Find a variety of resources, free or inexpensive, to help you with your program.
If you know of a resource other school drama programs can access, send us an email. We’ll add it to the list.
If you know of a resource other school drama programs can access, send us an email. We’ll add it to the list.
Sections
Construction Assistance for Sets
Construction Materials
Costumes
Exercises for Class & Rehearsal
Fabrics and Crafts Materials
Fundraising
Idea Bank
Marketing & Promotion
Medical Equipment
Set Furnishing
Sound Effects & Music
Teaching Resources
Theatrical Equipment
Workshops
Construction Assistance for Sets
Construction Materials
Costumes
Exercises for Class & Rehearsal
Fabrics and Crafts Materials
Fundraising
Idea Bank
Marketing & Promotion
Medical Equipment
Set Furnishing
Sound Effects & Music
Teaching Resources
Theatrical Equipment
Workshops
Construction Assistance for Sets
ACE Leadership High School
1240 Bellamah Ave. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
aceleadership.org
Students trained in construction may be available to help with set construction for high schools around Albuquerque. Students often take on after-school projects. To seek assistance from the school, send an email to Matthew Salas: [email protected]
1240 Bellamah Ave. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
aceleadership.org
Students trained in construction may be available to help with set construction for high schools around Albuquerque. Students often take on after-school projects. To seek assistance from the school, send an email to Matthew Salas: [email protected]
Construction Materials
Broken Arrow Recycled Glass
17715 US 84/285 UNIT B
Santa Fe, NM 87506
brokenarrowglassrecycling.com
Send an email.
Willing to loan, donate or sell at a very low price recycled glass typically used in landscaping. Available in bags or greater quantities in unsifted, mixed, or specific colors. Owner asks for a photo showing how it was used in the production and an ad or other acknowledgement in your program.
Lowe’s
14 locations in New Mexico
Lowe’s has three different savings programs: NASPO, Omnia, and E&I. Lowe’s recommends the NASPO for drama programs. To make the program work for you:
Other Useful Information
17715 US 84/285 UNIT B
Santa Fe, NM 87506
brokenarrowglassrecycling.com
Send an email.
Willing to loan, donate or sell at a very low price recycled glass typically used in landscaping. Available in bags or greater quantities in unsifted, mixed, or specific colors. Owner asks for a photo showing how it was used in the production and an ad or other acknowledgement in your program.
Lowe’s
14 locations in New Mexico
Lowe’s has three different savings programs: NASPO, Omnia, and E&I. Lowe’s recommends the NASPO for drama programs. To make the program work for you:
- Check to see if your school already has a purchase process set up with Lowe’s. If so, you may have to adhere to it, but many schools have multiple accounts with Lowe’s (athletics, maintenance, etc.). If you can, set one up for your program to save money specifically for your program.
- Set up a NASPO account at www.Lowes.com/NASPO. You'll need your school's tax-exempt number to do it.
- Order online to save up to 20%. Discounts vary but you can order anything Lowe’s carries online. Use the Notes section to explain any specifics.
- Select the option to pick it up. Lowe’s will have the order ready for you. You can even have someone else (a parent, a student) pick up the order for you.
Other Useful Information
- If you have questions, ask the Pro Desk. Most stores have Pro Desk hours Monday through Friday, 6am-6pm, but check with the store nearest you.
- Each store has a discretionary budget for making donations. Ask the manager at your nearest location.
- Each Lowe's store has some limited capacity to teach your students (and you!) specific skills. Just ask.
Costumes
Monumental Costumes
1235 Aspen Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
505-508-3857
monumentalcostumes.com
Tap/click to send an email.
Monumental Costumes will work with your budget to rent costumes to you. They have a massive collection of traditional and specialty wardrobe options, and specialize in vintage and period costumes. They also offer great prices on expendables, and a searchable online catalog of items, which is a great place to start. Contact them with any questions.
