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.

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 fulltime 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 2023?

Minerva West has produced eight shows so far in 2023, with 34 performances engaging 120 individuals ages 7 to 79.

We have established after-school theater programs at both Ridgway Elementary School and Ridgway Secondary School.

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

Our 2024 goals are to raise funds to cover our youth theater expenses so we can offer this programming free to all children who want to participate, regardless of their parents’ financial situation.

We would also like to raise funds to hire a part-time executive director.

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 enable us to offer our youth theater programs at no charge, which is our highest priority for 2024. We invite everyone to join our “community at play” by participating as an actor, set builder, costume designer, sound and lighting technician or box office volunteer in one of our upcoming productions. Visit minervawest.org for more information.

Thanks to Kathy O’Mara for providing this information.