Students in the Paso Del Norte Fine Arts Academy took audiences on an underwater adventure with their production of “Finding Nemo Jr.” in the Pebble Hills High School Theatre in May 2026.
The production was the academy's fourth annual spring musical, featuring nearly 80 students in pre-K through eighth grade, highlighting talent, teamwork and growth. Past productions included “The Lion King Jr.”, “The Little Mermaid Jr.” and “Willy Wonka Jr.”
Theater teacher Vanessa Keyser said the production showcased the growth the theatre program has experienced since its inaugural production in 2023. Many students have gone from working backstage as technicians to performing in the ensemble, and some have even taken on lead roles.
“The amazing thing about this production is that we have had kids who have been with us from the very beginning, from Lion King through Little Mermaid through Willy Wonka, all the way up until this show right here,” Keyser said.
Third-grader Saige Lockhart went from playing minor roles such as a guppy and a seagull in “The Little Mermaid Jr.” and an Oompa-Loompa in “Willy Wonka Jr.” to portraying the lead role of Nemo in “Finding Nemo Jr.”
“I like being on stage because since I was three years old. I really like dancing, singing, and doing art and a lot of stuff,” Saige Lockhart said. “I've been in the show since “The Little Mermaid,” and I have really got used to the stage, not getting scared and dancing my heart out.”
Her mom, Lavera Lockhart, said performing on stage has helped boost her daughter’s confidence. She said her daughter was determined to play Nemo.
“She said, ‘This is my year, mom, and I'm gonna try out for the leading role, Nemo.’ And I was like, you have to leave it all on the floor, girl,” Lavera Lockhart said
The proud mom was overwhelmed with joy when she learned Saige Lockhart had landed the role.
“I screamed, I yelled, I cried! I'm a super proud mom,” Lavera Lockhart added.
One reason Keyser chose "Finding Nemo Jr." was because of its large ensemble cast, which allowed more students to participate.
“You never want to go with just one big part, especially when we have so much talent that we want to showcase. This show was really great about having parts that showcased all of our individual talents, of which we have so many,” Keyser said.
Among the talented students was Devin Rodriguez, an eighth grader at Spc. Rafael Hernando III Middle School. He began as a member of the technical crew during “The Lion King Jr” when he was a fifth grader at Paso Del Norte Fine Arts Academy. He enjoyed it so much that he returned in middle school to perform “The Little Mermaid Jr.’s’” ensemble and later played Candyman in “Willy Wonka Jr.”
This year, he portrayed Professor Ray in “Finding Nemo Jr.” Rodriguez said his experience in theater has helped him develop confidence and take advantage of other opportunities.
“I was nervous when I was first beginning theater, but now when you, like, get used to it, you know, joining all these clubs and theater programs, it’s actually amazing to do these things,” Rodriguez said.
The production was also made possible thanks to community support. Parents worked behind the scenes for months creating costumes, props and set pieces. The Pebble Hills High School's theater director built the cave set in one day. Additionally, students from the high school handled lighting, sound and technical operations.
“That's what a village looks like when we all work together to create this magic,” Keyser said.
The Paso del Norte Fine Arts Academy exemplifies the Socorro Independent School District's commitment to supporting fine arts education. It is the first elementary fine arts academy of its kind to open in SISD and the El Paso area. Along with the district’s Ernesto Serna Fine Arts Academy, it offers students specialized instruction in dance, music, visual arts and theater while also providing a full elementary curriculum.
Through productions such as “Finding Nemo Jr.,” students showcase the talents and skills they have developed through the academy’s fine arts programs and give families and community members a firsthand look at the creativity and talent being cultivated through classroom learning and theatre experiences.
Fourth-grader Alexia Espinoza played Marlin, Nemo’s father. After six months of rehearsals, Espinoza said hearing the audience laugh and clap made the work worthwhile. She said she was excited to land the role of Marlin and shine on stage.
“The best thing about playing Marlin is just being able to act on stage, bring life to the stage, and having so many lines,” Espinoza said.
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Paso Del Norte Fine Arts Academy “Finding Nemo Jr.” event photos