Our Story
Heartstrings Theatre Company began in 2014 as a small acting class in our founder’s front room.
When the kids in her aunt's homeschool group expressed an interest in theater, Somer Sloan brought the world of performing arts to them. A trained actor with a wealth of experience in performing, choreography, directing, and more, what began as a hobby soon grew into a larger dream: to bring the highest level of performing arts education to the children of New Mexico. When she met fellow actor and multi-talented thespian Jackson Koewler during a performance of Mary Poppins at Albuquerque Little Theater, that dream quickly became a reality.
Heartstrings Theatre Company was officially incorporated in 2016. While its first name was Trashbag Theatre (a coy reference to its patchwork roots), it was instead decided that Heartstrings fit their mission to "tug on heartstrings" with impactful lessons and powerful storytelling much better.
The early years of the theater were chaotic, exciting, and marked by Jackson's and Somer's incredible determination to create a quality children's theatre company. Between long nights reading scripts and early mornings running rehearsals, Heartstrings transformed from a hobby of one to a passion project of two. This transformation culminated in the company's first ever full production, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, performed at a local community church.
This marked a major turning point for Heartstrings. For the next four years, Somer and Jackson would continue to stage full productions, including The Music Man Jr., Seussical the Musical Jr., The Wizard of Oz, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Robin Hood and more.
Unfortunately, life is far more complicated outside the theater. The sudden passing of Jackson Koewler in 2021 shook the very foundations of the company. A larger than life personality who truly adored his work, Jackson had always been the strings of Heartstrings. He was the performing arts' biggest cheerleader, his students' strongest supporter, and one half of the company's soul. His loss left a deep wound in Heartstrings.
Further complicated by losing a longtime rehearsal space and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Heartstrings Theatre Company temporarily shut down. Yet, when contemplating its permanent closure, Somer couldn't deny her love of the theater company she and Jackson had founded. Determined to give his death meaning, she chose to continue their work to provide a safe space for all children, including gender-diverse, neurodiverse, disabled, and low-income students.
Heartstrings Theatre Company reopened in 2022 with a performance of Holes, a personally meaningful production to Jackson, at North Fourth Art Center. From there, it has grown exponentially, offering seasonal acting classes and putting on six or more productions that serve up to 300 children each year.
Heartstrings is a place for children to experience the joy of theater in a safe, warm, and accepting environment. We are determined to continue our mission to offer quality theater education to all children. We steadfastly welcome actors of all abilities, regardless of race, gender (conforming and non-conforming), religion, sexual orientation, body type and/or size, disability, and/or personal background. We hope that Heartstrings will continue to be both a pillar of the community and a beacon of hope for all children who want to be a part of the incredible world of the performing arts.
“My goal was to touch hearts. I wanted to make art that makes a difference.”
“I hope that Heartstrings will be known as a safe and magical place for all kids to be seen, to be included, and to belong. ”