Randy Alvarenga ’12 will attend the University of Iowa’s three-year playwriting workshop this fall.
The Shaping the Arts series highlights TCU College of Fine Arts students, faculty and alums who are at the forefront of their field and Lead On, Creatively.
We spoke to Department of Theatre alumnus Randy Alvarenga ’12 about his mission to highlight diverse perspectives and immigrant stories, inspired by his father’s journey to the United States to escape civil war in El Salvador. He will attend the University of Iowa’s three-year playwriting workshop this fall to create a body of work that explores the lasting effects of civil war on individuals and their post-migration experiences.
“TCU has a very special place in my heart,” said Alvarenga. “It made me the artist I am today, and it has prepared me for where I’m going next.”
Introduction to the TCU Department of Theatre
Alvarenga discovered his passion for theatre during his junior year at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington D.C. He sought an undergraduate program that would enrich his theatrical background and love for storytelling, connecting with people and sharing diverse perspectives.
Randy Alvarenga ’12
“I grew up in a family where my mom is African American, and my dad is an immigrant,” said Alvarenga. “Neither of them had the opportunity to go to college. My dad was a farmer and now works in construction, and my mom had done every odd job. They both wanted me to attend college and told me, ‘Whatever you want to do, go out there and do it.’”
Alvarenga learned about TCU’s strong theatre program from a friend who grew up in Fort Worth. His decision was solidified during his senior year when he met with Brooke Shuman, Director of Alumni Relations, who was an admission counselor at the time.
“She was so warm and welcoming and answered all questions about the university,” said Alvarenga. “I knew that if there was a university like this, then I needed to look into it seriously.”
Cultural Exploration in Japan
At TCU, Alvarenga was actively involved in leading roles for the Department of Theatre productions and found his passion as a playwright.
Alvarenga completed an independent study with Professor Thomas Walsh, resulting in his play being accepted into the department’s Kaleidoscope Series, marking the first student work produced and performed.
“When the department did play selections, Walsh brought my piece to the committee for consideration. That was the first time a teacher advocated for me in this space in such a meaningful way, giving me the confidence to say, ‘This is what I want to do’ and pursue becoming a playwright.”
As a TCU Community Scholar, Alvarenga had the opportunity to study abroad in Japan, delving into his interest in different cultures and traditional theatre from around the world.
While in Japan, he watched a production of “A Chorus Line,” a production he had performed in as a main cast member at TCU.
“I was thinking, ‘I know this show, I’ve been studying it and just need to learn the language.’”
A production directed by award-winning director Richard Jones, with performances across Tokyo, Nagoya and Kyushu. Randy played the role of “Mohammed.”
After graduation, Alvarenga moved to Japan with plans to stay for a year or two. However, he ended up touring with an award-winning director throughout the country and joined the prestigious Bungakuza Theatre Company as the first foreigner to act on their stages. Toward the end of his time in Japan, he learned about a change in law rescinding asylum for people from El Salvador.
“As an El Salvadorian, this change called me back, and I knew I needed to continue writing and sharing stories of different voices. That’s what brought me back home right before the pandemic.”
Exploring First-Generation American Experiences
Alvarenga is currently writing a play about the experiences of first-generation Americans whose parents fled the civil war in El Salvador. His research on immigrant stories led him to the University of Iowa’s playwriting workshop, drawn by its strong Latin American studies program.
“In a conversation with a current Latino playwright at the university, he mentioned the importance of bringing students of color together to create works in a predominantly white institution,” said Alvarenga. “He’s finding new ways to tell his stories and it has caused him to think differently about how to develop his voice.”
Alvarenga is eager to develop his play and continue creating a body of work that speaks to the immigrant experience and life in the United States.
“I encourage students to find their voice by exploring writers and artists who resonate with them. It’s important we tell stories right now, especially because we are living in difficult times, and you’re needed more than ever. Get out there and write!”