Grants High School's Drama students have been honored with an exciting opportunity to attend a Broadway show at Popejoy Hall in Albuquerque as part of the “Broadway for Teens” initiative.
The GHS Drama Department, led by instructor Anissa Shaver, was selected by the leaders and donors of Popejoy Hall to attend a performance of the new hit show Clue on November 6.
Forty students from GHS, along with five chaperones, will travel to Albuquerque to experience the magic of live theater at the University of New Mexico's Popejoy Hall. The trip, sponsored through the Broadway for Teens program, gives students from across New Mexico the opportunity to attend a Broadway show, interact with cast members, and tour a flagship university campus.
The Announcement
Students had been practicing for their upcoming performance in November on stage as staff and donors from Popejoy Hall entered the Performing Arts Center at Grants High School on October 16.
Students were brought back into the classroom, walking in from the stage to see adults dressed in fine clothing standing around an interactive, digital whiteboard. As they funneled in, one student jokingly remarked “Are we getting defunded?”, not expecting the classroom lights to go out, and the whiteboard to light up with an announcement: “We’ve got something special to share with you today…” Faces lit up and anxiety was quickly replaced with excitement as Popejoy Hall staff introduced themselves and told drama students they will be among the first in the state to see a new Broadway show, as part of a program Popejoy Hall calls “Broadway for Teens.”
The program, which was launched in the spring of 2023, is the brainchild of Fabiana Borghese, Director of Popejoy Hall, and Maryellen Missik-Tao, Development Director at the theater.
“We created Broadway for Teens to specifically engage students of your age group, to give you the chance to experience live theater and see what’s possible,” Missik-Tao told the drama students during a special announcement at GHS. 'Our donors are making an investment in you because you're the future.'
For many students, this will be their first opportunity to experience Broadway theater in person.
The day promises to be packed with excitement, starting with a campus tour, dining at the University of New Mexico’s La Posada dining hall, and presentations from various departments at the university. After the show, students will take part in a special “talkback” session, where actors from the Clue production will answer questions about the play and share insights into the world of professional theater.
GHS drama student Sophia Bassett, who wrote the heartfelt letter that secured the school’s invitation, expressed her excitement. “We don’t have a lot of opportunities like this very often. It’s amazing to be chosen and have the chance to see such a professional production.”
This exclusive opportunity highlights the growing importance of the arts in education. Teacher Shaver noted, “These kinds of experiences are foundational. They can help shine a light on the need for more support and funding for the arts, which are just as vital as academics and athletics.”
For many of these students, this opportunity is expected to inspire not only a love for the performing arts but also an appreciation for philanthropy, as the program is entirely funded by donations from individuals passionate about bringing the arts to young people across the state.
Grants High School students will be joining peers from five other high schools across New Mexico for this experience, further cementing the program's goal to broaden students' horizons and provide them with opportunities that may inspire future careers in the arts or related fields.
The Clue performance is part of a brand-new Broadway tour that started earlier this year, and GHS students will be among the first in New Mexico to see it.
Serving a dual purpose, this is also the first time many GHS students will be visiting UNM.
Broadway for Teens
Behind every thrilling Broadway performance at Popejoy Hall, there’s more than just stagecraft and talent; there’s also a profound act of kindness and generosity that makes it possible for New Mexico’s youth to experience the magic of live theater. The “Broadway for Teens” initiative, launched in 2023, is the perfect example of the power in philanthropy.
Fabiana Borghese, Director of Popejoy Hall, and Maryellen Missik-Tao, Development Director, created the program with a clear vision: to open doors for high school students from across New Mexico to experience live Broadway productions, regardless of their financial background.
“We didn’t have anything specifically for teens, and we felt this age group was too often overlooked,” Missik-Tao explained. “We wanted to give them a chance to dream, to see what’s possible.”
Funded entirely through the generosity of donors, Broadway for Teens provides tickets, transportation, and even dining experiences for students, all at no cost to the schools or the students themselves.
The essence of the program lies in philanthropy, a concept Missik-Tao describes as “the love of humankind.” Through acts of kindness and contributions from community members, businesses, and arts supporters, the program continues to thrive and grow.
One of the key elements of the initiative is the engagement of Popejoy Hall’s board members, including Dr. Kathy Fresquez Chavez, a donor and advocate for the arts. 'This program is about investing in the future of our young people,' she said. 'We want them to feel valued, and to see that the arts—whether it’s music, theater, or any other form—are a vital part of our world.'
The generosity of donors like Dr. Chavez and many others is critical to keeping the program running.
Philanthropy has always been a cornerstone of the arts in the United States, but Broadway for Teens takes that a step further by making Broadway accessible to students from rural areas and underrepresented communities in New Mexico, who might never have had the opportunity otherwise.
For the students, this experience is more than just seeing a Broadway show. It’s also about exposure to New Mexico’s flagship university and the possibility of higher education. The students from schools like Grants High School, who will attend a performance of
Clue this November, are given a tour of the University of New Mexico (UNM) campus, dine like college students in the student union building, and hear presentations about university life and opportunities. It’s a wellrounded experience designed to broaden their horizons, made possible by the kindness of those who believe in the value of the arts and education.
'It’s not just about the show,' said Missik-Tao. 'It’s about creating a moment where these students can see their potential— whether it’s in theater, academics, or another area of interest. Philanthropy makes that moment happen.'
In a world where arts programs are often the first to suffer budget cuts, an anxiety even students in the GHS drama program worry about, Broadway for Teens stands as a tool, funded entirely by the community, to keep art alive in New Mexico.
As Missik-Tao put it, “Without our community of donors, none of this would be possible. They understand the value of the arts in shaping young minds and are willing to invest in that future.”