Artwork by Sam Trevino/samdidit.com

All week, we’ve been introducing you to all things «Guapa«, our next production at Milagro opening March 22. Now, let’s go behind the scenes and meet the production team.

Olga Sanchez (Director) is one of Milagro’s two artistic directors. Last season she directed ¡Viva la Revolución! and prior to that, Boomcracklefly and ¡Viva Don Juan!. Favorite directorial projects for Milagro include: García Lorca’s Bodas de sangre (in the original Spanish), Nilo Cruz’s Lorca in a Green Dress (Drammy Award, Outstanding Direction), Dañel Malan’s Frida, un retablo, the premieres of Joann Farías’ The Road to Xibalbá, Rubén Sierra’s When the Blues Chase Up a Rabbit and Quiara Alegría Hudes’ The Adventures of Barrio Grrrl!. She is a founding member of Los Porteños writers group, and her work was most recently published by Electrik Milk Bath Press. 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.

José E. González (Scenic Designer) began his professional 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 Milagro, where most recently designed scenery and appeared onstage in Oedipus el Rey. 

Kristeen Crosser (Lighting Designer) received her BA from Centre College in Danville, KY and received her MFA in lighting design from Wayne State University, Hilberry Company in Detroit. Most recently at Milagro, she created the scenic design for La Celestina as well as the lighting design for Oedipus el Rey, Jardín de sueños and ¡Viva la Revolución! She would like to thank her husband Mike for all of his love and support.  

Rory Stitt (Sound Designer) has been working as a sound designer, composer, music director and actor for the past 15 years. As a solo artist, he has performed at the Kennedy Center, Joe’s Pub at the Public Theatre in New York, and the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles. He recently completed his first opera commission. Current commissions as a composer include an original musical for Alaska’s Perseverance Theatre, and a piece for the International Horn Society Symposium later this year.

Emily Powell Wright (Costume Designer) was born and raised in North Carolina, graduating from Wake Forest University in 2011 with a BA in Spanish. At Wake, she explored a variety of arts including videography, playwriting, acting, and costume design. She moved to Portland last year, and is currently the Development Assistant at Milagro. As well as working with Milagro, she teaches yoga at Yoga Bhoga.

Kristen Mun (Fight Choreographer) very excited to be working with Milagro again!  She is a recognized Associate Instructor thru Dueling Arts International and has trained throughout the country. She has worked as the Assistant Fight Director at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Recent work includes Bloody Bloody at Portland Playhouse, Hunter Gatherers with Vertigo Theatre, and has won Drammys for her fights in Danny and the Deep Blue Sea with Action Adventure and Oedipus El Rey with Miracle.

Kenichi Hillis (Prop Master) is a props designer who is originally from San Diego and holds a BA in Theatre Arts from Humboldt State University.  He is a proud member of the Northwest Classical Theatre Company, where he serves as the company Prop Master, designing props for most of the mainstage productions, including The Merchant of Venice, Richard II, Dracula, and Othello. His previous work with Milagro was the props design for Oedipus el Rey.  He sends his love and appreciation to his wife, Sarah, and their son Russell.

Chazaq Pinto (Graffiti Consultant) was born in Mexico City and raised in Los Angeles and Sacramento before moving to Portland. He’s a drummer, b-boy, and lifelong artist. Chazaq has been heavily involved in hip-hop and graffiti since the early 90s and is an active member of the Oregon chapter of the Universal Zulu Nation. His style involves bold, clean lines and single line drawings using paint pens and aerosol. His work was last seen at Milagro in the scenic design for Lazarillo.

Alyssa Essman (Stage Manager) is marking her fourth production with Milagro, having previously stage managed Boomcracklefly, El Quijote, and Entre Villa y una mujer desnuda. This is her 12th year of stage managing, and 4th season in Portland. Around Portland she has stage managed for Profile Theater, Oregon Children’s Theater, CoHo, Oregon Repertory Theater, Theater Vertigo, and Portland Actor’s Ensemble. Alyssa graduated from University of North Carolina Asheville with her BA in Theater. She wants to thank her loving family and Olga for the opportunity to work with her again.

Julie Rosequist (Sound Board Operator) is a self-procalimed sensational tribute to art and beauty. She is working towards an entertainment law degree whilst working a full time job caring for those whom cannot care for themselves. Her many talents include stage managing, light and sound design, prop and wardrobe assemblage, and singing. She would like to thank her friends who have become family and got her involved in this wonderful field and helped her reach for her dreams