Teatro ECAS

==ECAS Theater== ECAS Theater, officially known as the Educational Center of Arts and Science (ECAS), is a prominent cultural institution located in Providence, Rhode Island. It was founded in 1997 by Nancy Patiño, a high school teacher in Providence, who brought together a group of active Latinos in the fields of poetry, dance, music, and painting. The aim was to provide extracurricular programming for young students to explore their own cultures, leading to the establishment of ECAS. Under the leadership of Francis Parra, who took charge of the theater and performing arts program, Teatro ECAS emerged as an independent 501(c)(3) artistic organization. Since its inception, Teatro ECAS has grown to become the leading Latin theater in New England, presenting both classic and contemporary plays in Spanish. It has played a significant role in training a generation of Latino actors and managing educational programs for all ages. Teatro ECAS has extended its reach beyond Rhode Island, presenting works in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and even Cuba. Today, it stands as the sole Latin repertory theater in New England. ===Board of Directors=== The governance of Teatro ECAS is overseen by a board of directors comprising individuals committed to the theater's mission and vision. The board includes: * Carolina Grullón, President * Jacinta Peña, Vice President * Sandra Cano, Treasurer * Carolina Briones, Secretary * Dantes Carrasco * Xiomara Paulino * Gonzalo Cuervo * Andy Andujar * Mercedes Betty Bernal * Margaret Brassard ===Staff=== The theater boasts a dedicated staff led by Francis Parra, the Executive Artistic Director. Born in the Dominican Republic, Parra has been a lifelong educator and advocate for the arts. She studied advertising and communications at the Universidad APEC in Santo Domingo and was actively involved in the local theater scene. After relocating to Rhode Island, she launched a community theater program in 1997, which has evolved into Teatro ECAS. Over her career, Parra has written, directed, and produced numerous plays and has taught acting for over two decades. Her contributions to the arts have been recognized with several awards, including a 2014 acknowledgment for twenty years of artistic leadership from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the 2018 Tom Roberts Prize for Creative Achievement from the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities. Other key staff members include: * Yvonne Beauregard, General Manager * Connie Pereira, Accounting * Dr. Laura Espinel, Educational Programming * Jessica Smith, Educational Programming * Luis Gilberto Martinez Garcia, Educational Programming * Carlos Parra Guerra, Production Manager * Delia Rodriguez Masjoan, Development and Special Projects * Marcia Marte, Marketing * Estefania Parra, Graphic Design * Pablo Rodriguez Masjoan, Graphic Design ECAS Theater is accessible to individuals with disabilities and invites those requiring such services to reach out for assistance. ==Contact Information== For further information or inquiries, individuals are encouraged to contact ECAS Theater directly. The organization remains committed to enriching the cultural landscape of New England through its diverse offerings in the performing arts and educational programs.