Our Steering Committee

For Amelia Acosta Powell, the warmth of a room can stay with you.

Amelia’s connection to the Latinx Theatre Commons began in 2015, and her first in-person experience at that year’s Carnaval left a lasting impression. More than any single performance or conversation, she remembers the warmth of a community that welcomed Latinx and Latine artists with openness, generosity, and care. More than a decade later, that feeling of belonging remains one of the experiences she most closely associates with the Commons.

Outside of theatre, Amelia finds joy in mountains, Mexican food, and queer fan fiction. She also treasures a tradition of celebrating the birthdays of friends and loved ones by reflecting on favorite memories from the past year and sharing hopes for the year ahead—a simple ritual rooted in gratitude, connection, and possibility.

For Antonio Bruno, joining the Latinx Theatre Commons meant discovering the power of community.

Antonio joined the Latinx Theatre Commons in 2015, and his first gathering in New York City began with more than ninety artists forming a single circle. Looking around, he realized the full scope of the community he had just entered. It was, he says, both amazing and empowering. He describes that moment as “the hands that held me as I was ready to engage fully as a Latine arts leader,” a feeling that continues to shape how he leads as a managing director and how he shows up for the people around him.

As a managing director based in Chicago, Antonio values creating spaces where people can gather with intention. He begins meetings and events by acknowledging those who came before and preparing the space for those who will come after—a grounding practice that reflects his belief that community is built across generations. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring Chicago, especially Paseo Boricua in Humboldt Park, and has a deep appreciation for a well-organized spreadsheet.

For Becka Morton, the strongest communities begin by welcoming newcomers with open arms.

Becka joined the Latinx Theatre Commons in 2022 and immediately experienced what she believes is one of the Commons’ greatest strengths: the way newcomers are welcomed with open arms while all artists are celebrated with intention and respect. It’s the kind of hospitality that can make a room full of strangers feel like home.

As a student and educator, Becka values creating spaces where collaboration begins with care. One practice she brings into rehearsal is checking in with everyone mentally and emotionally before the creative work begins. Becka finds joy in watching her colleagues grow, succeed, and follow their dreams. If you’re in Texas, she’d recommend Barton Springs in Austin or the Japanese Tea Garden in San Antonio.

For Carla Della Gatta, her first Latinx Theatre Commons gathering changed the trajectory of her work.

Carla first joined the Latinx Theatre Commons at a convening in 2015. Since then, one of the things she values most about the Commons is its ability to bring artists and scholars together time and again, creating lasting opportunities to reconnect, collaborate, and strengthen the Latinx/e theatre community.

Before pursuing graduate school, Carla spent nine and a half years working in corporate finance and strategic planning before making the leap to become a professor—a decision she says was the best she ever made. Carla believes some of Washington, D.C.’s richest cultural experiences happen beyond the walls of its theatres and museums. A walk through the city is just as likely to reveal moments of art, history, and discovery.

For David Davila (any/all), every great piece of theatre begins with a question that seems impossible to answer.

Davila joined the Latinx Theatre Commons during Encuentro 2024 right after moving to Los Angeles. At Encuentro he found not only a network of brilliant theatre creators he respected, but also a community that quickly became part of his new L.A. life. As a playwright, musical theatre writer, and dramaturg, Davila uses Latinx and Latine theatre and performance not only as a means of self-expression but as a tool to fight colonialist systems of oppression. As a professor of playwriting at Loyola Marymount University. he instills this sense of social justice in all his students with the deep hope that regular people have the power to make a difference.

Outside of theatre, Davila tries to find the joy in the little everyday adventures that are easy to take for granted: watching the sunset from his balcony, discovering new holes-in-the-wall, and cooking dinner with his husband from experimental recipes they find online. When weather permits, you’ll find him walking along the Long Beach Coast from the beaches of Belmont Shore to the boardwalks downtown; and in Southern California, weather usually permits.

For Fran Astorga, community is built in the moments when art, celebration, and connection come together.

Fran joined the Latinx Theatre Commons in 2021 and carries a vivid memory from Encuentro: celebrating Halloween alongside fellow teatristas while surrounded by powerful performances and meaningful conversations. The experience captured what continues to bring Fran back to the Latinx Theatre Commons: a community where artists gather to celebrate one another and share their work.

As a theatre practitioner based in San Francisco, Fran brings that same spirit of care and connection to their work. Outside of theatre, they find renewal in fresh air and in cooking with family, a practice that keeps them grounded. If you’re visiting San Francisco for the first time, Fran recommends spending the day exploring Golden Gate Park before heading to Japantown.

For Ludmila de Brito, the strongest communities are the ones where people are invited to show up as their whole selves.

Ludmila joined the Latinx Theatre Commons in 2025 and immediately experienced something that stayed with her: the feeling that there was room for both her drums and her dreams in this industry. More than any single event or conversation, she remembers being welcomed into a community where she felt she belonged. That feeling of possibility continues to shape what she values most about the Commons.

Based in San Diego, Ludmila is a director. Outside of theatre, she finds joy by the ocean and the company of her cat, a reminder that creativity is often nourished through moments of rest as much as moments of making.

For Maria-Tania Bandes Weingarden, the most meaningful moments in theatre begin long before anyone speaks.

What continues to draw Maria-Tania to the Latinx Theatre Commons is the community it creates—bringing artists, scholars, and theatremakers together through shared purpose and collective care. She believes there is extraordinary power in simply gathering together, breathing together, and remembering that every creative act begins with our shared humanity.

As a scholar, director, and dramaturg, Maria-Tania’s work explores the ways theatre creates connection across people, ideas, and lived experiences. Away from rehearsal rooms and research, she finds joy in the rare sunny days of the Pacific Northwest. When the clouds part, you’ll likely find her relaxing in a hammock with an audiobook, taking full advantage of every moment outdoors.

For Rula Ávila Muñoz, community grows when people root for one another.

Rula joined the Latinx Theatre Commons in 2023 and quickly found what she had been searching for: a community of artists who share a commitment to supporting one another while expanding opportunities for Latinx and Latine theatre. That spirit of generosity continues to shape her relationship with LTC and reminds her that meaningful artistic work is always strengthened by the people who stand beside it.

Based in New York, Rula works as a director, playwright, and performer, creating theatre rooted in connection and collaboration. Beyond her artistic practice, she treasures time with her chosen family and believes some of life’s greatest moments come from simply being together. If you’re visiting New York, she’ll happily help you experience the city through the eyes of someone who truly loves it.