The Arts Engagement and Education Department serves as a vital bridge between artistic expression and community involvement. We believe that art is transformative and essential for personal and societal growth. We are dedicated to fostering creativity, nurturing talent, and promoting cultural understanding through various educational and engagement initiatives.
Our mission is to enrich lives and strengthen communities. By providing accessible and inclusive arts education, innovative programs, and meaningful community engagements, we aim to inspire creativity, cultivate diverse talents, and foster a deep appreciation for the arts.
Your support fuels our mission to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and cultivate a lifelong love for the arts. Together, let’s build a brighter future through the power of storytelling. Thank you for your generosity!
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Click “Learn More” for more information about our highly talented staff!
Victoria Pérez-Maggiolo
Victoria is a multiple award winning accomplished bilingual theatre artist with over 25 years of experience as a singer, actor, director, writer and as a teaching artist. Hailing proudly from Puerto Rico and calling Buffalo, NY her home, she is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Raíces Theatre Company, the only Latino(e) theatre company in WNY dedicated to telling Latino(e) stories. In Buffalo she has performed and directed with almost every theatre company. She believes in the power of theatre to bring awareness, serve as a reflection and ultimately, transform.
Jake Grear
Jake is an alumnus of Buffalo State University with a BA in Theater Arts, graduating with the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Theater. Throughout his education, he was involved in numerous productions as a performer, stage manager, and director. He also served as a teaching assistant for multiple classes. Since graduation, he has made his professional performance debut at MusicalFare Theatre and has returned to Buffalo State as a stage manager and assistant director for multiple productions. As a former student and teaching artist for Shea’s Education, Jake is thrilled to be serving as the coordinator of these programs, spreading the joy of theatre education to students all across WNY.
Alicia Rainey
Alicia is a former educator of 13 years additionally acting as a co-director and choreographer for middle school musicals at Westminster Charter School where she developed a passion for serving students and families in education. She is an alumni of SUNY Empire State College with an A.S. in Health in Human Services and is the founder of Layla’s Love Mentoring Program. Alicia has served as the Arts Engagement and Education Assistant for 3 years now and is thrilled to offer her voice as a part of this growing theatre community.
Alejandro Gómez
Alejandro is an Artie-nominated performer (In The Heights, Desde El Puente: Musical Edition, West Side Story, Bloom) from Buffalo, NY and an ensemble member of Raíces Theatre Company. Since 2021, Alejandro has been a lead teaching artist at Shea’s Performing Arts Center and just completed a degree in Theatre with a minor in Television and Film Arts at Buffalo State University.
Email the VP of Arts Engagement and Education, Victoria Pérez-Maggiolo.
Email Arts Education Coordinator, Jake Grear.
Email Arts Engagement Coordinator, Alicia Rainey.
Email Lead Teaching Artist, Alejandro Gómez.
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