Meet Edgar Guajardo | Lighting, Scenic, Sound designer and Theatrical Production Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Edgar Guajardo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Edgar, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I was 10 years old I went to see a play at the local highschool in my home town of Pharr Texas. It was Alladin and my older brother was working as a technician on it.

I walked in to the theater with my 5th grade class and felt like I was in a whole other world.

The stage was so big!
The red curtain was SO RED!!
I was just in awe!

My older brother was working spot light and saw me walk in and turned the spot light on me and waved at me.

All of my friends where jealous and I was thrilled.

I loved that day and the feeling the theater brought me, transporting me to a whole new world for an hr.

Its that memory that has ultimately guided me to becoming a theatrical artisan, no matter how much I resisted at first, Theatre found me and I fell in love with it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love what I do for a living, because it makes people feel and it entertains people. Simple as that. Now was it easy for me to get where I am today? No.
I am a Latino man in a white dominated artistic space here in Houston Texas.
I was 1 of 3 lighting design majors in my class at University of Houston and to be honest the number of Latino lighting designers didnt grow that much over the years.

I am the only Latino lighting designer that specializes in Dance lighting design in Houston Texas.

I am one of few BIPOC Production managers in the city of Houston.
Every bit of my work has been due to other fellow BIPOC artists reaching out to me or my determination to make a living being a Theatrical artisan.

I learned that I need to do more, more for the Latin community and more for the BIPOC community in Houston in general. I need to help in anyway I can to make sure that art in this city represents all the people of Houston, because we have the ability to be a beautiful jewel in the art work of the United states.
We can be brighter then New York and LA, we just need to tell all stories and celebrate the rich diversity of this great city.

I want people to know that a Mexican american man from the Border of Texas and Mexico, raised by Mexican born, American made parents can come into white spaces and thrive, because I have and I will be the example for any and all my young Latin brothers and sisters who want to pursue Theatre as a career.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Monday- St. Arnold Brewery for food and drinks, then antique shopping in the Heights, dinner at Taco Stand in the Heights

Tuesday- Breakfast at Common bond, Waterwall in the Galleria, Galleria, Dinner at Ra sushi in the River oaks area

Wednesday- Nasa, dinner in Kemah boardwalk

Thursday- Galveston beach all day, dinner on The Strand somewhere

Friday- Galveston morning, dinner back in town probably Velvet Taco in the Montrose area.

Saturday- Brunch at Common bond, walk Memorial park, dinner at Jinya Ramen Bar.

Sunday- Whataburger for lunch, HEB just to show them (if this friend isnt from Texas), Drive out to Buccees in Katy, because BUCCEES!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give a Shoutout to a few people. My father Eleazar Guajardo, who has taught me everything it means to be a hard worker.

My older brother Eleazar Guajardo the 3rd, who inspired me to pursue a theatrical career.

My friend and colleague Harrison Guy, who has believed in me and given me many design opportunities then I can count.

My friend and colleague Eiki Isomura, who gave me a chance to grow as an artist and theatrical professional at Opera in the Heights.

My friend and colleague Adam Castaneda, who is one of my main artistic collaborators and who keeps pushing me to always come up with new innovative ideas on how to light his shows.

I would also like to give a Shoutout to the Houston Dance community as a whole, they have given me so much work and opportunities to thrive as an artist.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edgartisan/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgar-guajardo-2b45b064/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edgar.guajardo2

Image Credits
Companies involved though, are: Mildreds Umbrella Theater company Pilot dance company Opera in the Heights Raquel Cepeda Jazz Singer