11-02-2025
Albuquerque performing arts school seeks state funding for own theater space
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Monday is Charter School Day at the Roundhouse. Among the topics up for discussion is a request that would help one Albuquerque school fulfill its educational goals.
The Public Academy of Performing Arts, also known as PAPA, is Albuquerque Public Schools' only charter school dedicated to the performing arts. There's just one problem: the school does not have a performing arts space.
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'PAPA has been housed in many different facilities, ranging from an office building out by the airport and portables in one location. And here at Acoma, we came to this site about ten years ago,' said Tamara Lopez, executive director of PAPA. 'I credit our staff with making our facility work. We don't have the science labs that our compensatory high school students have. And of course, we don't have that theater space where our students can go for rehearsal.'
To help ease their burden, Rep. Pamelya Herndon (D-Bernalillo County) is sponsoring a capital outlay request for $500,000. With that money, PAPA will be able to convert the school's gym into a small theater, also known as a 'black box.'
'This money would be used to purchase risers that can be used for both the choir to sing and practice. But also serve as seating during a performance. It would also help elevate the space from a gymnasium to a theater-like space with curtain lighting, sound equipment, a stage,' Lopez explained.
'It would be so much easier if we could walk on down to our theater building and just have everything there, and it would also help a lot with our school time while we're at school,' said Zariah, a 10th grade student at PAPA.
The performance space would allow technical theater students to get hands-on experience with lighting and sound equipment, preparing them for college courses or careers on stages like Popejoy Hall.
While the school's upcoming production of 'Chicago' will be at the South Broadway Cultural Center, if the funds are approved, Lopez said they could have their own space up and running by the fall.
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