Connie Gotsch Theater opens Sept. 8

The theater was originally built in 1974.  The 7,770 square-foot theater includes a newly remodeled lobby, ticket booth, dressing rooms and a special Connie Gotsch display case. Also encompassed in the renovation is new carpet, tile, 294 auditorium seats, with upgrades including new house and stage lighting, and a modern TV and video system. 

From San Juan College

September 1, 2021

San Juan College and the San Juan College Foundation will host the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the Connie Gotsch Theatre on Wednesday, September 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. outside in the San Juan College Courtyard. 

The Connie Gotsch Theatre, formally known at the Little Theatre, was recently renamed when the Connie Gotsch Arts Foundation, San Juan College and several private donors renovated the theater. The total cost for the remodel was $718,551.

The theater was originally built in 1974.  The 7,770 square-foot theater includes a newly remodeled lobby, ticket booth, dressing rooms and a special Connie Gotsch display case. Also encompassed in the renovation is new carpet, tile, 294 auditorium seats, with upgrades including new house and stage lighting, and a modern TV and video system. 

            San Juan College’s Physical Plant staff assisted in the renovation and Physical Plant Senior Director Chris Harrelson was the project manager. The floor work was installed by Angel’s Flooring, the lobby design was completed by Steven Neilsen, while Beck TOI designed and installed the auditorium seats. Electrical work was completed by Ross Wes. The general contractor for the renovation project was Winters Construction.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Connie Gotsch Arts Foundation, the Little Theatre has been beautifully redone and renamed after 35 years,” exclaims San Juan College Foundation Executive Director Gayle Dean. “Our Physical Plant, under the leadership of Chris Harrelson, and the San Juan College Foundation partnered with the Connie Gotsch Arts Foundation to create a space which will serve our community for decades to come.  Additionally, the Connie Gotsch Arts Foundation created a San Juan College Foundation endowment which will provide for the Connie Gotsch Theatre and the entire SJC Fine Arts department in perpetuity.  It is with untold pride that we unveil this legacy to our own Connie Gotsch and her Foundation.”

The Connie Gotsch Theatre will host San Juan College events, as well as community events.  In addition to the renovation, the Connie Gotsch Arts Foundation also established an endowment to support the fine arts programs at San Juan College and to allow non-profit organizations to utilize the facility free of charge.  For information about utilizing the Connie Gotsch Theatre for events, contact SJC Scheduling Services at 505-566-3296. 

The grand opening and ribbon cutting will take place on September 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the courtyard outside of the newly renovated theater.  Guests will be able to take guided tours of the facility. Masks are required for the tours.