Located in Fort Collins' River District in an intimate setting for performing and creative arts. Bas Bleu Theatre has been a staple in the performing arts culture in Fort Collins for thirty-two years. Now boasting a 99-seat venue and theatre performances year round, Bas Bleu ensures local performers and theater-goers, alike, have a haven to express their creativity. Performances in 2025 range from nationally known plays to in-house written comedies. Check their website to book your seats today!
We spoke with Wendy Ishii, Founder and Artistic Director, to learn more about her favorite Fort Collins things and what makes Bas Bleu unique.
What do you love about Fort Collins?
The people are friendly, inclusive, diverse, and supportive. There is a wide variety of performing and visual arts organizations.
What are your favorite activities to do in Fort Collins?
Walking and attending arts events at CSU, OpenStage, the Fort Collins Symphony, Canyon Concert Ballet, Debut Theatre, Lyric Cinema, the Lincoln Center, and Bas Bleu Theatre.
What "can't miss" activity/restaurant/place would you tell a first-time visitor to go?
Hike the many trails in the Foothills, visit Odell Brewing Company, Peculier, New Belgium, and the other numerous FC breweries, and enjoy a meal at Ginger and Baker, The Emporium, the Rio Grande, Philippe French Bistro, or Restaurant 415. Also, check out the exhibits at the Museum of Art (MOA), the Museum of Discovery, the Lincoln Center, the Center for Creativity, and the Gallery Bleu.
What makes Bas Bleu Theatre unique?
We are located in the Enterprise Zone, where Bas Bleu was a pioneer in the creation of a vibrant new mixed-use economy. In 2012, we successfully completed a $1.5M Phase One Capital Campaign and now own our 99-seat venue. This affords us creative opportunities that might not be possible if we had to rent space by the hour elsewhere. We can take advantage of our small size and take artistic risks that are not always possible in a larger theatre. We also established the Gallery Bleu in our lobby to feature local and regional visual artists. We have the flexibility to quickly add events to our calendar, such as our recent award-winning production of “Standing for Humanity in Gaza and Israel” and a touring production of Ventura Theatre’s, “Clarence Darrow.” Noted scholars often lecture at Bas Bleu when they are in the country and have been instrumental in supporting our work at international conferences and festivals. Bas Bleu also provides much-needed rental space to many of our sister arts organizations and the public.
What is the story behind how Bas Bleu got its start?
When Bas Bleu was founded by Eva Wright and Wendy Ishii in 1992, it was modeled after the 18th-century European literary salons known as the “Bluestockings” (or Bas Bleu), whose members fostered animated conversation about politics, art, theatre, music, and works of literature. Our vision was to create an artistic and cultural center wherein bold and adventurous works of art could be explored. We trusted that people who initially came out of curiosity would come back and that they might be intrigued enough to learn about, support, and appreciate our offerings. We are deeply grateful for the 33 years our community has enabled the Bas Bleus to keep marching on through thick and thin!
What do you want visitors to experience at Bas Bleu?
Our mission is “To present outstanding theatre that fosters and inspires both audience and artist alike in an intimate salon setting.” Through our plays, readings, concerts, exhibitions, and more, we invite our audience to experience the transformative magic of theatre and celebrate the increasingly diverse cultures in our city while providing a lively forum for addressing issues of vital concern for our community.
(Photos courtesy of Bas Bleu Theatre)
Bas Bleu Theatre Company
Hours of Operation: Wednesday through Saturday 1pm to 6pm; and during Downtown Fort Collins First Friday Art WalkTM and Main Stage show times.
Address: 401 Pine Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Phone: (970) 498-8949
Email: basbleu@basbleu.org
Website: https://www.basbleu.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/basbleutheatre
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basbleutheatre/
