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.