Southwest Costume Rental
6102 Jefferson NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-308-3099
southwestcostumerentals.com
Send an email.
Southwest Costume Rental offers discounts to high school drama programs. They also offer classes for those interested in various aspects of costume construction and design. In addition to costumes shown on their website, they have connections to other collections so you can ask them to locate a costume for you.
1235 Aspen Ave NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
505-508-3857
monumentalcostumes.com
Tap/click to send an email.
Monumental Costumes will work with your budget to rent costumes to you. They have a massive collection of traditional and specialty wardrobe options, and specialize in vintage and period costumes. They also offer great prices on expendables, and a searchable online catalog of items, which is a great place to start. Contact them with any questions.
Southwest Costume Rental
6102 Jefferson NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-308-3099
southwestcostumerentals.com
Send an email.
Southwest Costume Rental offers discounts to high school drama programs. They also offer classes for those interested in various aspects of costume construction and design. In addition to costumes shown on their website, they have connections to other collections so you can ask them to locate a costume for you.
Exercises for Class & Rehearsal
NMHSMTA
A variety of exercises we’ve developed over the years. Some are original, some adapted from other sources. Available on our website.
A variety of exercises we’ve developed over the years. Some are original, some adapted from other sources. Available on our website.
Fabrics and Crafts Materials
Joann Fabrics
Locations in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Farmington, and Las Cruces
www.joann.com
Offers a 15% teacher discount on everything. Just ask. Purchases are tax-exempt with your school’s tax-exempt certificate (which may already be on file with the store nearest you; bring it if you’re not sure). Recommendation: Download their app for deeper discount coupons and offers. Teacher discount will not be combined with other discounts or offers.
Idea starter: The bolt cardboard (the element inside the bolt of fabric) is available for the asking. They recycle those daily. The quantity of bolt cardboard varies by day and location, but the store on Wyoming in Albuquerque told us they recycle 50-100 a day. What could you build with those?
Locations in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Farmington, and Las Cruces
www.joann.com
Offers a 15% teacher discount on everything. Just ask. Purchases are tax-exempt with your school’s tax-exempt certificate (which may already be on file with the store nearest you; bring it if you’re not sure). Recommendation: Download their app for deeper discount coupons and offers. Teacher discount will not be combined with other discounts or offers.
Idea starter: The bolt cardboard (the element inside the bolt of fabric) is available for the asking. They recycle those daily. The quantity of bolt cardboard varies by day and location, but the store on Wyoming in Albuquerque told us they recycle 50-100 a day. What could you build with those?
Fundraising
The easiest fundraising option we’ve found is Raisecraze. It allows you to raise money for your program and fill the house for your shows at the same time. Raisecraze works within a pay-it-forward framework. You and your students promise to do a good deed, and people donate to your program because you’re doing that good deed. We checked with Raisecraze and you can give away seats to your performances to deserving people in your community as your good deed.
Here’s what you do:
Raisecraze does all the emailing of appeals for money for your program. They take 10% for their work. They create flyers you can print and distribute, but printing is your expense.
Acts of Kindness
To make this an act of kindness, promise you’ll give seats to the elderly, to veterans, to low-income families, to troubled teens. Match the recipients of the tickets to the content of the show. (Your production about zombie killers is not everyone’s cup of tea.) Then find an easy way to distribute tickets.
Idea starter: Find a group that can help you make a difference (and make ticket distribution easy), and recruit their cooperation. Most will be more than happy to do so.
Here’s what you do:
- Go to raisecraze.com.
- Create a fundraiser for your drama program. (Ex: Socorro High School Drama)
- Name a kindness you’ll do, which is the hook for people to contribute money. (See below).
- Fill in as many names and email addresses as you can for potential donors. These are friends and relatives of students in the program, the same group you’d be tapping if you were selling the world’s greatest candy.
- (Optional, but recommended) Host a kick-off party for the fundraiser to get things started. You can also recruit a local business to sponsor the fundraiser.
