Michaela Escarcega
Hometown?
Madera Ranchos, California. It only has two stoplights, but cows were my neighbors, mountains were an hour away, and there are 4 alpacas, 3 dogs and a cat that lives with my parents.
Where are you now?
Washington Heights, NYC.
What's your current project?
Directing the world premiere of Birthday in the Bronx, by Paul Hufker, as part of The Tank NYC's 2019/2020 Season.
Why and how did you get into theatre?
I transferred high schools to be a competitive swimmer, had a lot of extra credits to fill, and filled them with drama, film editing, and dance. By senior year the two awards I received were in Economics and Performing Arts. The former still shocks me, and the latter is one my coach saw coming from a mile away.
What is your directing dream project?
My real answer here is a dream process. One that is non-western and decolonized alongside stories that are untapped and indigenous.
What kind of theatre excites you?
The theater that dares to accept and expand its medium. If it can be filmed and be the same, why is it on stage? I like work that is provocative, challenging, human, magical, and funny.
What do you want to change about theatre today?
New works! Living Artists! We are creating a canon of theater filled with adaptations and stories told about and by the same people.
What is your opinion on getting a directing MFA?
I do not have one and I'm not convinced that an MFA is the "proper" way. Maybe someday, should one of my niche concepts need the space and resources to grow, although I might be more inclined to study other fields entirely to expand my artistic POV. I do love education, but I wish it were less colonized than it is.
Who are your theatrical heroes?
Madeline Sayet, Mary Zimmerman, Kenny Ramos, Lileana Blain-Cruz, Meghan Finn, Larry Biederman, Jacqueline Wright, The New York Neo Futurists - All form breakers, mold makers and artists that have both made me laugh and challenged me.
Any advice for directors just starting out?
Listen first. Decolonize yourself. Practice generosity and empathy. Unlearn your inherent biases in storytelling. There is no one way. There is no one process. There is no one success more meaningful than all the rest. Find a way and make your own. Work hard but resist adopting a culture of crisis. Who you are now and what you are doing can and will evolve- embrace it.
Plugs!
Birthday in the Bronx by Paul Hufker at The Tank NYC, Feb 20 - March 8.
Keep up with me at www.michaelaescarcega.com