Teatro Palo Alto

Teatro Palo Alto is the producing arm of the Palo Alto College drama program. There are four shows per season, with two shows during the fall semester and two in the spring. The department operates out of two theatre spaces: a 400-seat auditorium and a 100-seat black box theatre.

Teatro Palo Alto strives to create high quality theatre experience for the bilingual, multicultural community in South San Antonio. Diversity, including gender, is also a cornerstone to our vision, with at least half of the productions each season being written by women. It is crucial for the health of the community to see itself represented in popular culture and the arts. Teatro Palo Alto seeks to bridge the representation chasm that exists in the arts.

Fall 2022

Camilla La Magica Makes Tamales

Adapted by Nicolás E. Castañon
Based on the book by Chef Cariño and Paloma Cortez
Directed by Benito Lara Villarreal

Follow Camilla la Magica and her Pup Osito, as she learns how to make her Abuela’s magical tamales for Christmas dinner.  Carefully following each of her Abuela’s steps, that were passed down from her Abuela, Camilla learns the true magic behind her family’s traditional tamales and the generations of love passed down in each bite.

Performances
Friday, Oct. 28 – 7 p.m | Evening Performance & Reception
Saturday, Oct. 29 – 7 p.m | Evening Performance & Talkback
Tuesday, Nov. 1 – 10 a.m. | School Matinee
Wednesday, Nov. 2 – 10 a.m | School Matinee
Thursday, Nov. 3 – 10 a.m | School Matinee
Saturday, Nov. 5 – 7 p.m | Evening Performance
Tuesday, Nov. 8 – 10 a.m | School Matinee
Wednesday, Nov. 9 – 10 a.m | School Matinee
Thursday, Nov. 10 – 10 a.m | School Matinee
Friday, Nov. 11 – 7 p.m | Evening Performance
Saturday, Nov. 12 – 2 p.m | Matinee Performance

Adults $12.00
PAC Faculty & Staff, Military, Groups (10+), PAC Alumni, Non-PAC Student $10.00
PAC Students, Children (ages 4-12) $6.00

**All opening night performances for Teatro Palo Alto are $6.00 (all tickets)

Spring 2023

The Vagina Monologues

By Eve Ensler
Directed by Rachael Lorenzetti
Costume Design by Rachael Lorenzetti

The Vagina Monologues is made up of various personal monologues read by a diverse group of women.  Originally, Eve Ensler performed every monologue herself, with subsequent performances featuring three actresses, and more recent versions featuring a different actress for every role.  Each of the monologues deals with an aspect of the feminine experience.  A recurring theme throughout the piece is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and the ultimate embodiment of individuality.  **Note that this production contains adult themes and language.  *Proceeds from select performances will benefit women’s shelters in San Antonio and Planned Parenthood.

Performances 
Friday, February 17, 7 p.m. | Evening Performance & Reception
Saturday, February 18, 7 p.m. | Evening Performance & Talkback
Thursday, February 23, 11 a.m. | Matinee Performance
Thursday, February 23, 7 p.m. | Evening Performance
Friday, February 24, 7 p.m. | Evening Performance*
Saturday, February 25, 7 p.m. | Evening Performance*

Tickets

Adults $12.00
PAC Faculty & Staff, Military, Groups (10+), PAC Alumni, Non-PAC Student $10.00
PAC Students, Children (ages 4-12) $6.00

**All opening night performances for Teatro Palo Alto are $6.00 (all tickets)

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Additional Material by Jay Reiss 

Directed by Nicolás E. Castañon
Musical Direction by Edelyn DeOliveira
Choreography by Bo Pang
Costume Design by Rachael Lighting Design
Lighting Design by Brandon H. Rosen

About the show, from the publisher: Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny, and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vies for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life-un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box. A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius. The small cast and unit set make this a perfect option for high schools or community theatres. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd-pleaser and an instant theatre patron favorite.

Performances 

Friday, April 28 – 7:30 p.m.**
Saturday, April 29 – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 30 – 2 p.m.
Wednesday, May 3 – 1 p.m.
Friday, May 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 7 – 6:00 PM  

Tickets

Adults: $12.00
PAC Faculty & Staff, Military, Groups (10+), PAC Alumni, Non-PAC Student: $10.00
PAC Students, Children (ages 4-12) $6.00
**All opening night performances for Teatro Palo Alto are $6.00 (all tickets)

Location

Black Box, Performing Arts Center 171

Past seasons

Box Office 

Child, senior, and student discounts are available. Tickets may be purchased online when available. For tickets and more information, please call the Box Office at 210-670-6670. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.