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Mentorship program alumni Ashley Busenlener and Joseph Henderson.
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THE OLYMPIA DUKAKIS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Mentee Terrence Leung with mentor Elisa Bocanegra
"When I joined Hero Theatre, I entered a supportive community that treasures diversity and social justice. I found a purpose to serve my counterparts through Hero. I also had the privilege to witness great and honest artistry."
--Terrence Leung, Hong Kong, USC Class of 2016
Every year Hero Theatre collaborates with universities around the country, providing select students with the opportunity to learn from actors, directors and producers in the field. Our rigorous mentorship program challenges students to step out of their comfort zone and immerse themselves in all aspects of theatre. They receive one-on--one mentorship from our artistic director Elisa Bocanegra and other Hero company members, resulting in an experience tailored to the specific needs of each mentee. Read testimonials from Hero Theatre Mentorship Program participants below!
--Terrence Leung, Hong Kong, USC Class of 2016
Every year Hero Theatre collaborates with universities around the country, providing select students with the opportunity to learn from actors, directors and producers in the field. Our rigorous mentorship program challenges students to step out of their comfort zone and immerse themselves in all aspects of theatre. They receive one-on--one mentorship from our artistic director Elisa Bocanegra and other Hero company members, resulting in an experience tailored to the specific needs of each mentee. Read testimonials from Hero Theatre Mentorship Program participants below!
The Hero Theatre mentorship program was a whirlwind for me in the best possible way! I learned what it takes to put on a show from the first production meeting to the weeks following the show. What I am most grateful for are the lessons that Elisa taught me. She introduced me to the work of Octavio Solis, Nilo Cruz, Quiara Alegría Hudes and many other Latinx playwrights not covered in my own collegiate education. Elisa exposed me to theatre that resonated and brought me closer to my own culture- a theatre I did not know existed. I am eternally grateful to Hero Theatre for giving me the space, opportunities, and attention I needed to become a more empowered version of myself.
Analia Tamariz University of Southern California, Class of '18 
The mentorship program at Hero helped me grow as an artist, producer, and actor. I learned what it takes to run a theater company from the inside with the added bonuses of acting coaching and career mentorship. Through this program, I had hands on experience producing and further received the guidance I needed to inspire me to move to New York to continue my training. I still carry with me the importance of a mission-based theater company in my current NYC theatrical endeavors.
Kat Belinfante USC, Class of 2014 
Hero Theatre's mentorship
program gave me the experience of working in a professional environment. I started by assistant stage managing a project, then got to experience being the lead stage manager. It gave me the opportunity to advocate for diversity and inclusion in theatre projects. I enjoyed working with all of the company members as I learned from them daily. Wendy Hui USC, Class of 2021 
The mentorship program provided at Hero has allowed me to grow in various ways as a young Latina artist. When I first came in contact with Elisa Bocanegra, I had no experience nor any knowledge at all about the theatre world however, she immediately saw the potential in me and everybody else as upcoming artists. My favorite thing about the program is that Elisa does her best in creating a safe learning environment for everybody. She makes everyone feel comfortable and treats you as if you were one of her own. This program will push you far into meeting all your goals and it will motivate you to become your best self. I am forever grateful to have been a part of this program, they make you feel welcomed and treat you like family. The one-on-one lessons with Elisa go far beyond the material needed, you will additionally take some meaningful life lessons along the road with you.
Paola Delcid Glendale Community College, Class of 2022 |
As a Black man pursuing theatre, I am aware of the racism that arises in this field. Being a part of Hero Theatre, my story is different. Hero is a company that celebrates diversity and welcomes new ideas. The mentorship program taught me not only about my craft but about myself. Having the opportunity to be in the presence of some of the best actors, directors and producers in the field inspired me to give back to my community. During my time in the mentorship program, my confidence grew and my awareness was awakened.. Some people’s hero have a cape, but mine is the mentorship program at Hero Theatre.
