By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – After more than two decades of bringing youth theater productions to stages across Albuquerque, Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company finally has a place to call its own. The nonprofit organization will celebrate its first permanent home with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 7, inviting the community to explore the new facility.
Founded in 2004 by Doug Montoya and Kristin Berg, Cardboard Playhouse has spent years operating out of borrowed and rented spaces. Its new location marks a milestone for the organization, providing room to expand programming while continuing its mission of making theater accessible to Albuquerque youth.
For Artistic Director Kristin Berg, moving into the building has offered an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s history while looking ahead. “It’s amazing to be able to move into our permanent location, allowing us to celebrate our history, but also plan adequately for our future,” says Berg.
Previously, rehearsals, set construction, costumes and other activities often competed for the same limited space. Now, dedicated rehearsal areas and workspaces allow multiple projects to happen simultaneously.
Executive Director Doug Montoya explains that the change has already made a difference in daily operations. “The families and the children that we work with, they deserve this space,” says Montoya.
Having a permanent location also allows the organization to focus on something it has wanted to accomplish for years: reaching more young performers.
Montoya explains that the additional room has already allowed staff to plan their entire upcoming season, something previously difficult because of the constant demands of moving between spaces.”We’re going to be able to offer more of our programming to more families around the city,” says Montoya.
The organization is also exploring additional outreach opportunities with local elementary schools.
For Board President Carissa Mitchell, the building represents more than operational improvements. It also provides a welcoming environment for families.
Previously, parents attending rehearsals sometimes brought lawn chairs because there was nowhere else to sit. The new facility offers areas where parents can work or wait while remaining close to their children.
Mitchell emphasizes that the space also recognizes the dedication of the organization’s leadership. “These two [Montoya and Berg] have committed their lives to this, to the children of Albuquerque,” says Mitchell.
The organization hopes to eventually transform part of the building into a smaller performance venue. For now, larger productions will continue using theaters throughout Albuquerque, while smaller performances may take place at The Box Performance Space Downtown.
Looking further ahead, Montoya envisions the facility becoming a creative destination where young people can explore different forms of artistic expression beyond traditional musical theater.
“I just see it being a hub for youth creativity,” says Montoya.
Potential programming could include poetry, Shakespeare, film, media production and other performance opportunities. Berg also hopes the building will become a gathering place for the surrounding neighborhood.
Before those plans unfold, however, the organization is preparing to celebrate the milestone with the community that helped make it possible.
The Nov. 7 celebration begins at 11 a.m. with a special performance featuring Cardboard Playhouse company members and alumni. Opening remarks will follow at 11:10 a.m., with the official ribbon cutting and group photograph scheduled for 11:15 a.m.
At 11:30 a.m., visitors can tour the facility, explore its rehearsal and creative spaces, and enjoy refreshments and food trucks. Albuquerque’s iconic Breaking Bad RV balloon will also make an appearance, offering visitors a photo opportunity.
In addition to the festivities, Cardboard Playhouse will announce its 2027 season and the venues where its upcoming productions will take place.
Mitchell emphasizes that the celebration will be especially meaningful after the fundraising efforts that helped secure the building. The organization’s HOME Project campaign raised more than $114,000, surpassing its $100,000 goal.
“I think it’s a day of celebration for us as well,” says Mitchell.
For an organization that has spent years adapting to limited space, the new building represents an opportunity to grow without losing sight of its mission.
Cardboard Playhouse remains committed to offering tuition-free participation in its productions, casting young performers based on their abilities rather than their families’ financial circumstances.
As the organization prepares to welcome the public into its new home, Montoya hopes more Albuquerque families will discover what Cardboard Playhouse has to offer.
“I feel like with this ribbon cutting and the publicity that we’re getting, that sadly we’re not going to be able to keep it a secret much longer, and people are going to find out about us,” says Montoya.
For its young performers, the permanent home means more than additional space. It offers room to create, collaborate and grow.
If you go…
Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company’s Grand Opening
- Saturday, Nov. 7 at 11 a.m.
- 6011 Constitution Ave. NE