Transforming and inspiring community through excellence in music, theatre, education and historic Center Stage.

The Fusé family has much to say about the positive impact of performing arts on their family. It began early with their daughter, Ava, a 2nd grader, now 15 years old and a veteran of Ovation West Performing Arts and Mountain Youth Musicals annual Summer Musical Theatre Camp. As a toddler, the family home was her singing, dancing stage, makeup, and costume shop. Disney characters were her forte. It was clear the family needed an outlet for her energies, so she got involved in performance. As often happens, siblings and parents soon got involved - volunteering, carpooling, and helping with costumes, props, set construction, lights, and sound. For the Fusés, the theatre became a family affair.

Theatre also played a transformational role in the life of Ava’s younger brother, Oliver, who was cut off from school during Covid. The isolation of the pandemic, at a vulnerable age in his socialization, proved detrimental. The family supported and encouraged him to get involved at Center Stage. He faced his fears and slowly built skills and confidence. 



However, the real transformation in the family came when Ava and Oliver played major roles in Ovation West’s 2023 premier of a charming and challenging new opera called The Christmas Spider alongside professional adult opera singers.  They rehearsed with piano and orchestral instruments for the first time ever.  The timeline was demanding.  They were not sure they would be ready in time.  Even Grandma got involved during a family vacation as they practiced their lines and dialogue on a long drive and vacation stay. They faced their fears with practice and preparation.  They moved way out of their comfort zones.  They took a risk. And they triumphed! Their stunning performance created a dramatic shift in confidence for both of them.

Now a freshman at Evergreen High School, Ava has become a student director for Mountain Youth Musicals which performs at Center Stage.  She is quick to share the life lessons she has learned while growing up in the theatre: time management, discipline, confidence, public speaking, commitment, and the importance of teamwork, friendship, and community. Oliver, an 8th grader at Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen, says he has learned to talk to people without fear and ask for help when needed.

Such is the value of the performing arts in the lives of our young people, society, families, and our community. If you value the performing arts as I do, make room for them in your life and support our local arts organizations.  We’ll all be better for it!

Linda Trenbeath

Long-time singer/performer/donor with Evergreen Chorale/Ovation West

Help Ovation West continue to provide these kinds of transformative experiences for the whole community. Make your gift through our Colorado Gives page on Tuesday, December 10 during the 7:00-8:00 am Power Hour to help us unlock a $10,000 match, and win an additional $2,000 prize from the Colorado Gives Foundation.