ABOUT US

Bringing opera to the hearts and minds of all

OUR MISSION

Bringing opera to the hearts and minds of all.

The mission of Loveland Opera Theatre is to tell stories through music in Northern Colorado by creating transformative experiences, and approachable, professional performances for our audiences.

We commit to advancing artistic excellence and education, attracting new audiences, and engaging and inspiring our diverse communities. We create artistic and professional employment opportunities for our Colorado arts community.

OUTREACH

Community Outreach Opportunities

Loveland Opera Theatre truly lives out its mission to attract new audiences and engage and inspire diverse communities. Through partnerships with many Northern Colorado community organizations, we work to bring free and accessible performances to events and diverse communities.

We offer opportunities for people to learn more about our upcoming performances including our Director’s Lunch during our upcoming October performances. We also offer “Family Friendly” matinees of our October productions when appropriate on our Saturday matinees to encourage young families to introduce their children to musical stories at a young age.

If you would like to have Loveland Opera present or perform at your organizations next event, contact us! We would love to talk to you!!

OUR STORY

Bringing opera to the hearts and minds of all.

Loveland Opera Theatre (LOT) was founded in 2005 by Dr. Juliana Bishop Hoch, to " bring opera to the hearts and minds of all”. LOT is a 501c3 not-for-profit opera company based in Loveland, Colorado. Dr. Hoch founded LOT to give opportunities to many talented “emerging young artists” and “community” singers in Colorado needing a venue to perform. LOT has provided a nurturing environment where these local talents could learn and grow and bring the performing arts to the community of Northern Colorado. Dr. Hoch retired as Executive and Artistic Director after a long and successful career at the end of 2024. In 2025, Kelsie Furst was named the second Executive and Artistic Director for LOT. Before taking on her new role Mrs. Furst served in many roles with the company, including artist and board member. The LOT board is excited to see how the company will continue to grow under new leadership. LOT has produced numerous full-staged operas and musicals as well as fund-raising Galas and concerts since its' beginnings. We focus on providing entertainment that is accessible and fun for our audiences. Our main stage performances are mainly in English, and are centered around fun or uplifting themes. Whether you are a first-time audience member, or an opera "buff", you will find something to smile about at a LOT performance. Education of children is near and dear to the heart of Loveland Opera Theatre. "Opera for Kids" programs present shortened versions of our main stage productions which are an ideal introduction to opera for families with young children. We have also partnered with the Thompson and Poudre school districts to present special opera programs for elementary through high school students.

EDUCATION

Dahlen Education Program

In 2021, Loveland Opera Theatre launched the Dahlen Educational Outreach Program. Due to a generous donation and a dedication to education young audiences about opera, Loveland Opera is able to commit to free opera programming for all Thompson School District Elementary, Middle and High Schools for the next ten years! This means that this year’s tour of the The Three Little Pigs is being offered to eleven of the twenty-two Elementary Schools for free in 2023 and to the other eleven Elementary Schools in 2024.

Giving

The Team

Meet the Team

FINDING INSPIRATION IN EVERY NOTE

Loveland Opera Theatre is built on the passion and generosity of its people. Our Board of Directors and devoted volunteer staff give their time, talent, and heart to ensure LOT continues to enrich our community through the power of opera.

Kelsie Furst

Executive and Artistic Director

Professional Background

Prior to joining Loveland Opera Theatre as an administrator, Kelsie worked for three years as owner-operator of a regional youth sports franchise with her husband. She navigated small business ownership through the Covid-19 pandemic, growing the business from the ground up in the aftermath. Kelsie built partnerships that expanded organizational reach and revenue for her business while continuing her passion of performing and serving on the Board of Loveland Opera Theatre. Ms. Furst has more than 25 years of experience in the performance industry, as a professional and community artist with LOT for the past decade and as a member of the Board of Directors for five years. With a deep passion for opera and music theater, she is dedicated to promoting the art forms and ensuring their vibrant future in Northern Colorado.

Vision, Leadership & Community Engagement

Kelsie brings a fresh vision to champion our mission and complement our rich heritage of advancing artistic excellence and education, attracting new audiences, and engaging and inspiring our diverse Northern Colorado Communities. She is committed to fostering innovation and creativity within the company. Under her leadership, LOT is embarking on several ambitious projects,including several in conjunction with other arts organizations and local establishments. Her approach emphasizes strategic collaboration and community engagement, ensuring that storytelling through music remains accessible and relevant to all audiences.

Board of

DIRECTORS

Jeff Bonin

President

Dr. Juliana Bishop Hoch

Founder Emerita

LOVELAND Opera THEATRE

Opera

ABOUT US

Meet the Team

Board of