It’s Tuesday, and you know what that means? Tuesdays are for Teaching Artists! Meet Eli Gonzalez (he/him/his), a brand new Music Director teaching artist with TADA! Youth Theater.
Originally from Corpus, Christi, TX, Eli now resides in New York City.
Get to know Eli a little better with this fun Q&A!
As a young latinx boy from a low-income household in South Texas, there weren’t many opportunities for me to be exposed to high-quality musical theatre. I was lucky enough to stumble upon places that sparked my passion for musical theatre later in life. So I am proud to be part of an organization that strives to share this artform with everyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, nationality, or immigration status.
Arts education is SO ACCESSIBLE during these (*bad southern accent*) quaran-times. Phenomenal artists from all walks of life with all kinds of experience are available and BEGGING to create and share their passions while the world shares anticipation for what is next. When will we have this opportunity again? This is a prime time to share a space with so many new and different ideas and individuals. So now, possibly more than ever, arts education is an essential part in keeping the passion burning and cultivating a new generation of artists when the world needs it most.
It may be cliché , but I love when the walls come down and all parties involved just have a good time! Don’t get me wrong, It’s important to maintain a sense of professionalism and to always strive to be the best you can… But when the process of any educational endeavor (voice lesson, music class, professional/amateur production, group project, virtual cabaret, etc.) can simply be fun? Who could ask for anything else!?
“Best Day Ever” from Spongebob Squarepants The Musical
The words in the first verse, “…volcanic doomsday caught us unaware, but we’re still here and Mr. Sun’s up there…” very accurately describe my initial thoughts every morning!
Olaf from Frozen
I’m bubbly, goofy, oblivious at times, dabble in some dry humor, and sure do miss some warm hugs these days. And me and Samantha? We go way back. (I don’t know a Samantha)
