How It All Started
It was Fall 2020 and Covid was shutting down EVERYTHING - all the fun stuff, including my favorite theater camp.
Hi! I’m Ava, a sophomore at Cal Poly studying Education with a minor in Psychology. I started Park Hill Plays by gathering a small group of neighborhood kids to put on a production of Annie. What began as a simple after-school activity quickly grew into something much bigger—eventually becoming a three-day performance that brought in hundreds of community members (and was even featured on the news!).
Fast forward to today, and Park Hill Plays has grown into something I am incredibly proud of. Each summer, we host a camp where kids build their theater skills, grow in confidence, and learn how to work as a team. That experience leads into “tech week,” where we run full dress rehearsals before our final weekend performances.
I feel so grateful for this community that allows Park Hill Plays to exist as a space full of love and support. I never could have imagined what we’d grow in to, and I feel so lucky to be a part of your family’s summer memories. I’ve learned so much from these amazing kids and can’t wait for another incredible season!
— Ava Hanft
Meet Our Team
This year I’m so excited to have Grace Young as our Assistant Director, bringing creativity, energy, and an extra set of eyes to keep each scene running smoothly.
We’re also joined by Adele Brumbaugh and Coco Mckay as our Assistant Stage Managers - making sure every performance runs like clockwork and that the kids are organized, confident, and ready to go!
Grace Young
Hi! My name is Grace Young, and I’m Park Hill Plays’ Assistant Director. I’m 13 years old and have acted in several PHP performances in the past. This will be my second year as Assistant Director! Park Hill Plays has been such a big part of my life and our neighborhood, and I hope to continue my journey with PHP through high school. I’m so excited to put on another incredible production this year!
Coco McKay
Hello! My name is Coco McKay. I’m studying psychology at Cal Poly and will graduate with my Bachelor of Science in 2027. I’m originally from Bozeman, Montana, which helped me fall in love with Denver. I had the pleasure of getting involved with Park Hill Plays last year and am so excited to be back. Being able to share creativity and community with kids truly fills me all the way up, and I can’t wait for another summer of teaching—and learning—from the amazing kids of Park Hill.
Adele Brumbaugh
Hi! My name is Adele Brumbaugh. I’m 14 and heading into my freshman year of high school next year. I’ve been involved with Park Hill Plays for 6 years, both as a camper and now as a helper. I love how inclusive and joyful this camp is—not just for the kids, but for the whole community. I’m so excited to be helping out again this summer, and my favorite part is the connections I’ve made with the kids and everyone involved!
The Dream Team: Ava Hanft, Grace Young, Coco Mckay, and Adele Brumbaugh
In the News!
Denver Channel 9 news swung by the set to feature my first production.