‘Do what you love’: First-generation college student brings stories to life in theater design and production

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2022 graduates.

Graduating senior April Maytorena worked on the recent Arizona State University theater production of “La Comedia of Errors,” a bilingual retelling of Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors.” Maytorena used clay to mold and create the exaggerated facial features for the production’s masks. She said the experience helped her feel connected to her grandmother on her mother’s side, who was talented with sewing and handicrafts. 

“She created a lot of things by hand with clay,” said Maytorena. “For me, I love being part of the creative process that brings stories to life.”

Hailing from the border town of Rio Rico, Arizona, Maytorena is a first-generation Mexican American college student. She is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in theatre with a concentration in design and production from the School of Music, Dance and Theatre.

Despite her artistic tendencies, Maytorena hadn’t considered studying theater in college — she wasn’t even sure she was going to attend college — when her high school theater director suggested ASU. She had just finished performing in “Little Shop of Horrors” and loved being part of theater, but she wasn’t interested in being on stage again. 

“I didn't want to do acting,” Hernandez said. “I’m so thankful for the design and production program. They told me, ‘It’s OK if you don’t know much. We’ll teach you.’”

During her time at ASU, Maytorena’s focus has been on costume and props technology. She has had a hand in almost every main-stage production. Some of her credits include props artist for “Tigers Be Still,” stitcher for “CREAM!,” props head for “The Snow,” first head for “Hedda Gabler” and wardrobe supervisor for the “Emerging Artist” dance show. 

The skills she gained even led her to a position as an alteration specialist for David’s Bridal. She said she wanted to take advantage of every opportunity that came her way. 

“I just throw myself into things and hope for the best,” said Maytorena.

Maytorena’s skills and determination made faculty members take notice.

“She is an outstanding individual who has grown immensely during her four years with us,” said Connie Furr. “She is well versed in costume technology and has distinguished herself in this area. She is also an outstanding collaborator working diligently to produce high-quality costumes and props for theater and film productions.”

Question: What was your “aha” moment where you knew what you wanted to study?

Answer: I like to think back to my freshman year where I first got to create something others could enjoy. Our final project was to design for the dance show “Come AZ You Are.” We got to collaborate with the dancers. I was so excited to work with the dancer and create something. The dancer I worked with, her piece revolved heavily around her Navajo heritage. She gave me all this research to work with, and it was such a nice collaboration between us. Going through that was just like a great experience, to come together and create something. 

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: One thing that really surprised me was the amount of diversity in race, sexual orientation and gender identity there is here. Coming from a small town where all this isn’t talked about, it was surprising to come to the city and see how freely people talk about it. It was a bit of culture shock. I like how it helps build a community where we can be ourselves and connect with one another.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: I can’t say just one professor. I’ve worked with so many along the way, and they all taught me so much, whether sewing advice or life advice or something else. They all just inspired me so much. After all this time, it’s really a community for me, all the people who have fed me all along this journey. Last year during the summer, (Costume Shop Supervisor) Cari Smith and I were talking about shows, and she said, ‘It's not for the money, it’s about making art.’ I just sort of had a moment of realization. I thought — oh my goodness — I’m an artist.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: It’s kind of cheesy, but my best advice would be to do what you love. If you’re going to spend a lot of time doing it, you should pick something you enjoy.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus?

A: I'm always in the costume shop or the scenic shop. But when I get out of the building, one spot I love is by the Student Services building, near the Memorial Union. There’s this little spot — it’s very green and there are trees and a lot of shade all semester. I love to just go there and relax and eat my food.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I have been hired as an apprentice at the Santa Fe Opera as a stitcher. It's just for the summer. The plan so far is to come back to the Valley and work around any theater shops that are hiring. I want to work in theater one way or another. As a lover of the arts in all its forms, I hope to keep on creating with like-minded individuals. 

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: First, I’d get myself and my family out of debt. I would definitely put money towards the arts in schools, especially those who don't get as much funding for the arts compared to sports — here in the Valley and also in smaller towns. And then some for homelessness. It seems like there’s always enough money for war, but not enough money to actually house people. Forty million dollars just doesn’t seem like enough! It’s so much money, but at the same time, you can only do so much with it.