Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, August 25, 2025.— At the Universidad Panamericana Aguascalientes campus, art is experienced as a holistic endeavor that combines talent, creativity, and institutional values.
Every year, the Department of Art and Culture organizes an arts event that brings together theater, dance, music, photography, and stage production, with the aim of celebrating student talent and conveying values through art.
An artistic tradition that strengthens UP's identity
For several years now, the Department of Art and Culture has designed, staged, and produced plays that have become part of a university tradition reflecting the talent, training, discipline, and commitment to the arts of students and staff.
Through artistic productions such as *The Greatest Showman: The Musical*, *Les Misérables*, *12 Angry Men*, *Group Therapy*, *The Addams Family: The Musical*, *The Prince of Egypt*, *Live as You Please*, and the upcoming *Shrek: The Musical*, the Arts and Culture program seeks to foster collaborative work and social awareness among students while strengthening their sense of community and belonging to the university.
In this regard, one of the musical works that has stood out most for its historical and Christian perspective has been the adaptation of Prince of Egypt , performed by more than 160 students. “This is a production that brings great cultural and historical value to our university community; it is a story of faith and brotherhood that reminds us of our Christian identity,”, says Grethel Arcos, director of Art and Culture.
On the other hand, there are installations that remind us of the importance of enjoying every moment, valuing authenticity, and learning not to take life too seriously—such as the one titled Live as You Like, a piece that follows the lives of the Sycamores, a liberal and eccentric family living in a world where personal freedom and happiness take precedence over social norms and material possessions.
Also, for those who prefer nostalgia with a musical twist, The Addams Family offers satirical humor about what is “normally” considered eccentric and peculiar.
These productions were directed by Rafael Paniagua, director of the theater company at the Aguascalientes campus of the Universidad Panamericana , who, thanks to his extensive experience in theater direction and his artistic sensibility, has guided the students to portray various characters and roles with excellence and discipline.
“Accompanying our students on this great and by no means easy journey gives us a deeper understanding of how to stage musicals that aim to go beyond mere school theater,”, says Rafael Paniagua.
With these words, he reflects on how theatrical productions are not only an artistic endeavor but also an experience that transforms those who participate in them in every way.
Art as a Tool for Holistic Education
The students recognize that behind every musical lies a process of discipline and learning.
“We embody resilience, because when things don’t go exactly as planned, we don’t stop until every detail is perfect; we embody sacrifice, because whether it’s a show or a musical, sometimes we have to postpone our plans; but above all, we embody dedication, because we know it’s better to value art for its processes rather than for the reward,”, says Juan Pablo Arreola, an architecture student and lead actor in *The Prince of Egypt*.
These projects strengthen skills such as leadership, conflict resolution, creativity, resilience, and effective communication, while also promoting the positive use of free time and the healthy expression of emotions.
For his part, Agustín Domínguez, an education major who played Mr. De Pinna in the adaptation of *Live as You Please*, notes: “This musical was a reminder of what it means to do theater: to grow, to enjoy yourself, and to share the magic of each performance with the audience—but above all, that beyond any individual achievement, true joy is found in camaraderie.”.
In addition, students aren’t the only ones involved in theater at the Universidad Panamericana; staff members, faculty, and even the general public also participate. Omar Alarcón Lozada, academic coordinator of the School of Law and who played Thomas Beineke in the musical *The Addams Family*, highlights the high caliber of the musical productions, which help participants develop their professional skills to the fullest.
“These kinds of artistic projects encourage people to develop and discover new skills, meet very talented people who become friends, and even find a new purpose in life,”, he acknowledges.
In addition to all the effort and dedication put into the performance itself, behind the scenes lies months of work for each show, during which the participants devote their time and energy while continuing to excel as students with outstanding academic records or as full-time professionals.
UP and Its Commitment to Art
For the Universidad Panamericana, art is an essential tool in the well-rounded education of its students, as it not only contributes to their personal development but also prepares them to become professionals who are empathetic, committed, and capable of tackling challenges with creativity.
With this, the Universidad Panamericana reaffirms its position as an institution that promotes art not only as a form of cultural expression, but also as a tool for personal and professional transformation.
Learn more about the Universidad Panamericana 's art, culture, and outreach programs at: https://www.up.edu.mx/vida-panamericana-arte-cultura-y-difusion/
