Denver Actors Fund Celebrates Dr. Brian Kelly’s Selection as 2026 Colorado Theatre Guild Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient


The Denver Actors Fund is thrilled to celebrate Dr. Brian Kelly, DDS, as the recipient of the Colorado Theatre Guild’s 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award.

As DAF’s partnering dentist and a member of our board of directors, Dr. Kelly has provided more than $200,000 in emergency dental care to Colorado theater artists facing financial hardship. His generosity has relieved pain, restored health and helped countless members of our theater community continue doing what they love.

A Broadway veteran himself, Dr. Kelly understands firsthand the realities of life in the arts. As he puts it: “This is a community of people who offer a service. They make peoples’ lives better and happier by entertaining them. And the idea that they can’t afford to go to a dentist because it is outrageously expensive bothers me greatly. They deserve help when they need it.”

That belief has guided years of extraordinary service, compassion and advocacy for theater artists across Colorado. Congratulations to Dr. Kelly for this well-earned recognition. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for DAF and our community.

The Colorado Theatre Guild will present Dr. Kelly with its 20th Lifetime Achievement Award at its 2026 Henry Awards ceremony on Monday, July 20th at the Arvada Center, 6900 Wadsworth Blvd. Ticket information at https://arvadacenter.org/events/henry-awards.

Note: At The Denver Actors Fund, anonymity of aid recipients is presumed and fully protected, unless and until the recipient chooses to have their story told.

How you can help

Learn more about how you can support the Denver Actors Fund by donating, attending a DAF benefit performance, volunteering, or getting involved in other meaningful ways.

Apply for Assistance

If you are a Colorado theatre artist in need of help paying a medical bill, access to dental care, mental health support, or help from one of our volunteers — we’re here for you.
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