In a time when live community theaters face a "perfect storm" of economic, social, and structural changes, theater boards are facing a difficult time. A live theater board is essentially the backbone of the organization. While the actors are on stage and the director is in rehearsals, the board is behind the scenes ensuring the theater actually has "a roof over its head and money in the bank."

A Board provides strategic leadership, financial oversight, and active support for the organization’s mission. In most non-profit theaters (Babel Box included), the board doesn't select plays or cast the actors; that's the artistic director's job. Instead, the board focuses on governance, sustainability, and promotion.

And although in small organizations like Babel Box Theater members often perform multiple roles and handle everything from marketing and box office to set construction or helping with costumes, we are always looking for and welcoming people with the vision and drive to help us grow and help the community we serve. If you love the arts but prefer the "business" side of the curtain, we want to hear from you. Our coffee pot is always on.

Cesar Larzabal Co-founder, President Educator, Business Administrator

Pablo Santiago Treasurer Actor, Latinus Theater Muralmaster Studio, Board Member at the Cleveland Public Theater

Rodrigo Lewallen Secretary Community Organizer Jones Home Neighborhood Association Care Alliance Health Care Cleveland Public Library

Dante F. Larzabal Co-founder, Artistic Director Theater Director Educator, Business owner

Luis Ramirez Alonzo Board Member Artist, Co-founder Teatro Público de Cleveland (CPTs Spanish language branch), LGTBQ community affiliations

Advisory Board

An advisory board as a "brain trust" for a company or organization. They are there to provide wisdom, focusing on influence, expertise, and artistic growth of the company. But in addition to technical and professional expertise, the advisory board is a crucial tool for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts.

If the theater wishes to produce a play about a specific culture or historical event, an advisory committee of community leaders from that context ensures the production is authentic, respectful, and reaches the right audience. As Babel Box Theater grows and ventures into other productions, new members will be added to ensure the expert panel remains relevant. Age is not a barrier. Young and old alike, in Babel Box there's always a place for your valuable skills.

John Rivera-Resto Advisor, Producer Founder, Muralmaster Studio Artist, Designer, Educator, Writer, Producer Former board member at Latinus Theater, The Cleveland Public Theater, The Regional Transit Authority Art’s on Transit Committee, Mayor White’s Commission on Public Art. Present Associations: Babel Box Theater, The Cleveland Photographic Society.

---