Hello! It is lovely to e-meet you :)

My name is Erika (she/her), and I am an up-and-coming AEA Stage Manager currently based in Ashland, Oregon. I am a Hispanic and queer woman that highly values diversity, equity and inclusion in my work and workplace. I have spent the past few years obtaining my degree at Southern Oregon University while concurrently working as a Stage Manager professionally at companies like The Oregon Shakespeare Festival. I am a very driven worker, and determined to continue to grow as a technician and boost the arts in various regions. 

Here's a bit more about my experience...

Having managed productions in both music and theater genres since relocating to Ashland four years ago, I bring a variety of experience and a strong foundation of technical skills to the table. My background includes diverse skills surrounding different areas of technical theater such as lighting programming/planning, carpentry, run crew, etc. Through these experiences, I've cultivated a deep understanding of the importance of communication and collaboration across all departments to ensure the success of each production.

I strive to bring positivity to my workplace. I believe that being able to find the light in every situation and throw silliness into the mix while still maintaining a professional persona is a skill I bring to the table. I appreciate all aspects of my job and the community I foster through it. This reminds me of the gratitude I have for my surroundings - including friends and family. 

I am known for my resourcefulness and ability to tackle challenges head-on, such as navigating my academic career to graduate a year early while also working professionally full-time. I am driven by a passion for the arts and a desire to continually learn and grow in my craft. I am friendly, bubbly, and love to make new friends and create art with others.

My Background...

I moved around consistently growing up, living in various locations such as Maine, Florida and Hawaii because my father is a first-generation immigrant that is in the U.S. Coast Guard. I fell in love with Theatre while living in Florida, and made the decision to move to Oregon to go to Southern Oregon University (SOU) to pursue Technical Theatre. I switched my major from Lighting Design and Technology to Theatre Arts Management after having the opportunity to be the Production Assistant on a production in my first term at SOU. After that, I immediately dove into the Stage Management world. I have now completed my degree, and obtained certifications in both Theatre Arts Management and Lighting Design and Technology. Throughout all of this, I also continuously worked at almost every theatre in the Ashland community, gaining as much experience as I could.

Outside of theatre...

There is nothing more important to me than spending time with my friends and community! I love to be outside going on walks or lounging at the park, and I regularly host dinner parties and game nights at my apartment with the people I love. I own two cats named Tobi and Bug, who keep me pretty busy at times.