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Technical Theatre

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Unlock your backstage potential and illuminate your future with our Associates in Technical Theatre program at Trinidad State! Nestled in the heart of a vibrant arts town in southern Colorado, our program offers a unique and intimate learning experience that goes beyond the ordinary.

Tech Theatre students at Trinidad State dive into the captivating world of technical theatre, gaining hands-on experience in lighting design, sound engineering, set construction, and stage management. Our dedicated faculty is comprised of industry professionals who guide students through the intricacies of the backstage realm, ensuring they develop a versatile skill set that's in high demand.

Trinidad State’s Tech Theatre program prioritizes individualized attention, fostering a close-knit community where students' passions for technical theatre can flourish. Our facilities, renovated in 2023, provide students the opportunity to learn using cutting-edge equipment to bring creative visions to life on stage. Plus, our strong ties to local theaters and production companies provide valuable networking opportunities, setting you on a path to success in the dynamic world of entertainment. Trinidad State offers an Associate of Applied Science in Technical Theatre, a program recognized as Career and Technical Education. Associate degrees are guaranteed to transfer to other public four-year institutions across Colorado.

We hope you join us at Trinidad State --> where the spotlight is on you!

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Trinidad State’s Technical Theatre Department offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Technical Theatre, a program that is recognized as Career and Technical Education (CTE). Associates degrees are guaranteed to transfer to other public four-year institutions across Colorado.

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Potential Career Paths
Venue Management, Lighting Technician, Sound Technician, Stage Management, Event Coordinator, Audio Reproduction

Degrees Offered

  • Associates of Arts (AA) in Theatre
  • Associates of Applied Science (AAS) in Technical Theatre

State-of-the-Art Equipment!

  • NEW digital sound system, including Yamaha TF3 mixing board, QSC amplifiers, and Shure microphones
  • NEW digital lighting system, including ETC lighting and an ETC @5 GIO lighting control board
  • New curtains and industry-standard stage machinery

Course Information

  • Guaranteed Transfer Courses
    THE 105 Theatre Appreciation
    THE 108 Theatre Script Analysis
    THE 211, 212 Development of Theatre I and II
    THE 215 Playwriting
  • Studio Courses
    THE 116 Technical Theatre
    THE 111, 112 Acting I and II
    THE 129 Introduction to the Entertainment Industry
    THE 104 Basic Costume and Apparel Construction
    THE 131 Theatre Production I
    THE 132 Theatre Production II
    THE 231 Theatre Production III
    THE 241 Stage Properties
    THE 250 Practical Theatre Technologies
    THE 152 Production Stage Management I
    THE 262 Production Stage Management II
    THE 216 Theatre Lighting and Design
    THE 221 Set Design for Film and Theatre
  • Facilities at Trinidad State
    • 200-seat auditorium, with complete renovation, including modern lighting and sound systems
    • Massari Studio, located on the lower level and available for students’ use 
  • Facilities in the Trinidad area
    • Fox West Theatre, a historic 1150 seat facility built in 1908; located on Main Street, Trinidad; anticipated renovation completion 2024
    • Tri Peak Theaters & Event Center, a multidisciplinary entertainment venue; located on South Main Street, Trinidad; renovated in 2021
    • Main Street LIVE!, a nonprofit local live theatre repertory group; located on Main Street, Trinidad
    • El Raton Theater, a historic 500 seat movie theater; located in nearby Raton, New Mexico
    • Other small performance venues throughout Trinidad, Walsenburg, and Raton, New Mexico
  • Trinidad State Theatre Events
    • Student/Faculty Talent Show (each semester)
    • Weekly Open Music Jams for Students in the Massari Studio
    • Spring Fling productions
    • Spring Theatre production
    • Thursday Night Concert Series, featuring local and regional musicians
  • Degree Transferability
    Associates of Arts in Theatre graduates may enter as a junior majoring in Theatre at these four-year institutions:
    • Adams State University
    • Colorado State University—Fort Collins
    • Fort Lewis College
    • Metropolitan State University of Denver
    • University of Colorado Boulder
    • University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
    • Western State Colorado University