Mayra Acevedo graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Education majoring in experimental theatre and devising work within a community. She was the artistic director of a project called Crearte, in which professionals bring and teach theatre to children of low-income families. Mayra has been working as a professional actress and director for the past five years. She directed plays such as La bicicleta del condenado and Esta noche juega el Jóker. Her acting credits include El segundo círculo, El SI-DA, Romeos y Julietas, Tres and A Suicide Note of a Cockroach. At Miracle, she most recently appeared as La Novia in Bodas de sangre.  (April 2008)

Mayra Acevedo se graduó de la Universidad de Puerto Rico con un Licenciatura en Educación en Teatro donde se especializó en teatro experimental y teatro comunitario. Fue maestra y directora artística de un proyecto llamado Crearte que se enfoca en ofrecer teatro a niños de escasos recursos. Mayra lleva más de cinco años trabajando en teatro profesional. Entre las obras de teatro que ha dirigido se encuentran Esta noche juega el jóker y La bicicleta del condenado. Como actriz ha participado en obras tales como El segundo círculo, El SI-DA, Romeos y Julietas, Tres y A Suicide Note of a Cockroach.  En el Miracle,  ella apareció recientemente como La Novia en Bodas de sangre.  (April 2008)

Devon Allen currently head of the Portland State University acting program, also teaches at Portland Center Stage’s Greenhouse, The Actors Centre in London, and in private classes. Recent directing credits include the premiere of Too Much Coffee Man Opera (Portland Center for the Performing Arts); The Heidi Chronicles (Profile Theatre); How I Learned to Drive (Bloomsburg Ensemble); Slavs! by Tony Kushner and Far Away by Caryl Churchill (Manbites Dog Theatre); and for Our Shoes Are Red/The Performance Lab: the Northwest premiere of Will Eno’s Thom Pain (based on nothing), The Kafka Opera, Waiting for Godot (with Chicago’s A Broken Umbrella Theatre), Ophelia’s Tattoo by Erik Ehn, and Cave Theory: Parts I & II. As an actor, Devon’s recent roles include Gertrude in Lee Blessing’s Fortinbras (La Jolla Playhouse premiere); Galactia in Howard Barker’s Scenes from an Execution (with Our Shoes Are Red/The Performance Lab); Aunt Dan in Wallace Shawn’s Aunt Dan and Lemon; Orestes directed by Robert Woodruff (premiere), Lady Bracknell in Romulus Linney’s Oscar Over Here (premiered at Manbites Dog Theatre); Brenda Heaven in Naomi Iizuka’s Lizzie Vinyl and the China Thing (premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe); Fefu in Fefu and her Friends directed by playwright Marie Irene Fornes; and the title role in Medea directed by Evan Yionoulis. Devon holds a certificate from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (London) and an MFA in Acting from the University of California at San Diego. She is a member of Actors Equity and The Lincoln Center Director’s Lab and Artistic Director of Our Shoes Are Red/The Performance Lab. Devon would like to thank her teacher, Dr. Arthur Wagner, for his knowledge about life and art and for his support, and Miracle for this opportunity. (May 2008)

Enrique E. Andrade hace su debut en el Miracle con Bodas de sangre. Se ha presentado previamente en el escenario en Maria de Buenos Aires en el Aspen Festival of Music, con 3rd Angle Music Ensemble y en varias películas y proyectos de video y televisión. Enrique es bien conocido por su trabajo de voz en la radio y como la voz en el MAX.  Enrique es  Master Level II Court Certified Spanish Interpreter y miembro de la mesa directiva de MCC Portland. (1/2008)

Enrique E. Andrade makes his Miracle debut with Bodas de sangre. He has performed onstage previously in Maria de Buenos Aires at the Aspen Festival of Music as well as with 3rd Angle Music Ensemble and in various film, television & video projects. Enrique is well known for his vocal work on radio and as the Spanish voice of the MAX. Enrique is a Master Level II Court Certified Spanish Interpreter and  a board member of MCC Portland. (1/2008)

Freila Merencio Blanco was born in Havana, Cuba in 1971 and grew up in her grandfather’s house, which also doubled as a cultural center for performers and practitioners of various Afro-Cuban cultural traditions. It was in her grandfather’s professional company “Liberación 75” that she began performing as a soloist. In 1990 she joined the renowned folkloric group “Raíces Profundas”. She quickly rose through the ranks to become soloist and later choreographer. In addition to her time with Raíces she managed to take work with the highly popular rumba group Yoruba Andabo as a dancer and back up singer and has worked as an actress in national and international productions. Freila is dedicated to passing on the treasures of her Afro-Cuban heritage with the same degree of integrity and quality with which they were given to her.  (April 2008)

Gerardo Calderón is a musician from Mexico and studied classical guitar at the Escuela Superior de Música in Mexico City. From there he went on to pursue his interest in South American folk music by performing with folk ensembles in Mexico, Canada, New England and the Pacific Northwest. Gerardo is the music director of Grupo Condor and currently lives in Vancouver, WA. (1/2008)

Kurt Conroyd made his Miracle Theatre debut in the production of “Clean”. He was most recently seen “The Yellow Boat” at Insight Out Theatre Collective, and also appeared in Owen Meany's Christmas Pageant at A.R.T. Other credits include Eric in the Eleventh Floor (Theatre! Theater!'s "Verb: Literature in Performance" series), The Fantasticks (Portland Center Stage), Blue (Hand2Mouth Theatre) and Dreams at the Cadogan Hotel (Stark Raving's "New Rave" reading series with Portland Center Stage). A graduate of Willamette University, Kurt also studied corporal theater in Paris at Studio Magenia under Ella Jaroszewicz. (9/2007)

Kristeen Crosser is the resident scenic/lighting designer and technical director for Reed College Theatre Department. She received her BA from Centre College in Danville, KY and received her MFA in lighting design from Wayne State University, Hilberry Company in Detroit, MI. She has worked professionally around the Midwest predominantly in Michigan. She is excited to be working with the Miracle again, where earlier this season she designed lights for Mariela in the Desert. She would like to thank Dana for her love and support. (May 2008)

