Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, August 19, 2025.—Faculty and students from the Universidad Panamericana AguascalientesUniversidad Panamericana , through its Department of Art and Culture, enjoyed an artistic experience in New York by participating in the intensive summer course Beyond Workshop Series International, in collaboration with R.Evolución Latina.
For a week, faculty, students, artists, and members of the production team from our university community immersed themselves in the heart of Broadway musical theater, with the goal of honing their talents and acquiring artistic and technical skills that meet the highest standards of the musical theater industry.
A strategic partnership to promote the arts
This international experience was made possible by the partnership between the Universidad Panamericana R. Evolución Latina, a New York-based NGO that promotes the development and growth of Latin American youth and adults through various artistic disciplines.
The first time the Department of Art and Culture collaborated with R. Evolución Latina was in 2024, when Gabriela García, one of the organization’s founders, had the opportunity to join the Department of Art and Culture’s international activities by participating in the Hércules summer course, which was offered to young people between the ages of 18 and 23.
“We’re excited to begin this partnership with R. Evolución Latina. After this experience, I have a new perspective on our work in Art and Culture, so that in the upcoming projects we have in the pipeline, we can effectively apply everything we learned in this course. I hope that everything we’ve experienced will be meaningful for all the upcoming projects,” shares María José Arméndariz, coordinator and professor of Art and Culture.
Training with Broadway professionals
The program was led by renowned artists and educators who are currently active in New York’s Broadway scene. The workshops covered a range of topics, from techniques for storytelling through movement and physical expression, to tools for a successful audition, as well as the fundamentals of stage management, organization, and coordination of theatrical productions.
These workshops were:
- Storytelling through Theater Dance with Gabriela García.
- Ensemble Building Tools with Rosalba Rolón.
- Exploring Musical Theater with Luis Salgado.
- Technical audition with Allex Llorca and Claudia Mulet.
- Essentials of Stage Management with Majo Ferrucho.
- Suzuki with Violeta Picayo.
- Vocal Workshop with Jaime Lozano.
There was also a panel discussion featuring Broadway professionals such as Majo Rivero, Alex Llorca, Jaime Lozano, and Heather Hogan, during which they discussed the challenges, lessons learned, and opportunities in the arts industry.
This training was designed for nine teachers from the Department of Art and Culture and five students from dance and theater groups, who were able to expand their knowledge of acting, singing, dance, and stage production techniques.
“For me, the New York musical theater summer course was an incredible and magical experience, because as a teacher and as the Arts and Culture coordinator, I could see the enthusiasm of both my fellow teachers and our students, as new horizons open up and at the same time we enjoy a new experience,” adds María José Arméndariz.
Cultural and academic enrichment in world-class settings
In addition to classes taught by renowned professionals, participants had the opportunity to take part in cultural experiences that enriched their artistic and academic development.
Highlights include a visit to the Broadway Museum, a tour of the iconic Radio City Music Hall to see the show *From New York with Love* starring Hugh Jackman, as well as tickets to internationally acclaimed productions such as *Chicago*, *&Juliet*, and *Wicked*.
These experiences allowed members of the university community to broaden their perspective on the performing arts and to appreciate firsthand the excellence that defines Broadway.
“During this experience, we danced, sang, learned, stepped out of our comfort zone, and met some very talented people from the music industry,”, shares Sofia Poblete, a member of the pom and jazz dance team and a student of Business Administration and Marketing.
The Impact of University Culture in Mexico
The lessons learned will be applied to future projects by the Department of Art and Culture to enhance artistic initiatives in Aguascalientes and Mexico City, including the upcoming university musical *Shrek*.
Furthermore, the partnership with R.Evolución Latina marks the beginning of a cultural exchange that opens the door to further international collaborations for the benefit of students and faculty.
Promoting culture within the university community
Through these initiatives, the Universidad Panamericana its commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education, in which culture and the arts are essential components of human, academic, and professional development.
Experiences such as the one on Broadway help nurture the talent within the university community and highlight the transformative impact of art on society.
Learn more about Art, Culture, and Outreach at the Universidad Panamericana : https://www.up.edu.mx/vida-panamericana-arte-cultura-y-difusion/
