April 13 - May 21
Exhaustion Arroyo: Dancin’ Trees in the Ravine
by W. FRAN ASTORGA | Original Music Composed by JESSE SANCHEZ | Directed by R. RÉAL VARGAS ALANIS & W. FRAN ASTORGA
Co-Production with IN THE MARGIN
Three friends escape into the Santa Cruz mountains in search of a place to swim and BBQ. They packed for the beach without realizing they had a treacherous hike down a ravine. Once at a waterhole the consumption of some shrooms sets the stage for a heartfelt adventure between friends too tired to know how to rest.
This show contains bilingual language in Spanish and English.
Trigger Warnings:
Sensory:Flashing lights, Loud Sounds, and Use of Haze.
Content:White fragility, Gun Violence, Physical Violence, Murder, Theft, Ecocide, Profanity, Drug use, Reality Distortion, Systemic exploitation, BDSM, betrayal, religion, and existentialism
FROM THE PLAYWRIGHT: W. FRAN ASTORGA
EXHAUSTION ARROYO: Dancin’ Trees in the Ravine encapsulates distinct realities I experienced from early-2020 through mid-2021. This epoch feels weird and jarring to be nostalgic about in mid-2022, but that is where I am – in mourning for the hope that once was and celebrating amorous self-fullment. ¡Yes! This is a pandemic show. . . though it isn’t mentioned. This play takes place in the early pandemic days when the world was still on standby to return to the normalcy of the “before times,” right as we began realizing that it might be more than a few weeks of quarantining and that the “normalcy” of the before times might not be something everyone wanted to return to.
For me, the normalcy of pre-pandemic was exhausting. Before “the Movement,” conversations around equity had to be navigated through an industry-standard, impenetrable wall of white fragility....READ ON
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CO-PRODUCTION
IN THE MARGIN
ITM is a service-minded, community-oriented arts and advocacy company composed of multifaceted and intersectional: creators, producers, managers, agents, and community organizers. ITM’s ensemble members work toward carving out space in the ever-changing arts industry to appropriately represent and lead with the hearts of our communities and contribute to the shift of the status quo in favor of compassion, multiculturalism, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. What began as an isolated incident in an educational institution has evolved to ITM leading and taking part in conversations and action toward equitable practices within the not-for-profit sector, public sector, private sector, and our communities. Learn more at inthemargin.org.
CAST & CREW
EDGAR ANTONIO ALAMO he/him (LIGHTING DESIGNER)
Edgar currently resides on the land of the Yokut tribe in the central valley of California. His passion is Multimedia designing, which includes - Lighting and Projection design. He strives to work with a diverse group of collaborators that share the same passion and ambition for telling stories and creating unforgettable moments.
Selected Lighting Design Credits include, The First Deep Breath (Assistant Lighting designer) The Geffen Playhouse | Exhaustion Arroyo- NATF 2021) | Head Over Heels - CSU Stanislaus | Mr. Burns, a post electric play - CSU Fullerton| The Magic Flute - CSU Fullerton
RÉAL VARGAS ALANIS they/them (STAGE CO-DIRECTOR)
R. Réal Vargas Alanis (They | Purépecha | Tlahualil) is a world-renowned, indigiqueer artist from the barrio of Winton, CA (Yokut). Réal serves as the Artistic Director of the arts and advocacy organization: IN THE MARGIN, leading an ensemble of intersectional and interdisciplinary QT,BIPoC artists. Réal is an Actor, Casting Director, Playwright, Producer, and an award winning Director. They specialize in New Work Development and is named among “the best latinx comedic talent in the country” by the Latinx Theatre Commons. realvalanis.com | IG: @realvalanis | @rvacasting | @inthemargin_itm | @sexiitacos
SELECTED CREDITS: Associate Director - Between Two Knees by The 1491’s Dir. by Eric Ting (Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Yale Repertory Theatre, McCarter Theater Center, Seattle Repertory Theatre) | Guest Director - La Casa de Bernarda Alba by Federico García Lorca (California State University Stanislaus | Award Winning Invited Production - Kennedy Center ACTF Region 8) | Director - Exhaustion: Arroyo by Fran A. (Latinx Theatre Commons’ Comedy Carnaval, Cutting Ball, IN THE MARGIN) | Director - ¡Mamágua! by Jose Sebastián Alberdi (Campfire Theatre Festival, Boise Contemporary Theatre) | Associate Director - Missing by Marie Clements and Brian Current, Dir. Shannon R. Davis (Anchorage Opera) | Executive Producer - BRAIDED (IN THE MARGIN, Theatre of Yugen, CalShakes) | Executive Producer - NEW AMERICAN THEATRE FESTIVAL (IN THE MARGIN, B Street Theater, National New Play Network) | Cultural Consultant - Mojada, A Medea in Los Angeles by Luis Alfaro, Dir. Laurie Woolery (Yale Repertory Theatre)
SONIA YVETTE she/ella (COSTUME DESIGNER)
is an LA based theatre artist, working in Costume Design and as Producing Director with In the Margin. She has worked in the Bay area, on and off Broadway in New York City and the Oregon Shakespeare festival. Recent credits include La Egoísta, (world premiere) Actors Theatre of Louisville, Between Two Knees (Costume Assoc.) at Seattle Repertory Theatre and Antigone (Costume Assoc.) at Cleveland Playhouse.