CarlosAlexis Cruz recently graduated from the Master’s in Fine Arts in Ensemble-Based Physical Theatre program at the Dell’Arte International School in California. He has a BA degree in film studies from the School of Communication at the University of Puerto Rico. He has been working as a professional actor for the past seven years performing mostly in Puerto Rico and touring shows in New York City, Texas, Dominican Republic and Mexico. Locally he performed with Do Jump! Theatre last season in its 30th anniversary show, with Miracle Theatre in this season’s Día de los Muertos show La Carpa del Ausente and with Imago Theatre in Big Little Things. He’ll also be playing the lead role in the upcoming Do Jump! Theatre spring show Entusiasmo!  In 2004 his work was highlighted by the Theatre Critics of Puerto Rico for his performance in ĺconos de Vellonera, pointing him out as the only contender for Best Young Actor recognition. He was recently seen in the Latin-American television film Bala Perdida, in which he played a leading role. He has trained in circus arts at the San Francisco Circus Center.  (April 2008)

Philip Cuomo: La Carpa Del Ausente is Philip’s first project for the 2007-2008 theatre season.  In December, he will direct Tuna Christmas for Oregon Repertory Theatre, in February, direct at The Portland Actors Conservatory and in April, appear in Nobody Here But us Chickens with Third Rail Repertory Theatre.  Last year he directed La Carpa Calavera here at Miracle Theatre, for which he received a Drammy award for outstanding achievement in directing.   His recent directing credits include The Mail Order Bride,  Kimberly Akimbo, TrainTracks and Renaisssance.  He was an assistant director for An Experiment with an Air Pump at the Conservatory, and assisted Jonathan Walters by directing the skeleton scene in Hand-to Mouth’s production of Blue.  He was fight choreographer and style coach for Third Rail’s production of Number 3.  He directed his own play Hermes’ Mother at the Seattle Fringe Festival.  In New York City he directed his own adaptation of the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales at Expanded Arts, and The Late Christopher Bean for The Oberon Theatre Ensemble.  He was an artistic associate for three years with School is Fun Productions in St. Petersburg Florida creating and directing several shows for schools.  He worked for The Orange County Historical Museum, The Orlando Science Museum and The Tampa Historical Society adapting and directing shows based on museum content, science curriculum and historical documentation.  As an actor he has appeared at Lincoln Center, The Hartford Stage, The Civic Theatre of Central Florida, and in Portland with Artist Repertory Theatre and Imago Theatre.  He is an Artistic Associate at The Portland Actors Conservatory where he teaches Clown, Mask, Movement and Voice. (10/2007)

Hans Eleveld moved to Portland from Corvallis three years ago.  He has studied acting under Devon Allen at Portland State University.  Favorite roles include Aaranow in Glengarry Glen Ross, Vaslov in DasVedanya Mama, Ralph in Listeners and John Proctor in The Crucible. Hans would like to thank his family and friends for all their love and support. (May 2008)

Cathy Evleshin is a professor of dance and nationally recognized folklorist, lectures on culture and dance at Portland State University, specializing in the Cuban and Brazilian complexes. She has studied with various artists from the Conjunto Folklorico Nacional, Afro Cuba, Raíces Profundas, and Ballet Folklórico de Santiago, both in Cuba and in the U.S. She continues to perform with Axe Dide, Omo Ire, and other groups in the Portland area. She has worked independently with the Miracle Theater for two decades, as choreographer, performer, director and consultant. (April 2008)

Cathy Evleshin es profesora de baile y una folclorista reconocida a nivel nacional. Da clases de cultura y baile en Portland State University, con especialidad en Cuba y Brasil.  Ha estudiado con varios artistas del Conjunto Folklorico Nacional, Afro Cuba, Raíces Profundas, y el Ballet Folklórico de Santiago, en Cuba y el los estados Unidos.  Toda vía se presenta con Axe Dide, Omo Ire, y otros grupos en el area de Portland.  Ha trabajado independientemente con el Miracle Theater por dos décadas como coreógrafa, bailarina, directora y asesora.  (April 2008)

Sarah Farrell is thrilled to be appearing in her first show with Miracle Theatre Group.  She is a graduate of The Portland Actors Conservatory’s Professional Actor Training Program class of 2007 and serves as PAC’s Production Manager.  Sarah was recently seen in The Mail Order Bride and Small Tragedy. (10/2007)

Jane Fellows has appeared with Mt Hood Repertory Theatre Co. in ON GOLDEN POND, Many Hats Collaboration in MUTT, The Bluestockings in THICKER THAN WATER and OTHER WOMEN, Masque Alfresco in TARTUFFE, and is co-director of ACTING UP – ACTING OUT! A Performance Workshop for children. With a BFA and MFA, she has acted, directed, and taught throughout the Northwest, recently appearing in AGNES OF GOD, WINGS, COLLECTED STORIES, and THE BELLE OF AMHERST.(9/2007)

Alisha Flaumenbaum marks her third year with the Miracle Theatre Group and in Oregon. A native of Pennsylvania, she’s made her way to Portland after working at various theatres, schools, and theme parks in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, California and London. With a BFA in Set Design and Props, Alisha currently holds the position of Props Artisan at Portland Center Stage. Alisha would like to send a special thanks to Mica for his incredible patience and support. (1/2008)

Alexander Fox has been acting since he was seven years old. Some roles include Richard Roma in Glengarry Glen Ross, Norman in The Star Spangled Girl, Antonio  in Twelfth Night and Starky in Peter Pan. Outside of performing he also stage manages for Clackamas Repertory Theatre and is currently a senior at PSU. (May 2008)

Jaime Galán es natural de Cádiz (España) y  ha vivido en Portland desde el 2003. Ha trabajado en la industria del turismo haciendo sketches de humor y de baile en diversos hoteles de Andalucía y de las Islas Canarias. Hoy en día trabaja como maestro de español en una escuela primaria y esta muy agradecido al Milagro de po-der participar en una obra de un autor de su propia tierra como es García Lorca.  (1/2008)

Jaime Galán is a native of Cádiz, Spain, and has lived in Portland since 2003. He has worked in the tourism industry performing comedy and dance at a variety of hotels in Andalucía and the Canary Islands. He is currently working as a Spanish teacher in an elementary school and is grateful to the Miracle to be able to participate in a play by an author from his homeland such as García Lorca. (1/2008)

Emily Gleason is delighted to return to la tierra de los muertos for another round of laughs and thrills after appearing last on Miracle's stage in last year's La Carpa Calavera. Recently, she had been hopping around Portland and touring the U.S. as a frog and many other creatures in Imago Theater's Frogz and Biglittlethings for two years.  Prior productions include A Midsummer Night's Dream, To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.  She is proficient in equestrian vaulting, the art of gymnastics and dance on horseback (which translates well to coffins and gravestones).  Currently a full-time student at PSU in Theater Arts and working with the lovely people at Portland Youth Philharmonic, Emily enjoys hiking and traveling in her spare time. (10/2007)

