The Magic Architects

In the heart of Colorado, there is a quiet revolution happening in the world of character performance. It isn’t led by a studio or a massive corporation, but by a team of thirty performers who believe that a costume is only as good as the heart inside it.

Founded in 2025 by CEO Brooke Lewis, Once Upon a Dream Events has rapidly evolved from a local Springs startup into a multi-city powerhouse. But if you ask Brooke, the "Grand Royal Balls" and cross-country flights to Pennsylvania aren't the metrics of her success. The real magic happens in the quiet hallways of Children’s Hospital Colorado, where her team trades the stage for a bedside, proving that sometimes, the most important role a hero can play is that of a friend.

Brooke’s journey to the helm of a thirty-person collective wasn't a fairy tale from the start. She is candid about the "villains" she encountered early in her career—environments where bullying and exclusion were common.

"Those experiences were difficult, but they ultimately became a turning point," Brooke tells us. "They showed me the kind of environment I didn’t want to be part of. I wanted to create a space where performers feel supported, valued, and encouraged to succeed together—not compete with one another."

Today, her "centralized leadership" structure ensures that while she handles the logistics, her performers are free to focus on what they do best: creating wonder. From K-pop Demon Hunters to the classic ice royalty of Arendelle, the group’s range is vast, but their vetting process is specific. Every member is chosen for their character first, and their talent second.

One of the group’s most defining moments happened not during a rehearsed show, but during a booking where a language barrier threatened to stop the show. Brooke, dressed as Ariel, arrived at a party where no one spoke English.

"For a split second, I had that 'oh no' moment," she recalls. "But then it turned into one of the most fun performances I’ve ever done. Without a shared language, everything became about expression—gestures, movement, music. I’ve never committed more fully to charades in my life."

It was a reminder of the Once Upon a Dream ethos: joy doesn't need a translator. Whether they are performing for a backyard birthday or a high-stakes charity fundraiser, the mission remains the same: connection.

Running a collective of this scale is a 24/7 commitment. Brooke describes her "utility belt" as a mix of high-level logistical systems and artistic refinement. From streamlined booking templates to rigorous wig styling and performance training, the goal is immersion.

Looking toward the next decade, Brooke’s sights are set on a "physical venue space"—a dedicated castle for sleepover parties, princess makeovers, and full-service event planning. It’s an ambitious roadmap, but for a woman who turned a personal dream into a multi-state operation in just one year, "impossible" isn't in the vocabulary.

As Once Upon a Dream continues to expand—they are currently scouting for new talent in the Denver and Springs areas—Brooke offers a piece of hard-won advice for anyone looking to start their own collective.

"Never give up," she insists. "There may be moments where you face discouragement or negativity, but don’t let that stop you. Take the leap of faith. It may just work out better than you ever could have imagined."

In a world that can sometimes feel short on magic, Brooke Lewis and her team are busy building it, one dream at a time.

Once Upon a Dream Events is currently looking for performers (especially for their popular K-pop Demon Hunter characters). If you have the heart and the hustle, you can find them here:

• Instagram: @onceuponadream_co

• Web: www.onceuponadreameventsco.com

• Status: Available for hire (Parties, Charities, Hospital Visits)