Shuler Theater
Raton, New Mexico
Photo by Laura Brewer
The theater, built in 1915, was designed in European Rococo style and boasts near-perfect acoustics. During its heyday, the building was considered one of the finest theaters in the Southwest. The building is a show place, depicting local history. Restoration began in the 1970's and continues today. The lobby is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM - later hours during performances.
Live performances, provided by several different organizations, are held throughout the year. The Raton Arts & Humanities Council, Inc. presents its performing arts season between August and June of each year. The local Performing Arts Association provides A Christmas Carol every December. The touring Missoula Children's Theater and the Santa Fe Trail School for the Performing Arts summer program, and others, all provide entertainment in this lovely, historic theater.
WPA Art
Photo by Mark Nohl
Near the coved ceiling of the lobby is a series of eight murals, including one of the Santa Fe Trail painted by Manville Chapman for the WPA in 1933-34. Also in the theater are wonderful sky scenes around the stage and canyon scenes on the main stage curtains.
A Christmas Carol
Photo by Debbie Grumlich
A Christmas Carol pictured at left, is performed every year on the first and second weekend of December. Local performers join professionals in providing audiences with a fun rendition of the traditional play. The wonderful scenery and professional costumes add to the overall effect of this live performance. Call or visit the Shuler Theater website for tickets or for information about other performances throughout the year.
Missoula Children's Theater
Photo by Debbie Grumlich
Another fun production held in the Shuler Theater is the Missoula Children's Theater every June. The touring company enlists the help of local children to bring classic tales such as Beauty and the Beast alive on stage.
Santa Fe Trail School for the Performing Arts
Photo by Debbie Grumlich
The Shuler is also host to a summer repretory theater group in which participants may earn college credits. Local volunteers as well as students participate in the summer-long rotating schedule of three to four plays. Comedies, dramas and musical are all included in the fun.
Visit the Shuler's website www.shulertheater.com/ for more information on the current shows.
Location Information
- View the Google Map for this site (lat-long decimal degrees, NAD27) 36.90273 -104.44599
Contact Information
- Bill Fegan, Manager
- Shuler Theater
- 131 N. 2nd Street
- Raton, NM 87740
- (505)445-4746
- bill@shulertheater.com
- www.shulertheater.com
The Santa Fe Trail Scenic Byway Profile is funded by the Federal Highway Administration and the New Mexico Department of Tourism.
For more information about the New Mexico Santa Fe Trail National Scenic Byway please email info@santafetrailnm.org