Pagosa Broadway – Live theatre holds a unique place in the hearts of communities, and in the charming town of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, it has found its soul in the form of Curtains Up Pagosa. What began as a small community initiative has now grown into a powerhouse of performing arts, delivering professional-quality productions that rival the magic of Broadway. From musical theatre to dramatic classics and youth-oriented performances, Curtains Up Pagosa (CUP) has become a cultural cornerstone for residents and visitors alike. In recent years, Curtains Up Pagosa has revitalized the local theatre scene by offering an authentic live experience, right in the heart of Pagosa. With passionate directors, talented local and visiting performers, and unwavering community support, CUP showcases the essence of storytelling and expression on stage. It doesn’t just offer entertainment—it builds confidence in youth, supports arts education, and fosters a deep connection between people and performance. If you’re curious about what makes Curtains Up Pagosa so impactful—or if you’re planning your next cultural outing—this guide will walk you through everything CUP offers: from its programs and upcoming shows to ticketing, education, volunteer opportunities, and how you can get involved.
What Makes Curtains Up Pagosa Stand Out?
Curtains Up Pagosa isn’t just another theatre company—it’s a full-fledged community movement. Here’s why CUP has become a local sensation.
- Founded in 1989 as a school theatre booster club and now a 501(c)(3) non-profit
- Offers professional-quality performances across multiple genres
- Dedicated to arts education and youth involvement
- Engages community volunteers and builds lasting connections
- Affordable, family-friendly entertainment accessible to all
- Scholarships and mentorship opportunities for young performers
- Collaboration with local schools and organizations
Highlights of Curtains Up Pagosa’s Seasonal Productions
Each year, CUP presents a variety of exciting productions that cater to all age groups. Below is a typical seasonal calendar of events:
| Season | Production Type | Target Audience | Duration | Venue | Average Ticket Price | Notable Shows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Youth Musical | Families, Students | 2–3 weeks | Pagosa Springs High School | $10–$20 | “Frozen Jr.”, “Seussical Jr.” |
| Summer | Broadway-Style Musical | All Ages | 3–4 weeks | Pagosa Center for the Arts | $20–$35 | “Beauty and the Beast”, “Grease” |
| Fall | Dramatic Classic/Comedy | Adults, Teens | 2 weeks | High School Auditorium | $15–$25 | “The Crucible”, “Arsenic & Old Lace” |
| Winter | Holiday Special | All Ages | 1 week | Rotating Local Venues | Free–$15 | “A Christmas Carol”, “Elf Jr.” |
Community Engagement and Educational Programs
CUP goes beyond just performances—it’s an incubator for talent and a beacon of educational opportunity for the youth of Pagosa Springs.
- Arts-in-Education program integrated into local schools
- Summer camps for kids and teens focused on performance and backstage skills
- Technical theatre training for lighting, sound, and set design
- Annual scholarships for college-bound theatre students
- Mentorship programs pairing students with seasoned professionals
- Inclusive opportunities for children of all socioeconomic backgrounds
List of Youth-Focused Educational Workshops
| Workshop Name | Age Group | Focus Area | Duration | Enrollment Fee | Scholarship Option | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Act Like a Pro Camp | 8–12 yrs | Acting Fundamentals | 2 weeks | $150 | Yes | 25 |
| Teen Tech Bootcamp | 13–18 yrs | Stage Lighting/Sound | 1 week | $120 | Yes | 15 |
| Musical Theatre 101 | 10–16 yrs | Singing/Dancing/Acting | 3 weeks | $200 | Yes | 30 |
| Set Design Studio | 12–18 yrs | Backstage Design Skills | 1 week | $100 | Yes | 20 |
How to Get Involved with Curtains Up Pagosa
Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a parent, or a theatre enthusiast, CUP offers multiple ways to participate in and support their mission.
- Audition for upcoming plays and musicals (open to all skill levels)
- Volunteer backstage, ushering, costume support, or set construction
- Donate to support arts education and scholarships
- Attend fundraising galas and benefit concerts
- Sponsor a show as a local business
- Join the CUP Board or Advisory Committee
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities and Key Dates
| Opportunity Type | Date/Season | Requirements | Contact Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Musical Usher | July–August | 16+ years, 2 shifts min. | Karen Watson |
| Set Building Crew | Ongoing | Basic carpentry | Mark Jenkins |
| Costume Assistant | May–June | Sewing or organizing | Sheila Evans |
| Box Office Volunteer | Performance Nights | Customer-friendly attitude | Sarah Martinez |
Behind the Curtain – The Creative Process
Every show at Curtains Up Pagosa is the result of months of dedication, collaboration, and creativity.
Steps Behind a CUP Production
- Script Selection – Committee chooses engaging, age-appropriate content
- Auditions – Open calls for community actors and students
- Rehearsals Begin – Weeks of practice led by directors and choreographers
- Technical Preparation – Lighting, sound, sets, and costumes come to life
- Community Previews – Special events for sponsors, media, and families
- Opening Night – Show launches with full production
- Post-Show Wrap-Up – Feedback, thank-you events, and future planning
Ticketing Information and Booking Details
Planning to catch a show? Here’s everything you need to know about ticketing, venues, and policies.
Ticket Booking Options
| Method | Platform/Location | Payment Types Accepted | Booking Hours | Contact Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | curtainsuppagosa.org | Credit/Debit Cards | 24/7 | support@curtainsuppagosa.org |
| Phone | CUP Hotline | Card Only | Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm | (970) 264-1205 |
| In-Person | Pagosa Center for the Arts | Cash/Card | 1 hour before showtime | Box Office Desk |
Group discounts, senior discounts, and student pricing are available. Season tickets and donor packages also include early access to seat selection and exclusive invites.
Contact Details and Departmental Information
If you need assistance or want to reach out for more information, here are the official contacts:
| Department | Contact Person | Phone Number | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artistic Direction | Michael DeWinter | artistic@curtainsuppagosa.org | (970) 264-1182 | For auditions, creative inquiries |
| Youth Programs | Lisa Brown | youth@curtainsuppagosa.org | (970) 264-1045 | Workshops, camps, scholarships |
| Volunteer Coordination | Julie Sanchez | volunteer@curtainsuppagosa.org | (970) 264-1190 | Backstage, usher, and event support |
| Ticketing & Booking | Sarah Martinez | tickets@curtainsuppagosa.org | (970) 264-1205 | Reservations, seating, group sales |
| Donations & Sponsors | Ron Fletcher | donations@curtainsuppagosa.org | (970) 264-1098 | Fundraising, corporate support |
Curtains Up Pagosa is more than a theatre company—it is a vibrant, community-rooted platform where the stage is open to anyone willing to dream, perform, and make a difference. With each performance, CUP brings Broadway closer to Pagosa Springs, leaving a legacy of art, education, and joy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I audition without prior acting experience?
Yes! CUP welcomes actors of all levels, including first-timers.
Q2: How can I apply for a scholarship for theatre workshops?
Scholarship applications are available on the CUP website under the “Education” tab.
Q3: Are CUP performances suitable for children?
Most shows are family-friendly; age guidelines are posted with each event.
Q4: Can I volunteer if I have no theatre background?
Absolutely. Volunteers are needed in many non-performance roles.
Q5: Where can I find the latest show schedule?
Visit www.curtainsuppagosa.org for the latest updates and announcements.
