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Meet Axel Cruz, ArtStream’s new theatre and events manager!

Axel is a bilingual (English/Spanish) working artist with experience contributing to and teaching performing arts, including production, directing, design, acting, coaching, and choreography. He is a creative leader adept at interpreting themes and emotions through dance, music, movement, and live performance, including telling stories that give voice to marginalized populations and promote change. Axel uses the arts to instruct students of all ages and abilities, giving diverse individuals opportunities to become creative storytellers.   

Axel moved to Maryland in summer 2022. His most recent position was as Director/Producer/Designer at ARC Productions in Holyoke, MA which he founded in 2014. At ARC he managed and directed productions that explored stories of black and brown and queer-identifying people. He collaborated with production teams on all logistical and performance aspects and oversaw budgeting, hiring, and scheduling. At the same time, Axel worked as a Teaching Artist (Pre-K to Adulthood) at Enchanted Circle Theater, where he used improvisation games and movement and vocal exercises to provide tools for learning. He also created and facilitated a Shakespeare curriculum for high school students and worked as a paraprofessional with students with disabilities.  

Axel has experience as a theatre electrician, lighting and stage manager, and production designer. He also managed rehearsals and directed virtual theatre productions and musical theatre.  

Axel has a Bachelor of Arts, Theater from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and an Associate of Arts, Theater from Holyoke Community College. Axel received a Community Spirit Award from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a Leslie Phillips Memorial Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts.   

ArtStream: How did you first get started in theatre? 

Axel: I’ve been a huge fan of theatre for most of my life. I’ve loved the stage and I’ve loved acting. The first time that I was able to get into a show was freshman year of high school where I was one of the burger palace boys in the chorus for the musical Grease.  

ArtStream: What is your proudest career moment and why? 

Axel: There are so many moments in my life and my career that I am very proud of. The most proud moment for me was when I had the courage to start my own company and start directing and producing my own work. There is such beauty in being able to create something and have people want to be a part of the same vision.   

ArtStream: What energizes you at work? 

Axel: The idea that people are at their happiest when working on a project or production that they love. Creating artwork that not only speaks to what we see but also to what we believe in. The arts change the world.  

ArtStream: What excites you most about working at ArtStream? 

Axel: Being able to develop work that speaks to everyone through the eyes and vision of amazing arts creators 

ArtStream: Who has influenced you the most regarding how you approach your work? 

Axel: There are many mentors that I have worked with who have influenced all of my work. I believe that for us to grow in life we must always take what is given and grow with it. From my college mentors to many of the people that I’ve worked with outside of school, they have taught me so much, from thinking outside of the box when it comes to theatre, to seeing theatre as a healing tool.  

ArtStream: What is your favorite play or musical? 

Axel: I have so many favorite plays and musicals, so I’ll give you one for both. My favorite play at the moment is between Angels in America by Tony Kushner and Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire. As for my favorite musical, I am a huge fan of Spring Awakening.