Raisecraze does all the emailing of appeals for money for your program. They take 10% for their work. They create flyers you can print and distribute, but printing is your expense.
Acts of Kindness
To make this an act of kindness, promise you’ll give seats to the elderly, to veterans, to low-income families, to troubled teens. Match the recipients of the tickets to the content of the show. (Your production about zombie killers is not everyone’s cup of tea.) Then find an easy way to distribute tickets.
- Locate a nearby senior center to get tickets to the elderly.
- Find your local VFW or American Legion to distribute tickets to veterans.
- Seek out a daycare center specifically for low-income families to get tickets to that group.
- Distribute tickets through your local Boys Club/Girls Club or Big Brothers/Big Sisters to reach teens in need.
- Keep the connections for the ticket distribution as close to home as you can. They should serve people your school’s population cares about.
Idea starter: Find a group that can help you make a difference (and make ticket distribution easy), and recruit their cooperation. Most will be more than happy to do so.
Idea Bank
NMHSMTA and New Mexico’s Drama Teachers
On the NM Theater Education Collaborative page in Facebook
Ideas for productions, sets, lighting, costumes, concepts — you name it. If you need some inspiration for a production or a class you’re teaching, this might give you the fresh eye you need. And, you are encouraged to add ideas, too!
If you are not yet a member, send a friend request to Terry Davis or Heather Hagler. Add a message that you would like to be invited to the collaborative. Terry or Heather will then friend you, then invite you to join.
On the NM Theater Education Collaborative page in Facebook
Ideas for productions, sets, lighting, costumes, concepts — you name it. If you need some inspiration for a production or a class you’re teaching, this might give you the fresh eye you need. And, you are encouraged to add ideas, too!
If you are not yet a member, send a friend request to Terry Davis or Heather Hagler. Add a message that you would like to be invited to the collaborative. Terry or Heather will then friend you, then invite you to join.
Marketing & Promotion
Albuquerque Theatre Guild
P.O. Box 26395
Albuquerque, NM 87125
https://www.abqtheatre.org/
ATG offers free membership to high schools. ATG then promotes shows and activities by its members to their email list. To join ATG, send them an email.
New Mexico High School Musical Theatre Awards
933 San Mateo NE, #500-221
Albuquerque, NM 87108
Send an email.
Add your school’s production to our calendar, one entry per scheduled performance. Enter dates for musicals and non-musicals, or any fundraisers you’re hosting.
Theatre Santa Fe
www.theatresantafe.org
Send an email.
Theatre Santa Fe offers high school programs a subscriber-ship for $100 per year. They include performances for participating programs in their weekly newsletter going out to approximately 1,500 people. Companies are responsible for sending information, including photos, to promote upcoming shows and for inclusion in the company directory. Shows are also included in Theatre Santa Fe’s weekly calendar online, which has approximately 3,000 visits a month.
Participating schools can also take part in the annual Theatre Walk, a day of short theatre pieces in multiple venues in close proximity, which always draws an audience numbering in the hundreds, as well as their annual Children’s Theatre Festival which was begun last spring.
P.O. Box 26395
Albuquerque, NM 87125
https://www.abqtheatre.org/
ATG offers free membership to high schools. ATG then promotes shows and activities by its members to their email list. To join ATG, send them an email.
New Mexico High School Musical Theatre Awards
933 San Mateo NE, #500-221
Albuquerque, NM 87108
Send an email.
Add your school’s production to our calendar, one entry per scheduled performance. Enter dates for musicals and non-musicals, or any fundraisers you’re hosting.
Theatre Santa Fe
www.theatresantafe.org
Send an email.
Theatre Santa Fe offers high school programs a subscriber-ship for $100 per year. They include performances for participating programs in their weekly newsletter going out to approximately 1,500 people. Companies are responsible for sending information, including photos, to promote upcoming shows and for inclusion in the company directory. Shows are also included in Theatre Santa Fe’s weekly calendar online, which has approximately 3,000 visits a month.