W. FRAN ASTORGA they/them (PLAYWRIGHT / CO-DIRECTOR)
is a playwright residing on Yelamu, Ramaytush Ohlone land (San Francisco,CA) whose artistic works center the well-being of the community and artistic excellence by working to decolonize approaches, practices, and procedures that negatively impact folx from marginalized communities. Their writing leans into the experimental and immersive to inspire curiosity, engagement, action, and joy. Fran’s monologue La Bendición was commissioned for the Walls and Bridges Monologue Festival (2020) and was later featured in “An Evening of Native Works” with the Native Writers Lab at Potrero Stage (2022). Fran wrote the pilot episode OnlyFans Promo for InstaNovelas, a commissioned play series presented on Instagram Live (2021). They also serve as a resident playwright and producer for the Desert Playwrights’ Retreat (2022/2023).
Fran’s full-length play, Exhaustion Arroyo: Dancin' Trees in the Ravine, was commissioned and produced as a reading by IN THE MARGIN, the National New Play Network, and B Street Theater for the inaugural New American Theatre Festival (2021). Exhaustion Arroyo was later featured as a reading at the Latinx Theatre Common’s 2022 Comedy Carnaval. Exhaustion Arroyo was published in the 2023 Winter edition of Theatre Magazine: Yale's Journal of Criticism, Plays, and Reportage.
PATRICIO BECERRIL he/him (ACTOR: APÉ / THE ROBBER /
CORPORATE INSPECTOR)
My name is Patricio Becerril, I am a recent graduate from the University of San Diego, holding a BA in theatre. Originally from Santa Rosa, California, recently moved back home, so I’m glad to be back to the bay area. This is my first professional play in San Francisco and I couldn’t be more excited to take part in this wonderful project. I want to give a spacial thanks to my parents and significant partner for supporting me and always putting up with this life. I also want to give a special thanks to all my professors and mentors that have prepared to become a better actor, thanks. UC San Diego credits: Napoli, Mojada. Other select credits: Untitled Puppet Show, A Skeptic and a Bruja (LNPF, San Diego Repertory); As You Like It (RavenTheater); The Good Doctor, How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accents (SRJC Theater) Instagram: patobee7 Tik Tok: @patobee7
NATALIA DELGADO she/ella (ACTOR: SHROOM / LA KAREN / FRANCESCA / LA ROCA)
Born and raised in the heart of Los Angeles, Natalia has always been around incredibly creative and innovative people. Her 10+ year background in Theatre has only increased her passion and curiosity to delve deep into truthful storytelling. Whether she’s on or off stage, she commands the room with her infectious charm and giving spirit. Memorable roles include Felicia (Dreaming in Cuban), Mercutio (Romeo and Juliet), Blondie (Zoot Suit), Camila (In the Heights), and many more. She has also been featured in various Staged Readings and Original Works through several Theaters in the surrounding Bay Area such as Shotgun Players, A.C.T, Monday Night Playground, Awesome Theater, and now, Cutting Ball. When she is not acting on stage, you can find Natalia teaching 2nd Grade English or involved in other artistic projects. IG:artistanatalia
CLARA DEN DULK she/her (COSTUME ASSOCIATE)
This is Clara's second show as a costuming associate outside of the Stanislaus State Theater Department. She wants to thank her friends and family for being there for her while she pursuits a full-time career doing backstage work, with a main focus on costuming and stage management. Instagram: clara_den_dulk
CONNIE GALVAN she/her (STAGE MANAGER)
was born in Dallas, Texas. She made a life changing decision to become part of the acting community. While in Texas, Connie was part of her first play named “Good Kids” by Naomi Iizuka at Mountain View Community College. Where she also received her Associate in Fine Arts in 2018. Connie took a chance in 2019, packed her bags to the coast to continue her education and career. She is currently attending the Academy of Art University. She is pursuing her Bachelor Degree in Film Acting. While attending Connie has been part of a short film like “Gift Left Behind” directed by Keith Tang. Outside of campus, Connie starts to stage manage as well. She has worked with theaters like Theatre First and Custom Made. She stands for equal representation as a BIPOC in theater/film/tv/backstage. She believes that being an actor is about telling people stories which includes what she has been through. In which, she still is on the hunt to improve while enjoying her career journey.
