Teatro for the Soul Inc. is a nonprofit theater company based in Orlando, FL with 501(c)(3) status. Our mission is to promote bilingual education and mental health awareness through the transformative power of theater.
Teatro for the Soul Inc. es una compañía de teatro sin fines de lucro con sede en Orlando, FL, y estatus 501(c)(3). Nuestra misión es promover la educación bilingüe y la concienciación sobre la salud mental a través del poder transformador del teatro.
We bring the art of theater to schools, corporate events, hospitals, and any other setting, tailoring performances and workshops to suit your needs.
Education
Our theater programs engage students through dynamic performances and interactive workshops.
Businesses
Our theater workshops engage corporate teams through interactive exercises and performances, enhancing communication, leadership, and teamwork skills in a creative and impactful way.
Healthcare
Our theater workshops in healthcare settings use interactive performances to promote emotional expression, empathy, and stress relief, supporting both patient and staff well-being.
Our Founder
Gabriel Villegas
Gabriel Villegas is a Puerto Rican playwright, educator, and theater founder, renowned for his commitment to bilingual education and the arts. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Master of Arts in Spanish, and a Doctor of Education in Bilingual Education from the University of Central Florida. With over 20 years of experience as an Education Specialist with the federal government, Gabriel has developed a deep understanding of the educational landscape, particularly in bilingual communities.
In addition to his work as an educator, Gabriel is the founder of the Orlando Conservatory for the Performing Arts, where he has trained over 50 actors in just one year. His dedication to nurturing new talent and fostering creativity in young artists is central to the conservatory's mission.
Gabriel’s play, Don Quijote en USA, a bilingual and interactive adaptation of the classic Don Quijote de la Mancha, has taken him on tour across the United States, performing in states such as Indiana, Illinois, New York, Georgia, and Puerto Rico. His work on the stage emphasizes the power of theater to bridge cultural gaps and promote bilingualism.
In addition to his theatrical endeavors, Gabriel is an approved vendor for several school districts, including Orange County Public Schools, Osceola County, and Seminole County, where he integrates the arts into educational programs and promotes language learning through performance. Gabriel's unique blend of academic knowledge, theatrical expertise, and passion for education continues to inspire and impact both his students and audiences nationwide.
Sponsors
Help promote bilingual education today! Your donation supports our efforts to empower individuals by teaching both Spanish and English, fostering understanding and unity across cultures. Together, we can create a more inclusive, connected world. Donate now and make an impact.
Don Quijote en USA
Sinopsis
Don Quijote en USA es una adaptación moderna que narra la historia del legendario hidalgo Don Quijote y su fiel escudero, Sancho Panza, quienes emprenden divertidas aventuras en un lugar que no es La Mancha. A medida que se enfrentan a los retos de este nuevo mundo, se cruzan con personajes variados y situaciones cómicas que exploran temas como la identidad, los sueños, la amistad y el bullying, abordados con sensibilidad.
Información de producción
Autor: Gabriel Villegas
Duración: 60 minutos
Idioma: Español
Ubicación: Su escuela
Galería
Testimonios
Dariana Hidalgo
Lake Buena Vista High School
Orlando, FL
Megan Seitz
Wekivah High School
Orlando, FL
Preguntas Frecuentes
- What is Don Quijote en USA?
- "Don Quijote en USA" is an educational theatrical adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes' classic novel, reimagined to resonate with contemporary audiences and explore themes of identity and friendship.
- Who are the main characters in the play?
- The two main characters are Don Quijote and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza.
- What is the play's primary language?
- The play is performed entirely in Spanish, making it an immersive experience for Spanish language learners.
- What age group is the play suitable for?
- The play is designed for middle school and high school students, suitable for ages 12 and up.
- What are the main themes explored in the play?
- The play explores themes of reality versus fantasy, friendship, cultural identity, and the importance of pursuing one's dreams.
- How long is the performance?
- The performance lasts approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on audience interaction.
- Is the play interactive?
- Yes, the play includes interactive elements and discussions that encourage audience participation and engagement.
- What educational objectives does the play address?
- The play aims to enhance language acquisition, promote cultural understanding, encourage critical thinking, and explore identity themes.
- How can this play benefit ESL and ELL students?
- It provides an engaging way for ESL (English as a Second Language) and ELL (English Language Learner) students to improve their Spanish language skills in a fun, context-rich environment.
- Are there study materials available for teachers?
- Yes, teachers receive a comprehensive study guide that includes discussion questions, vocabulary lists, and related activities.
- How can the play be integrated into the curriculum?
- Educators can use the play to supplement lessons on literature, language acquisition, and cultural studies.
- Is there an option for a post-performance discussion?
- Yes, schools can arrange for a moderated discussion (tertulia) after the performance, lasting 30 minutes, for an additional cost of $500.
- Can the play be adapted for different classroom settings?
- Yes, the two-actor format allows for flexibility in performance spaces, whether in a classroom or auditorium.
- What kind of production design does the play have?
- The play utilizes minimalistic staging and props to focus on the storytelling and character development.
- How much does it cost to bring "Don Quijote en USA" to our school?
- The total cost for the performance is $4,000, which covers all production expenses. The tertulia is available for an additional $500.
- What makes this adaptation relevant today?
- The adaptation connects timeless themes of Cervantes’ work to modern-day issues of identity, belonging, and the quest for meaning.
- Who wrote the play?
- The play was written by Gabriel Villegas, a Puerto Rican playwright and educator with a focus on educational theater.
- Are there opportunities for student involvement before the performance?
- Yes, educators can encourage students to read the original text or related materials prior to the performance to enhance understanding.
- What kind of feedback have previous audiences provided?
- Audiences have praised the play for its engaging storytelling, humor, and relevance to contemporary issues.
- How can schools book a performance?
- Schools can contact the producer at angelmartin@thespanishnetwork.com to discuss availability and specific needs.
- What role does humor play in the production?
- Humor is used to make the themes more accessible and relatable, helping to engage students while addressing serious topics.
- Are there any special accommodations available for the performance?
- Yes, the production team can discuss specific accommodations to ensure all students can participate fully in the experience.
- How does this play support cultural understanding?
- It highlights Spanish literature and culture, fostering appreciation for Hispanic heritage and its contributions to global arts.
- What are the qualifications of the performers?
- The performers are trained actors with experience in educational theater, ensuring a high-quality performance that resonates with students.
- Why is theater considered an effective educational tool?
- Theater encourages active participation, emotional engagement, and real-life language application, all of which enhance learning outcomes and retention.
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