Christina Ramirez, COCA Distinguished Alumni, is a professional director, performer, artistic creative, and the managing director of the Actor’s Training Center (ATC) in Chicago.
Christina’s journey began at COCA in 2000, where she participated in her first workshop. Over the years, she performed in COCA’s mainstage summer musicals, including Once on This Island, Seussical, and The Boyfriend, and was also a member of COCA’s Comedy Theatre Group.
Christina Ramirez in COCA Summer Musicals
“COCA sparked my interest in everything—from Shakespeare to improv to commercial musical theatre,” says Ramirez. “It’s such a necessary creative home for kids in the St. Louis area who want to explore their craft and be part of a community where they feel welcomed, supported, and nurtured to grow.”
One of Ramirez’s fondest memories from her time at COCA was the time spent with friends running back and forth from the Loop between classes and indulging in the classic St. Louis staple of a bread-sliced bagel from St. Louis Bread Co.
After COCA, Christina’s career took her to institutions such as New York City Center and Broadway Artists Alliance. Christina earned her BFA at Webster University’s Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts and went on to earn her master’s degree in Directing from Roosevelt University before moving to Chicago after the pandemic to find a full-time creative home.
Christina worked as a freelance director and went on to produce her own one-woman show, I Know Things Now, which blends life lessons, music, and cabaret. Today, she serves as the managing director of Actor’s Training Center, where she helps shape the next generation of young artists. ATC offers industry-grade training in acting, providing workshops and classes for students of all ages.
“30 percent of our kids who are actively training with us are working professionally in Chicago in TV, film, and stage,” says Ramirez.
One of Christina’s recent projects at ATC was directing SIX: Teen Edition, a production that sold out all four of its performances. For Ramirez, it’s about creating space for young artists to find their voice.
“Now more than ever, young artists in these communities are realizing that their voices matter,” says Ramirez. “We’re intentional about the stories we tell with teenagers. Whether a kid becomes a doctor or chooses to pursue acting professionally, owning their voice is essential.”
She finds a relation between her experience at COCA and her recent work on SIX: Teen Edition, particularly in how every member of the ensemble plays an equally important role.
“If you’re in the ensemble, you’re working just as hard, if not harder, than the main queens,” Christina says. “There’s no better lesson than understanding that there are no small parts. That mentality was instilled in me at COCA.”
COCA taught Christina that being an actor requires physical strength, contrary to the common misconception that the arts don’t demand physical training.
“Your body is an instrument,” Ramirez emphasizes. “You have to take care of it, have endurance, and a strong connection to your core for singing, dancing, and acting.”
Christina’s advice to current COCA students? Embrace your individuality.
“You are the solution to someone’s problem. The more you embrace the things that make you different, the better off you’ll be,” says Ramirez. “Your uniqueness is your superpower.”