José E. González began his profesional career with the Portland Civic Theatre in 1975. He received his BA from the University of Santa Clara and MFA in Scenic Design from UCLA. For five years he was the resident designer and technical director for the Harbor Playhouse in Corpus Christi, Texas. González is co-founder and Executive Director of the Miracle Theatre Group, where most recently he has designed scenery for La Noche Eterna: El Día de los Muertos Festival.  (April 2008)

Ian Goodrich is a student at Portland State University studying play writing and dramaturgy. Relatively new to the Portland threatre scene, he was Hutch  in the Bluestockings production of "The Fall of the House" earlier this year. Other credits of note include performing in the 2006 Afield Program plays, and his work as assistant...well everything...for East Bay Area teatro group Teatro L.O.C.O.S. from 1995-7 for their productions of "When El Cucui Walks" and "Camino Confusion." This is Ian's first time working with the Milagro Theatre Company, and his first official outing as a dramaturge. (9/2007)

Mark Haack returns to the Miracle Theatre for his fifth show. His previous work here includes Rosalba y los Llaveros, The Road to Xibalbá, El Día de los Muertos Festival 2004 and Ardiente Paciencia. He also designed the Oregon Children’s Theatre world premiere, of The Giver, for which he won a Drammy Award for set design. Before moving to Portland in 1992, Mark lived in New York where he designed and assisted on dozens of Broadway and Off Broadway productions. He has also been art director or production designer on numerous studio, independent and made-for-TV films. Mark’s next project is Oregon Children’s Theater’s production of Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse in January (9/2007)

Matt Haynes (known by the local thespians as "Tall Matt Haynes") has worked in Portland theatre for 3 years. Favorite roles include The Creature in FRANKENSTEIN (Northwest Children's Theatre), Rolander in THE MATTER OF J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER (Northwest Classical Theatre Company), The Boy in IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE (Oregon Children's Theatre) and A Big Black Woman in THE LIAR'S CLUB (Brooklyn Bay). A proud product of the east coast and an extremely content west coast resident, Matt works as an actor, acting teacher, youth director and serves on the board of the Portland Area Theatre Alliance (PATA) which will be releasing the Portland theatre cookbook, THE GREEN ROOM GOURMET, in November. Matt studied at Skidmore College and is a graduate of the Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre.(10/2007)

Nurys Herrera es de Lima, Perú. Esta su obra 16ava obra en el Miracle y ha sido parte del Teatro Español desde el 2002. Se presentó en Ardiente paciencia y La Carpa Calavera. Quisiera agradecer a Olga Sanchez por la oportunidad de trabajar de nuevo bajo su dirección. Muy pronto Nurys sorprenderá a la audiencias infantil con su programa de TV en español El show de la conejita en Univision … no se lo pierdan!  Todo su amor y trabajo para su querida familia y para bapebita. (1/2008)

Nurys Herrera is from Lima, Peru. This is her 16th play at Miracle, and has been a member of Teatro Español since 2002. She was last seen in Ardiente paciencia and La Carpa Calavera. She would like to thank Olga Sanchez for the opportunity to work under her direction once again. Soon, Nurys will surprise young audiences with her Spanish-language kid’s TV program El show de la conejita on Univision ... don’t miss it! All her love and work to her lovely family and bapebita. (1/2008)

Joel Hobson is the Designer and Technical Director for Pacific University Theatre & Dance in Forest Grove. He earned an MFA from the University of Georgia with an emphasis in light design. Joel is thrilled to be working with such wonderful artists on this original composition.  (10/2007)

Jorge L. Infante specializes in musical theatre, studied playwrighting and theatre at Havana’s Instituto Superior de Arte and later with famed Cuban designer Rafael D’Leon. Jorge also studied advanced sewing at the Cuban school Alta Costura and worked for six years for Turarte S.A., a Cuban company dedicated to making the most important costumes for musical shows such as the famous Tropicana. During the past three years, he studied in Europe with a dance company called Yoldance and worked on a spectacle called Viva Cuba for which he made most of the costumes. Jorge has worked with North American director Tony Giordano and on Danza Contemporanea de Cuba’s Havana Carnaval, which opened at the National Theatre of Cuba. In Portland, Jorge has crafted projects for the Oregon Ballet Theatre’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with designer Sandra Woodall.  (April 2008)

Jorge L. Infante se especializa en teatro musical, estudió dramaturgia y teatro en el Instituto Superior de Arte de la Habana en el año 1992 y después con el entonces afamado diseñador cubano Rafael D' Leon,. También estudió en una escuela cubana de Alta Costura. Trabajó durante seis años para Turarte S.A, que es una compañía cubana dedicada a realizar los más importantes vestuarios para los espectáculos musicales cubanos de la talla del famoso Tropicana. Durante los últimos tres años estuvo de viaje por Europa con una compañía de danza llamada Yoldance en su súper producción Viva Cuba, donde él realizó la mayoría de los vestuarios. Trabajó en una producción de Tony Giordano (director norteamericano) y Danza Contemporánea de Cuba llamada Havana Carnaval y que se estreno en el Teatro Nacional de Cuba. Al llegar aquí hizo una producción artesanal para el Oregon Ballet Theatre en su producción A Midsummer Night's Dream, junto a la diseñadora Sandra Woodall.  (April 2008)

Dennis Kelly counts among his favorite roles Levene in Glengarry Glen Ross, Estragon in Waiting for Godot, Jerry in Tales of the Lost Formicans, and Skouratov/Annenkov in The Rope by Albert Camus.  Dennis has also appeared in The Shape of Things, Big Love, Alice in Bed, and Interview by Jean-Claude van Itallie. He has trained in the advanced acting series at Portland State University and is currently engaged in a journeymanship with director Devon Allen regarding the craft of teaching acting. (May 2008)

Jesus Kobe is from Oaxaca, Mexico, where he began his career as a visual artist eight years ago.  He studied art in the Rufino Tamayo School and Bellas Artes.  He moved to Portland, Oregon about a year ago and is currently working on several community projects. (11/07)

