NMSA-Art Institute Students Bring PUFFS to the Northern New Mexico College Stage

Experience the magic of theater and the power of community at this free performance in Española

​Española, NM — This December, New Mexico School for the Arts-Art Institute (NMSA-Art Institute) is partnering with Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) to bring the Española community a spellbinding theatrical experience. Join us for “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic & Magic,” a heartwarming and hilarious story about courage, friendship and finding your own kind of magic—even if you feel like a side character.
 
At 3 p.m. Saturday, December 7, 2024, the talented students of the NMSA-Art Institute Theatre Department will take the stage at the Nick Salazar Center for the Arts for a free performance of PUFFS. This is more than just a play; it’s an invitation to celebrate the creativity, talent and to learn more about the unique opportunities offered by NMSA-Art Institute and NNMC.

PUFFS is a fresh take on the magical school genre, following a group of loyal and quirky misfits who prove that bravery comes in many forms—whether it’s surviving potions class or supporting friends in the face of danger. Forget the chosen one; this story is about the rest of us, and it’s filled with laughter, surprises and heartfelt moments.
 
Director and NMSA-Art Institute Instructor Garrick Sigl shares, “Directing PUFFS for me, as a certified nerd, was a joyful exploration of humor, heart and the underdog's perspective. It was great fun bringing together this high energy ensemble to celebrate the overlooked stories that resonate deeply in a world where each student seeks belonging. It’s an important tale for today, reminding us to embrace individuality, find strength in community and honor the bravery in simply showing up.”
We’re calling on families, friends and community members to join us in supporting these talented students and discover the vibrant programs offered at NMSA-Art Institute and NNMC. Experience the magic firsthand and see why the arts are essential to fostering creativity and connection.

This free performance is made possible through a collaboration between NMSA-Art Institute and NNMC, two established New Mexico institutions dedicated to empowering students and strengthening community connections. The event underscores the transformative power of arts education and the vital role that public partnerships play in creating opportunities for New Mexicans.
Puffs (Two Act for Young Wizards) is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
 
Event Details:
When: December 7th, 2024, at 3:00 pm
Where: Nick Salazar Center for the Arts, 921 N. Paseo de Oñate, Española, NM
Admission: Free! Reserve your seat online at https://tinyurl.com/4wedektz

About New Mexico School for the Arts (NMSA) and New Mexico School for the Arts - Art Institute (NMSA - Art Institute) Founded in 2010 and based in Santa Fe, New Mexico School for the Arts (NMSA) is the state’s only four-year, statewide-enrolling, tuition-free public high school, offering young artists a unique dual-curriculum program. NMSA integrates a college-preparatory academic education with intensive pre-professional arts training. While NMSA’s academic programming is funded by New Mexico public school dollars, its arts training and statewide community engagement programs are overseen and funded by NMSA – Art Institute, a nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of individual and institutional donors. For more information, visit nmschoolforthearts.org
 
About Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) Northern New Mexico College has served the rural communities of Northern New Mexico for over a century. Since opening in 1909 as the Spanish American Normal School in El Rito, NM, the College has provided affordable access to quality academic programs that meet the changing educational, economic and cultural needs of the region.
Northern is an open-admissions institution offering the most affordable bachelor’s programs in the Southwest. Now one of the state’s four regional comprehensive institutions, with its main campus in Española, Northern offers more than 50 bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs in arts & human sciences, film & digital media, STEM programs, business, education, liberal arts, and nursing. The College has reintroduced technical trades in partnership with two local unions and five public school districts through its new co-located Branch Community College, the first of its kind in the state’s history.  Northern is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has earned prestigious program specific accreditations for its engineering, nursing, education, and business programs. Learn more at nnmc.edu
 
Press Contacts:

Sarah Pfisterer, NMSA-Art Institute, Artistic Director
sarah.pfisterer@nmsa-ai.org
505.216.7888 x403
 
Cindy Montoya, NMSA-Art Institute, President
cindy.montoya@nmsa-ai.org
505.216.7888 x 410
 
Johanna Case-Hofmeister, NNMC Director of Integrated Studies: Arts
johanna.case@nnmc.edu
505-747-5419