BIOGRAPHIES

Casey Abdool (Newspaper Boy #2) is excited to be making his debut at The Empty Space Theatre. A few favorite credits include Willy Wonka Jr. (Mike TeeVee), Frozen Jr. (Sven) with Spotlight Academy and Beauty and The Beast (Chip) at North High School. Offstage, he is a student at Heartland Charter School, does Children’s Voice Studio Choir and is enrolled at Spotlight Academy. He also loves Gorilla Tag and soccer. He would like to thank Justine for the opportunity to help tell this beautiful story, the talented cast for making everyday fun, Theatrix Kids and Spotlight Academy for nurturing his love of theater and helping him grow, and his family and friends for their constant support and encouragement. 

Melvaided Aguas (Assistant Stage Manager) is honored to once again assistant stage manage a show at The Empty Space. She would like to thank Justine for the opportunity to be part of this amazing production, the cast and crew, and her loved ones for their encouragement.

Jacob Cota (Ring Announcer) is always happy to be back at The Empty Space for another show based on his childhood! He was recently seen here as a Phantom in The Rocky Horror Show and Abuelo in When I Was Your Age. He’s also recently been seen at The Fillbrandt as a Bartender in Rock of Ages. He would love to thank the community and The Empty Space for the opportunities to entertain and really feel at home in theatre! He would also love to thank his wonderful girlfriend for her support, care and encouragement during the rehearsal process!

Summer Joy Duarte (Lupita) She/Her: Summer Joy is beyond thankful for the opportunity to play Lupita in The Empty Space’s production of Luchadora. Recent credits include Erzulie in Once on This Island, Waitress #1/Ensemble in Rock of Ages, and Young Anastasia/Ensemble in Anastasia. Ms. Duarte is a proud Filipina/Latina performer holding a BFA in Musical Theatre with a Minor in Dance who has witnessed firsthand how powerful formal training in the arts can be—not just in honing her craft, but in empowering her voice, deepening her roots, and opening doors for meaningful representation. Stay up to date on her next projects by following her on Instagram @summerthemermaid.

Alana Edwards (Ensemble) is happy to be a part of the beautiful show that is Luchadora! Recent credits include The Earth is Flat, Reborning, and As You Like It. She is a BC theatre graduate and works as an instructor for the NOR Junior Theatre Program. She'd like to thank Justine for this opportunity and for being a compassionate and caring director. Alana would also like to thank her family, best friend, and partner for their endless support!

Loe Eoff (Boy #2) is so happy to be back at The Empty Space for this spectacular show! Previous credits include ensemble in The Earth is Flat (The Empty Space) and Sarah in The First Degree (CSUB). Offstage, Loe enjoys rock climbing, going to the movies, and spending time with friends. She is also currently attending CSUB with the plan to become an elementary teacher. Loe would like to thank her friends and family for their continuous support.

Kenzie Flores (Hannah) is honored to be making her very first stage debut. As a Mexican-Asian, she is ecstatic that her first show is so rich in culture that is near to her heart. She gives a huge thank you to Justine for taking a chance on her, and a thank you to all the cast and crew for being so supportive on this new journey. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Paige Green (Nana) is thrilled to return to The Empty Space, having previously appeared as Anne Page in The Merry Wives of Windsor. She is also currently working on the One Acts with Bakersfield Community Theatre and helps manage the social media for Theatrix Kids, a local theater education program. Immense thanks to Justine for trusting her with the role of Nana Lupita—it has been an honor. Sharing the stage with such a talented and passionate cast has been a true joy. This show, its story, and this creative team have been a beautiful celebration of culture and humanity. Deepest gratitude to her family, the ever-patient team of babysitters, and her husband, who juggles his own musical rehearsals at The Ovation with constant support and encouragement.

