Jennifer Garcia

School Admin, Teaching artist, choreographer

Quien es Jennifer

Jennifer Garcia company member, is a graduate from Columbia College Chicago with a BA in Dance and Minors in Teaching Artist and Entrepreneurship. Jennifer has trained in various dance forms including Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, West African, Jazz, and Dance Improvisation. During her time at Columbia, Jennifer had the opportunity of working with choreographers like Jennifer Kayle, C. Kemal Nance, Darrell Jones and Paige Cunningham. Jennifer is currently teaching acro dance, jazz, ballet 1 & 2, Latin, and hip-hop at Teatro Tariakuri.

KARLA GALVAN

Born south of the border/ raised in Chicago IL

FOUNDER , EXECUTIVE & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Quien es la Galvan

Karla Galván is a Mexican/Peruvian actress,  artistic director and teaching artists. She is a Columbia College Chicago graduate with a B.A. in fine arts. Karla also received extensive theatrical training in the City Mexico . In 2003, Karla  founded Teatro  Tariakuri Theater, a Latin spanish speaking  theater company in Chicago. Based on the south side of Chicago, making it one of the first Mexican-American theater companies. In 2004 she opened with “Cats Have Tails in the Fall” at the Village Player Theater in Oak Park IL. Now Madison Street Theatre. Karla has directed many productions, including Dracula Gay, Abuelita de batman, Tent time, Cri Cri the musical adventure, Homenaje a Chespirito serving both comedy for adults and children's production, Karla has also worked on stage creating many characters such as Doña Remedios in “Los secretos de Santa Monica” with Family bridges. He worked on stage with Urban Theater Co. playing "Lydia" in their 12-season production of "Ashes of light," Karla also currently teaches theater and works with youth on the south side of Chicago where she directed Peter Pan, the Magician, Beauty and the beast and many more.

Victor Mallari

Company member, Victor is a Mexican/ Filipino actor born and raised in south side Chicago. As an artist, Victor values the idea of authenticity and rawness in stories, because to him, every voice deserves recognition. He challenges himself towards breaking down a character's intentions and feelings by visualizing himself in their shoes, no matter how big or small the differences may seem. Since his graduation from UIC in 2021, Victor has been working in short films, theatre productions, and creating his own work to continue finding ways to evoke rawness and showcase Chicago authenticity while building friendships throughout his artistic journey.

STAFF /  ENSEBLE

Nancy Mata 

Miembro  de planta de Teatro Tariakuri. Actriz y comediante Mexicana- American con vasta experiencia en la escena teatral  en la ciudad de los vientos . Recientemente disfrutamos de su intervencion en Como hacer una perlica  xxx, los creditos de Nancy icluyen  piezas como Solo para aridos y Abuelita de batman. Se destaca su participacion en la ya anual Pastorela de Dolores y Las virgenes prudentes por mencionar algunas otras. Cuando no esta en escenario Nancy le encanta pasar tiempo con familia y acompañada por su hermosa perrita Amber 

Patricia Galvan

Nacida en Tampico, Tamaulipas Mexico y miembro de planta de Teatro Tariakuri. Paticia ha logrado obtener su entrenamiento actoral y desarollarse profesionalmente con teatro Tariakuri desde sus inicios.

Esteban Pantoja
Actor, director, Co-artistic director 

Quien es Pantoja 

Esteban Pantoja is a Mexican-Amirican actor. Pantoja joined Tariakuri theatre company in 2005. Pantoja is co-artistic director and production manager here at Tariakuri. As an actor he has brought to life many characters in many of our Productions including our famous monologue "Dracula gay" by Thomas Urtusastegui. His theatre background and education were received on Tariakuri’s stage.  But his love for performance and characterization have led him to create " La mas mejor” one of the most important icons in the Latino Drag shows community in Chicago. Esteban Pantoja has performed with other theatre companies including his leading role in "Varones". Esteban has also founded Cabaret parodia theatre company. Where he produces, writes, and directs many productions including “Un pozole con Frida” and “Cuna de brujas”.

Manny Casique

Actor

Company member since 2005, Manny is a Mexican American actor and has had his theater background from various institutions. He has been on stage giving birth to many characters.