WOLF AT THE DOOR Cast Announced; Perseverance Theatre and Arciniega Street Productions stage play starring all Latine and Indigenous Artists

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Four actors to star in Marisela Treviño Orta’s Grimm Latine fairy tale stageplay in Anchorage this Fall

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Perseverance Theatre and Arciniega Street Productions have cast their co-production WOLF AT THE DOOR, Directed by Rio Alberto. Four actors will bring Marisela Treviño Orta’s dark fairy tale to the UAA Fine Arts Building Mainstage for three weekends, November 27 through December 13.

Three quarters of the cast represent Alaska’s three largest communities with Nanieezh Peter from Fairbanks, Mari Puller from Anchorage, and Gabriel A. Conesa Caquías from Perseverance’s home stage in Juneau by way of Washington. Sofía Terceros Arce hails from New York City by way of Bolivia to see Alaska for the first time.

About the Play

Isadora dreams of a life free from her abusive husband, Septimo. When a mysterious pregnant woman named Yolot appears on the grounds of their hacienda seeking shelter from the snow, Septimo devises a plot against her. Can Isadora find the strength to stand up to him? Can she and Yolot find a way to help each other? As a pack of wolves closes in on the hacienda, Isadora must decide what price she’ll pay for her own freedom. Wolf at the Door is part of a cycle of fairy tales by Marisela Treviño Orta inspired by Latino folklore and mythology.

This show is recommended for audience members 16 and up, given the strong adult themes.

Wolf At The Door is the second play in Treviño Orta’s cycle of “Grimm Latine/o/x fairy tales,” which also includes The River Bride. Drawing on Aztec conceptions of the afterlife, the Guaraní legend of the luisón, and the European fairy-tale canon, the play is lush, poetic, and unflinching. It premiered in 2018 through the National New Play Network’s Rolling World Premiere program and has since been produced by companies including American Players Theatre, Milagro Theatre, and Su Teatro.

The Cast

Nanieezh Peter (she/they) as Isadora. Peter is Diné (Navajo), Tohono O’odham, Neets’ąįį Gwich’in, and Ashkenazi Jewish. She speaks Gwich’in, studies film and ethnobotany at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and holds the titles of Miss World Exhibition of Indigenous Olympics (WEIO) and Miss Fairbanks Native Association. Isadora, the wife who finally stands up to her husband, is Peter’s first major theatre role and her Anchorage debut. Her ask of Alaskans is simple: Mark your calendars and show up.

Sofía Terceros Arce (she/her) as Yolot. Terceros Arce is a Bolivian actor based in New York City and trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. Before acting she worked for years as an architect in Switzerland, which left her fluent in German and Italian as well as Spanish and English. Recent credits include Cassandra: an ongoing tragedy by Ruth Cantrell and Uncertainty by Jorge Bazalar. She plays Yolot, the pregnant stranger chained inside the hacienda who is more powerful than anyone initially realizes.

Gabriel A. Conesa Caquías (they/them) as Séptimo. Conesa Caquías is a proud Boricua artist based in Washington. Perseverance Theatre audiences have already seen their work from the wings; they were Assistant Stage Manager for Kutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles. Séptimo, the husband at the center of the household’s fear. Wolf at the Door marks their PT acting debut.

Marisa “Mari” Puller (she/her) as Rocío. Anchorage audiences may know Puller as the spokesperson for Global Credit Union. Her stage credits include The Father with Riverbend Theatre, The Dining Room with Hawthorne Players, and Jake’s Women with Moonstone Theatre, plus musical work with Psalm Theatrics and Cyrano’s. She has portrayed Cordelia Jones in the Vintage Voices retelling of Alton history and stage managed The Magic Flute for the UAA Opera Workshop.

