Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandro Pesina Ortega
Hi Alejandro, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in San Antonio, Texas, and adopted into a loving Hispanic family with deep roots spanning Mexico and Spain. Growing up, I felt deeply connected to storytelling, culture, performing, and community. These threads have woven themselves through every chapter of my life and shaped the person I am today.
However, growing up as a gay Hispanic man in the 1990s and 2000s in San Antonio was not without its challenges. From elementary school through middle school, I faced relentless bullying that worsened as I got older. Middle school, in particular, was a difficult time where I struggled to find a sense of belonging. High school became a turning point for me, though. It was during this time that I discovered theatre, a discovery that truly saved my life. Thanks to my friend Janade and my theatre teacher, Mr. DeHoyos, I found a world where I could finally express myself, build confidence, and see my community. Theatre became my sanctuary, transforming not only my high school years but the course of my entire life and career.
During middle and high school, I was silently grappling with depression and anxiety. In the Hispanic and Mexican culture I grew up in, mental health was often a taboo subject—misunderstood and rarely discussed. I was frequently told that it was “all in my head,” and for a long time, I believed it. After graduating high school, I reached one of the lowest points of my life and attempted suicide. By the grace of God, I was found in time and saved. That moment marked a turning point. I began receiving the help I so desperately needed and gained a deeper understanding of my struggles. Over time, I learned the importance of mental health awareness and have since worked to educate others, particularly in communities where stigmas around mental health persist.
My mom has played an instrumental role in my journey. A single working mom who devoted 30 years to education as a teacher, vice principal, and principal, she has always been my greatest inspiration. When I came out to her, she accepted me wholeheartedly and has been my strongest advocate ever since. Her dedication to education and her unwavering support have shaped not only my path but also the leader I strive to be today.
My love for theatre began early, thanks to the shows my mom took me to as a child. But it was in high school and college that I truly fell in love with performing and stage managing. My time at Stevens High School and Northwest Vista College solidified this passion, and although financial challenges meant pausing my education, I never stopped learning. I plan on opening more businesses and nonprofits in the future, but those projects are still under wraps! My ultimate goal is to give back even more to my community, creating opportunities and resources that empower others to thrive.
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—performer, educator, nonprofit leader, and community advocate. I’ve been fortunate to work on and off stage, manage productions, and lead arts education initiatives that give children the tools to build confidence, express themselves, and discover their potential. My work has included outreach programs for youth, creating opportunities for underrepresented voices, and advocating for accessible arts in San Antonio.
One of my proudest achievements was serving as the Education Manager at The Magik Theatre, where I combined my passions for education and the arts to make a meaningful impact. Additionally, I’ve served on various boards, including the Woodlawn Theatre Board (now the Wonder Theatre) as Vice President, and currently as a board member and Theatre Liaison for the Alamo Theatre Arts Council. The theatre scene holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where I met my husband. We first connected while performing together in a production at the Woodlawn Theatre, and the rest was history.
In 2022, I co-founded the Miscast Theatre Company with my husband, Ivan Ortega, and our friend, Rebekah Williams. Serving as Executive Director, I’ve worked with our team to create a safe and inclusive space for San Antonio artists. In just two years, Miscast has flourished, offering diverse productions, ASL programming, and opportunities for local talent to shine. Our volunteer staff, including Nicole Rey Phoenix, Lil Sanchez, and Adrian Gonzales, play an essential role in our success, and I’m grateful to lead such a passionate team.
Currently, I work at Girls Inc. of San Antonio, empowering young girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Balancing my passions for education and theatre has been challenging yet fulfilling, and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to make an impact in these spaces.
Through every chapter of my life—whether on stage, in the classroom, or in the community—I’ve remained committed to creating opportunities for growth, connection, and inspiration. My mission is to ensure others know they’re not alone in their struggles and to use my experiences to help others heal, thrive, and reach their fullest potential. My story is one of resilience, transformation, and collaboration, and I’m excited to continue shaping a brighter future for the communities I serve.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Growing up as a gay Hispanic man in the 1990s and 2000s in San Antonio was not without its challenges. From elementary school through middle school, I faced relentless bullying that worsened as I got older. Middle school, in particular, was a difficult time where I struggled to find a sense of belonging. I still face challenges as a gay Hispanic man, but they are different as I have gotten older. I am now 35. I’ve been through it all, discrimination, abusive relationships (physical and mental), poor treatment in a toxic environment, hate crimes, financial struggles, and other traumas I would rather not talk about. But I am who I am today, because of it. I continue to be strong and fight and win at life every day!
