Business Details
21 Years
experience
Women's Playwrights Theater Company in Denver, CO
Founded in 2005, And Toto Too Theatre Company has dedicated two decades to amplifying the voices of women playwrights, establishing itself as Denver's longest-running theater company focused exclusively on female storytellers. Our mission centers on challenging stereotypes by showcasing the full spectrum of women's experiencesfrom resilience and leadership to complexity and imperfection. Through world premieres, regional premieres, and innovative programs like the Play Crawl and Queer Reading Series, we have produced over 150 works, including collaborations in the UK and Canada.Recognized with four Marlowe Awards and a Henry Award, we prioritize artistic excellence while advocating for gender equity in theater. Our commitment extends beyond the stage, fostering community through educational initiatives, artist residencies, and partnerships that elevate underrepresented voices. As societal challenges to women's rights persist, we remain steadfast in creating spaces where women's stories are told, heard, and celebrated with unapologetic urgency.
Services
Play Production
New Works Development
Community Engagement Programs
Queer Reading Series
Artist Residencies
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- 20-year commitment to women's storytelling in Denver
- Produced 150+ works by women playwrights
- Award-winning productions with Marlowe and Henry Awards
- Pioneered Denver's original microplay festival (Play Crawl)
- Advocates for gender equity in theatrical representation
Services
Play Production
We produce full-length and one-act plays written by women playwrights, prioritizing world and regional premieres that explore diverse narratives. Our productions feature professional actors and directors while maintaining artistic integrity. This service provides audiences with thought-provoking content that challenges traditional gender roles and amplifies underrepresented voices in theater.
Queer Reading Series
This initiative showcases works by queer playwrights and stories exploring LGBTQ+ experiences. Developed in 2022, it expands our mission to include intersectional representation through staged readings and community dialogues. The series creates safe spaces for queer artists and audiences while fostering inclusive storytelling that reflects contemporary social landscapes.
Play Crawl
Denver's original microplay festival features 2-3 minute plays written by Colorado women playwrights. This annual event combines artistic innovation with community engagement through accessible, bite-sized theatrical experiences. The program supports local artists while offering audiences a unique format that makes theater more approachable and experimental.
Artist Residencies
Our residency program supports women playwrights through workshops and collaborative development opportunities. This service nurtures emerging talent while maintaining high artistic standards for script refinement. Participating artists receive professional resources and mentorship to create polished works ready for full production.
Community Engagement
We offer educational initiatives including auditions, volunteer opportunities, and submission platforms for aspiring theater professionals. These programs build local artistic capacity while maintaining rigorous quality standards. Our outreach efforts ensure theater remains accessible to diverse communities across socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
People
Susan Lyles
Founder/Artistic Director
Susan Lyles founded And Toto Too Theatre Company in 2005 to address gender disparities in theater. With over two decades of experience, she has directed numerous award-winning productions while championing women's voices in the arts. Her leadership has established the company as Denver's longest-running women-focused theater organization.
Questions
What makes your theater company unique?
We exclusively produce works by women playwrights, making us Denver's longest-running company dedicated to gender-specific storytelling since 2005.
How can playwrights submit work?
Submission guidelines are available on our website under the 'Submissions' section with specific requirements for consideration.
Do you offer acting opportunities?
Yes, we hold regular auditions open to local talent for all productions and provide volunteer opportunities for theater enthusiasts.
What community programs do you offer?
Our Play Crawl microplay festival and Queer Reading Series provide accessible platforms for emerging artists and diverse voices.
How are you addressing current social issues?
We actively produce works that challenge gender norms and advocate for women's rights through our programming choices and public statements.
