Asia is a Proud Gaucho who is putting magic into theatrical performances.
When you think of theatre, one of the first things that comes to mind are the actors. For Asia, it was, and still is, all about the technical aspects of the performance; the set design, stage coordination, lighting, sound, and, of course, the actors hitting their marks. It all started during her freshman year at Ironwood High School when she took a production design class, which led her to the school’s theatre program. It was there that she helped build complex sets and was part of the stage crew that preset the stage and moved the set pieces during scene changes. In her senior year of high school, she attended GCC’s performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. When asked about what she thought of the performance, Asia commented, “I was way more interested in analyzing the technical aspects of the play than the play itself. What the actors were saying and doing was of little interest to me. I was captivated by the way everything came together.”
It was an easy transition to Glendale Community College for a number of reasons. First was the great theatre arts program, second was the convenience factor, and last was the affordable tuition. Asia took no time getting heavily involved in ‘everything backstage’ at the GCC Performing Arts Center. Her first play was The Mousetrap where she was the stage manager and helped build the set. Other performances include Barefoot in the Park, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Something's Afoot, and more. “The set we built for A Midsummer Night’s Dream was amazingly beautiful. I love being part of making the magic happen.” Asia proudly stated. She continued, “My goal is to be primarily responsible for the supervision and implementation of all production elements including lighting, sound, set design, construction and working with the stage manager.”
Asia started at GCC in 2018 and was loving it, then COVID hit and threw her off track. She returned a little over a year ago, taking a job in the Performing Arts Center and re-enrolling in classes. She knows that technical direction is what she wants to do, preferably in theatre, however, her skills can take her into dance and music performances. In the meantime, her plan is to work at GCC as long as she can. “I’ll walk in commencement in May and then attend ASU for my bachelor’s degree, after that I plan to stay in Arizona. Lesley Machbitz, GCC Theatre Arts Faculty, is already making introductions for me around Phoenix and at ASU, and I am so grateful for that.”
When asked about her experience at GCC, Asia lights up. “I’ve made great friends here at GCC! There are lots of us from performing arts; students from theatre, band and sound and a few from campus safety. We’ve all bonded, and everyone is so supportive. My best friends are definitely here at GCC.”
Asia is the first person in her family to attend college, but not the only one involved in performing arts. “My dad is into theatre, so I guess it kind of runs in the family.”
Congratulations Asia, and ‘break a leg’ as you continue to find your future at GCC.