Student Experiences
Education Programs and Outreach for Santa Fe's Youth
Student Experiences
Each year, more than 14,000 students ride buses to The Lensic to enjoy free matinees. For many, it’s an essential introduction to the performing arts and a once-a-year opportunity to experience a live performance. The Lensic partners with the Santa Fe Public Schools PASS (Performing Arts for Student Success) program to bring children in grades K through 6 to The Lensic at least once during each academic year. Different, age-appropriate artforms are presented for each grade level.
Master Classes with Lensic Presents Artists
Students have a chance to learn directly with professional dancers, musicians, actors, and filmmakers in classes led by Lensic Presents artists. Master classes take place at local schools or here at The Lensic and include activities such as skills workshops, discussions, and performances. In the 2018-19 school year, we brought bilingual singer-songwriter Gina Chavez to Capital High School, master percussionist Zakir Hussain to the Santa Fe Indian School, anthropologist Wade Davis to the Institute of American Indian Arts, and more. Participating students are offered free tickets to see the artists perform live on stage at The Lensic.
Student Performances
More than 700 local students perform on our stage each year, experiencing the thrill of singing, dancing, and creating music in a professional theater. In 2018-19, we welcomed students from Monte del Sol Charter School, New Mexico School for the Arts, Santa Fe Public Schools, and the Santa Fe Youth Symphony. In May, The Lensic provided free theater space and technical services for “Ode to Joy,” the year-end showcase of students in the Santa Fe Public Schools music and dance programs.
“The energy of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band was truly amazing . . . being able to work with them really inspired me as a musician. The sousaphone player gave a lot of great advice that will stay with me throughout my career.”
—Student musician, New Mexico School for the Arts, after a master class with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.