Hello Alamo!
I considered turning my interview into more of a post, but I think Rebel Music Theatre’s words do them far more justice than I could. Numbered questions are of course me. Responses are the collective “voice” of the troupe. Enjoy!
1. I have the mission statement and I know the initial reason for starting Rebel (more acting opportunities), but has that evolved a bit now that you’ve put on 2 very successful shows?
Absolutely. Rebel was born from a real need, more space, more chances, and more room for boldness in performance. We wanted to give talented people a stage, especially those who might not always fit traditional casting molds. But after two successful shows we’ve seen it become something even bigger, a space for creative risk, for community conversation, and for young performers to step into their power. The mission hasn’t changed, we still believe in access and authenticity, but it’s grown to include education, empowerment, mental health advocacy, and equity in theatre. We’ve also become deeply passionate about giving people a space to exist outside of their real life challenges, a place where they can be seen, feel safe, and reconnect with joy.
2. The first 2 performances you’ve put on for the community have been Broadway: No Rules. I know gender bent casting has been done before on Broadway to much acclaim, but as far as I can tell a whole revue of it is pretty novel. What exactly gave you the idea?
What started as a playful challenge—what if people could sing the songs they truly connect with regardless of gender expectations—quickly turned into something magical. Familiar lyrics took on new meaning; suddenly, the songs felt rawer, funnier, queerer, more honest. We never wanted this revue to be a gimmick; we wanted it to be a lens, a way to see old stories in new light. In traditional theatre, some roles demand typecasting, but this show gave us something rare: the freedom to step into voices we may never fully understand in our real lives. It gave us a place to explore identities beyond our own, to embody truths that aren’t ours but still resonate. It wasn’t just about bending the rules; it was about expanding the possibilities of who we’re allowed to be.
3. Rebel has given presentations at schools before and I was personally gob smacked by the young performers at the Friday show. In your own words what is the importance of getting kids involved in theatre?
Theatre gives kids something sacred, a voice. It teaches empathy, confidence, collaboration, and resilience and in a world that often underestimates them that is radical. When we bring Rebel into schools we are not just looking for future cast members. We are giving young people a toolkit for expression and belonging. And when they perform you can see it click in real time, they realize their story matters. That is everything. We have also had youth approach us and say they want to join Rebel because it is one of the only spaces where they do not feel like they have to hide who they are, unlike so many other places they navigate every day. That kind of emotional safety is powerful. And it is not just the kids who feel it. We have people involved in Rebel who work with children every day including teachers, counselors, and support staff and they have shared how meaningful it is to see what Rebel does for these young people. It is not just performance, it is growth, healing, and joy in motion.
4. What kind of shows are you hoping to put on in the future?
Besides our upcoming show We want to keep challenging norms and lifting voices that don’t always get center stage. That might mean full length musicals with unconventional casting, original works from local writers, social justice focused plays, or entirely new formats. We want to create shows that reflect real people and real experiences and that leave both the cast and the audience changed by the end of the night.
5. How does it feel to put on productions in a venue like Otero Arts?
Otero Arts has truly been a gift. It is a space rooted in creativity, connection, and authenticity. The energy there is not only inspiring, it is contagious. We are honored to be part of its story and deeply grateful for the unwavering support from the people who make it feel like home. From the very beginning, Otero Arts has offered us an intimate and welcoming setting to grow, take risks, and create freely without fear of rejection.
7. As Rebel establishes its identity in this community, what are your hopes for the troupe?
At Rebel we’re building a space where people feel brave—brave enough to audition, to try something new, to tell the truth on stage. We want to be known as a troupe that takes risks, leads with heart, and makes space for everyone at the table. More than anything we’re committed to listening to our community and growing alongside it, always working to create a space where safety and authenticity come first. We’ve found a place where we feel unstoppable, bold in our choices, fearless in our storytelling. We are Rebels after all.
Until next time,
Salud!
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