Axel Cruz

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.