Tickets and Information

  • Show Dates: 3 weekends, November 27 – December 13 2026
  • Pay-As-You-Can Show Dates: November 29 and December 3
    • Also discounted tickets to service members, veterans, their families and caregivers.
  • Venue: UAA Fine Arts Building Mainstage; 3700 Alumni Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
  • Tickets: ptalaska.org/wolf-at-the-door
  • Team: Directed by Rio Alberto; Co-Produced by Perseverance Theatre and Arciniega Street Productions (Kendra Arciniega)
  • Follow along: Perseverance Theatre and Arciniega Street Productions on Instagram at @perseverancetheatre and @arciniegastreet

About the Producers

Perseverance Theatre is Alaska’s premier professional regional theatre, making theatre by and for Alaskans in Juneau and Anchorage since 1979. Learn more at ptalaska.org

Arciniega Street Productions is a Latina-, Filipina-, and queer-owned boutique entertainment production company based in Alaska that specializes in queer and QTBIPOC community entertainment. Learn more at arciniegastreet.com

Perseverance Theatre and Arciniega Street Productions to Co-Produce Marisela Treviño Orta’s WOLF AT THE DOOR in Anchorage

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Alaska’s professional regional theatre partners with queer and Latina-owned boutique production company to bring a Grimm Latinx fairytale of survival and sisterhood to Anchorage this fall – written, directed, and produced by Mexican-American artists

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Perseverance Theatre, Alaska’s premiere regional theatre, announced today a co-production of WOLF AT THE DOOR by award-winning playwright Marisela Treviño Orta, presented in partnership with Arciniega Street Productions, a local queer and Latina-owned boutique production company specializing in cultural arts and queer entertainment. The production runs November 27th through December 13th at the UAA Fine Arts MainStage Theatre in Anchorage.

This new partnership pairs Perseverance’s 47-year legacy of professional theatre made by and for Alaskans with a new generation of Alaska producers who build work from inside the communities it serves. Directed by Rio Alberto, this production of Wolf At The Door will notably be one that is written, produced, and directed by all Mexican-American artists.

“We at Perseverance Theatre are so proud and elated to be supporting Rio Alberto in their PT directorial debut as well as Arciniega Street’s live theatre producing debut! We have longed to support the Mexican-American and Latine voices of Alaska and the perfect opportunity arose when Rio brought us this play and Kendra Arciniega,” said Perseverance Theatre’s Artistic Director, Leslie Ishii. “We are also grateful to our Future of the American Theatre Mellon Foundation Cohort colleagues at Crowded Fire Theatre Company, who supported the early development of Wolf At The Door.”

About the Play

Isadora dreams of a life free from her abusive husband, Septimo. When a mysterious pregnant woman named Yolot appears on the grounds of their hacienda seeking shelter from the snow, Septimo devises a plot against her. Can Isadora find the strength to stand up to him? Can she and Yolot find a way to help each other? As a pack of wolves closes in on the hacienda, Isadora must decide what price she’ll pay for her own freedom. Wolf at the Door is part of a cycle of fairy tales by Marisela Treviño Orta inspired by Latino folklore and mythology.

This show is recommended for audience members 16 and up, given the strong adult themes.

Wolf At The Door is the second play in Treviño Orta’s cycle of “Grimm Latine/o/x fairy tales,” which also includes The River Bride. Drawing on Aztec conceptions of the afterlife, the Guaraní legend of the luisón, and the European fairy-tale canon, the play is lush, poetic, and unflinching. It premiered in 2018 through the National New Play Network’s Rolling World Premiere program and has since been produced by companies including American Players Theatre, Milagro Theatre, and Su Teatro.

About the Production Team

Rio Alberto is a queer Chicano theatre artist from Washington. A first-generation Mexican-American, Alberto’s work explores interpersonal connection through the lens of family dynamics, influenced by their own cultural upbringing in rural Adams County, a predominantly Latino community. Seen most recently onstage in Anchorage and Juneau in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Fun Home, and Devilfish, this production marks Rio’s Alaska directing debut with Perseverance Theatre.

