Full Circle Moments

By Kristal Cantu-Cuate

Life has a beautiful way of placing you exactly where you need to be-each experience quietly preparing you for the next step. Though life is rarely predictable, the moments you live through were made for you, whether you felt ready for them or not. Through all the twists and turns, your full-circle moment will always find its way to you.

Asia Ciaravino, BA '98 and Miguel Ochoa, BA '09, MA '12 could never have imagined that their journeys would lead them to 800 West Ashby Place. Yet, the San Pedro Playhouse has become a full-circle moment for them both-one that feels destined, meaningful and deeply personal.

From an early age, Ciaravino was captivated by the theater. At just five, she rallied neighborhood kids to perform basement shows for their parents. Creating stories and watching them come to life kept her on her toes. As she grew, her dream of becoming a professional actress sparked a journey across San Antonio in search of the right university. UIW quickly rose to the top when she saw the genuine care in its programs. Supportive faculty and small class sizes made her decision easy. She had found her home.

Ochoa's childhood dreams were far from singular. He imagined life as a Catholic priest, a professional musician or even a linguist. Though a career path was uncertain, Ochoa was determined to achieve something meaningful for himself. As the time to choose a university approached, Ochoa knew exactly where he was headed. Seeing his best friend thrive in UIW's music program left an impression on him, the one-on-one support, vibrant culture and small classes were exactly what he wanted for himself.

While the pair did not attend UIW together, they have shared similar experiences rooted in their appreciation of the founding Sisters and their mission. Both Ciaravino and Ochoa fondly remembered moments with the Sisters filled with laughter, support, and encouragement. While interactions with the Sisters are individual to every student, all students share some special memory that shaped who they became and how they support others moving forward.

In 1998, Ciaravino graduated from UIW with a BA in Theater and a wealth of experience. Though her time at UIW had ended, the lessons she learned stayed with her. People often hear the phrase, 'You can do anything you set your mind to,' but few truly understand it until they live it. For Ciaravino, that realization came while juggling a full class schedule and working both onstage and backstage. Her hard work and dedication to theater and academics molded her into the driven professional she is today.

In 2009, Ochoa graduated with a BA in Music and later earned his MA in Teaching in 2012. It was during his time at UIW that Ochoa was able to secure a position as a music teacher, an opportunity he remains deeply grateful for today. Ochoa's time at UIW allowed him to feel secure in himself as a leader, mentor and teacher. In this role, Ochoa drew on techniques from his time with the UIW Cardinal Chorale, the University's primary vocal ensemble. The techniques and exercises that Ochoa once knew as a student were now tools that he could pass down to his own students, blending comfort with nostalgia.

For years, Ciaravino and Ochoa admired each other's talent from a distance. Then came the moment, Ciaravino learned Ochoa was searching for his next project, and together they embarked on a new venture: the San Pedro Playhouse.

Built in 1929 during the Little Theatre Movement, the San Pedro Playhouse is the oldest municipally constructed theater in the country, and the only one in San Antonio designed as a functioning theater.

Today, Ciaravino serves as President and CEO of the San Pedro Playhouse, while Ochoa leads as Director of Development. Together, their history, experiences and knowledge of the arts bring fresh perspectives and a renewed outlook for the future of the Playhouse. Although their paths never crossed during their time at UIW, each was exactly where they needed to be at the right moment. Today, the passion that radiates from both Ciaravino and Ochoa is rooted in positivity and community.

Together, their incredible work has ensured that the San Pedro Playhouse continues to fulfill its original mission-to serve the community by providing a safe, welcoming space where everyone can freely express themselves through the arts.

This season marks a milestone as Ciaravino and Ochoa celebrate bringing Disney's Frozen to life at the San Pedro Playhouse. Join them for future productions and step inside to discover a world where creativity and authenticity take center stage.