Today we’d like to introduce you to Camelina Cedillo.
Hi Camelina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been surrounded by performance in one way or another. I grew up dancing ballet folklórico and playing the saxophone, so being on stage and connecting through music and movement was something I loved early on.
It wasn’t until I took a theatre class at my community college, mostly just for fun, that things started to shift. I was immediately drawn to the collaborative energy of theatre, the way people came together to tell stories.
That eventually led me to become part of Camino23, a Latine theatre collective here in San Diego. With Camino23, we’ve been able to create new work that reflects our communities and also run workshops at Diversionary Theatre, where we focus on uplifting Queer and Latine voices. It’s been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey, getting to build spaces where people feel seen and supported in their creativity.
Being active in the San Diego theatre scene also introduced me to a lot of other artists; actors, writers, musicians, and through those connections, I ended up joining the band Strawberry Cassette as a saxophone player. It felt like a full-circle moment, returning to music but in a completely new context.
More recently, I’ve started training to become a certified intimacy director for the stage. After working on a few productions that involved intimate scenes, I realized how important it is to approach that kind of storytelling with care and intention. I want to help create safer, more respectful rehearsal spaces where actors can do their best work without feeling vulnerable in the wrong ways.
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?
A lot of this journey has been about figuring things out as I go. I didn’t start with a clear plan or a traditional path into the arts, so there was a lot of self-doubt in the beginning. It took time for me to even feel comfortable calling myself an artist.
Being part of communities that are underrepresented in theatre. Both as a Latine artist and as someone who didn’t grow up coming from a theatre background has also come with challenges. There were times I didn’t see myself reflected in the work around me, or felt like I had to fight harder to be taken seriously. That’s a big part of why I gravitated toward collective and community-based work. It gave me a space to not only show up authentically but also help create space for others to do the same.
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?
I’m a theatre artist and musician based in San Diego, and my work tends to live in the space where storytelling, culture, and community intersect.
A big part of what I do is with Camino23, a Latine theatre collective that I’m incredibly proud to be part of. We focus on uplifting Latine voices through original work, cultural storytelling, and collaborative creation. One of the things I love most is the community-building side of our work, especially our workshops at Diversionary Theatre.
I’m active in San Diego’s wider theatre scene, and through those connections, I’ve also stepped into the local music world. That’s how I became part of the band Strawberry Cassette as a saxophone player, which honestly brings me so much joy. Music has been with me since I was young, and it’s been exciting to reconnect with it in this new way.
I’ve also been training to become a certified intimacy director. After working on shows that involved sensitive material. It’s something I’m passionate about because it ties back to everything I believe in; trust, collaboration, and care in the creative process. The process has been very gratifying and I’m excited to see where this new path leads me.
What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built along the way and the spaces I’ve helped nurture, especially spaces where people feel seen, safe, and empowered to take creative risks. I think what sets me apart is my ability to move between disciplines while staying rooted in intention. Whether I’m in a rehearsal room, on stage, or playing in a band, I’m always thinking about how to tell a story with care, with culture, and with connection at the center.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite memories growing up was going to visit my family in Guanajuato, Mexico. November was when the whole neighborhood would celebrate las iluminaciones. It was such a special time.
The entire block would light up with carnival lights, banda music blasting from speakers, people dancing, food everywhere. It felt like the whole street turned into a party. I’d run around with my cousins, grabbing snacks, playing games, and just being surrounded by all this energy and love. It was loud, colorful, and full of life.
Even as a kid, I remember feeling how meaningful it was. It made me feel really connected to my family and to where we come from. Those trips always reminded me of my roots and gave me this strong sense of belonging.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camelinacedillo?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@strawberrycassette?si=1eY2OHhJN2lS1sI7
Image Credits
strawberrycassette
sdsu_ttf
camino23collective
