A Children's Theatre of the Mesilla Valley (ACT)
To develop and enhance learning skills in youth and an appreciation and respect for culture through participation in theatre/film and through viewing finished productions.
A Children's Theatre of the Mesilla Valley, (ACT) provides classes for youth in theatre, screenwriting, and film production. There are three seasons of play production and two semesters of Film Classes; writing, production/editing or acting for film and a summer session. As a local independent arts organization providing theatre/film training for area youth, (ACT) is committed to fostering an awareness of the arts as well as an appreciation of various cultures. A curriculum is developed with each show for school audiences to give students insight into the play setting and culture.
ACT utilizes the talents of area artists, musicians, dancers and designers. Once a year, the youth become writers as well as actors creating their own characters and formulating them into a one act play. These shows are often directed by former ACT students and recent NMSU theatre graduates, enabling them to gain experience in their professions.
ACT is an established community service organization working with the City of Las Cruces Juvenile Citation Program to give minor offenders an opportunity to express their talents in a positive way while they pay a debt to society. We have been able to give scholarships to some of these youth to attend theatre and film classes. ACT Student Films employs young graduates from the Creative Media Institute at NMSU as teachers. ACT is also able to facilitate students in casting calls from state and national film projects.
1992
Kelly King