Ceól "CJ" Guillen (Ensemble/Newspaper Boy #3), he/they, is more than psyched to be performing at The Empty Space for the first time! You may have seen him in high school performances of Mirror, Mirror: Stay Tuned! (original) and She Kills Monsters. Beyond the stage Ceól likes drawing, hanging out with his friends, giving lots of love to his 4 cats, and singing his heart out to various song albums. He would like to thank his dad for helping to make being part of this show possible, all the cast and crew, and his close friends for always giving support and love when he needed it. A los cabellos!

Jose Gutierrez-Reyes is excited to be performing for the first time here at TES and is proud it’s another Mexican American play he gets to take part in. On top of being an actor Jose is a body builder who makes online fitness content for YouTube and Instagram “The Steroid Stuffers”. He would like to extend his gratitude to the director Justine for allowing him the opportunity to be part of such a culturally significant play. Jose would also like to thank his entire family for always being there for him no matter what goes down.

Cameron Kovac (Stage Manager) is excited to once again stage manage a show at The Empty Space. He would like to thank Justine for the opportunity to be part of such a magical production, his mom, sister and friends for their continuous support.

Savanna May (Ensemble/Swing) is so excited to be back on The Empty Space stage! You may have seen her previously here as Philoclea in Head Over Heels, Leanne in Puffs, Camille in Horse Girls, or Martha in Spring Awakening. Other credits around town include Constance in Ride The Cyclone at the Playhouse, Whitney/Ensemble in Legally Blonde at Stars, or Rapunzel in Into the Woods at The Ovation Theatre. Savanna just graduated from CSUB with a BA in Theatre, and next will be pursuing her teaching credential. Outside of theatre, she is a barista, loves hanging out with her friends and family, traveling, and taking care of her new rescue kitten, Fiyero. She would like to give a huge thank you to Justine, fellow cast and crew, and of course her loved ones for all their continuous support. Enjoy the show!

Nick Ono (El Hijo) was last seen as Stanley in A Streetcar Named Desire at BCT, and as Gleb in Anastasia, here at The Empty Space. Other credits include Newsies (Jack Kelly), The Light in the Piazza (Fabrizio), The Crucible (John Proctor), Puffs (Cedric), Rent (Benny), and In the Heights (Usnavi). He is also the Technical Director here at The Empty Space and will be seen in the upcoming production of Tarzan. Enjoy!

Isabella Pelayo (Mask Maker) is ecstatic to be making her Empty Space debut! With many years of experience within the theatre industry, Isabella is deeply committed to fostering a sense of community and inclusivity, often going out of her way to support and mentor others. Isabella is a proud and active member of the Boys and Girls club of Kern County's exclusive performance team, Music Fusion. She loves spending time learning new music, volunteering in her Church Worship, and much more. Mientras uno está vivo uno debe amar lo más que pueda! Recent/Favorite credits include Nina Rosario (In the Heights) Stars Theater Restaurant, Catherine of Aragon (SIX) Moana (Moana) w/The Spotlight Dance Academy/Fox Theater, Cady heron (Mean Girls) (Anna) Frozen, Ti Moune (Once on This Island

Daniel Ramos (Father) gives kudos to Jay, Ruth, Mel, Cam and Mitchell for the advice during practices. His sense of pride comes from this wonderful cast and crew he works with. After Luchadora!, Daniel will bring to life only eight more characters before retiring from the stage for good.

Sebastian Richardson (Leopold) is excited to be back at The Empty Space! He was last seen at The Empty Space in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Other credits include Anatomy of Grey (CSUB), Life in the Trees (CSUB) and Geeks vs Zombies (BCT). He is very thankful for the opportunity to be part of such an amazing cast and to be in this incredible show. He’d like to thank his parents for waiting up for him all these long nights and putting up with his crazy schedule!

Marilyn Robles (Boy #3) is beyond excited to make her community theater debut at The Empty Space! Since graduating high school last year, she’s been itching to get back on stage when her schedule finally allowed. Some of her favorite past roles include Carla, In The Heights and Tracy Turnblad, Hairspray (both at Ridgeview High School) and Siobhan, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (KHSD honor theater). When she’s not acting Mari is most likely hanging out with friends, playing the sims, reading, or singing in the shower. Mari sends a special shout out to her baby sister Alicia, who’s dedication to MMA inspired her so much throughout the rehearsal process of this show. Fighting isn’t just for boys, baby! Always show ‘em who’s boss!!