”To bring this story to Alaskan audiences is such a gift, and to do it with such a tremendously talented cast is nothing short of a dream come true,” said Wolf At The Door director Rio Alberto, “The story that Marisela has crafted is dreamy and dangerous in the same breath, and I can’t wait to produce and present this piece here on Dena’ina Ełnena.”

Kendra Arciniega is a queer Mexican-American creative producer and curator based in Anchorage by way of South Texas. Her creative production background began in the TV, Film & Digital entertainment industry with her work spanning independent and major network projects alike. Now, with her partner and co-producer Mercedes, Arciniega Street Productions is moving into its sixth year of producing creative collaborations in drag, burlesque, live music, dinner shows, and queer nighttime culture with an expansion into scripted entertainment. Wolf At The Door marks their first live theatre production. 

“When I first read the play years ago, I fell in love with the story and how it was told through these courageous women. The themes of resistance, survival, and the thin spiritual veil spoke to me especially as a Latina raised in a multigenerational matriarchal family,” said Wolf At The Door co-producer Kendra Arciniega. “Arciniega Street partnering with Perseverance Theatre to bring this incredible story to Alaska is such a dream, especially with director Rio Alberto, a longtime artistic collaborator whose vision we deeply admire. We’re grateful to the whole Perseverance team for this special opportunity.”

Tickets and information

  • Show Dates: 3 weekends, November 27 – December 13 2026
  • Pay-As-You-Can Show Dates: November 29 and December 3
  • Venue: UAA Fine Arts Building Mainstage; 3700 Alumni Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
  • Tickets: ptalaska.org/wolf-at-the-door
  • Creative team: Directed by Rio Alberto; cast announcement forthcoming
  • Follow along: Perseverance Theatre and Arciniega Street Productions on Instagram at @perseverancetheatre and @arciniegastreet

About Perseverance Theatre

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Leslie Ishii, Perseverance Theatre is Alaska’s professional regional theatre, with a mission to create professional theatre by and for Alaskans. Recently named members of the Future of the American Theatre Cohort, along with Crowded Fire Theatre, Mosaic Theatre, Company One, and Cleveland Public Theatre, Perseverance is recognized as a leader in the theatre field for valuing cross-cultural collaboration, community engagement, and regional voice. Learn more at ptalaska.org.

About Arciniega Street Productions

Arciniega Street Productions is a Latina-, Filipina-, and queer-owned boutique production company and multidisciplinary creative collective based in Alaska. Specializing in queer community entertainment, Arciniega Street creates work that centers community, culture, creativity, and integrity, made for local Alaskans and the communities too often left out of mainstream spaces. Learn more at arciniegastreet.com

About the playwright

Marisela Treviño Orta is an award-winning playwright whose work includes Braided Sorrow (2006 Chicano/Latino Literary Prize in Drama; 2009 PEN Center USA Literary Award in Drama) and The River Bride (2013 National Latino Playwriting Award co-winner). Her ongoing cycle of fairy tales draws on Latin American folklore and mythology.

TLINGIT OPERA RELOCATING TO JUNEAU MIDDLE SCHOOL

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TLINGIT OPERA RELOCATING TO JUNEAU MIDDLE SCHOOL
“Ḵutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles” to be held at Thunder Mountain Middle School

Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) and Perseverance Theatre (PT) are relocating all upcoming performances of “Ḵutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles” to Thunder Mountain Middle School (TMMS).

The first ever Tlingit Opera, which is a joint production between SHI and PT, was originally going to be held in the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé (JDHS). The relocation to TMMS is due to an electrical failure that rendered the stage lighting system at JDHS inoperable.

All existing tickets and reservations will be automatically reassigned to equivalent seats at the TMMS Auditorium by Friday, August 28. The new ticket assignments will be sent to the email address provided for the original ticket purchase.