Participating schools can also take part in the annual Theatre Walk, a day of short theatre pieces in multiple venues in close proximity, which always draws an audience numbering in the hundreds, as well as their annual Children’s Theatre Festival which was begun last spring.
Medical Equipment
Beta Southwest
2112 2nd St. SW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
(505) 843-9999
betasouthwest.com
When you need a hospital bed, a wheelchair, or any other medical equipment, Beta Southwest is willing to loan, donate or sell at a very low price recycled medical equipment
2112 2nd St. SW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
(505) 843-9999
betasouthwest.com
When you need a hospital bed, a wheelchair, or any other medical equipment, Beta Southwest is willing to loan, donate or sell at a very low price recycled medical equipment
Set Furnishing
Artesia Metals
300 E Richey Ave, Artesia NM 88210
575-746-2412
Borrow items before they’re recycled. Stoves, dryers, washers, refrigerators, cast iron built-in tubs, aluminum or stainless steel sinks, freezers, cans, brass and copper items, metal wheels, bed frames, fencing (panels), cars and car parts, corrugated metal panels, and more. Call ahead of time. If they don’t have what you need, they’ll watch for items you request. Once you’re done with it, get it back to them. They also might be able to deliver.
300 E Richey Ave, Artesia NM 88210
575-746-2412
Borrow items before they’re recycled. Stoves, dryers, washers, refrigerators, cast iron built-in tubs, aluminum or stainless steel sinks, freezers, cans, brass and copper items, metal wheels, bed frames, fencing (panels), cars and car parts, corrugated metal panels, and more. Call ahead of time. If they don’t have what you need, they’ll watch for items you request. Once you’re done with it, get it back to them. They also might be able to deliver.
Sound Effects
BenSound
https://www.bensound.com
This site has 84 full-length, well-produced songs you can use for a lot of different moods for your non-musical productions.* Play them between scenes or as part of the scene. Play them as pre-show and intermission music, thus avoiding any ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC royalty claims against you and your school. Sign up for an account, then press the Free Music button. Download what you need.
* Do not insert these anywhere in a musical theatre production. That’s illegal, except possibly as pre-show music.
https://www.bensound.com
This site has 84 full-length, well-produced songs you can use for a lot of different moods for your non-musical productions.* Play them between scenes or as part of the scene. Play them as pre-show and intermission music, thus avoiding any ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC royalty claims against you and your school. Sign up for an account, then press the Free Music button. Download what you need.
* Do not insert these anywhere in a musical theatre production. That’s illegal, except possibly as pre-show music.
NMHSMTA
Thanks to a donation from Doug and Donna Geist
Access the free NMHSMTA sound effects library by registering. Both teachers and students in New Mexico schools can access the library.
Thanks to a donation from Doug and Donna Geist
Access the free NMHSMTA sound effects library by registering. Both teachers and students in New Mexico schools can access the library.
Teaching Resources
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
601 Eubank Blvd. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
nuclearmuseum.org
If you need an explanation of atomic or subatomic science for a play you’re doing — maybe Radium Girls or Oppenheimer — reach out to the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. They can help establish a context for your cast and crew to understand the science behind the story. They may also steer you to view some artifacts the museum has that will help illuminate the story for your students. Many of those artifacts can be viewed online. Contact Linda Anderson, the museum's education enrichment coordinator, for assistance.
601 Eubank Blvd. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
nuclearmuseum.org
If you need an explanation of atomic or subatomic science for a play you’re doing — maybe Radium Girls or Oppenheimer — reach out to the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. They can help establish a context for your cast and crew to understand the science behind the story. They may also steer you to view some artifacts the museum has that will help illuminate the story for your students. Many of those artifacts can be viewed online. Contact Linda Anderson, the museum's education enrichment coordinator, for assistance.
