Professional Narrative: Pablo Guerra-Monje
The Practitioner-Scholar in the Shop
I am a theatre educator and technician, driven by the belief that the scene shop and the stage are among the most vital classrooms on campus. My career is defined by a "boots-on-the-ground" approach—where the technical "how" is always balanced by the artistic "why." Whether I am drafting a complex build or mentoring a freshman, my aim is to build an ensemble and foster an environment where safety, craft, and collaboration intersect.
An International Foundation & Academic Depth
My journey began in the shops of the Madrid School of Applied Arts and the Royal School of Dramatic Arts (RESAD), where I learned the foundational rigor and conceptual style of European scenic craft. This practical background paved the way for my MFA in Scenic Design from the University of Memphis and a 15-year career in higher education. I bring the perspective of a seasoned educator who has served at every level—from Graduate Supervisor to Full Professor. I have performed with puppets in the streets of Madrid and managed multi-million-dollar facility openings like the Roy E. Disney Center for Performing Arts.
Cultural Roots & The US Experience
I am deeply impressed by the robustness of Educational Theatre in the US at both the high school and university levels, and I feel blessed to be part of it. My years in New Mexico—at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the Santa Fe Opera—opened my eyes to the beauty of the Latino, Latinx, and Hispanic experience. I am proud of the rich culture of Spanish-language theatre on this continent, a tradition that has remained strong since the XVI Century.
The Pivot: Refined Pedagogy
My teaching began in high schools, and I returned to those roots for two years after my run as a university professor. This experience sharpened my toolkit. Whether constructing a graduate seminar or deconstructing complex technical concepts for an absolute beginner, I find that teaching entry-level fundamentals is my favorite challenge. I bring patience, clarity, and infectious enthusiasm to mentoring the next generation of theatre audiences and practitioners.
A Vision for the Next Decade
I am not looking for a temporary stop; I am looking for a permanent home for my family and me in a setting where we can truly invest in the community. I’m not just looking for a shop to manage; I’m looking for a program to help build. In my experience, the most impactful changes in a theatre department result from long-term stewardship. I look forward to contributing my craft to local schools and the community, following my six-year-old daughter’s journey as she grows.