Motus Theater's Youth Behind Beyond Bars

About This Event

Motus Theater presents Youth Behind & Beyond Bars: Stories from the Frontlines of the Juvenile Justice System at the Colorado Capitol on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 8:00-8:50 AM. This bipartisan legislative performance, hosted by Sen. Judy Amabile and Rep. Rick Taggart (Joint Budget Committee) and co-hosted by Reps. Lorena Garcia, Karen McCormick, Gretchen Rydin, and Naquetta Ricks, brings first-person stories from adults incarcerated as children directly to Colorado lawmakers. Colorado District Attorney Michael Dougherty will read the story of a man incarcerated in the adult system as a child. This educational morning program pairs lived experience with policy-relevant context about long-term impacts of youth incarceration and possibilities when policy invests in prevention, healing, and community-based solutions. Sponsored by National Youth Law Center and Colorado Youth Justice Collaborative. Coffee & bagels at 7:45 AM. State Services Building, Conference Room 104, Denver. Free and open to constituents—invite your legislator!

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
• Time: 8:00-8:50 AM (coffee/bagels 7:45 AM)
• Location: State Services Building, Conference Room 104, Colorado Capitol Complex, Denver, CO
• Format: Legislative performance and policy education
• Admission: Free (open to constituents and legislators)
• Hosts: Sen. Judy Amabile, Rep. Rick Taggart
• Co-Hosts: Reps. Lorena Garcia, Karen McCormick, Gretchen Rydin, Naquetta Ricks
• Special Participant: DA Michael Dougherty

About the Performance: First-person stories from adults who experienced youth incarceration paired with policy context on long-term impacts and community-based solutions.

Key Issues:

• Youth incarceration impacts
• Juvenile justice reform
• Prevention over punishment
• Healing-centered policy
• Community-based solutions
• Criminal justice transformation

Sponsored By:

• National Youth Law Center
• Colorado Youth Justice Collaborative

Take Action: Invite your Colorado legislator via leg.colorado.gov/find-my-legislator

Contact: [email protected] | 720-432-2004