BY ROSALBA ROLÓN
We all value the recognition that comes from our hard and consistent work, regardless of the field we have chosen to work in. In our case, as theater workers, the presence and appreciation of our audience is second to none. To witness works that sometimes have taken years to develop being received with enthusiasm by our community, neighbors and peers is truly a call to action. We must continue, without pause, to execute our Mission.
It is also thrilling to receive support and recognition from institutions whose objective is to strengthen an entire industry by calling attention to the impact of the arts on our neighborhoods, our cities, the nation, and even the world. And, very important, to our respective practices. Aesthetics, regardless of discipline, develop over time – years, decades, centuries – and we are proud to play a role in this human journey.
AND…now we pause. Just for a moment. To celebrate a year that will not go unnoticed in the history of our theater: 2025, when Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater received two significant Awards, and a once in a lifetime recognition. We thank the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), the Drama Desk organization, and the American Theater Wing’s Obie Awards for adding yet another layer to our story, which we hope will inspire current and future generations of artists.
Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) – It happens only a few times in a century. The CIG is a diverse coalition of 39 nonprofit institutions – museums, performing arts centers, historical societies, zoos, and botanical gardens – operating in public facilities for the provision of cultural and arts services and programs for New York City. September 2025 marks the moment in our history when Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater was inducted to the Cultural Institutions Group by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), the city agency responsible for the overall administration of the CIG process, nominations, and admissions into the cohort. A beautiful event was organized by DCLA Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Laurie Cumbo’s team at BRIC, celebrating the induction of 5 new CIG members. Our cohort is the largest expansion of the CIG in nearly five decades. The 2025 CIG cohort includes: PregonesPRTT, Bronx Children’s Museum, BRIC, Louis Armstrong House Museum and the Noble Maritime Collection. See a full list of the 39 Cultural Institutions Group here.
Photos courtesy of Ellen Qbertplaya
Photos courtesy of Tricia Baron
Drama Desk Award – In 2025, we received a Special Drama Desk Award. In their own words:
“Pregones/PRTT: Pregones (founded in 1979) and the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater (founded in 1967) merged in 2014 to become a powerhouse producer of Latinx shows on two NYC stages: one in Manhattan’s Theater District, the other in the South Bronx, both evoking an atmosphere of warmth and inclusivity.”
The Drama Desk organization was founded in 1949 by a group of theater critics and journalists aiming to spotlight significant issues in the theatrical industry and to support the development of New York theater. Our Associate Artistic Director, Jorge B. Merced, proudly represented us, receiving the beautiful award that we proudly display in our theater lobby.
OBIE – Also known as Off-Broadway Theater Awards, just announced that Pregones/PRTT will receive an Obie Award:
“…for their steadfast dedication to excellence, representation, and transformation, and ensuring that the stage remains a home for all, the Obie judges are proud to present the Ross Wetzsteon Award to Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater.”
The Obies are annual awards, managed and presented by the esteemed American Theatre Wing, honoring the highest caliber of off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway theater.
Photos courtesy of Tricia Baron
BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE! – No One Can Do It Alone
I am a firm believer that what happens behind-the-scenes, led by those who make it happen, is as important as what happens on stage. On a personal note, I wish to thank the Judges of two formidable awards programs, whose decision to choose me as a recipient of their awards filled me with joy. It also allowed me to bring my Pregones/PRTT family to the center and play a key role in the celebrations. They are:
The Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize – Thank you for an unimaginable surprise, for supporting my request to celebrate at Pregones Theater in The Bronx, with friends, colleagues, and family. Thank you to my colleagues for working with the amazing Gish team to bring this incredible moment to fruition.
And…
GRACIAS to the Academia de Artes Escénicas de España (Spain’s Academy of the Performing Arts), for honoring me with a Distinction of Honor Award, in an amazing event at the Teatro Calderón, in Valladolid, Spain. Priscilla Aguilar, our Business Manager, accompanied me. Again, involving our team members in all kinds of celebrations is a joy.
Photos courtesy of Ellen Qbertplaya
IT’s A WRAP! – What a pleasure to share these news with you, our readers, our audience members, our colleagues, our supporters. Occasionally, we need to stop and smell the roses. Stay tuned for the upcoming HIGHLIGHTS of our Spring-Summer programming!