The Lamp Post Creative Learning Center, a new nonprofit dedicated to fostering community engagement through theater, education and other initiatives, has opened its doors in Cortez. Lamp Post was dreamed up by former Montezuma-Cortez High School drama director and Colorado Theater Teacher of the Year Nicholaus Sandner and his wife, Corinne.
The idea for Lamp Post took root last fall while at the ceremony for Teacher of the Year. When asked what their dream was while speaking with someone at the ceremony, Corinne shared that they realized they wanted to do more than just “survive.”
After conversations between the two and observations of strong community interest in high school theater productions, the idea for Lamp Post was born.
“We have noticed over the last couple of years as we’ve included community members in our shows at the high school that there are a lot of little kids and a lot of adults in the community who really enjoy theater, and we felt like we could offer some opportunities for some of those demographics of people and broaden the work we’ve done in the community,” Nicholaus said.
Though initially considering a for-profit model, they chose nonprofit status to tap into grant funding, and are currently awaiting approval of their 501(c)(3) status. Though it was initially difficult to decide a name, Corinne’s late best friend, Cecelia, suggested the name Lamp Post.
“We wanted something that was kind of a beacon. And it was actually my best friend who suggested Lamp Post,” Corinne said. “We really liked the idea, and since then, that has become even more special to us because my friend was murdered in December. It’s been really special for us to continue with her thoughts and legacy with building this community. She was really excited for us … and we’re excited to continue on and in her memory and in the joy and bringing light … we wanted to bright light into the world with this endeavor.”
Lamp Post is at the former location of Rock Springs Church on U.S. Highway 160, which has been sitting empty for the past four years. The property features two buildings, one of which has a sanctuary with a stage, and a plot of land, providing opportunities for future growth. The church is allowing the Sandners to use the building and serve as caretakers until they are able to purchase the land with future grant funds.
Through support of current grants from Onward and LOR, Lamp Post now has over 100 chairs, lights, microphones and equipment as they get their start.
“We’re very grateful for the way the community has shown up for us, and just some really beautiful things that have happened,” Corinne said. “God is good about how he provides just the right amount.”
Though Lamp Post just started, it has hit the ground running. The center is hosting its two-week youth summer camp, which will run through Saturday, July 19. There are 35 campers registered, from ages six to 18. The morning session is a performance camp and the afternoon session is a tech camp.
At the end of the camp, campers will demonstrate what they have learned with a performance of “Finding Nemo Junior,” at Lamp Post, 32233 U.S. 160. To prepare, campers have been busy learning their roles, creating puppets and designing the stage with help from Nicholaus, Corinne and former high school graduates of the drama program who are volunteering as assistants.
The performances are scheduled for July 18 at 7 p.m. and July 19 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., with 164 seats per performance. Tickets are available online at the center’s website, www.lamppostclc.org. Tickets for adults are $8 and students and seniors $6. Children five years old and under can attend for free.
This fall, the first adult theater production is being planned, with more to follow in the future. The center aims to have four theater productions each year, starting in 2026 and allowing people to learn how to make costumes, do puppetry, how to do cosplay and more.
Nicholaus and Corinne Sandners are planning more than just theater endeavors for Lamp Post, however.
One possible event is a 1940s themed winter ball with live music, potentially in January, to brighten the postholiday season. Monthly young adult social nights, targeting ages 18 to 35, kick off Saturday, July 12 at 6:30 p.m. with a domino-themed event, including domino courses and Domino’s Pizza.
The building could also serve local homeschool groups as a place to hold electives and events, as well as a retreat space for local businesses and other groups.
Additional community initiatives they are brainstorming include family adventure nights every two to three months, such as stargazing or indoor drive-in movie nights with homemade, cardboard cars, noting that they hope to create a space where people can make memories and bond with other members of the community.
“We don’t quite know what we’ll start with, but put some feelers out to see what sort of interest people have in the community,” Nicholaus said. “We want to create an environment of if you have a cool idea, let’s see if we can make it happen. It’s sharing ideas and building on people’s ideas and creating a fun space that people can visit and learn stuff and hang out together and come play together.”
“Our main goal is to build community,” Corinne said. “We had options to seek other communities through job change and stuff like that, but we love this community and we didn’t want to leave this community. We just want to help it and grow it.”
Those who are interested in staying up to date on Lamp Post and upcoming events and opportunities can sign up for the center’s newsletter on their website. Lamp Post can also be found on social media (Facebook and Instagram) at LampPostCLC.
