Vail Valley Theatre Company

Since its inception in 1987, the Vail Valley Theatre Company (VVTC) has come a long way. Originally called Vail Community Theater, the organization was founded by three directors: Edmund H. Drager, Jr., Thomas Gorman and Sybill Navas. According to current board member John Tedstrom, “their goal was to continue the tradition of community theatre in Vail that was started in 1961 as the Vail Players.” In 2010, the organization’s name changed to VVTC. 

In addition to bringing actors, singers, dancers and stage production technicians together, the VVTC provides opportunities to develop new friendships, discover hidden talents and be part of a community theatre group that encourages and cultivates camaraderie. A nonprofit organization that values diversity and gives talented locals the opportunity to participate in live theatre, the VVTC’s mission is to be “a strong positive force for the arts, helping [the] community stay strong and resilient.”

Photos courtesy of Vail Valley Theatre Company

Tedstrom, who has been involved since 2004, decided to delve deeper into theatre after performing with his daughter Anna in a Vail Children’s Theater production of Peter Pan. Since then, he’s been part of one or two shows annually and joined the board of directors a few years ago. Beth Swearingen, artistic director, who was a professional Broadway singer/dancer, has been with the organization for over 30 years. She initially came to Vail in 1990 to work at Club Majiks (where she met friend and collaborator Bob Finnie) for one summer. But, like so many who plan to come to Eagle County for a short stint, Swearingen stayed. “The VVTC has kept me connected to my passion and given me the opportunity to make lifelong friends,” she says. “Through the years, Bob and I have written over a dozen shows together including An Evening on Broadway and A Rocky Halloween. I have also directed and choreographed numerous musicals.” 

Something for Everyone 

With a variety of productions slated for the rest of 2026, VVTC sometimes incorporates over 50 people for each show — including performers, production and stage managers, directors, technicians, production crew, musicians, front of house, set designers/builders and props managers, as well as the members of the board and numerous volunteers. 

Regardless of a person’s theatre background or experience, VVTC prioritizes inclusion. “We pride ourselves on being open to anyone who wants to be involved,” says Tedstrom. “It’s exciting, especially in a transient community, that we are a go-to group for people who feel like they haven’t found their place elsewhere.” VVTC president Connie Kincaid adds, “We thrive on diversity — because it’s a source of creativity and because we need all kinds of people to participate in the many different opportunities we have.” 

Kincaid was a professional dancer/singer in Los Angeles and moved to Vail in 1993 — before Bravo! Vail, the International Dance Festival and Vilar Performing Arts Center existed. “I had entered a wasteland,” she remembers. “With no outlet for my passion, I felt as if I was dying a bit every day until I met Beth Swearingen who introduced me to the VVTC. I joined the company in 2007, then the board and now serve as its president.” She adds, “The company helped make my heart sing again and I have found and made very dear friends. I can truly say that VVTC has been a lifeline.”