Meet Our Ensemble
Laura B. Rhi
Program Director
Azalia was born in México. She decided to pursue acting and attended the Instituto Arte Escénico and directing at the Nacional Autonomous University of México (UNAM), Years later she immigrated to the United States. She furthered her studies within the performing arts at the Theater of Arts (TOA) in Hollywood, California. One of her first jobs on screen was as a host of television shows called "¿Cómo hacer excursionismo?" and "Te Toca." Several soap operas including "Los años perdidos”, “La última esperanza”, "Los años pasan” and " Te Amaré en Silencio." Today, in addition to the theater and television, she apply her skills as a makeup artist, costume designer, choreographer, food stylist, dubbing and voice-overs. She firmly believe that an artists discipline is central to human development, whether it's done through acting, painting, music, sculpture, etc. Her beliefs have been her motivation for over 30 years and as such, hope to pass along some of that passion on to others through her teachings.
Leslie Bee
Vocal/Singing Instructor
Leslie was born in Los Angeles, California and there she developed a love/hate relationship for jazz, but Leslie has jazz in her DNA thanks to her father’s musical genes. During Leslie’s formative years he was a jazz radio DJ and singer who played piano and vibes day and night driving the family crazy. You can’t escape a good thing. Leslie began singing professionally, in New York after finding twenty dollars on the street, and then stopping to have a drink with friends. While having that celebratory drink with friends, the piano player asked her to sit in with the band. This request has taken Leslie Bee around the world. After singing weekly at the Tribeca Bar & Grill, within three months she was singing before the Prime Minister of East Berlin; behind the Iron Curtain and touring Prague, France and Italy’s jazz clubs. Leslie returned to LA and performed at many of the top jazz venues in Southern California.
Averi Yorek
Movement and Dance Choreographer
Averi Yorek is so happy to be working with Lata this year after a fun and successful summer. Miss Averi started teaching dance when she was 16 years old and loves working with kids and adults of all ages. She hopes to foster creativity, mobility, and fun in each student through dance. Her favorite part about teaching is watching students come out of their shell and finding confidence in themselves.
The Green Shirts
Marie Rosa
Wade Stevenson II
Rita Feynberg
Gabriel Rosa
Laura trained at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood, Ca and studied classical Theatre with John Barton at the British American Drama Academy in Oxford England. Some of her favorite stage work include productions of, Taming of the Shrew, American Dream, Anna In The Tropics, Betrayed and Los Vendidos. Laura is one of the founding and former members of Teatro Nueva Alma Theatre Co. Where she co-wrote and co-produced all their shows. She Directed and starred in the acclaimed one person show December 30, 2000. Laura was a guest Director for 12 years at East Los Angeles College (ELAC) where she is also a Proud Alumni of. LATA has given Laura the ability to live her Dream. Doing Theatre with kids. Adelante con el Arte!
Teresa Sanchez
Executive Director
Teresa (Tuccio) Sanchez has been acting since she was 9 years old. She studied in Mexico City in “Centro de Educación Artística”. On Stage, she has been honored to star in “Mamá nos quita los novios” and “El amor en tiempos de Odio”. She has also appeared in the Telenovelas, “Tierra de Pasiones” and “Los Plateados”. Her Acting career has spanned over 30 years and for the past 4 years she has been focused on passing that experience onto next generation of Artists.
Olivia Perez Biera
Aztec Dance Instructor
Olivia Perez Biera (Mayan/Comanche) is a Holistic Healing Practitioner, Maestra of Danza Azteca (Aztec Dance) and Facilitator for over 25 years. She began working with LATA students as a volunteer parent in 2014, teaching ancient dances of Mexico and working with designers on regalia and accessories. She is member of the Solano Canyon Community, owner of LA Healer and co-founder/Director of Indigenous Wellness Collective.
Stella Brandan
Costume Design, Prop Making and Art Instructor
Skillful dedicated Visual Artist, TV set, Art and Costume Designer for events, music videos and photo shoots. I am proud to be part of LATA. To work with a team of Artist, who provide a safe, creative, dynamic environment that educates, enlightens and guides the young Artistic blood. The Arts helps in nourishing a positive attitude and healthy minds. I feel very rewarded to work with our beautiful future.
Alejandra Flores
Founder
Alejandra Flores has worked with the Center Theatre Group at the Mark Taper Forum, Cornerstone Theatre Company, Bilingual Foundation of the Arts and Cal State University. She received a Drama-Logue Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatre and a Cesar Award for supporting actress. Her most important film credits include: Friends with Money, Coyote, El Salvador and A Walk in the Clouds. Her television credits include Switched at Birth, Southland, Sons of Anarchy, Prime Suspect, 24, ER, Nip/Tuck, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Brothers and Sisters, The Shield, Justice, Summerland, The Guardian and a recurring role in The Bold and the Beautiful on CBS (2002-2004). Alejandra has directed Stage productions of Too Many Tamales for The Bilingual Foundation of the Arts (11 consecutive years). Blood Wedding for Cal State LA and Aguila Real at Occidental College. She hosted and produced the Community Affairs show Foro 22 on KWHY-TV, a show that ran for 12 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Conservatory of Theatre (CUT) at the National University of Mexico, UNAM. Alejandra is proud to be the recipient of the Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program and the prestigious City of Los Angeles (COLA) Individual Artist Fellowship grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs 2008-2009.
In Loving Memory
Estela Scarlata
Associate Producer,Set Designer, Co Founder
In early 1970 she joined The Internation Aliance of Television and Stage Employees and worked for all the major networks as Assistant Stage Dresser and Assistant Prop Master. In 1973 she co-founded the Bilingual Foundation of the Arts. She designed and executed over 180 shows, winning numerous artistic acheivement awards for scenery and costume design. As a playwright, she created a series of children plays as well as L.A. Premier of Wanted: Experience Operators (the first Latino Musical). In 1999, King Juan Carlos of Spain knighted Estela and bestowed her with the Cross of Isabella Catolica for her contribution to the development of Latino-American theatre in the United States.
Carlos Brown
Costume Designer
Carlos is an award-winning wardrobe designer. Mr. Brown has worked in many major motion picture films, television series, and commercials. He also has extensive credits and awards in theatre productions. He received an "Ariel" (Mexico's "Oscar") for the movie Like Water for Chocolate, Law & Order L.A., and many other hit series.
Azalia Correa
Artistic Director