Our Story
About Salida Theater Project
We Bring Stories to Life in the Heart of the Rockies
Salida has always been a place where creativity thrives — from artists and musicians to dancers and poets. Salida Theater Project was born from that same spirit: a belief that live theater belongs here, in a town alive with imagination.
While proudly calling Salida home, many of our cast and crew have professional theater, television, and film backgrounds — blending big-city experience with small-town heart. In a place known for its artistic soul, we are committed to delivering theater that is polished, inspiring, and deeply human.
In 2025, Salida Theater Project became A Church’s first resident theater company—a vibrant venue for arts, music, workshops, and community connection. This partnership provides a warm, inspiring home that aligns with our mission to bring thought-provoking and heartfelt theater to Salida.
In 2020, three passionate creatives—actor/director Brade Bradshaw, local theater artist and educator Devon Jencks, and arts advocate Leslie Matthews —created a shared vision: a theater company rooted in storytelling, artistry, and community. From that collaboration, Salida Theater Project was born.
Today, under Devon’s artistic leadership, Salida Theater Project proudly adds our voice to the vibrant arts community of Salida. We are committed to telling stories that illuminate the full range of the human experience—stories that invite us to laugh, cry, reflect, wonder, and question. In an increasingly divided world, theater reminds us of what connects us: the universal truths of love, struggle, humor, hope, and resilience. Our productions—from timeless classics to bold contemporary works—shine a light on our shared humanity and remind us that we are more alike than different.
We believe in the power of theater to move people— to make them feel more alive, more connected, and more human. Because, after all, we are “The heART of human expression.”
Staff
Devon Jencks
Executive Director/Artistic Director
Devon Jencks is one of the founders and the Artistic Director of Salida Theater Project. She holds an MFA in Acting from Brandeis University. She has performed with respected regional theaters throughout New England, including Gloucester Stage, New Repertory Theatre, NORA Theatre Company, and The Publick Theatre.
Adept at wearing multiple hats, Devon brings her talents as producer, director, and actor to every aspect of STP’s work. Her recent directing credits include Love…Really?? and Mountain Octopus, while recent acting roles include Still Alice, Dead Man’s Cell Phone and the one-woman show, Bad Dates, excerpts of which were featured in Love…Really??.
Since relocating to Salida in 2010, Devon has been a driving force in the local arts scene. She founded and directed Salida’s Shakespeare in the Park series and led the Salida High School Drama Team, where she directed twenty productions and mentored young performers for ten years, nurturing their love of theater.
Devon is passionately committed to bringing live theater to the Upper Arkansas Valley that reflects the rich tapestry of the human experience—stories that entertain, challenge, and connect us. Under her leadership, STP continues to create theater that nurtures the soul, celebrates diversity, and reminds us of our shared humanity.
Aggie Alvez
Director of Communications and Marketing
Aggie leads communications and marketing efforts—shaping strategy, guiding outreach, and helping define the theater’s public voice. She brings a wide-ranging background in marketing, public relations, and media production, with experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Her media work includes producing video content from concept to completion, including writing, on-camera performance, and overall project coordination. Aggie has helped produce high-profile live events—including for the White House—and has extensive experience organizing both in-person and virtual programming. On stage, she has performed in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Salida.
Josie Pearson
Content and Engagement Manager
As Salida Theater Project’s Content and Engagement Manager, Josie helps shape how the public experiences and connects with our work. She manages STP’s social media presence, creates visual and written content, and collaborates on promotional campaigns that highlight the heart of each production. Josie also supports outreach efforts that extend STP’s presence in the community, including connections with local businesses. Josie’s previous work in the environmental nonprofit sector included leading social media campaigns and building community partnerships—experience she now brings to her role at STP.
Board Members
Susan Bavaria
Liz Dunn, Treasurer
Bill Mansheim
Leslie Matthews, President
Susan McQuade
Bill Rogers, Secretary
Kim Wilcoxson, Vice President