Miracle Insider
Volume 11 Issue 12, July 11, 2012


We like to imagine that summertime at Milagro is margaritas at the beach, but there so much that needs to happen between seasons (audition actors! write grants! sell subscriptions!). And this summer, we also have so much more happening than ever before! For example, this week begins July at Milagro, a month filled with free classes and weekend workshops that culminate in an old-fashioned summer street fair! We’ve also won several awards, celebrated our invaluable volunteers, and kicked off a top-to-bottom evaluation of the Milagro brand with the help of consultant Ken Elmer of The Brick House. Not to mention the launch of a new touring production, Aventuras de Don Quixote. You can read more about all of these activities below.

But we couldn’t go on before we say our goodbyes to marketing assistant Susy Chávez, who is moving to California, and our hellos to Emily Powell Wright, who will assist José with development and fundraising activities. Likewise, Tricia Castañeda-Gonzáles, who you remember from the cast of B’aktun 13, will be in the office to help local businesses advertise their services in our programs (see below for more details on that, too).

Nope, there’s no slowing down this summer. ¡Adelante!

Miracle artists win six Drammy awards
At the Drammy awards — Portland’s version of the Tonys — Miracle Theatre Group artists were honored with six awards for outstanding achievement! The recipients included:

• Luisa Sermol, Outstanding Achievement by an Actress in a Lead Role, Boleros for the Disenchanted
• Kristeen Crosser, Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Design, Oedipus el Rey
• Kristen Mun, Outstanding Achievement in Fight Choreography, Oedipus el Rey
• Nick Ortega, Outstanding Achievement by an Actor in a Lead Role, Oedipus el Rey
• Elizabeth Huffman, Outstanding Achievement in Direction, Oedipus el Rey
• Miracle Theatre Group, Outstanding Production, Oedipus el Rey

Congratulations to one and all — well deserved!

OYE to receive Portland Latino Gay Pride’s Mariposa Award
And this just in from David Martínez and Portland Latino Gay Pride: OYE (Opciones y Educación) has been selected to be one of this year's Mariposa Award Recipients!

“The outstanding contributions to the community and commitment to making a difference has earned OYE this recognition. We are honored to have the opportunity to celebrate OYE!” said David. “The Mariposa Award was established in 2008 and provides us with an opportunity to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations.”

This year's Mariposa Awards will be presented at Noche Bohemia, Portland Latino Gay Pride’s Opening Reception on Thursday, July 19, at 7 p.m. at the Q Center (4115 N. Mississippi Ave.). The Mariposa Award will also be recognized at PLGP's annual Festival on Saturday, July 21, from 3 to 10 p.m. at Pure Space, 1315 NW Overton in Portland. For more information about Portland Latino Gay Pride’s Carnaval 2012 (July 19-22), visit www.latinogaypridepdx.com.

To all our miraculous volunteers: ¡Muchas Gracias!
We wrapped up this year’s award-winning season with our annual Volunteer Party on Saturday, June 23. We were honored to have longtime supporter and friend of Miracle Theatre Group, Edna Vázquez, serenade our volunteers and to have an exclusive performance from the Milagro Danzoneros. In addition Curtis Carlyle brought down the house with laughter and his dazzling dazzled juggling tricks while ambiance music was provided by DJ Isaac. A buffet of jambalaya, cornbread, salad, etc. was generously provided by Le Bistro Montage in addition to house-prepared sangria and aguas frescas! The afternoon was filled with prizes including tickets to our upcoming 29th season, Le Bistro Montage gift certificates, calaveritas made by our very own Marketing Director Tim Krause, sugar skulls by the multi-talented Estela Robinson, jewelry by Daniel Moreno and Susy Chávez… and sooooo much more. Thank you to all of the volunteers that came out to celebrate the end of another wonderful season!

Artists share skills, visions, inspiration at Latino Artists eXchange
Last month, Miracle Theatre Group played host to the second annual Latino Artists eXchange/Intercambio de Artistas Latinos — a one-day conference brimming with arts, culture, professional development and networking. Latino artists from as far away as Eugene joined artists from Woodburn, Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Vancouver — writers, painters, sculptures, actors, dancers, photographers, musicians, and more spent the day in creative camaraderie, learning from each other, building their skills, and sharing their professional visions. Check out this summary that Olga Sanchez wrote for El Hispanic News! (para leer en español, haz clic aquí)

Meet Emily, our newest Miracle worker!
Hi! My name is Emily Powell Wright, and I couldn’t be more excited to introduce myself to you as the development assistant here at Miracle Theatre Group. I come to Portland from the beautiful state of North Carolina, where, aside from the time I spent living the dream in Spain and Argentina, I have resided my whole life. I came to Portland because, though I love the Tar Heel state dearly, I wanted to experience something completely different and I had heard the creative environment was exceptional. I have not been let down. Since moving here, I have worked with such incredible organizations as Portland Center Stage, Art4life, Oregon Ballet Theatre, and, of course, Milagro. Having had a serious passion for theatre and Spanish from a young age, there was no way I wasn’t getting involved at Miracle.

