Volunteer Spotlight is a monthly feature where we highlight an Academy Theatre volunteer. This month’s volunteer is Brenda Cuellar Reza.
What is your name?
Hi, my name is Brenda Cuellar Reza.
What is your role title at The Academy Theatre and what duties does your role entail?
I’m currently a coordinator for GDCA. I’m basically a wise owl to the Girls theater group and their support to whatever they need. Whether it is advice on how to say a line, which type of style they should choose for their costume or even bringing them baked goods, I’m here for them on anything.
The cast of Nine Girls in 2019. Front row, left to right: Sara N., MaryAnn L., Brenda C.R. Back row, left to right: Valerie G., Angela E., Meghan S., Jabria L., Ava V., and Jackie G.
How long have you been in that role?
For the year or since I’ve been here? I can give you both answers. I used to be the Girls coordinator from another era, back in the early 2010s. However, for 2026, I’ve been coordinator for 3 months now, I believe.
Tell us how you discovered The Academy Theatre.
A long long long time ago, I discovered the JDCA thanks to my aunt Circe. She was performing in Red Hot Mamas in 2010. After seeing her play, I decided to join the ADA (Adult Drama Academy), which was the worst and best decision of my life. Editor’s note: the ADA is now called the ADP (Adult Drama Program).
Kyra K., Brenda C.R., and MaryAnn L. after performing in Here Come the Brides in 2016.
Have you acted in any plays at The Academy Theatre? What about other performances, such as the Haunted Pirate Ship or a comedy show?
I’ve been in almost every play since I joined. So that would make it……more than 15….maybe. I was in plays like The Great Apple Rebellion, the Divorce Sale, Desert Flowers, Nine Girls, and many more!
Brenda C.R. and MaryAnn L. perform a skit for the holiday variety show in 2011.
What is your favorite recurring event at The Academy Theatre and why? For example, bingo, youth vocal shows, adult plays, Cinesylum, etc.
I have several favorites, it’s hard to choose. Though my favorite is watching the adult plays. It’s sometimes interesting to be the audience for once.
Brenda, at center, along with other cast members of Virgil’s Wedding rehearse a scene.
What is your favorite memory from The Academy Theatre?
My favorite memory would have to be where I did improv in a scene [for a play called Here Come the Brides].
In this scene, my character brought a hat box for the main character who was a [salesman] disguised as a woman. The hat we were going to use was big and ugly. We used it several times in rehearsal. On the day of the performance, without ANYONE’s knowledge, including the director, Angel, I switched the hat to a small top hat for a girl. The moment I pulled out the new small hat, the audience roared with laughter. My fellow actor almost broke character on stage. He wanted to join the audience and laugh so hard, but he kept his face still and the scene kept going. However, in the tech booth, Angel was laughing so much. He was lucky the mic was turned off.
Thank you, Brenda, for all that you do for The Academy Theatre!
In her role as GDCA Coordinator, Brenda gives a speech at The Academy Theatre’s Advancement Ceremony in September 2026.
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