Voices of Vision: Welcoming Tara Ricasa, Bocón’s New Producing Director

For this special edition of Voices of Vision, we’re thrilled to spotlight someone new to the Bocón staff but certainly not new to the Bocón familia. Please meet Tara Ricasa, our new Producing Director, longtime collaborator, and passionate advocate for youth, the arts, and equity.

Tara brings nearly two decades of experience as a theater maker, teaching artist, and arts administrator—and a powerful perspective shaped by her roots in San Diego and her deep commitment to inclusive storytelling.

A Familiar Face in a New Role

Though officially stepping into her staff role in 2025, Tara’s Bocón journey started back in 2016, not long after relocating from New York. “I met Crystal [Bocón's Artistic Director] shortly after I moved to California,” Tara recalls. “I started as a teaching artist, leading an arts integration residency at Hoover High.”

Since then, Tara’s contributions have spanned everything from education to playwriting, most recently as a commissioned playwright for Bocón’s 2022 New Play Festival. So when Crystal began preparing for a potential move north, she knew exactly who to call.

“Crystal approached me about becoming more involved,” Tara shares. “After some thoughtful conversations, we both agreed it was a great match—my strengths and experience align with Bocón’s mission to provide accessible, multicultural theater for youth.”

A Life in Theater, Rooted in Community

Born and raised in San Diego, Tara’s journey into theater began early and continued through professional milestones, including her first Equity acting job with La Jolla Playhouse’s POP Tour of ¡Salsalandia! —a production specifically designed for young audiences.

“I know firsthand the positive impact of theater for youth,” she says. “It’s not just about putting on plays—it’s about offering creative spaces for self-expression and building life skills.”

Tara’s bilingual fluency and multicultural background help her connect across a wide range of communities. “I’m just as comfortable connecting in Spanish as I am in English,” she adds. “And as the child of immigrants, I’m committed to uplifting stories that often go unheard.”

The Power of Theater to Build Community

When asked what makes Bocón special, Tara speaks passionately about its role in providing not just access but meaningful participation in the arts.

“Unlike many ‘pay-to-play’ youth theater programs, Bocón’s work is offered free to the communities we serve,” she explains. “We’re in National City, City Heights, Chula Vista, Otay Mesa—places that haven’t always been part of San Diego’s theater ecosystem.”

Through Bocón, students don’t just attend performances—they create, collaborate, and take center stage.

And while some students may go on to pursue professional theater careers (and yes, she admits she quietly cheers when they do), Tara is clear-eyed about the broader impact: “Arts education builds communication, creativity, empathy, problem-solving, and resilience. These are skills students take with them into every part of life.” She adds, “Strong, healthy communities are shaped by human connections. That’s what we’re fostering.”

Arts Education = A Kinder, More Inclusive World

In addition to her work with Bocón, Tara also previously worked with PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, where the pillars of prevention—kindness, acceptance, and inclusion—overlap beautifully with her vision for arts education.

“When we’re kind, accepting, and inclusive, we’re a healthier society. When we’re not, we become siloed and selfish,” she reflects. “Through the arts, students learn to celebrate diversity, express emotions, and understand perspectives beyond their own.”

This belief echoes research from Americans for the Arts, which links arts education to improved academic performance, emotional development, and civic engagement—especially in multicultural communities like San Diego.

What’s Next for Tara and Bocón?

With her sleeves rolled up and big ideas brewing, Tara is jumping right in.

“One of our immediate goals is launching a local Theater for Young Audiences (TYA) production,” she shares. “We are currently in production. Actors have been rehearsing, and performances of Kayla Adorno's new play, ¡Sí Se Puede! are scheduled—stay tuned for details!”

Beyond the fall, she’s excited to deepen relationships with local schools, artists, and families—and build the infrastructure that will help Bocón thrive long into the future.

A Message to the Bocón Community

To the volunteers, staff, and families that make Bocón what it is, Tara shares this note:

“Thank you for your continued support and patience. We know life has been extra challenging for many San Diegans. At Bocón, we remain committed to sharing stories that humanize our most vulnerable community members. Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we value your voice.”

While Tara jokes that she’s just getting started—“Ask me again in a year about the most rewarding part!”—it’s clear she’s already making waves.

And we couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to the team.

Want to get involved or stay in the loop? Visit bocon.org and sign up for our newsletter, follow us on social, or drop us a message. Together, we’re building a more inclusive, creative, and connected San Diego, one story at a time.