Bibiana Lorenzo nació en Buenos Aires, Argentina y ha estado en proyectos artísticos desde que era niña. Como miembro de Teatro Educativo con su padre, madre y hermano, su primer papel fue a la edad de 12 años. Estudió en varias escuelas de teatro en BsAs y se presento con diversos grupos. Con el grupo de Teatro Latino, viajó a España presentando trabajos de autores tales como Pirandello, García Lorca y otros. Vive en los Estados Unidos desde hace 8 años, Bibiana siempre ha deseado volver a su amor por la actuación, y lo hizo cuando apareció en Rosalba y los Llaveros, una producción del Miracle en la temporada pasada. Ella desea agradecer a todas las personas que le han dado esta oportunidad, y dedica esta obra a su padre, amigos y a sus cuatro hijos. (1/2008)

Mark Loring es un legen-dario glotón y un ambicioso “kinker” que pinta en su tiempo libre. Le gusta trabajar en el Milagro con todos sus santos. (1/2008)

Mark Loring is a legendary scarfer and aspiring kinker who does a little painting on the side. He likes to work at the Miracle with all its saints. (1/2008)

Gina Elizabeth LoVecchio is Miracle’s resident stage manager. Earlier this season she stage managed Mariela in the Desert and Bodas de sangre and supported stage management teams for the remaining productions. A California native, Gina’s credits include American Conservatory Theater, SF Shakespeare Festival, PCPA Theaterfest, Word for Word, and TheaterFIRST. Gina started as a props master 20 years ago and thanks to Kevin J. Stich won’t be leaving the theater anytime soon. ¡Ciao! (May 2008)

Jorge Madrid-Enamorado es de Honduras y se mudó a los EEUU cuando tenía 15 años. En este momento el es parte de Zapatista que iniciara su gira muy pronto y se ha presentado en el teatro en la producción en español de Miracle de Rosalba y los Llaveros y La Carpa Calavera. Esta es su quinta producción con el Milagro; las otras producciones en las que apareció son Fausto y El jardín de sueños. Es la primera vez que Jorge participa con Milagro, la compañía itinerante, además también ha trabajado en películas independientes locales. (1/2008)

Jorge Madrid-Enamorado is from Honduras and moved to the U.S. at age 15. He is currently touring with Teatro Milagro’s production of Zapatista and has also appeared in Miracle’s Spanish-language production of Rosalba y los Llaveros and La Carpa Calavera. This is his fifth production with Miracle, having appeared previously in Fausto and El jardín de sueños. This is Jorge’s first season of touring in the Teatro Milagro troupe, and he has also worked in local independent films.(1/2008)

Frances Marsh is new to the Portland area from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. She is a graduate of Humboldt State University’s MFA program and currently works at Portland Community College.   (May 2008)

Gilberto Martín del Campo nació en Querétaro, México, se mudó a Portland como hace 8 años, y en el 2005 se graduó en el programa de entrenamiento para actores profesionales del Portland Actors Conservatory. Actualmente Gilberto forma parte del elenco de la producción itinerante del Teatro Milagro, Zapatista, que se estrenó aquí en el teatro el mes pasado. Esta es su quinta producción en el Milagro, se lo ha visto en Rosalba y los Llaveros, Fuente Ovejuna y Ardiente Paciencia. Recientemente también formo parte de Ferdinand the Bull con el Oregon Children’s Theatrey Metamorphoses con Artists Rep. (1/2008)

Gilberto Martín del Campo was born in Queretaro, Mexico, moved to Portland about 8 years ago, and graduated in 2005 from the professional actors training program at Portland Actors Conservatory. Gilberto is currently appearing in Teatro Milagro’s touring production of Zapatista, which opened here at the Milagro Theatre last month. This is Gilberto’s fifth production at the Miracle, having also appeared in Rosalba y los Llaveros, Fuente Ovejuna and Ardiente paciencia.  He was also recently in Oregon Children’s Theatre production of Ferdinand the Bull and Metamorphoses at Artists Rep. (1/2008)

Hannah E. Martin is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Portland State University, serving in the Marine Corps and the Navy before settling in Portland. As a writer, she has been published in several periodicals including The Oregon Literary Review and New Moon. Hannah’s directing credits include Lipstick and Other Cosmetics and The Real Inspector Hound. She has been stage manager for numerous productions, to include Othello, The Pirates of Penzance, Thom Pain (based on nothing) and, for Miracle, La Carpa del Ausente: El Día de los Muertos Festival last autumn.  (April 2008)

Hannah E. Martin es graduada de la U.S. Naval Academy y Portland State University, sirvió en el Cuerpo de Marina y en la Marina antes de establecerse en Portland. Como escritora, ha publicado en varios periódicos entre los que constan The Oregon Literary Review y New Moon. Entre las obras que ha dirigido estan Lipstick and Other Cosmetics y The Real Inspector Hound.  Ha sido regidora de escena para varias producciones entre ellas Othello, The Pirates of Penzance, Thom Pain (based on nothing) y, para el Miracle, La Carpa del Ausente: El Día de los Muertos Festival el otoño pasado.  (April 2008)

Rebecca Martinez works as an actor, director, singer, dancer and choreographer. Most recently, she directed Miracle's production of Sonia Flew, the Spanish language presentation of Ardiente Paciencia, and wrote and directed the bilingual production of La Noche Eterna for Miracle's El Día de los Muertos Festival. As a playwright, Rebecca has written and created a total of 11 music, dance and theatre productions, nine of which have been produced by Miracle Theatre. As a singer, Rebecca has performed with a number of folkloric Cuban and Mexican musical ensembles, and currently sings with the salsa/timba band Aguamiel. She currently instructs youth in Latin American folkloric dance and performs with her own company, Viva la Cultura! She is an ensemble member of Sojourn Theatre, and in 2003 she was awarded a Drammy Award for choreography. Rebecca is a 2006 co-recipient of the Lilla Jewel Award from the MRG Foundation and a 2007 recipient of a Neighborhood Arts Grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council to create and direct a touring multi-cultural presentation of theatre, dance and music. Additionally, Rebecca works as the Education and Outreach Director at Artists Repertory Theatre.  (April 2008)

Sharon Martini hails from London England. Making her debut at Miracle Theater, her stage performances include, The Vagina Monologues (PCC and IFCC), WonderBroads (BroadArts Theater), Rag Time (Lakewood Theater). She also sung on the Main Stage at the Armory with PlayWrite, Inc. and in Portland Opera’s production of Turnadot.(10/2007)

