Theater Up Close Cuban Chicken Soup: When There's No More Café

Artists

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  Elena Maria Garcia

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  Elena Maria Garcia can’t believe she’s jumping on this crazy ride again. She is grateful and excited to be back with Zoetic Stage and directed by her writing partner, Stuart Meltzer. Garcia wears many hats: maternal goddess (because she is), wife ("spectacular" that's what he'll tell you), educator (crusher of dreams), wildlife advocate (keeps a trunk full of cat food), magician (because anything is possible), life coach (to most), improviser (forever) and the list goes on. Garcia has been seen working her craft in: Fuacata! or A Latina’s Guide to Surviving the Universe, The Wolves, South Beach Babylon, Moscow, The House of Blue Leaves, Dance Nation, The Book of Liz, Parallel Lives, Our Dear Dead Drug Lord, DNA, Animal Farm, Sister Act, Jesus Hopped the A Train and Death-Defying Acts. She has appeared in numerous national commercials and independent feature films. One of Garcia’s passions is collaborating with solo artists. Those shows include The Wedding Warrior (New York); Demerits, Detentions & Dismissals; Sex, Drugs Rock & Roll; and Flying Lessons. Her love of collaborating brought her the opportunity to write and direct JUDE, commissioned by the Institute of Immigration Study at Barry University. She continues to sharpen her improvisation skills. She was one of the founders of Big Purse and Matching Shoes, Separate Checks and Quien Sigue A Quien, the first short-form, Spanish-only-speaking improv troupe in the United States. She is a four-time recipient of the prestigious Carbonell Award. Garcia is on the board of the Florida Theatre Conference and works closely with professional theater companies to make permanent connections with graduates and their first-time professional experience. She is an associate professor of theater at Barry University.  She is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild.  She dedicates her performance to her father, Dr. Francisco Nicolas Garcia, and Tori Velle. She would like to give a shout-out to her beautiful daughters, husband, Ms. Garrisan, her students and Mami. @egarciaimprov @barryutheater