Palm: Bob Saunders Theatre Dedication, 8/24

21 Aug Palm: Bob Saunders Theatre Dedication, 8/24

Palm Arts​ announces a celebration of performance and song as the ​Black Box Theatre at the Palm​ is rededicated as the ​Bob Saunders Theatre (The “BOB”)​ on Friday, August 24, 6 p.m. ​Telluride Theatre​ has put together a special evening to honor the legacy of one of its fallen stars. Among his many fine attributes, Bob was a tireless supporter of the arts in general and a beloved activist, who worked hard to keep Telluride grounded and open to all.

Glider Bob, courtesy, Telluride Daily Planet. When he died tragically in 2016, a piece of Telluride died with him.

Before the Show; Bob Saunders in foreground with the cast of Urinetown.

When “Glider” Bob Saunders died in August 2016, he left a giant hole in the Telluride community that may never filled:

“Bob was everywhere in and above Telluride, seemingly everyday. We saw him walking on Colorado Avenue in his shorts and sandals, no matter the season; we saw him in theatrical productions with the Telluride Rep, later Telluride Theatre; we saw him in Telluride Town Council meetings, often in the gadfly role when he felt the community was in danger of losing its soul; and always, always we saw him overhead in his Stemme motor glider,” wrote close friend Clint Viebrock.

(Go here for Clint’s full story and to watch a video of a flight with Bob put together by Eileen Burns.)

In 2014 voters in the town of Telluride approved funding for a smaller performance “Black Box” theatre in the Michael D. Palm Theatre complex. The vision for the repurposed space was to allow it to be used for smaller, more intimate performances, rehearsal, and education. Since its inaugural performance in December of 2016, the Black Box theatre has proved to be one of the most versatile venues on Colorado’s Western Slope.

The Palm Complex is honored and humbled to have the Black Box Theatre renamed in Bob Saunder’s honor.

“As we look ahead to a bright future for the “BOB,” we are grateful for the Telluride communities willingness to help us fulfill our mission. Thanks to their generosity and commitment, the arts will continue to thrive in the Telluride valley for years to come,” said Chris Vann of the Palm.