Danny Moreno: This will be Danny's 2nd year with Miracle Theater performing in El Dia De Los Muertos "La Carpa Calvera" last year, and now "La Carpa Del Alsunte." He is very excited to be returning for another great show.  He has been involved in performing for several years.  He has  choreographed dance numbers for Peacock in the Park three years running.  Six years ago he began fire dancing and has performed with Portland's very own Pele's Element.  One of his newest ventures is Choreographing with flags, he has had the opportunity to do several performances as a back up dancer with his flags, including La Carpa. He would like to thank everyone who has given him support through all his endeavours (10/2007)

Kate Mura recently assembled props for Oyá: Call the Storm and Mariela in the Desert. Around Portland her props and wigs have been seen at Northwest Children’s Theatre, Insight Out Theatre Collective, Lakewood Theatre, Lewis & Clark College and Third Rail Rep. Regionally she’s worked with the Goodman Theatre, Seattle Opera and Seattle Repertory Theatre, Artists Repertory and Portland Center Stage. She is a performer, mask-maker and proud member of IATSE Local 28. (May 2008)

Veronika Núñez nació en Texas pero creció Venezuela. Tras culminar sus estudios en Educación en la Universidad Católica Andrés Bello a finales del año 2000, se mudó a Oregon con su esposo Blas. Desde el 2002 ha participado en varias obras en el Milagro incluyendo La barca sin pescador, Fuente Ovejuna, y Rosalba y los Llaveros. Actualmente es estudiante de actuación en el Portland Actors Conservatory.  Le agradece infinitamente a todas las personas que la han ayudado, apoyado e inspirado a seguir sus sueños, especialmente su familia y sus amigos. Le dedica su participación a todos aquellos que luchan cada día por conocerse a si mismos, por alcanzar sus metas y aportar algo positivo a la humanidad. (1/2008)

Verónika Núñez was born in Texas but grew up in Venezuela. After finishing her studies in Education at the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello at the end of 2000, she moved to Oregon with her husband Blas. Since 2002, she has participated in several plays at Miracle, including La barca sin pescador, Fuente Ovejuna and Rosalba y los Llaveros. Currently she is a student of acting at Portland Actors Conservatory. She is extremely grateful to everyone who has helped her, supported her and inspired her to follow her dreams, especially her family and friends. She dedicates her performance to all those who fight every day for self-awareness, to reach their goals and to do something positive for humanity. (1/2008)

Rodolfo Ortega has composed music and designed sound for numerous theaters in Portland Oregon and across the region. Rodolfo Ortega received his Bachelor's Degree in Music from the University of Arizona and his Master of Music degree from Manhattan School of Music where he studied piano and composition. He has composed music and designed sound for the recent productions of Artist Repertory Theater's House and Gardens, Metamorphoses, Frozen, and Assassins. He has composed many of the productions at Miracle Theater including the recent production's of Mariela in the Desert, Adriente Paciencia and Lorca in a Green. For the Profile Theater Company his credits include designing the music for Lisbon Traviata, Redwood Curtain, Talley's Folley, and Talley and Sons. Additionally he has composed the music for Frankenstein, for which he received a Drammy Award in 2006, Swiss Family Robinson, for which he received a Drammy Award in 2007 Diary of Anne Frank, and Sleepy Hollow for Northwest children's theater. He has also composed music for Charlotte's Web, Tuck Everlasting, BFG, Holes and Cyrano for the Oregon Children's Theater. For the 2000-2001 season Rodolfo was awarded the Drammy in Sound Design and Composition for a season of outstanding work and in 2001-2002 season he was again awarded the Drammy for his compositions for Tuck Everlasting for Oregon Children's Theater and in 2004 year he received the Drammy in Composition for Lorca in a Green Dress.   (April 2008)

Isidro Valor Pérez began his career in Cuba in 1984 at the age of 16, studying voice and Afro-Cuban percussion with famed musicians Tata Guines, Panetto Quinto Angel Glez and Changuito. From 1991 to 2001 he toured internationally as a musician and dancer with Piños Nuevos, during which time the company was awarded 37 distinctive medals, trophies and honors. Isidro graduated from the Centro Musical Dansario Pro-Dansa de Cuba and the Gran Teatro de la Habana. Isidro has performed in national festivals and tourism events in Cuba, as well as international festivals in Belgium, Holland, France, Portugal and Spain.  (April 2008)

Isido Valor Perez comenzó su carrera en Cuba en 1984 a la edad de 16 años, estudio voz y percusión afrocubana con los famosos músicos Tata Guines, Panetto Quinto Angel Glez y Changuito.  Desde 1991 hasta el 2001 realizó varias giras internacionales como músico y bailarín con Piños Nuevos, durante este tiempo la compañía fue galardonada con 37 diferentes medallas, trofeos y condecoraciones.  Isidro se graduó del Centro Musical Dansario Pro-Dansa de Cuba y del Gran Teatro de la Habana.  Isidro se ha presentado en festivales nacionales y eventos turísticos en Cuba, así como en festivales en Bélgica, Holanda, Francia, Portugal y España.  (April 2008)

Matthew Preston is a student of the Mt. Hood Community College theatre program.  Next year he will be attending Portland State University.  He has appeared in many productions for Mt. Hood CC, most recently in Sorid Lives and Fiddler on the Roof.  He has also performed with many local theater companies, including Stumptown Stages, where he played the Warden in Reefer Madness and Mt. Hood Repertory Theatre in the role of the Bellhop in Lend Me a Tenor.  This is Matthew’s first season of touring with Teatro Milagro. (1/07)

Luciana Proaño is a Peruvian dancer and artist dedicated to multidisciplinary and cross-cultural work. With training in Ballet, Modern Dance, Yoga, Peruvian Folk dance, Gymnastics, Athletics, Percussion and Anthropology. Her work has been seen around Europe in theaters such as Queen Elizabeth Hall in London and The UNESCO in Paris, in the US in the American Dance Festival, New Music America, Lincoln Center and Dance Theater Workshop in New York, also in Mexico and various South American Countries. In 1987 Luciana received an Artists fellowship and postdoctoral grant from the French government and was later appointed assistant choreographer to the Centre Choreographique Nacional. From 1989 to 1993 Luciana received funding from the Rockefeller Foundation through DTW and the National Performance Network.  (April 2008)

