Artist Toolbox
Director
Creating brave spaces for artists on and off stage is at the core of my directing philosophy. I strive to cultivate a room where the actors dare to go deep; collaborators realize big ideas; crews elevate technical worlds and the audience feels seen. My work is intentional, instinctual, and layered with the human spirit at the heart of it all.
Mover
According to my mom, I started dancing before I learned to walk. My dance background has not only shaped the ease in which I can quickly put together seamless staging, it has afforded me the ability to use a physical language to shape and tell stories with or without dialogue. I am interested in subtleties of what a flick of a wrist might say about a character trying to open a locked door, to the abstract duration of a deliberate stage cross to deepen the meaning of a moment.
Dramaturg
When directing new works, I lovingly become a literary doula in service of the playwright’s intentions. I love getting into the weeds of character development, dramatic structure and asking questions rather than offering “fix it” opinions.
Artivist
From fifth grade through high school I had access to violin lessons, drama club, and dance classes free of charge through my public education. This access shaped my journey, mobilized my dreams, and endowed a rebellious spirit to bring the arts into underserved communities. Whether working as a teaching artist, producing a show to benefit a local agency, or choosing stories that provoke dialogue in a community, I use my passion of storytelling to change lives as it changed mine.
"My work is grounded in physical storytelling..."
A multifaceted storyteller fueled by resilience, my path was anything but linear. Born to parents from South Central L.A. and Tecolotlán, Jalisco - I journeyed from public school arts programs to earning my Master of Fine Arts in Directing for Theater at UCLA shaping my belief that a life in the arts is vital to a thriving community.
My work is grounded in physical storytelling and instinct, creating productions that are bold, intentional, and layered. Whether directing, choreographing, or educating, I hold space for complex stories that need to be told.
This website is dedicated to that journey and for the creative adventures yet to be had.
Jump to TimelineClick any picture to see selected works.
Event Schedule
50th Lap Around the Sun!
Carefully plotted by my hubby Bill and sister Belle, I was totally surprised by family and friends at Epic Live (formerly Epic Lounge) in Downey. A fabulous event and bar venue that you should definitely consider for any type of creative or personal gathering.
Latina Independent Film Extravaganza
I was asked to adjudicate short and feature length finalists. It was exciting to see the amazing work being produced by independent Latina filmmakers. Founded by Josefina Lopez, LIFE is the oldest film festival in the U.S. geared toward amplifying Latina voices on screen and strengthening their presence behind the camera, creating lasting solutions for equity, visibility, and impact in film.
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Labor of Love, Chicago, IL
Directed a workshop reading of this poignant and irreverent musical which featured six original songs at Collaboraction in Humboldt Park, Chicago. Produced by Con Ganas Entertainment and Blind Toe Productions. Written by Tony Estrada, Nerris Nevarez-Nasiri, and Patty Vasquez with Musical Arrangement and Direction by Alexander R. Tom.
Dark Night, the series
In this series, I play FBI Agent Nora, a 2nd in command in securing the safety of witness protection clients. Written and directed by Alex Linares, Dark Night had a premiere screening at the Mexican American Film and Television Festival at the Harmony Gold Theater in West Hollywood.
MAFTF →
LTC Carnaval of New Latinx Musicals, San Diego, CA
As a proud member of the Steering Committee for the Latinx Theatre Commons (LTC) I am excited to support this exuberant celebration of music and storytelling to bring together theatremakers and decisionmakers from across the nation to amplify, illuminate, and forward Latinx musical theatre. Hosted by the UC San Diego Dept. of Theatre and Dance, La Jolla Playhouse, and TuYo Theatre.
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Hey, Ma, I'm an author... almost
The first draft of an essay on my experience directing and choreographing Little Red for Cerritos College will be submitted as part of the Routledge Companion to New Latine & Caribbean Musical Theatre. This historic 2 book anthology of critical essays, interviews, and case studies, is being championed and edited by David Davila, Teddy Alexis Rodriguez and Daphnie Sicre with over 100 contributors.
I'M GOING TO VEGAS!
I've been invited to direct How To Defend Yourself by Liliana Padilla at the fabulous University of Las Vegas. This show speaks to the heart of my work as it relates to empowering women to advocate for themselves. Come back later this year for an update on tickets.
Untitled Documentary
This is an ongoing passion project that I am editing and offering a directorial lens to. I can't get into too much detail about it, but when it is completed, it will be an exciting story to share about the journey of seeing life clearly after the loss of sight.
Resumé
In addition to my public K-12 education through the UCLA MFA Directing Program my creative training was expanded through awards and residencies.
- 2013 Cornerstone Theatre Company 2-Day Institute Intensive as part of Diálogos/Dialogues preparation with South Coast Rep
- 2014 Mellon Fellowship: Future Artistic Leaders. Residency with Latino Theater Company
- 2015 Oregon Shakespeare Festival FAIR Directing Assistantship
- 2016 Director's Lab West
- 2016 UCLA Graduate Opportunity Fellowship
- 2025 Directing Master Class with José Luis Valenzuela
Click on my Resumé, CV or Canvas Rebel Interview to learn more.