I had the opportunity to sit down with Laura Nell Borden, the front of house coordinator for Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center (PACE Center) as well as with Britni Minichino-Sikora, program coordinator, to talk about the arts, their holiday performances coming up as well as what we can look forward to in 2025.
A performer for 15 years prior to coming out to Colorado, Laura shares, “We want to have something for everybody… creating those experiences that people can come and enjoy [and] realize that art is a featured part of life.”
“I think the arts in their purest, most influential form not only take people away from their everyday life… but also plant a seed,” Laura reminisces on the importance of the arts. She says, “Art has the power to change people's minds [and] make you see the world [in] a different way.”
Britni echoes Laura’s sentiment, “It creates conversation… that's where I hope art never goes away.”
They look forward to the holiday performances for the energy and atmosphere they bring. Each year they decorate the lobby. “The last couple years Britni has taken over and there is a new aesthetic each year,” Laura highlights Britni’s artistic touch.
“I want people to feel that ‘welcome, homey’ feeling with our decor,” Britni says.
PACE also includes an advertisement for the winter musical. Laura chimes in, “This year is Mary Poppins! Our production team builds completely from scratch this beautiful set up that people can take pictures of throughout. They had one of their painters free hand Mary Poppins in the image. It’s spot on. It’s stunning.” People can stand in front and take pictures.
“The colors, the lights, music, everything,” Britni says. They describe the entire experience as contagious and magical.
Just a couple shows to note this year are the Denver Ballet Theater, joining PACE for the third year, along with The Daddies Christmas Canteen, playing the big band holiday music of Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey.
Britni also talks about how they’re always looking at possibilities to partner with and support local businesses in Parker. Coming to the Schoolhouse Theater for a more intimate show, Boxing Banjo, an Irish group, will be performing in March. And Parker’s very own Fiction Brewing Company will be present that day. With every purchased ticket, guests will get a beer.
Laura is especially excited for the Rock of Ages summer musical in 2025.
You can tell that Britni and Laura truly enjoy what they do. Both started in the box office and their roles grew organically from there.
“It's always evolving… They very much encourage us to restructure as needed, share tasks… We’re very much a team… It’s a very collaborative effort I would say, everybody's always willing to pitch in,” Laura says. “We have a very dedicated volunteer force as well. We could not do what we do without them!”
Year round, PACE is very intentional in creating a safe space for people to come and experience the arts. Britni shares, “We want to be a staple in the community for sure… Allow something for everyone. So allow everyone to have the opportunity to come to our facility and enjoy all the amenities… [be] a resource for people and an outlet for people to come in and enjoy our free art gallery or dance classes, enjoy anything we have to offer.”