Performing Arts School

EDUCATING SANTA FE'S CHILDREN AND TEENS

The school's mission is to give our young people a vehicle for self-discovery and expression: to provide a well-rounded training in the performing arts disciplines; and to reach out to the community, particularly to those children who cannot reach us. SFPA's year around educational programming includes on-site programs for children of all ages. These programs have attracted more than 10,000 students and 90 mainstage productions have played to 100,000 audience members.

THE ON-SITE PERFORMING ARTS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS include:

After-school and summer classes in drama, music and dance for children ages 6-18;

The City Different Players, a more aggressive after-school performing arts program for 7-12 year olds that culminates in a full scale production at the end of each semester. These productions are open to the public and include special low cost weekday performances for elementary school classes to attend. 

The Teen Company is comprised of 13-18 year olds who attend after-school and summer classes in drama, music and dance. Their program also culminates in productions open to the public. SFPA's Teen Program features an innovative use of performing arts to help students cope with such issues as teen suicide, gang violence and drug abuse. The production written by the teens and entitled "Recycled Life: Inside Suicide's Mind" , addressed New Mexico's teen suicide epidemic, receiving praise from all sectors of the community and facilitating collaborations with such organizations as Survivors of Suicide and the Teen Suicide Hotline.  Also developed by teens was the "Violence-What Is It Good For?" Tour that traveled throughout New Mexico offering students conflict resolution and alternatives to violence.

SFPA has a scholarship fund that provides financial assistance to children from low income families who would like to attend any of the on-site programs.

THE EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAMS include:

The Artist's-in-the-Schools Residency Program allows SFPA instructors to go into low-income public elementary schools and work with the classroom teachers to integrate performing arts into the curriculum.  The Educational Touring Production/Workshop is a bilingual touring production that teaches performing arts techniques to public school while addressing a variety of social issues that are important to today's youth. Past tours have dealt with teen suicide, drugs, gangs and anti-violence.  The Teacher Training Production/Workshop is a training course designed to show classroom teachers how to integrate the performing arts into their teaching strategies. Step-by-step procedures help teachers bring lessons to life, enhancing learning through basic theatre techniques.  Building self-esteem and increasing communication are some of the benefits performing arts can offer to children at risk.