Lensic Performing Arts Center
Performing Arts Education
On October 13, 2022, the Lensic hosted 1,177 Kindergarten and 1st grade students from Santa Fe Public Schools for free matinee performances of “Sugar Skulls: A Dia de Los Muertos Musical Adventure”. Featuring regional dances of Mexico, colorful costumes and traditional music, Sugar Skull explored the rich traditional of Dia de Los Muertos to deepen students’ understanding of Mexican and Latin American culture. It was a first experience of live, professional theater for the majority of students in attendance.
One teacher whose class participated said:
“Children don't have opportunities like this…You are opening doors for them to experience culture in a positive way. Excellent way for children to value their culture and be aware of cultures of different people.”
Free matinees are only one of many Lensic arts education programs Beyond the thrill of live performance, these programs support academic curriculum, encourage creativity, keep students engaged and in school, and even introduce potential careers. These programs impact more than 18,000 students annually, helping kids throughout the state learn, grow, and broaden their horizons.
photo by Brandon Soder
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The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited local nonprofits to submit stories related to our September topic of Education.
Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project
Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project is a nonprofit organization focused on education and protection of the cultural landscape of the northern Rio Grande Valley. Working with youth is a core initiative of the project.
Teatro Paraguas
Since 2004, Teatro Paraguas has presented close to 100 contemporary Latinx plays and plays by New Mexico playwrights, as well as poetry readings, flamenco concerts, children's theatre, workshops and community events such as our annual El Día de los Muertos celebration.
Nat Gold Players
Neither fire, nor flood, nor pandemic has prevented Nat Gold Players (NGP) from serving the community of Las Vegas, New Mexico. For over 20 years, the company has used performing arts to entertain, inform, and inspire the people of its service area.
