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 2024. Nonprofit organizations that are based in Ouray County and serve Ouray County are eligible for these profiles.

Year established as a nonprofit: 2022

What does your organization do for Ouray County?

As part of the region’s growing arts community, Minerva West is a full-time theatre company whose mission is to inspire creativity, community and belonging by offering opportunities for youth and adults to realize their artistic potential, engage in performing arts education and participate in regular theatre productions. At Minerva West, we believe that the performing arts are a platform for all voices, so we encourage participation regardless of age, ability or experience.

What do you list as your greatest accomplishments in 2024?

Minerva West has produced ten shows in 2024, with 39 performances engaging 197 individuals ages 5 to 82. We have established after-school theatre programs at both Ridgway Elementary School and Ridgway Secondary School, which included a performance of Sherlock Holmes this month.

What are some goals or projects you have planned for 2025?

Our 2025 goals are to raise funds to cover our youth theatre expenses so we can offer this programming free to all children who want to participate, regardless of their parents’ financial situation. We are also raising funds to purchase and maintain technical equipment and staging, rental fees for rehearsal and performance space, royalties for plays and musicals, and stipends for staff.

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

Donations in support of our programs and buying tickets to attend our performances are the best ways to support Minerva West. Donations to enable us to offer our youth theatre programs at no charge is our highest priority for 2025. Also, to support our efforts to strengthen appreciation of the arts in the region and build our programs, we invite all to join our “community at play” by participating as an actor, set builder, costume designer/ builder, sound and lighting technician, and/or box office volunteer at one of our upcoming productions.

Thank you to Edward Cating for providing this information.