TSJC continues collaborative efforts with SCRT Theatre

Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre (SCRT) and Trinidad State Junior College have announced their collaborative efforts, which will help to realize another summer season of professional theatre at the college’s Massari Performing Arts Center.

Southern Colorado Repertory Theatre recently launched its eighth summer season on July 2 at the Massari, and is pleased to recognize the fact that much of its success must be equally shared with Trinidad State Junior College (TSJC). It was TSJC that offered its auditorium complex eight years ago for use by the SCRT and has continued to support this growing professional company.

“This is a wonderful occasion for us to continue to see performing arts develop in our community,” said TSJC President Felix Lopez recently. “We look forward to continuing in this partnership another year with the SCRT as we know what great things this brings to our community and to TSJC.”

The collaboration allows for a drastically reduced rental fee on the venue in order to assist the theatre company in the hire of two additional company interns. Both interns are recent TSJC students. This opportunity allows these students to expand their appreciation and learning of the theatre arts.

“We realize the great benefits this affords the SCRT,” said Arthur Espinoza, Jr., Executive Director of the SCRT. “With this we all benefit, but especially the students in the program. We look forward to expanding opportunities like this in the future with other students and seeing how we can continue to grow with TSJC,” added Espinoza.

Educational institutions such as TSJC are fortunate when they have presidents that are visionary, can think outside the box, can identify the impact of programs, and will aggressively continue to support them. That was definitely the case when former TSJC president Frank Armijo identified the potential of the SCRT for its artistic value educationally as well as its theatrical and monetary impact for the Trinidad community years ago. This insightful leader was then followed by the Texas whirlwind Ruth Ann Woods, whose energetic and truly engaging charisma brought great success and changes to TSJC. And being a true visionary, she not only maintained the support that her predecessor showed the SCRT; she augmented it in multiple ways.

Accommodating the many needs the SCRT had during their early years, she was essential to the successes of each season.

The reins of leadership have now been passed to the newest TSJC President Felix Lopez, who has cited the SCRT as an important force in Trinidad because of its organization, support, administrative board, and multiple contributions to the Trinidad community.

Once again the TSJC’s president is cognizant of the continuation of its collaboration with the SCRT; and as Lopez said, “This is a win-win situation for each organization.”