Elisa Bocanegra is a dynamic and multidisciplinary Puerto Rican creative force, whose diverse talents and passions have enabled her to excel in a wide range of artistic and professional capacities.
As a seasoned actress, she has honed her craft through extensive experience in various stage productions, bringing her characters to life with depth, nuance, and emotional resonance.
In addition to her acting prowess, Elisa has also demonstrated her skills as a director, expertly guiding productions and fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and growth among her cast and crew.
Furthermore, she has established herself as a respected curator, showcasing the work of emerging and established artists, and providing a platform for their voices to be heard.
Moreover, Elisa is the founder of Hero Theatre, a groundbreaking social and environmental justice theatre company based in Los Angeles, which utilizes the transformative power of storytelling to spark meaningful conversations, inspire positive change, and promote a more just and equitable society.
Elisa, the pioneering creative force behind the esteemed Hero Theatre, has attracted widespread acclaim from prominent publications like The Los Angeles Times and American Theatre Magazine, with local theatre critics enthusiastically singling out her productions as standout favorites, underscoring her remarkable ability to craft memorable and impactful performances that resonate with audiences.
Elisa Hamilton
Born in 1985 in Los Angeles, California, Elisa Hamilton is a renowned theatre director, producer, and playwright. She is the founder and artistic director of Hero Theatre, a Los Angeles-based theatre company that produces innovative and thought-provoking productions.
Elisa's passion for theatre began at a young age, and she went on to study theatre at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). After graduating, she worked as an assistant director and production manager for several theatre companies in Los Angeles, honing her skills and building her network in the industry.
In 2010, Elisa founded Hero Theatre with the goal of creating a platform for innovative and socially conscious theatre. Since its inception, the company has produced numerous critically acclaimed productions, including world premieres, revivals, and collaborations with other artists and companies.
Throughout her career, Elisa has been recognized for her outstanding work, receiving numerous awards and nominations from organizations such as the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, the Ovation Awards, and the NAACP Theatre Awards. She has also been featured in prominent publications like The Los Angeles Times, American Theatre Magazine, and Backstage.
In addition to her work with Hero Theatre, Elisa has taught acting and directing workshops at various institutions, including UCLA and the University of Southern California (USC). She is a sought-after speaker and panelist at industry conferences and events, sharing her expertise and insights with colleagues and aspiring artists.
Elisa's dedication to her craft and her commitment to creating meaningful and impactful theatre have made her a respected and admired figure in the Los Angeles theatre community. Her work continues to inspire and influence a new generation of artists, and her legacy as a trailblazing theatre director and producer is sure to endure.
Elisa's remarkable achievements in the field of theatre were recently acknowledged with the prestigious TCG Leadership U Grant, a distinction that is widely regarded as the most significant of its kind in the nation.
This esteemed honor, which is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a deep commitment to their craft and a passion for the art of theatre, provided Elisa with a unique opportunity to join the leadership team at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for a period of two seasons.
During her tenure at the festival, Elisa was able to bring her exceptional skills and expertise to the table, working alongside other talented individuals who share her passion for the performing arts.
Elisa's dedication to Hero Theatre, a organization that is dedicated to providing opportunities for people of all ages to engage with the performing arts, has been a driving force behind her success, and this prestigious honor is a testament to her hard work and perseverance.
Through her work with Hero Theatre and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Elisa has demonstrated a deep commitment to the art of theatre and a passion for sharing it with others.
Notable among Elisa's extensive stage directing credits is a contemporary reimagining of the timeless classic, The Trojan Women, rebranded as Troy, which delves into the poignant and timely themes of women's struggles and homelessness in the urban landscape of Los Angeles.
In this ambitious production, Elisa worked in tandem with Amina Henry, a prominent playwright featured on the Kilroy List, to bring Troy to life through a collaborative development process.
Person Biography:
Maria Irene Fornés, a renowned playwright, has been the subject of a tribute titled Festival Irene, which showcases the directing repertoire of a notable individual. This tribute is a testament to Fornés' significant contributions to the world of playwriting.
Elisa has the privilege of being mentored by Patrisse Cullors, a visionary leader and co-founder of the influential Black Lives Matter movement. As part of this esteemed program, Elisa is actively engaged with Cullors' innovative Environmental and Social Justice Arts initiative at Prescott College, a renowned institution dedicated to fostering activism and social change.
Elisa's professional trajectory underwent a significant milestone in January 2021, as she was formally introduced as a member of the inaugural Nexus Cohort at New York Stage and Film, an elite program that brings together a distinguished group of industry experts who have identified emerging artists who are poised to make a lasting impact in the realms of film and theatre. This esteemed cohort was carefully curated by a committee comprising Pulitzer Prize-winning luminaries, who recognized Elisa's multifaceted talents as a director, producer, and performer.
Elisa's illustrious career as an actor began with a notable achievement, as her debut film, Girlfight, garnered the prestigious Grand Jury Prize for Best Film at the esteemed Sundance Film Festival.
Elisa's impressive repertoire of stage performances includes a notable stint at the renowned Roundabout Theatre Company in New York, where she had the opportunity to hone her craft and share the stage with other talented artists.
Elisa is professionally overseen by Brian Dobbins, a highly accomplished and experienced Executive Producer who has made a significant impact in the television industry, particularly with his work on ABC's critically acclaimed and groundbreaking comedy series, Blackish.
