Right here, on East Colfax Avenue, stands a testament to Aurora’s vibrant arts scene: the Aurora Fox Arts Center. Picture this: a building with a history as colorful as the performances it hosts.
Originally, this wasn’t a theater at all. Back in 1946, it was Aurora’s only “movie palace”. It served a growing community. Military personnel from Fitzsimons Army Hospital and Lowry Air Force Base were among the first regular visitors. Imagine families flocking here. They sought entertainment under the glow of that magnificent 61-foot neon sign.
But did you know that the Aurora Fox Arts Center started its life as a modified Quonset hut? The U.S. military sold it as surplus after World War II. This building accommodated nearly 600 people. It even had a full balcony.
The 1970s brought decline. New shopping centers lured people away. In 1981, disaster struck. A fire engulfed the theater. The community refused to let it die. Between 1983 and 1985, civic groups and the city joined forces. They funded a restoration. On March 8, 1985, the Aurora Fox Arts Center reopened. It became the permanent home of the Aurora Fox Theater Company.
Today, the Aurora Fox Arts Center stands as an award-winning professional theater. It is run by the City of Aurora’s Library & Cultural Services Division. The Fox is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. It has Small Professional Theater Tier 1 status. The theater employs seven full-time staff. It offers two performance spaces. There is a 242-seat proscenium theater. A 72-seat corner thrust black box “studio” theater completes it.
Each year, the Aurora Fox Arts Center employs about 200 local theater artists. It presents six fully produced shows. A summer children’s theater program is a popular feature. Various classes and special programming are offered. The Aurora Fox is committed to diversity and authentic representation. These values appear in its play selections. It uses them in the casting process. The theater is constantly pursuing theatrical innovations.
The iconic neon sign, a beacon on East Colfax Avenue, was recently restored. New carpets, ADA accessibility upgrades, and an updated HVAC system ensure comfort. The seats are also scheduled for replacement. These renovations will ensure the Aurora Fox Arts Center remains the heart of Aurora’s arts district. It will remain a beloved community theater for years to come.
So, as you stand here, remember the journey of the Aurora Fox Arts Center. From a military Quonset hut to a movie palace, to a phoenix rising from the ashes. This place is more than just a theater. It’s a symbol of community. It showcases resilience and the transformative power of the arts.