Jordan Schwartz Interview

Isabel Martinez: Hi Jordan! It’s so cool that your shows are bilingual—meaning, in both English and Spanish. How does that work?

Jordan Schwartz: We choose plays or adapt presentations that use both English and Spanish, but you don’t have to speak both languages to understand. An example is a character enters and says Quien eres tu? and the response might be “Who am I? I’m Josefina.” Not all of the play goes back and forth like that, but many parts do where it works well with the lines. We also choose music to reflect both cultures and languages. Our last show was a salsa-hip-hop bilingual musical.

IM: Cool! So, I know you started the Children’s Bilingual Theater on your own, but tell us how are you involved today. Do you choose the plays, help direct, or act?

JS: I love that I choose the plays because part of that process is reading several before I find the right one. I lead the production team, come up with ideas for sets and costumes, and I have had the opportunity to act, too. I don’t direct—we bring in directors who are (so far) adults with theatre education or community theatre experience. But, as we are now doing shows for older youth, we plan to bring in student interns as assistant directors.

IM: Tell us more about Cinderella Eats Rice & Beans—the salsa-meets-hip-hop musical!

JS: It was great, because it’s a modern fairy tale. Finding that play was exciting because the music was bilingual—salsa and hip-hop—and it takes place in a school setting. Our ensemble characters played “students” and “cheerleaders.” The highlight is a basketball shoot-off between Cinderella, who is from Puerto Rico, and is at Pumpkinville School to improve her English. Rosa, the popular star basketball player, makes fun of Cinderella’s accent and clothes. The competition makes them realize not to judge because you have not “walked in the other person’s shoes,” meaning you don’t really know a person.

IM: Sounds like it has a great message! What is your most memorable moment so far working on CBT?

JS: Our show before Cinderella was The Magical Piñata. There was a role for a young granddaughter character. A nine-year-old Columbian immigrant was cast after her father brought her to the audition. Her English skills were not up to speed for a full English role, so Piñata gave her a chance. She started out quiet and looking at her feet, but by show time, was projecting her voice, on cue, and excited to be part of our cast. She has now gone on to perform in play productions with another children’s theater company. I will never forget that CBT was there to give her that opportunity to begin in theater.

IM: You’ve really helped your community bring together two very important cultures. Have any advice for girls who want to do the same thing?

JS: I know that this sounds simple, but if something is important to you, talk about it to your folks, teachers, or community leaders and ask for help. If they say no, they can probably connect you with resources to help.

IM: Great! What’s next for CBT?

JS: Well, I am very excited because our next show has been selected. We plan to produce Esperanza Rising. Although it takes place in the 1930s, the theme looks at immigration, and that is a topic that many of our communities are dealing with today. I have spoken with a local high school principal and the drama teacher there, and it looks like CBT and the high school will partner to bring this play to the stage.

IM: Cool! Any words in Spanish that you’d like to share?

JS: Abrazos, which means hugs.

IM: Awww, thanks! Abrazos right back to you from the BSG, Jordan!

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Jordan’s Faves

Music: I have Green Day, show tunes, and even Dean Martin on my iPod.

Book: Chicks with Sticks, it’s a knitting thing!

Sport/Activity: Swim team

Color: Sky blue

Subject in School: Honors Geometry

Personal Style: Prep—I love hair bands, ties and letter sweaters.

Must-Have Beauty Product: I love my Bath & Body Works Midnight Pomegranate Body Lotion.

Career Ambition: I have personal challenge. I was diagnosed with Turner’s Syndrome when I was 11. In learning about Turner’s, I have become very interested in the sciences. Since I am strong in science in math, I hope to earn a PhD in biochemistry, chemistry, or biology.

Words to Live By: “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community. Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.” Cesar Chavez