La Joven Guardia
del Teatro LatinoInc
La Joven Guardia del Teatro y La Danza Latina Inc is committed to the enrichment and education of underprivileged children and youth in a pre‑professional theater environment that stimulates artistic excellence and personal growth.
It's All About the Dream
José Miguel Hernández Hurtado is originally from Cuba and has lived in Syracuse since November 14, 1997. Before his current work at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital's emergency department, he spent 17 years as a physical therapy aide at Rosewood Heights Health Center — all while directing the theater company he founded in 1999 under the Spanish Action League. It is now an incorporated 501(c)(3) non‑profit in New York State.
José Miguel trained in Latin American and contemporary dance in Cuba, joining the House of Culture and Drama department in Santa Clara at age 7, mentored by Odalys Chong and Vladimir Pérez, and later studying at Teatro Estudio in Havana under Raquel Revuelta. He was named Best Male Actor in a national student competition spanning Camagüey, Cienfuegos, and Havana.
He has since directed over 21 contemporary and classical Spanish children's plays — including the Michael Harms Theater Festival — and earned the Excellence in Outstanding Achievement for Direction award for A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings (2008), Adventures of Don Quixote (2011), and his own adaptation of The Enchanted Shrimp (2012).
— José Miguel Hernández Hurtado, Director
Raise the Curtain
Hover or tap a playbill to part the curtain and read more.
A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings
Award‑winning direction, 2008 — a magical‑realist tale brought to the young stage.
Fuenteovejuna
A Spanish golden‑age classic of unity and courage, staged by the young guard.
The Little Prince
A beloved tale of wonder, friendship, and seeing with the heart.
The Book
Thank You for Your Continued Support
Sponsors & partners to be announced.