Joseph M. Henderson Jackson State University, Class of 2018 *Current board member at Hero Theatre 
Through the Hero Mentorship program, I developed strong communication skills, enabling me to work effectively with many other professional artists in Los Angeles. Hero taught me that professionalism and being meticulous are essential to have in my theatre career. Lastly, Elisa Bocanegra propelled me to become a better artist as I spent engaging and personal time with her throughout the mentorship program.
Trey Noh University of Southern California, Class of 2021 
Working with HERO immersed me in the LA theatre community while I was still a student, so that I felt I had some footing when I graduated. The mentorship from Elisa and other company members, as well as the opportunity to witness a professional work environment, was truly a gift. I learned how actors need to be treated, and also how they are expected to conduct themselves.
Michael Sturgis University of Southern California, Class of 2016 
Coming into the program with little knowledge, the HERO theatre program helped me grow professionally by challenging me and pushing me past my comfort zone. Working alongside Elisa made me feel that I was receiving the necessary attention in order to properly evaluate my performance, giving me career advice, and teaching me new techniques. Elisa helped me with multiple aspects of my career and opened my eyes to the possibilities available to me; I will forever value my time with HERO theatre.
Nayeli Ignacio University of California, Riverside, Class of 2022 |
Elisa Bocanegra helped develop my talent through a series of acting workshops. She also gave me the opportunity to work with some
really excellent artists. Most importantly, the mentorship program taught me the meaning of hard work. Elisa's approach is one of tough love, where she pushes you into the deep end and expects you to swim - but you're really in the thick of it with her, seeing and doing everything that needs to be done for theatre to happen. The experience was infinitely preferable to being a glorified errand boy for some production company. In short, Elisa will put you to work. It will be hard. But I guarantee you will be a better person and more equipped to succeed because of it. Also she's lovely. Miles Bryant University of Southern California, Class of '17 
Interning for Hero Theatre was easily one of the best decisions I made during my college career. Elisa is so generous with her information, and goes above and beyond to help nurture young and emerging artists. She held monologue workshops for me and my fellow mentees and gave us one-on-one coaching. As a Producing Fellow, I gained hands-on experience tracking and managing budgets, organizing contracts, and learning all the ins and outs of what it takes to bring a show to life. I cannot recommend this program enough.
Julia Stier, USC, Class of 2018 
Hero's mentorship program challenged me both as an artist and as an arts administrator and producer, far more than I've ever been challenged before. I would not be where I am right now without Elisa constantly pushing me to succeed and supporting me. When you become a mentee you join the Hero Theatre family, and that is something I will always value.
Ashley Busenlener University of Southern California, Class of 2019 
I am fortunate to have completed the mentorship program at Hero Theatre. Working with this theatre company opened my eyes to the strength of bringing diverse perspectives to the stage. As a part of the program, I was mentored by the Artistic Director of Hero itself, Elisa Bocanegra. I witnessed firsthand what it meant to lead a theatre company and take part in the leadership. One crucial skill that I learned was how to self-start. I took ownership to make things happen. I had never done this before. Elisa instilled confidence in me. Additionally, I truly enjoyed being part of the Future Classics Reading Series and assisting Elisa with Hero's play for the homeless community, "Troy."
Rickey Orr University of South California, Class of 2021 |
Mentorship program alumni with Elisa Bocanegra.
To find out more about our mentorship program. Please email us at contactus@herotheatre.org.
SUPPORT OUR PROGRAM
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Our mentorship program is offered free of charge. We rely on your donations to keep the program alive. Please consider making your tax-deductible donation for Hero Theatre's OLYMPIA DUKAKIS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. Olympia Dukakis was a mentor to our founder Elisa Bocanegra. She inspired Elisa to start Hero Theatre as a way of helping other artists from communities in need.
Donating by check? Please make it payable to Hero Theatre, Inc. and add a note on the memo line saying "mentorship". Checks can be mailed to:
Hero Theatre, PO Box 26275, Los Angeles, CA 90026. |
Our AD, Elisa Bocanegra, with her mentor Olympia Dukakis.
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