Luciana es una bailarina peruana y una artista dedicada al trabajo multidisciplinario e intercultural. Posee entrenamiento en ballet, danza moderna, yoga, bailes folclóricos peruanos, gimnasia, atletismo, percusión y antropología. Su trabajo se ha visto en Europa en el Queen Elizabeth Hall en Londres y en la UNESCO en Paris, en los Estados Unidos en el American Dance Festival, New Music America, Lincoln Center y Dance Theater Workshop en New York, también en México y en varios países latinoamericanos.  En 1987 Luciana recibió una asociación artística y una beca posdoctorado del gobierno francés y luego fue seleccionada como asistente coreógrafa del Centre Choreographique Nacional.  De 1989 hasta 1993 Luciana recibió financiamiento de la Rockefeller Foundation a través de DTW y el National Performance Network.  (April 2008)

Nelda Reyes es estudiante de Maestría en Teatro en Portland State University, educadora y actriz en el Milagro. Ella ha estudiado en la escuela de Teatro de Moscú de la Universidad de Harvard,  en México con el maestro Luis de Tavira y Teatro Línea de Sombra además de trabajar para la Compañía de Teatro de La Universidad de Guadalajara. Ha sido asistente de dirección en varias ocasiones para ópera y teatro en México y USA. Entre sus últimas apariciones están Rosalba y los Llaveros  como Rosalba y La Carpa del Ausente como Rita. Nelda agradece a Milagro de nuevo por esta aventura, espero disfruten de este siempre intrigante clásico del drama español. (1/2008)

Nelda Reyes is studying at PSU for her master’s degree in theatre while working as an actor and educator at Miracle. She’s studied in the Moscow Art Theatre School at Harvard University with Luis de Tavira, Teatro Línea de Sombra, and worked with the Company of Theatre of the University of Guadalajara, among others. She has participated in productions at PSU, Theater! Theatre! and Miracle. She has been seen as Rosalba in Rosalba y los Llaveros and Rita in La Carpa del Ausente. Nelda thanks Miracle for this adventure and hopes you enjoy this intriguing classic. (1/2008)

Jennifer Rowe is a senior at Portland State University where she studies advanced acting with Devon Allen. Recently, she has played the title role in Medea, staged the avant-garde comedy DasVedanyda Mama at CoHo Theater and played the lead role in Caryl Churchill’s Vinegar Tom. Other favorite roles include the patient in Sarah Kane’s 4.48 Psychosis, and Jenny from The Shape of Things. She is also the keyboardist for local band Delightful Young Man. (May 2008)

Olga Sanchez es la directora artística de los programas Miracle MainStage y Bellas Artes. Dirigió Blood Wedding para el Miracle en 1999 y ha disfrutado profundamente la oportunidad de volver a trabajar esta obra de Lorca en su español original con los maravillosos actores de Teatro Español y un fabuloso equipo de diseño. Al principio de esta temporada. Olga apareció en Mariela in the Desert de Karen Zacarías. La temporada pasada ella dirigió Frida, un retablo de Dañel Malán y el estreno mundial de The Road to Xibalbá de Joann Farías. Entre las producciones que ha dirigido para el Miracle constan Clean de Edwin Sanchez; Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue y The Adventures of Barrio Grrrl! de Quiara Alegría Hudes; When the Blues Chase Up a Rabbit de Ruben Sierra y Lorca in a Green Dress de Nilo Cruz, con la cual recibió un Drammy por Excelente Dirección. Olga es la creadora de los programas bilingües Pluma Nueva de talleres, la Posada Milagro un programa comunitario de celebración y Cuentos y Teatro un campamento de actuación para niños en español. Olga posee una licenciatura en teatro del Hunter Collegue, CUNY y una Maestría en Desarrollo Humano del Pacific Oaks Collegue NW, con la especialización en Desarrollo Bicultural. (1/2008)

Olga Sanchez is the Artistic Director of Miracle MainStage and Bellas Artes. She directed Blood Wedding for the Miracle in 1999 and has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to revisit Lorca’s play in its original Spanish with the exquisite actors of Teatro Español and a tremendous design team. Earlier this season, she appeared in Mariela in the Desert by Karen Zacarías. Last season Olga directed Dañel Malán’s Frida, un retablo and the world premiere of The Road to Xibalbá by Joann Farías. Other productions she has directed for Miracle include Clean by Edwin Sanchez; Quiara Alegría Hudes’ Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue and The Adventures of Barrio Grrrl!; Ruben Sierra’s When the Blues Chase Up a Rabbit and Lorca in a Green Dress by Nilo Cruz, for which she received a Drammy for Outstanding Direction. Olga is the creator of Pluma Nueva bilingual arts workshops, Posada Milagro, a community-based holiday program, and Cuentos y Teatro, Miracle’s Spanish-language children’s acting camp. She holds a BA in Theatre from Hunter College, CUNY, and a Masters in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College NW, with specialization in Bicultural Development. (1/2008)

Raquel Schuh recibió su titulo de bachiller en administración de empresas de la University of Phoenix en el 2004. Nativa de los Ángeles, Raquel tiene mucha experiencia en la industria nupcial. Debido a esta fuerte experiencia y conocimiento de la industria nupcial y de modas, Raquel actualmente está terminando su internado con el Miracle Theatre Group bajo la directa supervisión de la diseñadora Lori Sue Hoffman en la producción de Bodas de sangre. (1/2008)

Raquel Schuh received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix in 2004. A native of Los Angeles, Raquel has an extensive background in the bridal industry. Due to her strong background and knowledge of bridal and fashion design, Raquel is currently completing her professional fashion design certificate through Portland Community College. She is currently completing her internship with Miracle Theatre Group under the direct supervision of designer Lori Sue Hoffman on the production of Bodas de sangre (1/2008) .

