El Teatro Campesino
CELEBRATING 60 years of teatro chicano
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About El Teatro Campesino
OUR MISSION
It is our mission to make teatro a creator of vibrant community
Our History
Since its inception, El Teatro Campesino and its founder and artistic director, Luis Valdez, have set the standard for Latino theatrical production in the United States. Founded in 1965 on the Delano Grape Strike picket lines of Cesar Chavez’s United Farmworkers Union, the company created and performed “actos” or short skits on flatbed trucks and in union halls
THREE CORE AREAS OF PROGRAMMING
From flatbed trucks to the Broadway stage, for sixty years now, El Teatro Campesino has been at the forefront of using theater as an artistic generator of social change. The spheres of ETC’s work can be summarized into three core areas: Professional arts, Community arts, and Arts Education.
VOLUNTEER
Be part of our vibrant community of volunteers
Professional ARTS
Providing unique opportunities to experience the
Performing Arts
Community ARTS
Accessible programming and productions that help create vibrant communities
ARTS EDUCATION
Teatro integrated lessons that help equip the next generations with creative tools to succeed
Upcoming Events at the ETC Playhouse
26
April
TEATRO FAMILY DAY FUNDRAISER
Annual Family Fun Event. Games, Food, Performances, and more!
AUG
2026
PALABRA ARTIST SHOWCASE
Annual artist showcase this summer! Open call for submission in late Spring.
2
NOVEMBER
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
Annual artist showcase this summer! Open call for submission in late Spring.
Nov-Dec
2026
LA VIRGEN DEL TEPEYAC
The biennial holiday tradition presented inside the ETC Playhouse. Nov 27 – Dec 20, 2026. Online Viewing Options Year Round!
Upcoming Programs & Opportunities for Engagement
JuN-JUL
TEATRO DE NOSOTROS
Watsonville youth teatro program in
View our 2026 Calendar
Luis Valdez, Founding Artistic Director & Playwright
Photo credit: Robert Eliason
“It’s absolutely essential for every generation to capture that social responsibility. Injustice grows like weeds. The injustices of the world are like weeds, and if you do nothing they’ll choke your whole garden…”
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