ASHLEY MÉNDEZ she/her (SCENIC / PROP DESIGNER)
is an actress, writer, and scenic designer from the Central Valley. She studies both English and Theatre at Stanislaus State and has worked with the Stanislaus State Theatre Department, Adventure Theatre LLC, Prospect Theatre Project, and Modesto Performing Arts. Some of her most recent acting credits include Antigone X, Head Over Heels, Roosters, La Casa de Bernarda Alba, and Hedda on Fire. Some of her most recent writing credits include La Cantina (2021), Confessions (2022), and Beat Street (2023). Exhaustion Arroyo: Dancin’ Trees in the Ravine will be her debut as a professional scenic designer. She will serve as the associate scenic designer for Stanislaus State’s upcoming production of The Tempest, opening in May 2023. |IG @ashleymendez03|
CRISTO MONTAÑEZ he/him (ASSOCIATE LIGHTING DESIGN)
Cristo Montañez is a current student at CSU Stanislaus expected to graduate in May of 2023 with a B.A. in Techincal theatre with a special interest in Lighting Design. Recent design credits include The Giver (Playhouse Merced), Holliday Follies (Juline School of Dance), and Roosters (Prospect Theatre Project). This production will be his first time working outside of the Central Valley. | IG @cristo.kml
EDNA MIRA RAIA she/her (ACTOR: TAKI)
is an award-winning comedic writer and a graduate of The Second City Chicago. She is a clown, mime, director, producer and teaching artist. Her solo and collaborative work has toured in local and national festivals and she is the Artistic Director of her own company, Potatoes Mashed Comedy, through which she writes and performs socially conscious sketch comedy, theatre and drag. And if you’re a grant donor, she’s also Latina and gay so she should check a couple of your boxes. 🙂
PANO RODITIS he/they/el/elle (ACTOR: CHÍO / REGIONAL MANAGER)
is a director, actor, sound designer, and theatre producer based in Sacramento, CA. Pano has worked with many theaters in Sacramento including B Street Theatre, Sacramento Theatre Company, Capital Stage, Teatro Espejo, as well as participating in several collegiate productions at CSU Sacramento. He is also on the advisory board of Teatro Nagual, a company whose mission is to heal its community through storytelling. Pano graduated from CSU Sacramento with a major in theatre and a minor in computer science; they hope to continue their academic pursuits by earning a PhD in performance studies. Instagram: @thelifeofpano
JESSE J. SANCHEZ he/him (COMPOSER)
Off-Broadway: Little Girl Blue (New World Stages). National Tour: Kinky Boots, Hamilton. Regional: Desert In (Boston Lyric Opera), Quixote Nuevo (Denevr Center, Hartford Stage, Huntington Theatre, Alley Theatre, Round House), In The Heights (Oregon Cabaret Theatre), Peter and the Starcatcher (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Rearview (Long Wharf Theatre), Cabaret (Arizona Theatre Company), Yerma (A.C.T. San Francisco, Huntington Theatre), Prince of Egypt (TheatreWorks Silicon Valley). Oregon Shakespeare Festival Resident Music Supervisor and a professional playwright and composer for theater, opera, tv and film. Special Awards: Jonny Mercer Writers Grove @ Goodspeed, NAMT Frank Young Grant (Sueños)
ALEJANDRA WAHL she/her (COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ASSOCIATE)
MEGAN HILLARD she/her (LEAD CARPENTER)
AUSTINE DE LOS he/him (CARPENTER)
DAVID JUAREZ he/him (CARPENTER)
TREVOR MEYER she/her (ASM / COVID SAFETY OFFICER )
SPECIAL THANKS
Yvonne Cobbs and the Healthy Living Foundation