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TECHNICAL PRODUCTION AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT
Performing Arts & Entertainment
AHOLIBAMA CASTAÑEDA GONZÁLEZ
They, them
I was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, where I started my career and worked for 12 years. Then, I moved to Mexico City, where I worked for four years. In 2020, a pivotal decision led me to New Haven, Connecticut, where I embarked on a journey by enrolling in Yale University's prestigious master's program. My deep commitment to improving working conditions in my field led me to focus on safety procedures, rigging techniques, and technical management. I thrive on leading and managing teams, achieving the best outcomes without sacrificing enjoyment.
From a young age, I aspired to work within big organizations alongside creative teams and explore the world through my profession. These dreams have since evolved. Now, I'm searching for a professional environment unafraid to take calculated risks and drive meaningful cultural change. My ultimate goal is to work in places where I don't have to compromise my true self for external validation. At the heart of my professional ethos lies a profound commitment to psychological safety, where individuals can authentically be themselves while reaching their full potential.
AWARDS
My recent accolades, including the William J. Reynolds Award for excellence in theater safety, the USITT - KM Fabrics Award for outstanding potential in technical production, and the Pierre-André Salim Prize, awarded to a graduating student who shows distinct promise of raising the standard of practice in the field, emphasize my abilities and professional ambition.
WELCOME TO MY JOURNEY
DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF DRAMA AT YALE UNIVERSITY
M.F.A. Candidate. Technical Design & Production. Class of 2024
I am extremely fortunate to be immersed in a profoundly professional environment guided by exceptionally skilled professors. As I prepare to tackle the constantly evolving challenges within this dynamic field, I am acutely aware of the significant personal and intellectual growth it necessitates.
Despite the privilege of attending one of the world's preeminent educational institutions, under the tutelage of exceptional mentors, I've come to recognize the urgent need to deconstruct the barriers that often hinder individuals' learning and professional development. In addition to the technical aspects, my educational journey also encompasses essential training in anti-racist practices, equity, diversity, and inclusion. This comprehensive approach to my education has sparked a profound shift in my perspective since my arrival. It's not merely my professional knowledge that's expanding; I'm embarking on a profound journey of self-discovery, gaining insights into both myself and the world that were previously beyond my imagination.
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DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF DRAMA AT YALE UNIVERSITY
M.F.A. Candidate. Technical Design & Production. Class of 2024
I am fortunate to be immersed in a profoundly professional environment guided by exceptionally skilled professors. As I prepare to tackle the constantly evolving challenges within this dynamic field, I am acutely aware of the significant personal and intellectual growth it necessitates.
Despite the privilege of attending one of the world's preeminent educational institutions under the tutelage of exceptional mentors, I've come to recognize the urgent need to deconstruct the barriers that often hinder individuals' learning and professional development. In addition to the technical aspects, my educational journey also encompasses essential training in anti-racist practices, equity, diversity, and inclusion. This comprehensive approach to my education has sparked a profound shift in my perspective since my arrival. It's not merely my professional knowledge that's expanding; I'm embarking on a profound journey of self-discovery, gaining insights into both myself and the world.
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PARAMEDIC TRAINING
CECAP Centro de Capacitación para la Atención Prehospitalaria. Class of 2011
I hold a Paramedic degree from the Green Cross of Guadalajara. The training equipped me with advanced medical skills to handle critical emergencies in pre-hospital settings. I learned to stabilize patients with life-threatening injuries, administer medications, perform invasive procedures, and make critical decisions under pressure. This rigorous training gave me the ability to save lives and provide essential care during a patient's most vulnerable moments. Since this training, I've endeavored to bridge my technical management expertise with my paramedic training. This unique combination has allowed me to enhance communication with emergency agencies, implement safety protocols, and even provide direct emergency care to individuals in my professional sphere, such as artists or technicians. This dual skill set has proven invaluable in creating a safer and more prepared environment for all.
SUMMER FOR THE CITY
Lincoln Center Outdoor Festival NYC 2022-2024
During the summer seasons of 2022 and 2023, I had the privilege of serving as an Assistant Technical Director (ATD) at the prestigious Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. These seasons featured an impressive array of over 300 events that attracted thousands of enthusiastic attendees. It was an enriching period marked by the vibrant city, an exceptional team, and a spirited crowd, all dedicated to creating unforgettable moments on The Dance Floor.
In my role, I oversaw the load-in and load-out operations across our five outdoor venues. I was part of the team responsible for monitoring weather conditions and executing emergency plans when necessary. My contributions included providing an extensive package of CAD drawings, which was pivotal in supporting the striking and storing of the big scenery. This effort also encompassed creating detailed 2D and 3D CAD drawings for each venue, ensuring meticulous planning.
Throughout this journey, I connected with many remarkable individuals, enriching my overall experience. My time at Lincoln Center was nothing short of an extraordinary adventure, with the memories forged during those months continuing to serve as a lasting source of inspiration.
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NATIONAL FINE ARTS INSTITUTE
National Theater Coordination. Mexico City 2018-2019
In 2018, I received a prestigious invitation to join the Technical Production team at the Centro Cultural del Bosque in Mexico City, the nation's most active cultural hub. Over two years, I coordinated the operations for up to four theater companies, each residing in the same venue for extended periods, often a month at a time. I supported a team of 120 technicians set and lighting designers, ensuring their creative visions ran smoothly.
I also created comprehensive templates for security processes, technical requirements, and lighting and sound plans for special events. These templates streamlined operations, enhancing the department's efficiency.
