Giovanni Delgado Ferreira

A dedicated and innovative youth and community theatre maker and educator, currently enriching the theatrical landscape through a blend of educational leadership and creative production. With a profound commitment to exploring and addressing social issues through the arts, Giovanni has been recognized for his impactful work, including receiving the McKenzie Award in Dramaturgy in 2023 and nominations for his contributions to youth theatre. His diverse experience spans directing, playwriting, and facilitating specialized programs that foster inclusivity, empathy, and understanding across various communities. Giovanni's approach to theatre education not only nurtures young talent but also champions the transformative power of storytelling to unite and inspire.

• Dear Daughter, Dear Sister, Dear Friend (Original Work), Father, ASU Fringe Festival, 2024
• El Colibrí Mágico, Maggot, Opera Tijuana, 2023
• El Espíritu Del Amor (Original Work), Caio, San Diego State University, 2022
• Long Christmas Ride Home, Man, San Diego State University, 2022
• In the Heights, Usnavi, Downey Civic Theatre, 2019
• Grease, Roger, Downey Civic Theatre, 2018
• Our Town, Mr. Webb, Downey Civic Theatre, 2018
• You Can’t Take It With You, Kolenkhov, Downey Civic Theatre, 2017
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Egeus, Downey Civic Theatre, 2016
• Into the Woods, Jack, Downey Civic Theatre, 2017
• Big River, Huckleberry Finn, Trinity Lutheran Theater Project, 2015

The Long Christmas Ride Home, San Diego State University, 2022

• Dear Daughter, Dear Sister, Dear Friend, ASU Fringe Festival, 2024
• TeenVersionary Project, Diversionary Theatre, 2023
• El Espíritu Del Amor (Staged Reading), Arizona State University, 2023
• Murder at the Dreamhouse, Childsplay Theatre, 2023
• El Espíritu Del Amor, San Diego State University, 2022
• Broadway Memories, Benchley-Weinberger Elementary School, 2022
• A Christmas Carol, Benchley-Weinberger Elementary School, 2021
• 21 Chump Street, Downey Civic Theatre, 2019

• El Espíritu del Amor, 2022 - Explores love, family, and identity through the intertwined lives of diverse characters, under the guidance of the Spirit of Love. A narrative celebrating Latinx/Hispanic culture and universal themes of ambition and happiness.
• Dear Daughter, Dear Sister, Dear Friend, 2023 - A moving performance combining dance, music, and monologues to delve into loss, love, and healing within a family touched by tragedy. Highlights the resilience of familial bonds through a journey of grief and acceptance.
• The Blind Donkey, 2024 - A surreal exploration of reality and perception through a mysterious night out, where a brother and sister confront their unresolved pasts. A mix of dark comedy, drama, and psychological thrills that challenges audiences' grasp of reality.
• Nightmare at the Dreamhouse, 2023, Childsplay Theatre, A drama blending suspense and humor within a supernatural narrative at Malibu's Dreamhouse. Explores themes of jealousy, acceptance, and belonging in a world where reality and fantasy intersect, revealing deep-seated secrets and lessons in empathy.

• Little Boxes Elementary School Residency Program - "One Street Over" Neighborhood Connection Project, Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, AZ, 11/2023, 03/2024, - Collaborated on an NEA Our Town Grant project, using art to connect Mesa neighborhoods. Facilitated "identity boxes" project with K-5 students at Whitman and Kerr Elementary, blending visual arts, theatre, and storytelling to explore personal and community identity.
• Puppet Pals - K-2 Puppetry After-School Class, Childsplay Academy, Tempe, AZ, 2023, 2024, - Taught puppetry fundamentals to K-2 students, fostering creativity and storytelling skills through puppet making and performance.
• Master Mimes - 3rd Grade Mime Class, Childsplay Academy, Tempe, AZ, 2023, 2024, - Led a mime class for 3rd graders, emphasizing non-verbal communication and physical storytelling, enhancing students' expressiveness and confidence.
• Zion's Story - Forum Theatre Program on Sex Trafficking Prevention, IMAGINE!, San Diego, CA, 2023, - Led interactive workshops around a forum theatre piece on sex trafficking prevention. - Engaged students in critical thinking and discussions on safety and empowerment.
• Improv After-School Club, Diversionary Theatre, San Diego, CA, 2023, - Co-led an improvisational theatre class, enhancing students' spontaneity, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Teen Versionary - Devised Theatre Pieces for Queer Youth, Diversionary Theatre, San Diego, CA, Summer 2022, 2023, - Directed a free, three-week devised theatre program for queer youth, focusing on self-expression. - Culminated in a performance for San Diego Pride, empowering students to share their stories.
• Play! Program - SEL Theatre-Based Lessons, IMAGINE!, El Cajon, CA, 2022, 2023, - Implemented theatre-based SEL lessons in K-8 schools, promoting empathy and communication. - Utilized drama to deepen students' engagement with social and emotional learning objectives.
• Safa's Story - Forum Theatre Program on Bullying and Racism, IMAGINE!, San Diego, CA, 2022, 2023, - Conducted pre- and post-performance workshops to discuss bullying and racism with students. - Utilized forum theatre to facilitate dialogue and explore solutions to social issues.
• My Story Program - Integrating Theatre with California History, IMAGINE!, Escondido, CA, 2022, 2023, - Led a program integrating theatre with California history curriculum, focusing on tribal nations and explorers. - Encouraged students to engage with history through performance, enhancing curriculum engagement.

• McKenzie Award in Dramaturgy, 2023, Awarded for exceptional work on "The Long Christmas Ride Home," recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of dramaturgy.
• McKenzie Award Nominee in Youth Theatre, 2023, Nominated for significant contributions to youth theatre, highlighting innovative and impactful work in theatre education and production.
• Winifred Ward Scholarship Nominee, 2024, Nominated for the prestigious scholarship, acknowledging emerging leaders and outstanding contributions to the field of Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA).