Meet Miguel Ángel López | Theater Director & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Miguel Ángel López and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Miguel Ángel, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued a career in the arts for the fact that 1. I knew that with any other career, besides teaching, would have me feel as fulfilled throughout life. 2. My art is my form of activism, often times when we are moments of social change, we see that first reflected in the arts 3. It is my way of giving back to my community to share my knowledge of the arts with those who come from working-class communities who desperately needs a foundation in the arts. Overall, I would not have it any other way, I love theater, the arts, and my community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would say what sets me apart from other theater artists is my working-class background and my decolonial approach to my craft. Growing up I would often help out my dad with his landscaping business, because of this my parents were at first not supportive of me pursuing a career in the arts. However, once I attended community college in my Latino Politics class we learned about El Teatro Campesino, and how they created theater with the farmworkers during strikes. This inspired me to create and share theater with my community by any means necessary. I would say there are a couple of projects that I am extremely proud of the first is when I directed No Saco Nada de la Escuela by Luis Valdez, it follows a group of students as they navigate the educational system from elementary to college. With that production we were able to modernize the script and cast students from elementary to community college to all be a part of it, also for most of the actors and audience it was their first time experiencing theater. The second is when I started my theater company Teatro Toibingna, and we created a devised production about how we help from intergenerational trauma through the arts. We got to tour across the city of Pomona and perform at the various parks that have been historically redlined and poorly maintained. The third is when my parents noticed that I can sustain myself with my artistic work. I wrote and directed a short play for the Teatro Frida Kahlo 10 Minute Play Festival, the day my family came to watch the artistic director gave me an unexpected check. With that money I got to take my family out for dinner, I think that is the day when my parents began to be more supportive of my career.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In the morning we are heading to Panaderia de Spikes in Pomona to grab some tamales with champurrado. Then we’ll head over to Ganesha Park and walk to the top of the hill to get a good view of the city. For lunch, we’re going to my favorite vegan spot in Downtown Pomona Gorganson’s, where we can grab some of the cauliflower wings. Then walk around the downtown to check out Antique Row and the Art Walk if its a second Saturday to check out the local Art Galleries, museums, and murals. We’ll wrap the night up checking out a concert at the Glasshouse or the Fox Theater or even the Artists in the Alley, and end it off with grabing tacos from the street vendors on Indian Hill and Holt.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are SOOO MANY people who have guided, mentored, and helped me get to where I am at today. First and foremost, my family, my parents are some of the hardest working people that I know, and I owe my success to their sacrifices. My sister for driving me and picking me up from rehearsals back in high school, and my brother who is my biggest supporter in my theater career. My drama teachers from high school, Ms. Joanne Karr, who gave me the idea to become a director, Mr. Mathew Migliorini, who gave me the first opportunity to direct. My community college professors Matthew Burgos, Manuel Castillejos, Kirin McCrory, Joshua Christ, all of whom gave me the basic tools to create theater. My counselor Lyssette Trejo, who was there for me when my mental health was at its lowest. My mentors Fabian Pavon and Alejandro Juarez, who taught how to be a community organizer and to incorporate my activism into my art. The entire MEChA/El Centro de Mt. SAC squad from 2018-2019, as well as the El Centro and AISC squad from CSULB. Dr. Ricardo Rocha, Dr. Antonia Garcia-Orozco, Dr. Abigail Rosas, Dr. Loretta Ramirez, and Mayra Mazor, who were fundamental for me graduating during the height of the pandemic. To the Latino Theater Company at the Los Angeles Theater Center and the entire Front of House team, Y’all are the face of the theater whether you realize it or not.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel%C3%A1ngellopez/

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