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Inspired Theatre,
Innovative Artistry

Driven by a passion to explore and illuminate the genuine heart of the human condition, for over two decades Thunder River Theatre Company (TRTC) has staged works ranging from the most beloved theatre classics to the most current and cutting edge playwrights. We seek to elucidate the unspeakable, to reimagine the familiar, and to awaken the ancient bond between storyteller and tribe, actor and audience. TRTC’s audience comes from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, throughout the Rocky Mountain Region and points beyond. Each visit promises something special, daring and a little unexpected. Theatre that reinvigorates your spirit. We invite you to join us for an upcoming production, event or class.

OUR MISSION

By engaging artists and audiences, Thunder River Theatre Company explores the human experience through inspired theatre and innovative artistry.

OUR VALUES

We are a dedicated organization committed to uplifting the community through impactful conversation, economic stimulation, and collaborative partnerships.  Our focus on the human experience drives us to create compelling and riveting storytelling that challenges and inspires. We are also dedicated to shaping the future by providing education, fostering integrity, and nurturing artistic exploration for future generations.

Our History

Inspired by the well-established model of resident theatre companies, as well as the creative ensemble work of Peter Brook, Jersey Grotowski, and other leaders of the physical and experimental theatre genres, Lon Winston founded the not-for-profit Thunder River Theatre Company (TRTC) in 1995. Together with founding member, Valerie Haugen, the two began to assemble a talented group of Roaring Fork Valley actors to present works ranging from the famous classical playwrights to edgy and contemporary work. Lugging sets, lights, costumes and props in a beloved 18-wheeler, the company performed in venues from Aspen to Glenwood Springs for 11 years. When the need for a permanent artistic home finally became a necessity, in a burst of community support, local philanthropists, businesses and individuals enthusiastically contributed the funds to construct a facility, and on New Years Eve of 2005, TRTC opened the doors of a stunning new facility in the heart of downtown Carbondale, Colorado with the cost of the building paid in full. More than twenty years and 65 productions since the organization’s founding, TRTC continues to meet its mission of offering professional-quality theatre productions and education, as well as a host of expanded programs ranging from comedy improv to musical cabaret to development of new work.

Our Team

MISSY MOORE
Artistic Director

Missy Moore is a Colorado native having grown up in Summit County in the town of Breckenridge. She then went on to study theatre at the University of Wyoming and received her BFA in Theatre Performance. After graduation she moved to Chicago, Illinois and tried her hand at the theatre scene there, until she got cast in a summer season at Aspen Theatre in the Park – now Theatre Aspen. Missy then moved to Denver and continued to work as a freelance actor, director and theatre educator throughout the state for the next twenty years working with esteemed companies like The Arvada Center, Lake Dillon Theatre Company, Curious Theatre Company, The Catamounts, The Edge Theatre Company, The Aurora Fox and so many more. She is thrilled to call the Roaring Fork Valley her home now and is looking forward to working with the staff of TRTC and watching this theatre company thrive!

DANI TAYLOR-MOXON
Managing Director

Dani Taylor is thrilled to be a part of the TRTC team. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Dani has resided in the valley for the last three years. Prior to that, she was the Director of Production at Des Moines Metro Opera, the Resident Stage Manager for the Rose Theatre in Omaha, NE., and Production Stage Manager for the national tours of Bye Bye Birdie, Cabaret, and AltarBoyz. Dani received her BA in Technical Theatre from Purdue University and her MFA in Production Management and Arts Administration from Boston University. She is also the proud mom of Office Doggo Duncan.

TAYLOR BARR
Technical Director

Taylor is the newest addition to the TRTC team. He hails from the American south – most recently Starkville, MS – where he received degrees in theatre and mathematics. Taylor writes, designs, and builds. In the spring of ’20 he was accepted into the Lab Rats Improv Comedy troupe, where he performed until taking a directorial position. He worked the midnight shift at WMSV, his local college radio, writing and telling five new stories every night. In the fall of ’22 he wrote, produced, directed, and designed the props for his debut show, Coyote. In collaboration with his partner Lily, they produced the semi-annual community arts event “The Midnight Bizarre”. He worked as the Head of Props at Cortland Repertory Theatre before the move to Colorado. Now, he hopes to make a lasting impact with Thunder River Theatre Company and Carbondale.

DUNCAN
Office Doggo

Duncan is thrilled to join the TRTC team as Office Doggo. Prior Office Doggo credits include Theatre Aspen, Des Moines Metro Opera, and Spare Office Doggo at the Wheeler Opera House. Duncan is an expert in greeting guests, squirrel watching, naps, and snacks. You can commonly find Duncan at his favorite w-a-l-k location, the Rio Grande Trail. He hopes you stop by TRTC to say hello and offer a belly rub.