David Sikking recently appeared in The Crucible, Birdsend, The Destiny of Me and Mrs. Bob Cratchit at Artists Repertory Theatre. He was the founder and artistic director of Hellfire Productions, producers of Portland’s late-night Twilight Zone series and the Clive Barker pieces Sex, Death & Starshine, and The History of the Devil. He has performed at the Edinbrugh Fringe Festival in a one-man show based on the life of Raymond Chandler, and has appeared locally at Theatre Vertigo, Triangle Productions, and others. David teaches and heads the Language Arts Department at Beaverton’s Arts & Communication Magnet Academy.(9/2007)

Joshua Spencer has been acting and directing for 15 years in Ohio and New York. Acting credits include Sycamore in The Unseen Hand, Furball #2 in Sincerity Forever, and John Williamson in Glengarry Glen Ross. Directing credits include Tom Donaghy’s Northeast Local, José Rivera’s Each Day Dies With Sleep and Caryl Churchill’s Three More Sleepless Nights. He was assistant director on Will Eno’s Thom Pain (based on nothing) produced by Our Shoes Are Red/The Performance Lab. He holds theatre degrees from Kent State University and Portland State University. (May 2008)

Carmen Martin Stiles es de España, aunque lleva en Portland casi 10 años y se considera también “de las Américas.” Adora el teatro y el buen cine y aunque lleva toda su vida profesional dedicada a la enseñanza, se siente pertenecer en gran medida al mundo del escenario, por sus prácticas y actuaciones cuándo era estudiante, por la experiencia dirigiendo en pequeñas representaciones a sus propios alumnos y por las dotes de actuación que requiere ser profesora de una segunda lengua. Carmen es profesora de Portland Community College y directora del programa de radio Buscando América de KBOO. Colaboró con el grupo Teatro Milagro en la obra Mi vida gitana como consultora de lenguaje y esta es su prime-ra actuación con “esta familia tan especial de la
farándula.” (1/2008)

Carmen Martin Stiles is originally from Spain, even though she has been in Portland for almost 10 years and considers herself “from America.” She adores theater and films, and although she has dedicated her professional life to teaching, she feels very drawn to the stage, through her work as a student, through her experiences directing short presentations with her own students, and through the acting talents required to be an instructor of a second language. Carmen is a professor at Portland Community College and host of the Buscando América radio program on KBOO. She has collaborated with Miracle Theatre as language consultant for the play Mi vida gitana; this is her first role with “this very special theater family.” (1/2008)

Phil Stockton is making his debut both in Portland and for the Miracle Theatre, and he’s thrilled to be working with such a talented cast and crew. Phil recently moved from the San Francisco Bay Area and worked for many theatre companies there, including the Magic Theatre, the American Conservatory Theatre, George Coates Performance Works, Encore Theater, the Aurora Theatre and Shotgun Players, among others. He has worked in Televisiont appearing on “Nash Bridges”, “America?’ Most Wanted” and “General Hospital” as well as a number of independent Film projects. He is the recipient of two Dramalogue Awards. He dedicates this project to his father, Bayard.(9/2007)

Ina V. Strauss was most recently seen on the Miracle stage in mipueblow.biz and Barrio Hollywood. Prior to that, she toured in the 2002 version of FRIDA un retablo, and performed in the MainStage award winning production of Icarus. Ina has trained at PSU and The Canadian National Voice Intensive. Her film credits include All the Labor and Stain. This winter she is performing at the Electric Company in The Bad Seed. (9/2007)

Caridad Svich is a playwright-songwriter-translator and editor of Cuban-Spanish-Argentine-Croatian descent. She is the recipient of New Dramatists’ 2007 Whitfield Cook Prize for New Writing for her play Lucinda Caval, and the 2003 National Latino Playwriting Award for Magnificent Waste. She’s also received a Harvard University Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study Bunting fellowship, a TCG/Pew National Theatre Artist Grant, and has been short-listed twice for the PEN USA-West Award in Drama. Recent premieres: The Tropic of X at artheater-Cologne (Germany), her play with alt-country songs Thrush at Salvage Vanguard Theatre in Austin, and her adaptation of the Serbian dark comedy Huddersfield as a TUTA production at Victory Gardens Theatre in Chicago, Iphigenia…a rave fable at 7 Stages in Atlanta/GA and Son of Semele/CA, her translation of Garcia Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba at the Pearl Theatre/NY, and her multimedia collaboration The Booth Variations at 59 East 59 th Street Theatre/NY and Edinburgh Fringe Festival/UK.

Omar Vargas viene de Ecuador, donde trabajaba con su propia compañía “Al Mimo Tiempo” además de presentarse con  varios grupos de la región.  Ha viajado con su propio show Sobreviviendo por Latinoamérica, México y los EEUU.  En Portland ha compartido su talento como actor y mimo con el Teatro Milagro en 13 producciones, además de los programas educativos de las bibliotecas de tres condados y el RACC.  En este momento Omar se esta presentando como Don Antonio en Zapatista, la producción itinerante del teatro Milagro.  También se lo pudo ver en la producción del Miracle de Ardiente paciencia en el papel de Pablo Neruda. (1/2008)

Omar Vargas is originally from Ecuador, where he managed both his own arts company, Al Mimo Tiempo, as well as performed with several regional theatre groups. He toured his one-man show, Sobreviviendo, throughout Latin America, Mexico and the U.S.  Locally; he has shared his talents as an actor and a mime with the Miracle Theatre Group in 14 productions, the tri-county Library Arts-in-Education program and the Regional Arts and Culture Council.  Currently Omar is playing the role of Don Antonio in Teatro Milagro’s touring production of Zapatista. He has also appeared in Miracle’s production of Ardiente paciencia in the lead role of Pablo Neruda. (1/2008)

Sophya Vidal is a recent graduate of the Portland State University Graduate Theater program.  A support of the Miracle Theatre group, she is pleased and proud to have this opportunity to design for the Milagro stage. The Dia de Los Muertos show is one of her favorite theatrical traditions from the Miracle Theatre and feels this production does well in those footsteps.(10/2007)

Ashley Wase is pleased to be working with Miracle Theatre for the first time.  Previous local productions include Orson’s Shadow (ART), The Melody Lingers On and No Way to Treat a Lady (Broadway Rose), Music Man and Oklahoma (Lakewood), and HONK! at Northwest Children’s Theatre.  She has also worked for Foothill Theatre Company (CA); California Music Circus (Sacramento), North Shore Music Theatre (MA), and The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival. She would like to thank Eric for his love and support.(10/2007)

Clara Weishahn has appeared in productions of Vinegar Tom, Don Pasquale, L’Enfant et les Sortileges and Mozart Reimagined. Clara worked and performed in Germany with El Cimarrón Ensemble, premiering Il Trittico, three contemporary one-act operas. She studies advanced acting with Devon Allen, voice with Angela Niederloh and works at Portland Center Stage.  Clara thanks her family and friends for their support, and Devon and Milagro for the opportunity to collaborate with such an excellent creative team. (May 2008)

