Biography
I have been acting and directing for over two decades – having worked with the Prospect Theater Project, Modesto Performing Arts, Center Stage Conservatory, Stage 3, Merced ShakespeareFest, and Patterson Repertory Theatre, as well as others. I cofounded the Patterson Repertory Theatre in 2003 and served as its artistic director for 10 years. I was the 2008 recipient of the Stanislaus Arts Council award for Excellence in Theatre and sat on the Board of Directors for Stanislaus Arts Council from 2008-2012.
When not doing theater, I enjoy getting involved with my community by promoting the arts whenever possible. Although a native of Modesto, while I lived in Patterson I helped to coordinate and lead the annual Patterson Art and Wine Gala, now entering its 10th year. I was the brainchild, coordinator and leader of all fundraising efforts to have the Centennial Mural painted in downtown Patterson. I also led the effort to get an art wall up near the Patterson Skate Park to allow an opportunity for teens and young adults to express themselves. I also produced and directed a play commemorating the 100th anniversary of Patterson’s founding, Patterson: A Century of Community.
During my 11 years in Patterson, I was a Parks & Recreation commissioner, I was a member of the General Planning Advisory Committee and a member of the Youth Development Committee.
I am now Executive Director for the Merced County Arts Council and director of the Merced Multicultural Arts Center. Colton is also the chairperson for the newly formed Arts & Culture Advisory Commission for the City of Merced as of January, 2019; a facilitator for Leadership Merced; sits on the board of Merced Shakespearefest; and is a member of Merced Main Street Association. Colton manages the operations of the Multicultural Arts Center (the MAC) and the totality of the programming of the Merced County Arts Council (MCAC).
- Colton Dennis
When not doing theater, I enjoy getting involved with my community by promoting the arts whenever possible. Although a native of Modesto, while I lived in Patterson I helped to coordinate and lead the annual Patterson Art and Wine Gala, now entering its 10th year. I was the brainchild, coordinator and leader of all fundraising efforts to have the Centennial Mural painted in downtown Patterson. I also led the effort to get an art wall up near the Patterson Skate Park to allow an opportunity for teens and young adults to express themselves. I also produced and directed a play commemorating the 100th anniversary of Patterson’s founding, Patterson: A Century of Community.
During my 11 years in Patterson, I was a Parks & Recreation commissioner, I was a member of the General Planning Advisory Committee and a member of the Youth Development Committee.
I am now Executive Director for the Merced County Arts Council and director of the Merced Multicultural Arts Center. Colton is also the chairperson for the newly formed Arts & Culture Advisory Commission for the City of Merced as of January, 2019; a facilitator for Leadership Merced; sits on the board of Merced Shakespearefest; and is a member of Merced Main Street Association. Colton manages the operations of the Multicultural Arts Center (the MAC) and the totality of the programming of the Merced County Arts Council (MCAC).
- Colton Dennis