The Box Performance Space

Founding (2007)

The Box Performance Space opened in 2007 in downtown Albuquerque at 100 Gold Avenue SW, Suite 112B, establishing what the company describes as the only dedicated improv theatre in New Mexico. The resident in-house troupe The Show modeled its style on Chicago polished comedic improv.

Programming

The Box presents Friday and Saturday short-form improv performances through The Show alongside Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company youth productions. The Box Improv Training Program offers multi-level classes, and the venue has sustained itself as Albuquerque's primary improv institution for nearly two decades.

The Box Performance Space presents short-form improv as New Mexico's only dedicated improv theatre, with a resident company modeled on Chicago-style polished comedy and a training program serving Albuquerque performers.

The Show, Albuquerque's long-running professional improv troupe performing Friday and Saturday nights, directed by Alex Knight and managed by Melissa Heiman, with cast members Patrick Gozur, Steve Lucero, Fernando Fresquez, Lauren Poole, and Heather Yeo, and music direction by Casey Mraz. Named Best of 2011 by the Albuquerque Alibi. Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company, a youth theatre group in residence. First performance at the original Lomas location on March 2, 2007, with relocation to 100 Gold Ave SW in October 2009.

The Box Performance Space opened in 2007 and quickly established itself as the only dedicated improv venue in New Mexico, filling a gap in Albuquerque's performing arts landscape. Operating from its downtown location at 100 Gold Ave SW, the theatre built its programming around regular Friday and Saturday short-form improv performances, a structured Box Improv Training Program, and a partnership with Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company for youth-oriented productions. As the state's sole dedicated improv home, The Box has served as the primary gathering point for New Mexico improvisers across the region.

Over nearly two decades, The Box has functioned as the training ground and performance home for improvisers who have gone on to populate other New Mexico ensembles. Its youth programming through Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company has introduced improv technique to younger audiences, and its training program has produced performers who have seeded subsequent groups including The Faculty Lounge, which credits the Albuquerque and Santa Fe scene with supporting its early development.