Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandro Martinez.
Hi Alexandro , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story starts back in Mexico, where imagination was my first language long before I ever stepped on a stage. I grew up fascinated by the power of storytelling—how a single performance, a scene, or even a gesture could shift someone’s emotions. That curiosity slowly became a calling.
I began acting and writing at a young age, but it wasn’t until I immigrated to the United States that my artistic identity truly came into focus. Houston welcomed me with both challenges and possibilities. I worked my way through the arts scene—acting, directing, writing, producing—often juggling multiple jobs, projects, and responsibilities just to keep creating. Every step taught me resilience, discipline, and, above all, purpose.
Founding HAPAA (the Hispanic Alliance for Performing and Audiovisual Arts) and later opening Carol Theater were turning points. I wanted to create a home where Latino and immigrant artists could see themselves reflected, supported, and celebrated. Spaces like these were not handed to us—they had to be built. And in building them, I discovered my deeper mission: amplifying voices and stories that are often overlooked.
Today, I work as a director, writer, actor, and executive, but at the core I’m still that child who fell in love with storytelling. Everything I do—whether it’s producing a new play, mentoring young artists, or directing cultural programs—is an extension of that passion. I’m proud of the journey so far, and equally excited for what’s still ahead.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. And I don’t think it ever is for anyone who migrates in search of possibility. Like many immigrants, I arrived with dreams and a willingness to work hard, but also with the reality of starting from zero—new language, new codes, new opportunities, and new barriers.
One of the most difficult challenges I’ve faced in the United States isn’t just personal—it’s systemic. Although there are many people who openly express support for immigrants, I’ve observed something that has marked my experience: that support often seems to have limits. When immigrants work in service roles—restaurants, landscaping, construction—they are generally accepted. But when an immigrant grows, leads, or aspires to positions of artistic or organizational leadership, that support can suddenly disappear. There is an unspoken assumption that we are not fully qualified, not prepared enough, or somehow ‘less than’ because we were not born here.
And that is painful, not because it stops us, but because it reveals a deeper societal contradiction. We celebrate the idea of the American Dream, yet we are often questioned when we actually reach for it. Navigating those perceptions has been one of my greatest struggles—not just proving my own capacity, but constantly having to justify the value of immigrant leadership in the arts.
But these challenges have also shaped my mission. They are part of why I founded HAPAA and Carol Theater. These spaces exist to show that immigrant artists are not only capable—we are essential. Our perspectives expand the cultural landscape of this city. Our stories enrich it. And acknowledging the uncomfortable truths is part of how we move forward together. My hope is that by talking about these realities with honesty and respect, we can build a more inclusive and empathetic arts community for everyone
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an artist and creative, my work lives at the intersection of storytelling, cultural identity, and community impact. I wear several hats—director, writer, actor, and founder—and each role allows me to approach art from a different angle while staying connected to the same purpose: telling stories that matter.
I specialize in narrative-driven work that centers Latino and immigrant experiences, blending humor, emotion, and social reflection. Whether I’m directing a play, writing an original script, or performing on stage, my focus is always on creating worlds that feel alive, honest, and deeply human. I’m known for producing intimate, character-driven pieces that explore family, belonging, identity, and the nuances of everyday life—often with a playful mix of comedy and drama.
One of the things I’m most proud of is creating spaces where these stories can exist. Founding HAPAA and later opening Carol Theater has been one of the defining achievements of my career. Building a theater from the ground up—one that welcomes immigrant artists, houses original productions, and empowers new voices—has been an act of love and persistence. It’s where I’ve been able to develop works like Término Medio, Cama Para Tres, and other original projects that reflect our community with depth and dignity.
What sets me apart is the lens through which I create. I am not just making art; I am building bridges. My work is shaped by my experience as an immigrant, by the resilience that journey required, and by a commitment to representation that goes beyond the stage. I’m interested in storytelling that entertains, yes—but also storytelling that asks questions, opens conversations, and leaves audiences thinking long after the lights go down.
Ultimately, what makes my work unique is its purpose. I create to honor my roots, uplift my community, and contribute to a more diverse artistic landscape in Houston and beyond. Art for me is not only expression—it is service. And that mission guides everything I do.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
No one builds a career alone, and I am deeply aware that everything I’ve achieved has been possible thanks to the people who have walked with me along the way. My first source of strength has always been my family. Their faith in me, even in the most uncertain moments, has been the foundation on which I continue to grow as an artist and as a leader.
Professionally, I owe a great deal to Lucas Torres—producer and musician—who gave me one of the first opportunities to return to the artistic world in Houston. His trust reopened doors that I feared were no longer there. I’m also grateful to Luis Hernández, a colleague in media whose consistent support has amplified our work and reminded me of the power of community.
A very special acknowledgment goes to Andrea Vázquez Aguirre, collaborator of HAPAA and an indispensable partner through her organization, Another River Interdisciplinary Ensemble. Her vision, generosity, and commitment have strengthened our mission and expanded our creative reach in ways I could never have imagined alone.
I’m equally grateful to the many artists who collaborate tirelessly on each project. They are the soul of our productions—the ones who bring our stories to life with passion, talent, and an unwavering belief in our shared purpose.
Our volunteer team, led by Adriana Olvera—colleague, friend, and a true pillar of Carol Theater—deserves profound recognition. Her dedication ensures that our theater not only operates, but thrives. She embodies the spirit of service and community that defines our organization.
And, above all, my deepest thanks go to our audience. Their presence, their applause, their messages of encouragement—these are the things that keep the flame of hope alive. They remind us why we create, why we persist, and why spaces like Carol Theater and HAPAA must continue to exist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hapaa.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hapaahouston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HAPAAHTX
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hapaa-houston-269765260/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZGQmm5JFLJf8poQtoYWjZA