During this time, I contributed to over 200 performances, each with its unique challenges. This experience deepened my professional expertise and my appreciation for the performing arts. It was a transformative period in my career that I'm proud of and look forward to building upon in the future.
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INTERNATIONAL CERVANTINO FESTIVAL
Guanajuato, Mexico. From 2014 to 2019
The most prominent festival for Performing Arts in Mexico, and one of the largest in all of Latin America, has a remarkable legacy of 51 editions. In this distinguished journey, I had the privilege of collaborating closely with artists, technical directors, and production managers representing more than twenty countries.
My role was pivotal, as I undertook the challenging responsibility of coordinating the intricate setups and the flawless execution of performances for nearly 40 international companies. This experience allowed me to foster invaluable connections within the global performing arts community, showcasing the diverse talents and creativity of artists from around the world. It was a truly enriching and transformative experience.
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PHAWAY
Opening for International Festival Performing Arts in Queretaro, Mexico. October 2019
Phaway is a captivating aerial performance originating from Argentina, featuring a dynamic ensemble of four live musicians who grace a 10x10-meter stage. The centerpiece of this breathtaking performance is a towering telescopic crane that reaches a staggering height of 60 meters, with eight performers suspended in mid-air, adding an element of awe and wonder to the spectacle.
I played a pivotal role as the Technical Producer for the grand opening of the Performing Arts Festival in Queretaro, Mexico. My expertise and dedication were instrumental in ensuring the seamless execution of this extraordinary performance, leaving the audience in awe and setting the stage for an unforgettable start to the festival.
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EL CORAZON DE LA MATERIA
Theater performance. Luis de Tavira Artistic Director. Philippe Amand Set and Lighting Designer. 2017-2018 Mexico City
Under the expert guidance of Philippe Amand, a renowned set designer in Mexico, I undertook a pivotal role, taking on the responsibility of meticulously organizing and coordinating the load-in, load-out, and transportation logistics for all the set pieces, props, and costumes. This demanding task was carried out for a national tour, as well as two seasons held at the prestigious National Arts Center in Mexico City. The successful execution of these responsibilities ensured the seamless production and presentation of the performances, contributing to the overall success of these noteworthy events.
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LUNA MORENA EXPERIMENTAL PUPPETS WORKSHOP
2010-2012 Apprentice - 2016-2017 Production and Technical Manager
In 2010, I commenced my journey with this theater company as a technical apprentice. Over time, I steadily progressed through the ranks, assuming the role of Technical Coordinator responsible for coordinating the technical aspects of touring for three distinct repertory performances. Four years later, I received a prestigious invitation to step into the role of Production Manager for two pivotal performances, "Cactácea" and "ARKA," which marked the company's fifteenth anniversary.
Following successful openings, "Cactácea" earned an invitation to showcase its artistry in Germany, while "ARKA" embarked on a remarkable journey to captivate audiences in China. I had the privilege of serving as the Technical Coordinator for both of these international tours, ensuring the flawless execution of these performances and contributing to their success on the global stage. This journey stands as a testament to my growth and expertise within the theater industry.
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LA CARAVANA DEL ELEFANTE POLAR
Itinerant Stage 2012-2013
With a noble mission to bring the magic of performances to the farthest reaches of major cities, I embarked on a journey that took me through five different states. In my role as a stage manager and assistant technical director, I had the privilege of traveling to 26 small cities, where we presented three shows per night, all entirely free of charge. This kind of community engagement work has been the most profoundly rewarding experience of my life.
Our journey was more than just about the performances; it was about the shared human connection. From the very moment we began the load-in, we were surrounded by the warmth and generosity of the local communities. Children offered food, water, and their helping hands to assemble the stage, creating an environment of togetherness and shared purpose.
Throughout this incredible journey, the production team of this project grew to become more than colleagues; they became my dearest friends and beloved family in Mexico City. The shared experiences, laughter, and the bonds formed in the process have made this endeavor not just a professional achievement, but a personal and heartwarming chapter in my life.
LA VALENTINA TEATRO
2010 - 2014 Production Mananger
During my journey with this theater company, I underwent a significant shift in my perspective, starting to perceive design as not just a creative endeavor but also a complex technical challenge. One of the milestones in this transformation was my involvement in "Valentina y la Sombra del Diablo" (Valentina and the Shape of the Devil), a production that demanded nearly two hundred performances in a diverse array of spaces and conditions.
The technical aspects of the performances became increasingly intricate, and the set design for "El Viaje de Ulises" (Ulises's Journey) presented a particularly noteworthy challenge. The set needed to strike a balance between strength and the illusion of fragility, resembling paper in its appearance. To achieve this, we explored innovative solutions, employing magnets to create captivating tricks with the props, infusing a sense of magic and technical ingenuity into the production. This experience expanded my horizons and enriched my perspective on the technical facets of theatrical design, shaping my approach to future endeavors in the field.
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BETO RUIZ
2012 - 2015 Production Mananger
Working alongside Beto was a transformative experience that nurtured my ability to approach technical challenges with a creative mindset. Beto, known for his comprehensive involvement in designing his performances, recognized in me the ideal collaborator to translate creative concepts into practical technical solutions.
Under his mentorship, I discovered the profound value of teamwork and the remarkable synergy that emerges when creative minds align with technical expertise. Together, we embarked on a journey that enriched my understanding of how creative and technical elements can seamlessly intertwine, ultimately contributing to the success of our shared projects. This partnership was not just about solving problems; it was about unlocking the true treasure of collaboration and creative problem-solving.
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THANKS FOR TAKING A LOOK!
Aholibama Castañeda González
aholibama.castanedagonzalez@gmail.com
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New Haven, CT. USA