Ticket sales are temporarily on hold while the new TMMS seating map is finalized and will resume later this week. Prospective buyers can enter their email address in this form to receive a notification when tickets go back on sale.   ‘

We thank our patrons for their grace as we work through the ticketing process.

About the Tlingit Opera

“Ḵutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles” is based on historical facts and oral traditions as told from the Tlingit perspective, focusing on stories from the Tlingit-Russian War waged in Alaska from 1802-1804. It was initiated by SHI, created by Vera Starbard (librettist), Edward Littlefield (composer), X’unei Lance Twitchell (translator and language consultant) and Rory Stitt (orchestrator), and is being produced in collaboration with PT with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the First Peoples Fund, the National New Play Network and the Mellon Foundation.

“The idea of creating a Tlingit Opera came to me after a visit to Sitka National Historic Park, where I listened to oral accounts and read stories of the Tlingit-Russian war,” Worl said. “One account described the moments before a battle. The Tlingit and Haida were waiting on the beach. As the women beat their drums, the fog lifted, revealing the approaching Russians. I could see them advancing and hear the chaos of war: drumbeats, yelling and metal clashing.” 

The world premiere of the opera is set for Sept. 11, 2026. Performances will run on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons Sept. 11-20. The opera will be performed in the Tlingit language and include a score grounded in Tlingit musical and performing arts traditions and events, some of which were formerly held in natural amphitheaters set in mountain valleys. For more information about the Tlingit Opera, visit sealaskaheritage.org/shi-arts-department/Tlingit-opera or ptalaska.org/kutulagaaw

About Perseverance Theatre and Sealaska Heritage Institute

Perseverance Theatre is Alaska’s largest professional theatre, and a non-profit organization serving over 21,000 artists, students and audiences annually. PT’s mission is to create professional theatre by and for Alaskans, while providing educational opportunities that nurture and serve our communities. PT values and focuses on community engagement, cross-cultural and cross-racial collaboration, professional rigor and regional/national voice. PT is governed by a statewide, nine-member board of community members, professionals and artists. Established in 1979, Perseverance has produced over 70 world premieres, bringing to life new work, including many stories by Alaska Native and other Alaskan playwrights. PT often collaborates with Indigenous peoples from across Alaska, the lower 48 and Canada.

Sealaska Heritage Institute is a non-profit tribal organization founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. Its goal is to promote cross-cultural understanding by educating the general public about the Indigenous cultures of Alaska. SHI also conducts scientific and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee, a Southeast Regional Language Committee and an Education Committee.

CONTACT: Kathy Dye, Deputy Director of Publications and Communications, kathy.dye@sealaskaheritage.com

Caption: Flyer for “Ḵutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles.” Note: News outlets are welcome to use this photo for coverage of this story. For a higher-res version, contact kathy.dye@sealaskaheritage.com.

FREE Lighting Hang & Focus Workshop 

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August 23rd, 10AM – 1PM at Perseverance Theatre!

Ever wanted to be involved in the magic of theatre, but acting isn’t your thing? Or maybe you enjoy working with your hands, problem solving, or creating magic behind-the-scenes?

This FREE workshop is not only a chance to be involved in the FIRST Tlingit Opera in recorded history, but it could lead to a paid job in theatre tech!

Email ncarlson@ptalaska.org now to secure your spot!

Ḵutulagaaw Youth Night with PT and SHI!

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Youth Night: Saturday, September 12 at 7:30 PM at JDHS Yadaa.at Kalé Auditorium

This original opera will focus on stories from the Tlingit-Russian War in Alaska waged in 1802 and 1804, based on historical facts and oral traditions as told from the Tlingit perspective. Singers, dancers, and musicians will fill the stage with a beautiful original score grounded in Tlingit musical traditions.

Arrive a little early! We will have one of our Creative Team Members giving a pre-show talk beginning at 7:00 PM.

Tickets are just $10 for youth ages 18 & under.

