The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and Say Sí are proud to announce Grupo Animo and Teatro ALAS 2025 summer theater production of “Beneath, Between, Behind the Scenes” on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 7 p.m., Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 2 p.m. matinee and 7 p.m. with free admission at Say Sí, 1310 S. Brazos St.
Due to last year’s astonishing audience attendance, we are presenting 3 performances this year.
The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s youth theater company Grupo Animo has been collaborating this summer with Teatro ALAS, the youth theater company of SAY Sí, in developing this new original production. This is their second summer working together.
“Beneath, Between, Behind the Scenes” consists of numerous actos/skits that explore the following themes youth face today: love, supportive friendships, self-identity, the impact of social media, and the search for belonging in an increasingly complex world.
This production was developed under the artistic guidance of Grupo Animo instructors Sarah Tijerina, Brianna Reyes and Clint Taylor, and the Teatro ALAS instructors include Lilith Tijerina and Amalia Ortiz, Teatro ALAS director. This unique collaboration is offered to students between the ages of 13 and 18 at no cost.
Due to the pending renovations of the Historic Guadalupe Theater, these three free performances will take place at SAY Sí, 1310 S. Brazos, San Antonio, TX 78207, located a block down from the historic Guadalupe Theater.
“These two Westside youth theatre troupes have an amazing opportunity to share their methods and creative voices as well as celebrate solidarity in this collaboration,” said Amalia Ortiz Teatro ALAS Studio Director.
“In light of recent events across the world, it’s imperative that we empower students to harness their innate abilities, fostering creative expression and collaborative engagement to articulate their perspectives and emotions regarding the world around them,” said Jorge Piña, Guadalupe Theater Arts Director. “Grupo Animo is dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all members feel welcome, regardless of race, gender, economic background, or sexual orientation. We recognize the transformative power of Chicano, Latino, and Native American arts and culture in reshaping our perceptions of the world,” he added.
Grupo Animo is the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s resident youth theater company, founded in 1993 and consisting of youth (ages 13-18) from all backgrounds and areas of San Antonio, and Bexar County. Under the mentorship of professional teaching artists and directors, Grupo Animo company members are guided through a four-week summer theater experience, allowing youth a platform to make their voice heard through thought-provoking, engaging and culturally relevant, performance-based Teatro/Theatre.
Grupo Animo’s mission is to use Teatro/Theatre to instill an understanding of the value of culture, creativity, and community.
SAY Sí is a national award-winning year-round, long-term, nonprofit arts-based youth development program for San Antonio area students in grades 6 through 12 that provides opportunities for these students to develop artistic and social skills in preparation for higher educational advancement and professional careers. SAY Sí programs serve over 200 students from all of San Antonio’s school districts and has an active public schedule of art events. SAY Sí accepts diverse students from all areas of San Antonio, but first priority is given to students from low economic households. SAY Sí’s unique approach to education has placed the organization on the national stage, with recognition as one of the top out-of-school-time organizations in the country by The Wallace Foundation (2103) and a Creative Catalyst Award (2016).
Teatro ALAS (Activating Leadership, Art & Service) operates as a collaborative ensemble known as the ALAS Youth Theatre Company. Committed to the creation of new and original performance work by, for and about San Antonio youth, ALAS challenges students to draw from their own experiences, observations, and insights to produce theatre of relevance to their lives and their communities. Emphasizing leadership skills and civic engagement, ALAS creates work that addresses community needs and concerns, challenges prejudices and social injustice, and celebrates diversity and difference.
Grupo Animo and Teatro ALAS' goal at the end of the program is to teach students basic history and practice of Teatro/Theatre, acting, teamwork, poetry, creative writing, movement and performance. The summer program will culminate with a student showcase created and performed by the student members.
Grupo Animo instructors include Clint Taylor, Brianna Reyes and Sarah Tijerina.
Teatro ALAS instructors include Lilith Tijerina and Amalia Ortiz.
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