ABOUT
Backstage Rialto, a 501(c)3 support organization for the Rialto Theater Center in Loveland, Colorado, was founded in 2014 with the intention of assisting the Rialto in its programming efforts by providing additional funding and support for a variety of artistic endeavors.
GET INVOLVED
Attend an Event
Be A Volunteer
Join Our Board
Backstage Rialto hosts and participates in a variety of events throughout the year. Attending our events is fun and supports the crucial work we do for the Historic Rialto Theater. Check out our events page for ticketing and other important info.
Becoming a Backstage Rialto Volunteer is a great way to get involved in the important work we do. Whether you have few hours a year or all the time in the world, we can always use good help. Click the link below to apply to be a BSR Volunteer.
We are actively seeking individuals for the Backstage Rialto Board who have a genuine interest in our organization and mission and seek to use their experience, time and expertise to support the organization and the Rialto Theater.
BACKSTAGE RIALTO BOARD
JIM DOHERTY
BOARD CHAIR
Jim is the Community Director for desk chair workspace, a coworking community in downtown Loveland, right across the street from the Rialto. Jim is a long-time resident of Loveland and has vivid memories of seeing first run classics at the Rialto such as “Outlaw Josey Wales”, “Logan’s Run” and numerous midnight “Creature Features.” Jim is thrilled the Rialto is now a first-class performing arts venue and as a board member of Backstage Rialto, Jim is committed to raising sizable supplemental funds to enhance the Rialto’s programming calendar
SUSAN RUFF
BOARD MEMBER
Susan has served on the BSR board for since 2016, and was acting chair in 2019. She is a realtor at Pink Realty in Fort Collins.
JANET ARMSTRONG
BOARD TREASURER
Jan has been actively involved in the community for many years, including serving on the commission to draft the Home Rule ordinance for the city and volunteering at the Rialto. She served on the board of the Open Lands Commission and was a member of the Downtown Development Authority. She was Co-founder and 1st President of the Loveland League of Women Voters and was Instrumental in founding the Loveland Food Co-op. She owned her own catering business and presently volunteers at Truscott Elementary.
HARRISON HAND
BOARD MEMBER
Harrison joined the Rialto board following his accidental promoter gig for a Doors Tribute Band at the Rialto.
Harrison Hand is the owner of Dragonstone Studio, Inc., a story-based entertainment production company which started with his "Skyler Tortuga" young reader fantasy/adventure series, it’s "Angelina de los Lobos" spin-off, and the "Skywater Bridge" backstory book. Included in this Dragonstone Storyverse is Benjanardo’s Toy Company, a real world “Key Quest” treasure hunt, and a variety of film projects that are in the works.
LYNNE NIEMEYER
BOARD SECRETARY
Lynne has been a Backstage Rialto Board Member since 2019. She has also served on the boards of the House of Neighborly Service, Angel House and the Women’s Resource Center in Fort Collins. For 36 years, Lynne represented State Farm Insurance across the country before returning to Loveland to retire in 2006. She has two sons and two grandsons in the area and enjoys hiking, biking and traveling in her spare time.
GAIL LUNA
BOARD MEMBER
Gail has had an extensive career working in all facets of theater. Recently he was the company manager for the 250th Anniversary of Château de Versailles Spectacles Celebration in Versailles, France. Gail’s many stage management credits include the original productions of Broadway's: Mary Poppins, The Lion King, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Harold & Maude with Estelle Parsons. He was the production stage manager-production manager for Fallsview Casino, working with Frankie Valli, Audra McDonald, and Taylor Swift in concert, and producing World Rock Symphony Orchestra, and Britain Rocks Canada
LINDA LIGON
BOARD MEMBER
Linda was chair of the DDA Board of Directors when the Rialto was re-opened in 1997, and she has served on the Board of Backstage Rialto since its founding.
She was founder and CEO of the book and magazine publishing company, Interweave Press.
She is currently Publisher and Editorial Director of Thrums books, as well as partner in Long Thread Media.
Linda served as board member and chair of the Independent Publishers' Association, and secretary of the board of Andean Textile Arts.
SUSAN ISON
EX OFFICIO BOARD MEMBER
Susan is the Cultural Services Director for the City of Loveland. She co-authored the City’s Art In Public Places ordinance in 1984, making Loveland the first city in Colorado to do so. In 1989, she received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, for her work with the Public Art Program and the Museum. She is a founder of Loveland High Plains Arts Council, and she serves on the City’s Executive Leadership Team, and as liaison to the Loveland Historical Society, the Cultural Services Board, the Visual Arts Commission.