GET TICKETS

Casting Call: Gaslight

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*The deadline for casting has passed, no more submissions will be accepted*

Casting Call

Gaslight

By Steven Dietz
Directed by Molly Smith

Perseverance Theatre is casting non-union actors for our upcoming production of  ‘Gaslight’ by Steven Dietz, directed by Molly Smith. 

This production is scheduled to run from February 27th- March 14th, 2027 on the Perseverance Theatre Mainstage on Anax Yaa Andagan Yé

In this turn-of-the-century Victorian thriller, strange things start to happen to the newlyweds Bella and Jack as their seemingly perfect marriage devolves into something sinister. Why is the attic door locked? Whose footsteps wander the halls at night? And is that gaslight flickering… or not? Bella’s reality is twisted, forcing her to question both the truth and her husband’s intentions in this haunting thriller based on the acclaimed play and classic film that gave rise to 2022’s word of the year: “gaslight.”

Character Descriptions:

NANCY – Nineteen, the young maid, pretty, sassy, bold. 

POLICE OFFICERS

Key Contract Dates:

Rehearsals in Juneau: January 12th- February 26th, 2027

Performances in Juneau: February 27th-March 14th, 2027

Auditions are being held in person at Perseverance Theatre from June 4th- June 6th. 

Please include “Gaslight-Audition for Role of ___.” in the subject line of your email.

Casting Call: Wolf at the Door

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*DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS HAS PAST.
CASTING PERIOD FOR WOLF AT THE DOOR HAS ENDED*

Casting Call:

Wolf at the Door

By Marisela Treviño Orta
Directed by Rio Alberto

Perseverance Theatre is looking for non-union actors for an upcoming production of Wolf At The Door by Marisela Treviño Orta, directed by Rio Alberto. This production is scheduled to run at the University of Alaska Anchorage Mainstage from November 27th through December 13th, 2026. All roles are paid. The deadline for submissions is June 29th, 2026. Please indicate in the subject line you are requesting information on Wolf at the Door.

Key Contract Dates

Rehearsals in Anchorage: October 20th – November 26th, 2026

Performances in Anchorage: November 27th – December 13th, 2026

About the show:

Isadora finds the strength to stand up to her abusive husband, Septimo, when he forces the very pregnant Yolot to stay against her will. While Séptimo makes plans for the baby, Isadora and Yolot devise one of their own. And as a pack of wolves closes in on the hacienda, Isadora must decide what price she’ll pay for her own freedom. Wolf at the Door is part of a cycle of fairy tales Marisela Treviño Orta is writing inspired by Latino folklore and mythology.

Character Descriptions:

Isadora: A wife, barely 20

Yolot: The Interloper, in her 20’s

Rocío: A servant, in her 50’s or 60’s. Isadora’s childhood nurse and nanny, now her housekeeper

Septimo: A husband. In his 30s. Uncommonly handsome and charming.

Now Casting Kutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles

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NOW CASTING!

Kutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles 

Special attention to Alaska Native and Indigenous performers: We are seeking adult (18+) performers to join us for this exciting world premiere production. All are welcome to apply, whether you have professional, cultural, or casual performance experience in opera, theatre, Tlingit language, traditional Tlingit dance groups, or anything at all. If you think you might want to apply – please do! There are roles in this cast for those of all skill and experience types, and we will be providing training at rehearsals for all involved in the production.

Kutulagaaw: The Tlingit-Russian Battles (otherwise known as the Tlingit Opera), is a co-production between Sealaska Heritage Institute and Perseverance Theatre. It is written by Composer Edward Littlefield, Librettist Vera Starbard, Translation by X’unei Lance Twitchell, and Orchestration by Rory Stitt. The Stage Director is Madeline Sayet, and the Music Director is Danielle Jagelski.

The opera will be performed in the Tlingit language and will include a score grounded in Tlingit musical and performing arts traditions and events, some of which were formerly held in natural amphitheaters set in mountain valleys. The libretto will revolve around the relatively unknown history of the 1802 Tlingit-Russian war in Southeast Alaska.

