Albuquerque Public Schools
Eisenhower Drama Program Spotlights Student Talent, Confidence and Community
Growing theater program gives middle school students the tools, support and stage to shine.
At Eisenhower Middle School, the theater program is much more than scripts and spotlights. It’s a place where students discover their voice, find community and bring creativity to life. Led by Theatre Director, Drama Teacher and Troupe Director James Schallert, the program has seen impressive growth since launching just two years ago, offering courses, after-school activities, student-led productions and even a Junior Thespian Troupe.
Schallert said he is driven by a belief in what theater unlocks in young people.
“Every morning when I wake up, I remind myself that my students carry a torch and I am the fire that lights the way. The brighter I burn, the further they can see,” he explained. “There is occasionally rain or wind that tries to snuff out that flame, but these students stoke the fire. They push me to be a better teacher, artist and person.”
That spirit fuels a program that empowers middle schoolers to lead, create and dream big. Students design sets and costumes, run stage crews and even write original plays. What started as one student writing a script over winter break has grown into the Rubber Chicken Script Writing Competition, with the winning student’s play now performed as the school’s spring mainstage production.
“Our plays are completely student created, run and performed,” Schallert said. “The amazing students of Eisenhower have helped me to create this program and it is because of their dedication, hard work and passion that I have been able to accomplish this.”
Students Find Belonging and Confidence
Eighth grader Naoni Mora said she loves being part of a space where she feels supported and accepted.
“I like being able to be myself,” she said. “Like just being able to be somewhere where there's no judgment around people and it's just really fun.”
She said Schallert’s passion inspires her and her fellow drama students.
“He loves teaching, and it just shows up so much that it's easier for us to learn, and he's fun, but also knows how to be serious,” she added. “So it's nice to have that.”
Eighth grader Kaitlyn Brown said the program gives her joy, confidence and a creative outlet.
“I love the community and how we all work together so well, and it honestly just makes me happy,” she explained. “Acting brings you to a different world. It makes you feel like you're not real, and you get to leave here and you get to play someone else in a different personality, in a different perspective.”
Sixth grader Sophia Saavedra, the current play’s stage manager, said she prefers working behind the scenes.
“Oh, I get super bad stage fright, so I really like this role,” she said. “It's very fun, but at the same time, it's serious because you want to make the play good.”
A Stage for Future Stars
From first-time performers to aspiring playwrights, Eisenhower’s drama students are learning that confidence, teamwork and creativity can take center stage, even in middle school.
With student-written productions, a thriving community of young artists and a Junior Thespian Troupe leading the way, the program continues to build momentum and shine a spotlight on student voices.
At Eisenhower, every student has a role, and a stage to grow into who they’re meant to become.