Interview with Asia Ciaravino
Q & A with ASIA CIARAVINO, Actress and CEO at the San Pedro Playhouse
You first came to San Antonio to pursue a bachelor’s degree in theater at the University of the Incarnate Word. Why did you choose San Antonio, a city not known for launching new play productions or paying actors vert well.
I actually came to San Antonio with an ex boyfriend, to escape Michigan winters. I stumbled upon UIW’s program after leaving a conservatory program in Michigan. I interviewed with all of the programs and chose UIW because of the talent at that school – specifically Ronny and Maurine Halligen and their legacy.
How did your theater career proceed after graduation?
I started working a temp job at Inner-City Games on the East Side to make money to move back up North to work in the theater and fell in love with the non-profit sector. Everything came into focus for me once I saw the direct impact I could make on our community.
You eventually expanded your interests into marketing and development of nonprofits in the arts and beyond. Tell us about those experiences. Mention a couple of those clients and how you helped them?
I had to figure out that stuff out quickly when I was promoted from receptionist to director of marketing and PR with no experience in either of those fields. I learned a lot very quickly. I have also worked with many nonprofits in peril, small businesses getting off the ground and mentored one million people in my career.
It seems that your current position at the Playhouse allows you to practice all your skills. So, what are your plans for The Playhouse?
The Playhouse and the Classic are a perfect marriage of my loves: Theater +Business + my best friends – a match made in heaven. BIG PLANS: expansion of our education programming, building expansion and more pay for our artists are top on my list. We have the best team and board this far at the Playhouse, and for that, I am grateful
What shows playing on San Antonio stages at present would you recommend?
All of them! Get out there and support local theater. I wish I could see everything but we are programmed at the Playouse and the Classic 240 days a year and that takes up the majority of my time; Oh! and my family.
Tell us a bit about your family. Do you have children and are they interested in theater?
I have three girls; all of them are amazing humans with big hearts. None of them went into theater probably because they have seen how hard Tony and I have worked over the past 25 years. Our daughter Angelika is working in healthcare and living with her amazing kids in Louisville; Sophia is a talented hairdresser, and Stella is a senior in college. I also have a talented and gorgeous husband who is directing a lot and teaching at Keystone. I am very, very, very lucky!
Feel free to add anything that you consider relevant and important. I thank all who are sponsoring, supporting and keeping local theater alive. We need art more than ever before. Buy a ticket, get involved!