Laredo, TX, November 10, 2023 – Laredo Theater Guild International (LTGI), fresh off their tremendously regarded 15th season opener and Class on Stage production of Frankenstein, announces that Artistic Director Marco Gonzalez will retire from the organization at the end of the year. Gonzalez first became involved with LTGI in 2011, acting in The Foreigner and Macbeth and assistant directing Bodas de Sangre/Blood Wedding. He first directed a play for the organization in 2013 with his steampunk version of Romeo and Juliet. Gonzalez continued to work behind the scenes with the organization, eventually becoming a board member in 2014. Later that year, Gonzalez succeeded Co-founder Joe Arciniega as Artistic Director and remained in the position until now. Over the course of his tenure, Gonzalez directed or oversaw over 30 productions, workshops, and special events. Some of his most notable productions include his 2014 production of The 39 Steps, an inventively staged comedy based on the Alfred Hitchcock film where 4 actors play 50 characters. His 2018 production of In the Heights, a milestone achievement for the theater company, is especially notable for its collaboration with choreographer Waldo Gonzalez and dancers from the School of Performing Arts in Puerto Rico. When
the COVID pandemic interrupted LTGI’s season and put a hold on live theater, Gonzalez created and
directed streaming content to be enjoyed at home, with his two productions of Play On! and Borders.
Earlier this year, Gonzalez directed Hedwig and the Angry Inch, a local breakthrough for the visibility of
LGBTQ characters and stories. His final directing achievement was the recent highly technical production
of Frankenstein, which broke LTGI records for audience attendance that included close to 3,000 students.
As a local arts community leader, it has been Marco’s mission to inspire and educate. He has instilled the
love of theater in colleagues, countless students, and local youth. His love for his craft is without question
and is recognized and felt by all who work with him.
“It has been a pleasure to serve in this position for as long as I have,” commented Gonzalez. “Many years
ago, a mentor of mine told me ‘Theater is a gift, so give it away.’ It has been my pleasure to gift this
beautiful art form to Laredo. I leave the organization in excellent hands knowing that the Laredo theater
community will continue to thrive.” Though Gonzalez is retiring from his position and from the Board of
Directors, he will remain on the Advisory board.
LTGI Board of Directors President, Telissa Molano commented, “As we are sad to see Marco move on to
other endeavors, his expertise has been invaluable. He has been relentless in his pursuit of theatrical
excellence. In each and every production, he brought his imagination, his talent, his energy and heart into
each and every decision. It’s taken years to understand his method to his madness, but what a journey it
has been under his artistic umbrella.” The incoming Artistic Director will be announced before the new
year.
Laredo Theater Guild International (LTGI) is a 501c3 nonprofit community-based theater organization
presenting a season of quality theatrical productions at Texas A&M International University, Laredo
Community College, and the Laredo Center for the Arts, further enriching the community by engaging its
members of all ages to provide a rewarding experience for them and for Laredo theatergoers.
