Acting Academy Opens Doors to New Mexico’s Expanding Film Industry | LOR Foundation
Complete Economy

Acting Academy Opens Doors to New Mexico’s Expanding Film Industry

  • Local Champion: Metta Theatre
  • Date Funded: August 29, 2025
  • Grant Amount: $5,000

While New Mexico’s film industry continues to grow, many Taos residents lack access to professional acting training and clear pathways to audition for paid roles. As a result, talented community members—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—are often left out of the creative and economic opportunities tied to the state’s expanding entertainment sector.

Recognizing this gap and the momentum building around Taos’ film initiatives, the Artistic Director of Metta Theatre reached out to LOR with an idea: launch Taos’ first Film Acting Academy to provide professional training, industry connections, and audition preparation for local residents.

With support from LOR, Metta Theatre will hire experienced instructors, cinematographers, and camera operators to deliver high-quality training and produce industry-standard demo reels. The Academy will serve at least 20 participants, connecting them with casting directors and agents across New Mexico—and ensuring that Taos residents have a place in shaping the future of the state’s film economy.

Contact our community officer in Taos. Meet Sonya Struck
More Economy Solutions
Economy / Cortez An Exhaust Hood Completes Cortez’s First Community Commercial Kitchen
Local Champion:
Four Corners Food Coalition
Date funded:
March 20, 2026
Grant Amount:
$30,000
Economy / Questa Welding Equipment Expands Career Training for Questa Students
Local Champion:
Questa Independent School District
Date funded:
March 18, 2026
Grant Amount:
$9,930
Economy / Libby Changing Tables Help Libby Families Participate in Community Life
Local Champion:
Lincoln County Health Department
Date funded:
March 9, 2026
Grant Amount:
$10,000
Economy / Cortez Information and Exposure Connect Cortez Residents to Local Grain Systems
Local Champion:
Pueblo Seed and Grain Hub
Date funded:
March 5, 2026
Grant Amount:
$9,798
Economy / Taos Planning Workshop Helps Taos Residents Access County Cultural Events Funding
Local Champion:
Downtown Taos
Date funded:
March 5, 2026
Grant Amount:
$3,300
Economy / Weiser An Alumni Foundation Supports Weiser Schools
Local Champion:
Weiser School District 431
Date funded:
March 3, 2026
Grant Amount:
$9,820

Share an Idea

If you have an idea for improving quality of life in Cortez or Monte Vista, Colorado; Lander, Wyoming; Libby, Montana; Questa or Taos, New Mexico; or Weiser, Idaho, use this form to start a conversation with us.

"*" indicates required fields