Auditions are being done virtually so that they can be reviewed by all of our creative team members. Please let us know if you would like any assistance in the creation of the audition tape in-person in Juneau – Perseverance Theatre or Sealaska Heritage Institute can have the option to assist in the recording process by providing space and/or recording equipment if requested.

For any questions, or to apply, please email casting@ptalaska.org to receive audition materials and instructions.

Show Information – FYI FAQ

  • This is a co-production between Sealaska Heritage Institute and Perseverance Theatre
  • The production will rehearse at Perseverance Theatre in Juneau, Alaska
  • The Production is scheduled to run at the Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé Auditorium in Juneau, Alaska
  • Dates:
    • Rehearsals typically take place in evenings and weekends to accommodate folks with daytime work/conflicts
    • There is a movement workshop scheduled for July 14-19, 2026. We would like as many of our performers present as possible, but it is not required in order to join the production.
    • Principal roles will begin rehearsals on July 21, 2026.
    • Supporting and Ensemble roles will begin rehearsals on August 4, 2026.
    • Late August and early September are pivotal rehearsals that will be difficult to accommodate conflicts within.
    • Performances run September 11-20, 2026
    • Full rehearsal and performance calendar, subject to change, can be found HERE
    • If you are offered a role, we will ask for all known conflicts to be identified and then locked in.
  • Local and out-of-town performers are encouraged to apply – out-of-town performers will be accommodated with travel, housing, and local transportation while in residence.
  • Only nonunion performer contracts are available.

42 Annual Travel Raffle Winners

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1. M Spano – Ticket #0670

2. Linda J Sloan – #0371

3. Dione Cuadra – Online Ticket #13W

4. Greg Smith – Online Ticket #958W

5. Jamie Cowan – Ticket #0088

6. Tom Paul – Ticket #0118

7. Cindy & Craig Moore – Ticket #0156

8. Kreg Campbell – Ticket #0822

9. Mona Stevick – Online Ticket #435W

10. Isabelle Geddes – Online Ticket 929W

11. Ann Metcalfe – Online Ticket #111W

12. Linda Duck – Ticket #0769

Writers Group 2026

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 Perseverance Theatre 
Aspiring Playwrights Writers Group 

PROGRAM DETAILS 

Perseverance Theatre is looking for 6 aspiring playwrights to join our new Aspiring Playwrights Writers Group! 

Whether you’re new to playwriting or looking to sharpen your skills, this 4-week group is designed to guide you from idea to finished script. Meeting once a week, we’ll explore the essential elements of a compelling 10-minute play through focused exercises, group discussion, and supportive feedback. Come learn about character, conflict, dialogue, and structure! 

Over 4 weeks, we will meet once a week to provide each other with support, feedback, and accountability for the culmination of a complete draft of a 10-minute play and a better understanding of how to shape theatrical stories for the stage. Come with curiosity, leave with a script. 

Applications are due by April 1, 2026, and notifications of acceptance will be sent by April 3, 2026. 

DATES 

● Thursday, April 9th | 6pm -8pm 

● Thursday, April 16th | 6pm -8pm 

● Thursday, April 23rd | 6pm -8pm 

● Thursday, April 30th | 6pm -8pm 

● Friday, May 1st | 7pm – 8:30pm (Public Reading) 

APPLICANTS SHOULD… 

– Be 16 years or older 

– Be available for all 4 weekly sessions 

– Respect a collaborative, and inclusive environment! 

COST 

– $100 Fee You’ll only pay once you’re accepted. 

– Need help? Scholarships are available. Email kferguson@ptalaska.org. 

APPLICATION 

Apply at ptalaska.org or here! Spots are limited to keep the group small and supportive, so sign up early. Applications are due April 1, 2026, with notifications sent by April 3. 

APPLY