Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricardo Gutierrez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was introduced to theatre at Joliet Central High School and continued studying it at Illinois State University. After receiving my masters, I came to Chicago where I taught for the City Colleges. I directed college plays and served as the Forensics Director of the Speech Team.
Five years out of college, I was appointed my first Artistic Directorship of the Canterbury Theatre in Michigan City, Indiana. I ran that summer stock company for ten summers, after which I moved to Los Angeles to work as an actor. My nine year stint in Los Angeles included an Artistic Directorship at Nosotros, a Latino based theatre company.
Back in Chicago I continued teaching college while I served as the Artistic Director of my own company, Absolute Shakespeare. I joined the Teatro Vista Theatre Ensemble ten years ago and was named the Executive Artistic Director five years ago.
I continue to work as a director, actor, producer, coach and writer.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Working as an actor always has its bumps along the road, in particular when auditions are few and far in between. It is difficult to make a good living working just as an actor so my teaching position was very gratifying and fruitful.
Early on it was difficult getting theatre roles in Chicago, there were not too many roles for Latinos. I am happy to report that it is much better these days.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Teatro Vista is an ensemble of Latino actors, directors, playwrights and designers. We specialize in fostering and producing Latino stories, sharing Latino culture with our audiences. We proudly have produced numerous world premieres.
Our acting ensemble is very good and does work, not only with Teatro Vista, but with all major theaters in Chicago and nationwide. Several of our ensemble members are regulars on popular television programs.
What were you like growing up?
I was a leader and organizer from my early teens. I had a developed sense of humor and tried to always think positively. I was clever with a touch of defiance. I was clean cut and tried to be thoughtful of others. I was smart but not an industrious student, I did well academically but believed I underachieved in this realm.
I was interested in music and successfully taught myself guitar a bit of piano. These instruments provide many moments of pleasure and serenity.
Pricing:
- Tickets to our productions vary but the range is $20 – $35 per ticket.
Contact Info:
- Address: Office Address: 2936 N. Southport Ave., Suite 210,
Chicago, Illinois 60614
Performance Address: The Richard Christiansen Theatre
The Biograph at Victory Gardens
2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60614 - Website: teatrovista.org
- Phone: 773-599-9280
- Email: ricardogutierrez@teatrovista.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teatrovista/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=teatro%20vista
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/teatrovista?lang=en
Image Credit:
Joel Maisonet
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
