Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets & Performances
How many performances does the Lensic offer each year?
Each year, The Lensic showcases local, national, and international talent in more than 200 performances, from concerts and theater to dance, film, and literary events. Many of the events are produced and presented directly by The Lensic (through our Lensic Presents program) or by The Lensic in collaboration with other organizations. Other events are presented by community groups, which come to the theater through our Community Sponsorship program. We are also the home for groups like the Santa Fe Symphony, the Lannan Foundation, and Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.
Why does the Lensic charge ticket fees and what do those fees cover?
The Lensic is a nonprofit organization. Service fees on tickets are used to help fund box-office operations including computer ticketing systems, ticket stock and envelopes, and box-office staff salaries. Preservation fees ($4 per ticket) fund the preservation and maintenance of our historic theater, a Santa Fe landmark with a state-of-the-art stage, for the enjoyment of all.
What's the best way to know what's going on at the Lensic?
Lensic.org includes the most current information about upcoming events. You can also subscribe to our mailing list for news, information, and upcoming events.
Donations, Support, & Memberships
Why does the Lensic need donations? Doesn't it make enough on ticket sales to support itself?
With the high costs of delivering quality programming, nonprofit performing arts theaters like the Lensic are simply unable to fund operations through ticket sales alone. The Lensic depends on memberships and donations to fund our programs—from artistic performances to educational events that serve nearly 16,000 students each year—and to maintain our state-of-the-art sound and projection systems. The Lensic uses its donations efficiently, and we’re proud of the high marks we’ve received for our operations.
In 2018, for the third consecutive year, the Lensic earned the highest rating possible—Four Stars—from Charity Navigator, the country’s premier independent charity evaluator. Charity Navigator evaluates the effectiveness of nonprofits—how efficiently they use their donations, how committed they are to accountability and transparency, and how well they sustain their programs and services over time.
I can't imagine life in Santa Fe without the Lensic. What can I do to make sure it's always here?
Become a member (click here for details on individual membership, and here for details about business membership) at whatever level of support you can afford. You can make an annual contribution of as little as $100 to become a Friend, or donate $1,000 to join our Leader group. Members enjoy exclusive pre-sale access to all Lensic and Lensic 360 concerts across Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Taos, while supporting free community events and education programs. Memberships at every level entitle you to special member benefits, but the most valuable benefit of all is helping ensure that the Lensic remains a vibrant part of the Santa Fe community for many years to come.