Asteria Theatre Brings the Stars to the Stage

CMU's new Asteria Theatre serves as a hub for arts and entertainment in western Colorado

Stargazing at CMU began with the Falcon Telescope Network and our partnership with NASA. Now, CMU is bringing the stars to the stage with the Asteria Theatre.

Asteria, Greek for “The Stars,” was chosen as the theatre’s name to reflect the building’s architecture and humanity’s timeless connection to the stars. Throughout history, stars have served as a unifying symbol, guiding explorers and featuring prominently in beliefs across cultures.

Whether referring to rock stars, movie stars, Broadway stars or football stars, the concept of stardom typically serves as a metaphor for individuals who excel in their craft. CMU Stages aims to unite people through the brilliance of stars while nurturing the next generation of talent, forming future stars before our eyes.

“Inside Asteria Theatre, you’ll experience performances that embody our campus values of love, dignity, courage, humility, resilience, curiosity and power. It’s a place where the stars aren’t just above us—they’re right here with us, shining brightly on stage,” said CMU President John Marshall.

The theatre serves both the students of CMU and the residents of western Colorado. The facility has all of the amenities required to support traveling Broadway productions and boasts the largest stage between Denver and Salt Lake City.

Ground broke on the theatre in March 2023 and involved more than 900 construction workers over the 18 months it took to complete. The 860-seat theatre supports CMU’s music and theatre arts curriculum, providing a state-of-the-art venue for students to train, perform and learn in. Located across the street from CMU’s Hotel Maverick, the theatre will anchor a new entertainment district complete with additional housing, restaurants and retail space.

The theatre’s interior was designed to reflect the region’s desert landscape and unique topography. The exterior was inspired by the building’s name, featuring a starry facade filled with inset lights. At night, the lights replicate the sparkling night sky, blending naturally on the horizon with the actual stars when viewed from the Hotel Maverick patio.

Among its many backstage amenities, the theatre will also provide elevated event spaces including a multipurpose room, a private club level and rooftop deck. Three seating levels within the audience chamber provide an intimate experience for attendees, while a mechanical orchestra pit and large stage provides expansive abilities for a range of performances.

This $54M dollar project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the state legislature which invested $39M into the theatre, the largest investment ever made towards CMU by the state. The capital campaign, which raised $1.5M, was led by campaign chairs Doug and Jamee Simons, who first met on the stage of the Robinson Theatre several years ago.

Through CMU’s partnership with the Western Colorado Community Foundation, the Dave and Mary Wood Foundation contributed $100,000 to the campaign and will be honored with the naming of the Dave and Mary Wood Plaza at the entrance of the theatre.

The theatre further supports the arts and establishes Grand Junction as a regional cultural destination, allowing CMU to host touring productions that otherwise would not have access to a venue of this scale in the area.

Opening night of the Asteria Theatre on September 27 will be a red carpet affair featuring the Department of Theatre Arts’ production of Amadeus by Peter Shaffer, starring theatre faculty Benjamin Reigel and alumnus Max Reilly, and directed by theatre department head Mo LaMee. Tickets will be available soon. To stay up to date on shows and ticket information, sign up for CMU Stage’s email updates.

“I look forward to the moment the doors open this fall, and we can all enjoy our wonderful new facility together,” said Marshall.

CMU Stages is the umbrella under which all performing arts at CMU, whether at the Asteria Theatre or the Moss Performing Arts Center, will be presented. For a listing of the 2024-25 season, visit cmustages.com.