During middle and high school, I was silently grappling with depression and anxiety. In the Hispanic and Mexican culture I grew up in, mental health was often a taboo subject—misunderstood and rarely discussed. I was frequently told that it was “all in my head,” and for a long time, I believed it. After graduating high school, I reached one of the lowest points of my life and attempted suicide. By the grace of God, I was found in time and saved. That moment marked a turning point. I began receiving the help I so desperately needed and gained a deeper understanding of my struggles. Over time, I learned the importance of mental health awareness and have since worked to educate others, particularly in communities where stigmas around mental health persist.
I am still currently putting my mental health first and helping my life be balanced.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Miscast Theatre Company?
Miscast Theatre Company, founded in 2022 by, Alejandro P. Ortega, and Ivan Ortega, and Rebekah Williams under The Public Theatre’s Resident Program, is a San Antonio-based theater company committed to inclusivity, accessibility, and artistic innovation. We specialize in producing diverse and bold theatrical performances that challenge traditional casting norms and celebrate underrepresented voices. What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a safe space for artists and audiences alike, where everyone feels valued and empowered. Our ASL Theatre Program, in partnership with Stage Hands, makes theater accessible to the Deaf and ASL communities, reflecting our dedication to inclusivity.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the community we’ve built—a vibrant, supportive network of artists, volunteers, and audiences who share our passion for storytelling, diversity in casting, pushing boundaries, and creativity. In addition to our productions, we offer workshops, educational programs, and opportunities for community members to get involved through volunteering or our Ghost Light Club membership program. At Miscast, we’re not just putting on shows; we’re fostering connections, inspiring creativity, and impacting San Antonio’s arts scene.
Through the hard work of our volunteer staff, including myself as Executive Director, Ivan Ortega as Artistic Director, Nicole Rey Phoenix as Managing Director, Lili Sanchez as Marketing Manager, and Adriana Gonzales as Audience Service Manager we’ve grown into a company known for breaking boundaries and elevating diverse stories. We invite everyone to join us—whether as an audience member, volunteer, or supporter—and be part of a movement that ensures theater is accessible, inclusive, and transformative for all.
Miscast Theatre Company is thrilled to announce our new performance space through an exciting partnership with Palo Alto College Performing Arts Center. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for us, as it provides a state-of-the-art venue that enhances our ability to produce high-quality theatrical experiences while supporting the artistic development of the San Antonio community. The space offers a professional environment for our productions, complete with modern lighting, sound systems, and ample seating to ensure an engaging experience for our audiences.
Our partnership with Palo Alto College Performing Arts Center goes beyond just sharing a space—it’s a collaboration rooted in a shared commitment to education, accessibility, and community engagement. This partnership allows us to host not only our mainstage productions but also workshops, educational programs, and community events that align with our mission to make theater accessible and inclusive. Additionally, it provides opportunities for Palo Alto College students to gain hands-on experience in theater production, from backstage work to performance opportunities, fostering the next generation of artists and creators.
We’re proud to bring our innovative productions and community-focused programming to this new venue, and we’re grateful to Palo Alto College Performing Arts Center for believing in our vision. This partnership represents a new chapter for Miscast Theatre Company, one that allows us to grow, reach larger audiences, and continue creating a space where diverse voices and stories are celebrated. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our new home and share the magic of theater with even more of the San Antonio community!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is everything in my life—each piece of it has shaped who I am and continues to define my purpose. My family, community, passion for the arts, dedication to education, and advocacy for inclusivity are all interconnected, and each matters equally because they collectively tell the story of who I am.
My family is my foundation. Growing up in a loving Hispanic family, my mom’s strength and dedication as an educator inspired me to value hard work, compassion, and leadership. Her acceptance of me when I came out as gay gave me the courage to live authentically and advocate for others. My husband, Ivan, brings love, partnership, and a shared vision for creating spaces that matter, like our work together at Miscast Theatre Company, and my friends and family are my light, rock, heart, and who I am.
The theater has been my sanctuary and salvation. It gave me a community when I felt lost and provided an outlet for creativity that saved my life during challenging times. It’s not just a career—it’s a calling that allows me to help others find their voices and build connections. My commitment to inclusivity and accessibility stems from my belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and celebrated, whether through our ASL programming, diverse productions, or outreach initiatives.
Education and mentorship matter deeply, too. Whether working with young girls at Girls Inc. or creating opportunities for underrepresented voices in theater, I’ve seen how access to knowledge, support, and creative expression can transform lives. My journey—returning to school while balancing a career, co-founding a theater company, and overcoming challenges like bullying, mental health struggles, trauma, abuse, and financial barriers—has taught me resilience and the importance of empowering others.
Ultimately, what matters most is the interconnectedness of everything I do. My mission is to leave a legacy of growth, connection, and transformation—one that reflects the values and experiences that have defined my life. Each piece, whether family, theater, education, or advocacy, is part of a larger story that drives me to create spaces where others can heal, thrive, and find their purpose. Everything matters because together, it all makes life meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.miscasttheatre.org/
- Instagram: @mtc_satx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miscasttheatrecompany