Peter West es nativo de Nueva York y estudió en el Reed College y Portland State University. Hizo el diseño de iluminación durante 7 temporadas para la compañía de danza moderna Cirque/Portland Dance Theatre y 8 temporadas para The Jefferson Dancers. Para el Oregon Ballet Theatre iluminó Equinoxe, Crayola, Rodeo, Mysterious Mountain, Gloria, Schéhérazade y Frauenliebe und Leben. Para Portland Opera sus creditos incluyen Carmen, Martha, Don Giovanni, Le Nozze di Figaro, Der Rosenkavalier, Andrea Chenier y Don Pasquale. Ha diseñado y producido eventos corporativos, exhibiciones y proyectos especiales en los EEUU, Asia y Europa para Nike, Keen Footwear, Columbia Sportswear, Nintendo, Autodesk, Hewlett-Packard, Nordstrom, Adidas, Freightliner, Skechers y Dr. Martens. Entre sus proyectos arquitectónicos se incluyen exhibiciones de iluminación para The Museum at Warm Springs, The Behring-Hoffman UC Berkeley Anthropological Museum, y Niketown Atlanta. En el Oregon Children’s Theatre realizó el diseño de iluminación para las producciones de Velveteen Rabbit, Ramona Quimby y The Giver. Su trabajo más reciente para el Miracle es The Road to Xibalbá y para The Coaster Theatre A Glass Menagerie. Ha recibido el premio Drammy por Excelente Iluminación para Barrio Hollywood, Lorca in a Green Dress y Men on the Verge. Es instructor de teatro en el Lewis & Clark College.  (1/2008)

Peter West is a native of New York and educated at Reed College and Portland State University. He designed seven seasons of lighting for the groundbreaking modern dance company Cirque/Portland Dance Theatre. He designed eight seasons for The Jefferson Dancers. For Oregon Ballet Theatre he lit Equinoxe, Crayola, Rodeo, Mysterious Mountain, Gloria, Schéhérazade and Frauenliebe und Leben. His Portland Opera credits include Carmen, Martha, Don Giovanni, Le Nozze di Figaro, Der Rosenkavalier, Andrea Chenier and Don Pasquale. He has designed and produced corporate events, trade shows and special projects in the U.S., Asia and Europe for Nike, Keen Footwear, Columbia Sportswear, Nintendo, Autodesk, Hewlett-Packard, Nordstrom, Adidas, Freightliner, Skechers and Dr. Martens. His architectural projects include exhibit lighting for The Museum at Warm Springs, The Behring-Hoffman UC Berkeley Anthropological Museum, and Nike-town Atlanta. He designed lighting for Oregon Children’s Theatre productions of The Velveteen Rabbit, Ramona Quimby and The Giver. Recent work includes Miracle Theatre’s Elliot, a Soldier’s Fugue, The Road to Xibalbá and A Glass Menagerie for The Coaster Theatre. He won Drammy Awards for Outstanding Lighting for Miracle Theatre’s Barrio Hollywood, Lorca in a Green Dress and Men on the Verge. He is adjunct instructor in theatre at Lewis & Clark College. (1/2008)

Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew is a lighting designer and puppetry artist straddling both coasts and everywhere in between.  She received an MFA from California Institute of the Arts and is currently an adjunct faculty with Stony Brook University.  Her recent designs include bobrauschenbergamerica, Trestle at Pope Lick Creek, The Blue Puppies Cycle, Frankenstein: Mortal Toys and The Saint Plays.  Aside from lighting, her original puppetry production The Butcher Men was invited to Prague’s 2007 Quadriennale.  www.jeanetteyew.com  (April 2008)

Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew es una diseñadora de iluminación que trabaja en las dos costas y también en lo queda en el centro.  Recibió una maestría del California Institute of the Arts y actualmente es Profesora Adjunta en  Stony Brook University  Entre sus mas recientes diseños constan: bobrauschenbergamerica, Trestle at Pope Lick Creek, The Blue Puppies Cycle, Frankenstein: Mortal Toys y The Saint Plays.  Aparte de la iliminación, su producción original de títeres The Butcher Men fue invitada al Quadriennale en Praga en al 2007.  www.jeanetteyew.com  (April 2008)

Karen Zacarías will have three world premieres this season: THE BOOK CLUB PLAY at Round House Theater (also selected for the 2007 Eugene O'Neill conference and developed with PWC), AN AMERICAN HOME at the Kennedy Center, and LOOKING FOR ROBERTO CLEMENTE at Imagination Stage (with music by Debbie Wicks La Puma) . MARIELA IN THE DESERT will also have its' East and West Coast premiere next season. Karen is the winner of the 2006 Francesca Primus Award for her play, MARIELA IN THE DESERT (World Premiere at The Goodman Theatre in Chicago). MARIELA is also the winner the 2005 TCG/AT&T First Stages Award, the 2004 National Latino Playwrights’ Competition, finalist for the 2004 Susan Smith Blackburn prize, and short listed for 2005 Kesselring Prize. Her play, THE SINS OF SOR JUANA won Outstanding New Play at the 2000 Helen Hayes Awards and has been produced throughout the country. Her musical plays for young people have enjoyed productions at The Goodman Theater, The Coterie, Chicago PlayWorks, The Alliance Theatre, Imagination Stage, Arden Theater, Cleveland Playhouse, and St. Louis Rep. The plays include EINSTEIN IS A DUMMY (world Premiere at the Alliance Theatre), a flamenco version of FERDINAND: THE BULL, the mariachi-inspired THE MAGICAL PIÒATA , and salsa/hip-hop CINDERELLA EATS RICE AND BEANS:A SALSA MUSICAL. Karen Zacarías is the founding artistic director of Young Playwrights’ Theater, an award-winning non-profit dedicated to enhancing literacy, arts empowerment and conflict resolution through playwriting in Washington, DC area schools. Recent plays she has written and co-written based on community experiences/interviews are THE OTHER RIVER (for Woolly Mammoth Theatre), RETRATOS (from the Smithsonian), AFRICAN ROOTS/LATINO SOUL (for Discovery Theater), THE INVISIBLE CITY (for Woolly Mammmoth), THE THIRTEENTH SUMMER OF WILLIAM AND PILAR (For YPT, African Continuum Theatre Co. and GALA Hispanc Theater). Currently, Karen is working on commissions from Arena Stage (EMILIE AND VOLTAIRE…WERE HERE), Round House Theater (an adaptation of HOW THE GARCIA GIRLS LOST THEIR ACCENTS), the Kennedy Center, and South Coast Repertory. Karen Z lives in D.C. with her husband Rett, and children Nico, Kati, and baby Maia.(9/2007)