True Stories is a recurring show at Santa Fe Improv benefiting Improv4Schools, our program in New Mexico Public Schools where we use improv to teach teens durable skills to enhance communication, problem-solving, and executive presence.
On Saturday September 19, 2026, Mayor Michael J. Garcia sold out Santa Fe Improv and put on a show with some help from the Santa Fe Improv team.
Here’s what happened: in the True Stories format, a guest gets interviewed and tells real stories with no notes or talking points. Our ensemble listens, then builds comedic scenes off what they just heard, then it goes back to the guest for more stories, then back to the ensemble.
A few things he told us, and the scenes they became:
ensemble did not let that go.
- His first job was at a baseball card and collectibles shop. That turned into a scene about a guy trying to use a rare card as collateral for a bank loan.
- He’s genuinely into the judicial branch. That turned into a scene about a support group for people so obsessed with Supreme Court justices they’d lost every other friend.
- He almost became an architect, then changed course and followed his heart into politics.
- He told the story of how he met his wife. The ensemble turned it into a scene that got the room laughing and going “aww” at the same time.
- He’s an absolute sneakerhead. The The ensemble did not let that go….
The Mayor has a real sense of humor about himself and was great to work with.
By the end of the night he told the crowd: “I think I’m hooked.”
Thanks to Mayor Garcia and his family for showing up and being honest on stage, and thanks to everyone who came out and was part of this one-of-a-kind event.
Thanks also to our partners who helped make the night possible: Future Focused Education and the City of Santa Fe Arts and Culture Department.
Oh, and one more thing… alongside our adult ensemble, Ali Sandoval — a high-school student in our Improv4Schools Upward Bound program — jumped right in and performed with our teams. That was one of the best parts of the night.
Take a bow, Mayor Garcia!
