21, 2026
In the waning weeks of the 2019 ice climbing season, a 27-year-old Tres Barbatelli stood at the bottom of the Uncompahgre Gorge wondering what he’d just done. Minutes before, he’d rappelled down into ...
this is a test
Police department dissolved
Main, News...
Police department dissolved
Council turns over services to sheriff; remaining employee laid off
By Mike Wiggins mike@ouraynews.com 
October 21, 2026
The city of Ouray terminated the sole employee of its police department and turned over its police services to the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, officially dissolving a stand-alone law enf...
this is a test
News
Paramedic fired after three months’ leave
Commissioners pause refilling second EMS vacancy
By James Hanlon 
October 21, 2026
A paramedic for Ouray County Emergency Medical Services, who has been on administrative leave since the Gold Mountain Fire, was fired last week after a meeting with county administration went awry. Jo...
this is a test
News
County wraps up draft budget without layoffs
Initial plan leaves five positions vacant, reduces some departmental hours
By James Hanlon 
October 21, 2026
Ouray County’s draft budget for next year proposes five staff reductions from general fund departments – all of which are currently vacant positions. The positions are from administration, the assesso...
this is a test
News
Veteran transport program approved
Veteran transport program approved
October 21, 2026
After resolving concerns about an intergovernmental agreement with San Miguel County, Ouray County commissioners approved a new partnership last week that will transport veterans to medical appointmen...
this is a test
News
Watershed protection project extended
October 21, 2026
The Emergency Watershed Protection project to mitigate debris flows below the Gold Mountain Fire burn area has received a 45-day extension with a new completion date of Nov. 17. Most construction is s...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Letters, Opinion...
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Log Hill funds never meant to offset deficit
By Randy Olin 
October 21, 2026
Dear Editor: I strongly disagree that the Board of County Commissioners be able to tap into or use monies/funds that were paid by and belong to the residents of Log Hill Village, and designated specif...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
Voters deserve better than Congressman Hurd
By Dave Underwood 
October 21, 2026
Dear Editor: As we approach the November election, we’ll doubtless be hearing a lot about U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd’s commitment to local issues. His mailers will almost certainly feature the congressman du...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
Weiser committed to CO
By Tom Heffernan 
October 21, 2026
Dear Editor: Phil Weiser is deeply committed to justice and public service. The son and grandson of Holocaust survivors, he will be willing to fight for the American dream. Phil has made it a priority...
this is a test
Letters, Opinion...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Who’s funding statewide measures?
By Carolyn Dresler 
October 21, 2026
Dear Editor: We have seven amendments and seven propositions on our Ouray County ballot. Amendments 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 and 86 and propositions 132 and 136 have as registered agents people from the Wes...
this is a test
Looking Back
News
Looking Back
October 21, 2026
Compiled from the files of The Ouray County Herald, The Ridgway Sun, and The Ouray County Plaindealer 60 Years Ago October 20, 1966 A parent-teacher day was introduced into Ouray schools Oct. 14. This...
this is a test
Facebook

Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

First responders receive first COVID-19 vaccines

Ouray County Plaindealer
Office address:

195 S Lena St. Unit D
Ridgway, Colorado 81432
970-325-4412

Mailing address:
PO Box 529
Ridgway CO 81432

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Ouray County Plaindealer

  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Accessibility Policy