Today we’d like to introduce you to Jovanni Gaggero.
Hi Jovanni, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Evolve Theatre Company was founded by two artists, Monica Leon and Jovanni Gaggero. We have worked together on over 30 musical productions, combining our creative energies to put on dazzling shows. We dedicate our careers to not only helping young actors learn and understand the art of performing, but to encourage kids to express themselves and live their lives authentically and unapologetically. Evolve Theatre is a LGBTQIA+ friendly space, and any form of bullying or harassment is not tolerated. What sets Evolve Theatre apart from other children’s theater is we are heavily focused on education in both performing and technical theatre. We have offered unique classes such as Directing, Costume Design & Prop Making and workshops in Theatre Marketing, Set Design, Stage Management, and more. We also have a Jr. Thespians troupe where we have achieved high rankings in the past 3 years including Critic’s Choice at the State level.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We’ve certainly faced our share of challenges, especially as two very new entrepreneurs entering the field. Managing a business has been a demanding journey, but over time we’ve learned the ropes and become much more prepared.
We work out of a theater space that only has the bare essentials to make a production happen, so it was up to us to provide the resources and equipment needed to give our students an unforgettable show. Beyond the usual sets, props, and costumes required for each production, we’ve been gradually investing in equipment to improve our quality—lights, speakers, soundboards, microphones, and more.
Thankfully, we’re surrounded by a strong community of parents who have truly been our village. Their donations, support, and volunteer efforts have helped us grow, and we couldn’t be more grateful for them.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Both Monica and I bring extensive training and experience to this field. I hold a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Florida International University and am certified through New York Vocal Coaching. Monica earned her Bachelor of Arts in Acting, also from FIU, and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Directing at Royal Holloway, University of London. Together, we have more than eight years of experience directing and producing plays and musical theatre productions.
We share the same mission and teaching philosophy: we treat our students as young professionals, whether or not they choose to pursue theatre as a career. Theatre cultivates skills that extend far beyond the stage—discipline, empathy, memorization, confidence, teamwork, and more. Like any sport, it requires commitment and collaboration with your castmates, along with a genuine dedication to the craft in order to create a truly meaningful production.
We are especially proud of the community we’ve built among our students and their families. Whenever we—or anyone else—need support, our parents are always ready with solutions. It truly feels like a big family here: students of different ages, backgrounds, and schools coming together and forming lifelong friendships.
Our program has become a second home for so many of them, a place where they all share one thing in common— their love for performing on stage. And at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the next 5–10 years, as we continue to grow, we hope to expand into additional locations across South Florida (and maybe even in London too, haha.) Our goal is to build a team of staff who share our vision and to help create professional, education-based theatre programs in schools and community spaces; setting a new standard for what children’s theatre can be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evolvetheatrecompany.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolvetheatreco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evolvetheatrecompany1/
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dnsjwLNL4EhKcE6VA