Theatrical Equipment
Popejoy Hall
203 Cornell NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
Contact: Brandon McDaniel
505 277-8010
Popejoy rents quite a bit of equipment, especially lighting and sound equipment. They can rent that one item you can’t find anywhere else or assemble a whole package for you. Rentals are based on availability, of course, and they do have rates for high schools.
Quickbeam Systems, Inc.
4411 Mcleod NE, Suite E
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109
Josh Shepherd, Customer Service/Sales Specialist
Quickbeam offers support in lighting, sound, rigging and more. They consult on theatrical design and renovation. They can rent or sell you a few items or an entire package. They work hard to keep within your budget. They offer consulting service on your specific needs as well.
203 Cornell NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
Contact: Brandon McDaniel
505 277-8010
Popejoy rents quite a bit of equipment, especially lighting and sound equipment. They can rent that one item you can’t find anywhere else or assemble a whole package for you. Rentals are based on availability, of course, and they do have rates for high schools.
Quickbeam Systems, Inc.
4411 Mcleod NE, Suite E
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109
Josh Shepherd, Customer Service/Sales Specialist
Quickbeam offers support in lighting, sound, rigging and more. They consult on theatrical design and renovation. They can rent or sell you a few items or an entire package. They work hard to keep within your budget. They offer consulting service on your specific needs as well.
Workshops
Albuquerque Theatre Guild
P.O. Box 26395
Albuquerque, NM 87125
https://www.abqtheatre.org/
ATG is putting together free workshops for schools in the greater Albuquerque area on a variety of topics, especially those focused on technical theatre and design. Submit a request using the contact form on the main page of their website.
Department of Theatre and Digital Filmmaking
Eastern New Mexico University
1500 S Ave K
Portales, NM 88130
Jon Barr, Chair
575.562.2229
Theatre and Digital Filmmaking website
Send an email to department chair Jon Barr.
Can bring free workshops to your classroom in person or virtually.
New Mexico High School Musical Theatre Awards
933 San Mateo NE, #500-221
Albuquerque, NM 87108
Offers pay-what-you-will workshops designed for your students. In-person or virtually, customized for you or one of several out of the box workshops. You can request a workshop online or by email.
New Mexico State University
MSC 3072
PO Box 30001
Las Cruces, NM 88003-3072
theatre.nmsu.edu/
Wil Kilroy, Department Chair
Can bring free workshops to your classroom in person or virtually.
The University of New Mexico
Department of Theatre and Dance
MSC04 2575
Robert Hartung Building
2414 Central Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 277-4332
theatre.unm.edu
Can bring free workshops to your classroom in person or virtually.
P.O. Box 26395
Albuquerque, NM 87125
https://www.abqtheatre.org/
ATG is putting together free workshops for schools in the greater Albuquerque area on a variety of topics, especially those focused on technical theatre and design. Submit a request using the contact form on the main page of their website.
Department of Theatre and Digital Filmmaking
Eastern New Mexico University
1500 S Ave K
Portales, NM 88130
Jon Barr, Chair
575.562.2229
Theatre and Digital Filmmaking website
Send an email to department chair Jon Barr.
Can bring free workshops to your classroom in person or virtually.
New Mexico High School Musical Theatre Awards
933 San Mateo NE, #500-221
Albuquerque, NM 87108
Offers pay-what-you-will workshops designed for your students. In-person or virtually, customized for you or one of several out of the box workshops. You can request a workshop online or by email.
New Mexico State University
MSC 3072
PO Box 30001
Las Cruces, NM 88003-3072
theatre.nmsu.edu/
Wil Kilroy, Department Chair
Can bring free workshops to your classroom in person or virtually.
The University of New Mexico
Department of Theatre and Dance
MSC04 2575
Robert Hartung Building
2414 Central Ave SE
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 277-4332
theatre.unm.edu
Can bring free workshops to your classroom in person or virtually.