With each project I have worked on here, I have been delighted to find myself feeling empowered, valued and welcomed. As a “devo assistant”, I hope to help Milagro continue to spread those same sentiments to our fantastic group of supporters. There’s a Kenyan proverb (random, I know) that says “if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” and I feel with confidence that as a solid, supportive group, Milagro can and will continue to grow and do great things. You are a valued member of the Milagro family, and I cannot wait to get to know you! That said, if you should have any questions about naming a seat or tile, sponsoring a show, or making your donation do double-duty through Oregon Cultural Trust, feel free to contact me directly at Emily@milagro.org or call me at 503-236-7253 ext. 111. I would love to hear from you. I look forward to seeing you at Milagro sometime soon!

Advertising in the Miracle Theatre Group programs: Good for business, good for the community!
Miracle just wrapped up our extraordinary, award-winning 28th season and, despite the challenging economy, we remain committed to our mission of celebrating Latino arts and culture. We’re also keeping our ticket prices low in order to remain as accessible as possible. Because admissions account for only half of the revenues necessary to sustain an organization as unique and far-reaching as the Miracle, we need your support. And one of the best win-win ways to support the Miracle is to advertise your business or service in our 2012-2013 season playbills.

Three things set Miracle Theatre apart from other promotional opportunities:

• First, your ad will reach a unique target audience of more than 12,000 visitors, representing a mix of savvy arts and culture aficionados; students and educators; and a cross section of the Latino community — the fastest growing demographic in the Portland area.

• Second, your ad not only promotes your business, but also proudly displays your commitment to the diversity and cultural vitality of our community.

• Finally, Miracle Theatre program ads are an economical choice for today’s business climate, with flexible opportunities for as little as $125.

Request a media kit today by contacting Tricia Castañeda-Gonzáles at 503-236-7253 ext. 121 or tricia@milagro.org

Milagro to host street fair Sunday, July 29

Throughout the month of July, Miracle Theatre Group is hosting a variety of free classes and weekend workshops. From cooking to crafts, from music to dance — even circus skills! — we’re sharing our talents with the community thanks in part to a grant from Southeast Uplift. The entire month’s activities culminate on Sunday, July 29 with an old-fashioned block party! Join us beginning at 12 noon for an afternoon of food, drink, live music and dance as artists and students, nonprofit organizations and neighborhood businesses, all come together to celebrate the vitality of our community.

Already scheduled to participate are Comparsa Orgullo Morelense Cemiac dancers with their fascinating bigger-than-life costumes; the Bajo Salario Collective of musicians sharing their eclectic mix of indigenous, folkloric, ranchera music; Samuel Becerra and the other-wordly notes of a pan flute; and the classically trained violin students of Laura Elena Jáuregui Wynter.

A number of visual artists will be exhibiting their work, including Angela Bolaños-Osorio, Elements of Style, Karina Dale Art Studio, and Tina and Monica Harris. And neighborhood businesses are getting in on the act, too, with Michele’s Pianos wheeling out 88 keys to the street, Center Space opening its doors to a samba class, and Rocket Werks displaying custom choppers.

Don’t miss what’s sure to be a new annual event at Milagro! For more details, visit our website.

Teatro Milagro's new touring production Aventuras de Don Quixote premieres this week! This new bilingual play follows the adventures of a young girl, Maria, who doesn't like to read but whose curiosity draws her into the literary world of Don Quixote. Meanwhile Don Quixote, in this case, is an overly imaginative gentleman whose good intentions and mountains of books are driving his roommate into a frenzy! Children and adults alike will be pulled into this fun and exciting interactive drama inspired by the famous novel by Cervantes.

Click here to find out when Aventuras de Don Quixote will be in your neighborhood. For more information about how to bring this show to your school or community, contact Dañel Malán at 503-236-7253 ext. 116 or Malan@milagro.org.

See the show at Milagro! Teatro Milagro is pleased to present Aventuras de Don Quixote right here at the Milagro Theatre at 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 1. The bilingual half-hour show is perfect for students in grades K-5. All tickets are only $4 general admission. Purchase in advance by calling 503-236-7253 weekdays 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., or online anytime from www.milagro.org.