Brady Public Humanities Archive

Exploring Red Rocks Amphitheatre

60 minutes
English
Secondary School
Placemaking Project:
Description: Students will explore the history, geography, and cultural significance of Red Rocks Amphitheatre. They will analyze its natural features, architectural design, and its role in Colorado’s identity as a public cultural space.
Warm up
Description: Sunset image of Red Rocks
Duration: 10 minutes Activity: Ask students: “What are some public spaces or landmarks that are special to you?” Write responses on the board. Show a few images of Red Rocks Amphitheatre and ask: “What makes this place unique or important?” Encourage responses around natural landscape, concerts, and Colorado identity.
Lecture
Description: Video walkthrough of Red Rocks
Duration: 15 minutes Content Topics: Geography & Geology: Red sandstone formations and the foothills of the Rockies. Cultural Importance: History as a sacred space for Native American tribes and its transformation into a major concert venue. Design & Architecture: Built into the natural rock formations by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Placemaking & Identity: How Red Rocks contributes to local pride, tourism, and cultural events. Visual Aids: Show video clip of Red Rocks
Group Activity
Duration: 20 minutes Instructions: In small groups, students imagine they are city planners creating an amphitheatre using a natural landscape in Colorado. Each group sketches or describes: What natural features will be used? What types of events will take place? How will the site respect the environment and community? What makes their space welcoming, inclusive, and iconic? Materials: Paper, pencils, colored markers Share Out: Each group gives a 1-minute presentation on their concept.
Reflect & Review
Duration: 15 minutes Discussion Questions: What did you learn about Red Rocks that you didn’t know before? How does Red Rocks reflect the values of Colorado? Why is it important to preserve natural spaces while making them accessible to the public? Exit Ticket: On a sticky note or index card, have students answer: “What is one way you think placemaking can connect people to nature and culture?”

Jennifer Brady 2023