Manny Casique
Actor
Company member since 2005, Manny is a Mexican American actor and has had his theater background from various institutions. He has been on stage giving birth to many characters.
Jennifer Garcia
Academy Director and Teaching Artist
Jennifer Garcia is a versatile dancer, teaching artist, and the Academy Director at Teatro Tariakuri. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, she earned her BA in Dance with minors in Teaching Artistry and Entrepreneurship. Her extensive training spans a range of styles, including Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, West African, Jazz, and Dance Improvisation. During her studies, Jennifer had the privilege of collaborating with renowned choreographers such as Jennifer Kayle, C. Kemal Nance, Darrell Jones, and Paige Cunningham, experiences that have deeply influenced her approach to dance and teaching.
At Teatro Tariakuri, Jennifer oversees the academy’s programming and instructs classes in acro dance, jazz, ballet (levels 1 and 2), Latin dance, and hip-hop. Her role as Academy Director allows her to nurture young talent while fostering a welcoming environment for creative expression. Beyond teaching, Jennifer has performed widely, bringing diverse characters to life on stage. Her notable performances include Tiempos de Carpa by Manuel Bauche Alcalde, and she has showcased her artistry with various companies, including the acclaimed Tethering with Chicago Danze theatre ensemble .
Jennifer’s commitment to the arts extends beyond performance, as she works to cultivate the next generation of dancers with a focus on discipline, creativity, and cultural pride. Her leadership and passion continue to shape Teatro Tariakuri’s academy and inspire its community of young artists.
KARLA GALVAN
FOUNDER , EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Born south of the border/ raised in Chicago IL
Quien es la Galvan
Karla Galván is a Mexican/Peruvian actress, artistic director and teaching artists. She is a Columbia College Chicago graduate with a B.A. in fine arts. Karla also received extensive theatrical training in the City Mexico . In 2003, Karla founded Teatro Tariakuri Theater, a Latin spanish speaking theater company in Chicago. Based on the south side of Chicago, making it one of the first Mexican-American theater companies. In 2004 she opened with “Cats Have Tails in the Fall” at the Village Player Theater in Oak Park IL. Now Madison Street Theatre. Karla has directed many productions, including Dracula Gay, Abuelita de batman, Tent time, Cri Cri the musical adventure, Homenaje a Chespirito serving both comedy for adults and children's production, Karla has also worked on stage creating many characters such as Doña Remedios in “Los secretos de Santa Monica” with Family bridges. He worked on stage with Urban Theater Co. playing "Lydia" in their 12-season production of "Ashes of light," Karla also currently teaches theater and works with youth on the south side of Chicago where she directed Peter Pan, the Magician, Beauty and the beast and many more.
Victor Mallari
Company member, Victor is a Mexican/ Filipino actor born and raised in south side Chicago. As an artist, Victor values the idea of authenticity and rawness in stories, because to him, every voice deserves recognition. He challenges himself towards breaking down a character's intentions and feelings by visualizing himself in their shoes, no matter how big or small the differences may seem. Since his graduation from UIC in 2021, Victor has been working in short films, theatre productions, and creating his own work to continue finding ways to evoke rawness and showcase Chicago authenticity while building friendships throughout his artistic journey.
STAFF / ENSEBLE
Nancy Mata
Miembro de planta de Teatro Tariakuri. Actriz y comediante Mexicana- American con vasta experiencia en la escena teatral en la ciudad de los vientos . Recientemente disfrutamos de su intervencion en Como hacer una perlica xxx, los creditos de Nancy icluyen piezas como Solo para aridos y Abuelita de batman. Se destaca su participacion en la ya anual Pastorela de Dolores y Las virgenes prudentes por mencionar algunas otras. Cuando no esta en escenario Nancy le encanta pasar tiempo con familia y acompañada por su hermosa perrita Amber
Patricia Galvan
Nacida en Tampico, Tamaulipas Mexico y miembro de planta de Teatro Tariakuri. Paticia ha logrado obtener su entrenamiento actoral y desarollarse profesionalmente con teatro Tariakuri desde sus inicios.
Daniela Aranda
Actress, Dancer, Teaching Artist
Daniela Aranda is a dynamic interdisciplinary artist rooted in dance, vocal performance, and acting. She honed her craft at Columbia College Chicago, earning a degree in Dance with a minor in Vocal Performance. Deeply inspired by her Mexican heritage, Daniela’s work weaves together cultural storytelling and artistic exploration, making her a vibrant presence in the arts community.
Daniela made her debut as an actress in El Piélago de las Calamidades, where she showcased her range and commitment to Latinx narratives. Currently, she serves as a teaching artist at Teatro Tariakuri, leading classes in hip hop, voice training, and musical theater, and fostering a love of the arts in her students. Passionate about empowering the next generation, Daniela’s teaching emphasizes creativity, cultural pride, and self-expression. Her dedication to both her personal artistic journey and her students’ growth continues to shape her work and inspire her community.
Esteban Pantoja
Co-artistic director, Actor and Director
Quien es Pantoja
Esteban Pantoja is a Mexican-Amirican actor. Pantoja joined Tariakuri theatre company in 2005. Pantoja is co-artistic director and production manager here at Tariakuri. As an actor he has brought to life many characters in many of our Productions including our famous monologue "Dracula gay" by Thomas Urtusastegui. His theatre background and education were received on Tariakuri’s stage. But his love for performance and characterization have led him to create " La mas mejor” one of the most important icons in the Latino Drag shows community in Chicago. Esteban Pantoja has performed with other theatre companies including his leading role in "Varones". Esteban has also founded Cabaret parodia theatre company. Where he produces, writes, and directs many productions including “Un pozole con Frida” and “Cuna de brujas”.