Meet Jorge Durän | Writer & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jorge Durän and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jorge, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by stories that make us feel less alone. As a writer and director, I’m constantly observing the contradictions of living in a city like Los Angeles, the dreams, the chaos, the loneliness, and the unexpected connections. I find inspiration in people: the way they survive, the way they love, the way they keep chasing meaning even when life feels overwhelming.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was born in Tepic, Nayarit, a very small city in Mexico, and that’s where my journey in the arts began. From a young age, I fell in love with theatre — it became the space where I could dream, express myself, and connect with others. But growing up in a small city also meant limited opportunities, so I knew early on that I had to look beyond my comfort zone to build the career I envisioned.
I moved to Los Angeles to continue my studies, then expanded my education in Madrid, and during the pandemic, I went back to university to study copywriting. That decision was life-changing because it allowed me to merge two worlds I’m passionate about: theatre and advertising. Copywriting gave me the tools to sustain my artistic projects, especially with Nirvana Theatre, while also creating a stable path where I can make a living doing what I love.
Today, I’m proud to wear many creative hats: I’m a director, writer, copywriter, and voice actor. In addition to producing and writing original plays, I also work in dubbing for Hollywood movies, TV shows, and telenovelas, which has opened doors to an entirely new side of storytelling.
The journey hasn’t been easy. Moving countries, starting over, and chasing dreams far from home came with its share of challenges — financial, emotional, and cultural. But I’ve learned that passion and resilience are stronger than fear. Every setback has been an opportunity to reinvent myself, to learn, and to grow.
What sets my work apart is my belief in community and representation. Through Nirvana Theatre, we’ve built a space where Spanish-language theatre can thrive in Hollywood, giving a voice to stories and artists that deserve to be seen and heard.
If there’s one thing I want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s this: I create to connect. Whether it’s through theatre, voice acting, or copywriting, my mission is to tell stories that move people, challenge perspectives, and celebrate identity. I’m proof that you can come from a small place and dream big — and that art can be both your passion and your platform.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For me, LA is all about stories, culture, and creative energy, that’s what I’d want them to feel.
Day 1 Hollywood & Theatre Night
We’d start on Hollywood Boulevard, not for the Walk of Fame itself but to feel the energy of the city. Then, I’d take them to Nirvana Theatre, my creative home, to watch one of our Spanish-language plays and experience a completely different side of Hollywood.
Day 2: Arts & Culture Downtown
We’d spend the day exploring The Broad Museum and Walt Disney Concert Hall, then walk through Grand Central Market for a food tour, Tacos, ramen, and fresh juices all in one place. At night, we’d grab drinks at Perch, a rooftop bar with one of the best city views.
Day 3: Runyon Canyon
A morning hike at Runyon Canyon is a must not just for the views but also for the energy and people watching
Day 4: Beach vibes at Santa Monica & Venice
Day 5: LACMA, Academy Museum, sushi in Little Tokyo & karaoke night.
Day 6: Hike to Griffith Observatory, coffee in Silver Lake, LATC Theatre
Day 7: Photos at Urban Light, and sunset on Mulholland Drive. Ahmanson Theatre

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who believed in me and in the power of storytelling. First and foremost, my deepest gratitude to my team at Nirvana Theater, my creative home for the past ten years. Together, we’ve worked tirelessly to build a space where Spanish-language theater thrives in the heart of Hollywood, a city that often celebrates film and television but sometimes ignores the stage.
I also want to acknowledge every actor, collaborator, and sponsor who has trusted my vision and joined me on this journey. Projects like CTRL (my most recent production) have shown me that theater isn’t just about scripts and performances; it’s about community, resilience, and creating opportunities for voices that deserve to be heard.
Finally, I owe much of my growth to my mentors, friends, and family, who have supported me through every challenge and celebrated every achievement. Nothing I’ve achieved has been an individual effort; it’s the result of a network of dreamers who believe, like me, that art can change lives.

Website: https://jorgeduran.work

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soygeorgeduran/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgecopywriter/

Twitter: https://x.com/SoyJorgeDuraan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NirvanaTheater

Other: https://www.instagram.com/nirvanatheater/

Image Credits
Pablo Paramo

LA Times – Ringo Chiu