Staff
& Key Personnel
Tony
Plana
Executive Artistic Director
An
accomplished actor and director who has starred in dozens
of films, television series and theatre productions, Mr.
Plana is the recipient of numerous awards for his work and
a creative force behind many of the most successful Latino-led
productions in entertainment today. A graduate of Loyola
Marymount University, Mr. Plana trained professionally at
the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England.
Magdalena
Sanchez
Business Manager
Ms.
Sanchez is responsible for ECT's day-to-day administration
and fiscal oversight. In addition to her duties at ECT,
she has served as Administrative Director for the American
Immigration Lawyers' Association and for the Mexican American
Bar Association. Her consulting clients include the Nicaragua
Opportunity Foundation and the Hispanic Roundtable Association.
She has provided legal support for such political figures
as Kathleen Brown, Armando Duron, Teresa Sanchez Gordon,
and Paul Jajan. Born in Los Angeles, Ms. Sanchez is working
toward advanced degrees in Political Science and Legal Studies.
Simone Havisward
Program Manager
Simone Havisward,
who was born and raised in New York, moved to California in 1993 to attend
Pepperdine University. Her interests have carried her on an eclectic career
path, including working for Backstage West/Dramalogue, Paramount Recording
Studios and Sound Art (a music education non-profit). She has also spent time
traveling through Europe, starting her own music production company, Enomis
Productions, and volunteering at various non-profit organizations throughout Los
Angeles. Simone, who has a love for arts education, children, and giving back,
brings with her lots of relevant programming experience, passion and drive,
hoping to help ECT reach its goals, serve the community and achieve its mission.
Monica Martin
Production Tour Manager
Monica brings to ECT 25 years
of professional theatre experience. Responsible for the
organization, management and coordination of all aspects of
ECT’s productions, she has found the niche for her extensive
background in acting, directing, design and management.
Monica’s love of theatre was first cultivated at the
University of Oklahoma and then at Buffalo State College
where she studied Directing with Tony award winner Warren
Enters. By the time she reached her 21st birthday she had
performed in every state of the lower 48 and has continued
her career by directing over 20 productions, serving as
Artistic Director of her company Barnstorm Rep. in Upstate
New York and performing at New Orleans’s beloved Le Petit
Theatre du Vieux Carre. A devoted fan of Shakespeare, Monica
is grateful for the opportunity to share the magic of
theatre with kids of all ages.