Peter Santiago (Newspaper Boy #1) is thrilled to make his debut at The Empty Space! A passionate fan of theater from a young age, Peter is excited to be stepping onto the stage as a performer. Previous credits include Charlie in Willy Wonka Kids with Spotlight Academy of the Arts, as well as roles in several church musicals. Offstage, Peter can be found reading, flipping, riding roller coasters and studying extreme weather patterns. He’s grateful for the chance to learn, grow, and be part of this amazing cast—and he can’t wait for many more adventures in theater!

Kirksey Sheffield (Leisl) is thrilled to make her debut at The Empty Space! Originally from Tupelo, Mississippi, she recently relocated to Bakersfield and is excited to join the local theatre community. In Mississippi, she performed in productions such as Big Fish and All Shook Up (ensemble) with her hometown community theatre. A proud graduate of Mississippi State University, Kirksey discovered her passion for theatre during her time there. She would like to thank Justine for this amazing opportunity and her boyfriend, Charlie, for his support and love.

Araceli Stanev is thrilled to make her community theatre debut at The Empty Space in Luchadora! She is honored to be part of such a talented cast. Originally from Orange County, she is so happy to be in Bakersfield and to experience its vibrant community theatre scene. Previously, she performed at Bakersfield College as Vanessa in Significant Other. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, especially as it marks the first time her daughter will see her perform on stage. She is filled with gratitude for this moment and excited to continue her journey in theatre. She would like to thank Justine for this opportunity, her family and daughter for their love and support.

Kimberly Villatoro is excited to make her community theater debut at The Empty Space. She just graduated from Bakersfield College with a focus in theater. She is also a Folklorico dancer with the Bakersfield College group, Ballet Folklorico Ritmo y Sabor. She is also in the Mariachi group at Bakersfield College. You might’ve seen her in performance at Bakersfield College in the Folklorico group, or in Lilies of the Field as Sister Albertine, or in Something Rotten as Ensemble and also recently in How to Defend Yourself as Diana. She is so excited to be part of this loving, inspiring and heartfelt show. She wants to thank Justine for being an amazing director, and giving her this opportunity in Luchadora. She also wants to thank her family and friends, and others who have helped and supported her through her acting journey. Thank you everyone for coming!

Arnold Xochicalli Martinez (Blue Wrestler) is making his way into the ring here at The Empty Space for the first time. Arnold has found inspiration with the cast and feels fortunate to be a part of this project. Arnold would love to thank Ruth Luna for extending this sole opportunity and experience.

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Luchadora! is a story about masks, both the ones we wear and the ones we choose to take off. At its heart, this play is about a young girl discovering the courage to define herself on her own terms. Through the world of lucha libre wrestling, we’re reminded that strength comes in many forms: in the ring, in our families, and in the quiet choices we make to stand up for who we are.

From the moment I read this play, I knew it needed to be told. Directing Luchadora! allowed me to reconnect with my roots and find deeper comfort in my identity and heritage. It has been a gift to explore that journey alongside this incredible cast and my creative team.

Thank you to everyone who supported this production. Your time, talent, and encouragement made it possible. I’m especially grateful to David Torres, Ruth Luna, Perrin Swanson, Mitchel Mejia, David Melendez, Chom Wisuthimarkul, Cameron Kovac, Melvadad Aguas, Andy Vega, Trenton Benet, Frank Robinson, Paige Green, Jesus Fidel, Kristina Saldaña, Anna Santiago, Jessica Abdool, Victor and Valery Diaz, and my son, Rueben Demeza. Your contributions, whether onstage or behind the scenes, helped bring this story to life. Muchísimas gracias por todo. I couldn’t have put this production together without everyone’s immense support. 

—Justine Luevano, Director