Rachel ‘Ray’ Erazo is a theatre educator, director, and arts administrator with over a decade of experience in K–12 education and community theatre. She holds a B.A. in Theatre from Adams State University. She is completing an M.A. in Educational Leadership at National University, where she was named to the Dean’s List in 2025.
Her teaching and directing philosophies combine trauma-informed practice, culturally responsive education, and holistic acting methods such as Alba Emoting, mime, and design-based analysis.
Teaching & Directing Philosophy
“I teach theatre as both ritual and roadmap—where storytelling becomes a quest, and every obstacle is an invitation to level up. Like life and games, drama offers puzzles, conflict, and magic—and in facing them, we grow. I guide students to awaken their voice, trust their instincts, and meet the moment with craft, courage, and truth—because catharsis isn’t given; it’s earned.”
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At Harrison High School in Colorado Springs, Ray took on the role of Theatre Director and transformed the drama department into a vibrant, student-driven program. She established the Panther Playhouse and wore many hats as the school's drama teacher, tech director, and curriculum developer. Ray crafted and introduced six innovative theatre courses that seamlessly integrated Colorado standards with MYP/IB frameworks and AVID strategies.
Her students designed, directed, and produced nearly every aspect of their performances. They also managed concessions, spearheaded fundraising efforts, and handled social media campaigns, successfully raising over $6,000 each year to participate in state festivals and workshops. Some notable productions under her guidance include Almost, Maine; The Intruder; Cringe, Comedy; Cupid; and collaborative district musicals.
Ray spearheaded the formation and guidance of the Visual and Performing Arts Council (VPAC). This dynamic student leadership team seamlessly integrated efforts in performance planning, fundraising, and equity initiatives across diverse arts programs.
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Ray's graduate studies focus on making teaching more effective, reforming how teachers are evaluated, and promoting fair school leadership. Her talks and scholarly articles cover topics such as:
"Reimagining RANDA: Equity & Innovation in Teacher Evaluation" (AEA Conference Keynote, 2025)
"School Choice and the Legal Limits of Equity" (Policy Research Final, 2024)
"Supervising Instruction with Compassion and Clarity" (District Presentation, 2025)
Her ongoing research delves into developing theatre teaching methods that are sensitive to trauma and culturally aware. These approaches aim to safeguard students' mental well-being while maintaining the essence of artistic expression.
Why I Chose the Stage (and Stayed There)
I've always felt that theatre transcends mere performance; it serves as a sanctuary. It's a space where one can delve into identity, where sound and silence hold a sacred quality, and where healing unfolds in the moment.
I was raised in an African-American family with my mother and grandparents. Due to being light-skinned, people frequently doubted that I was my mother's child.
My mom took me on a rare weekend trip to Denver when I was young. We explored Cherry Creek Mall, admired the giant Christmas tree, and dined at the Rainforest Café. I had trouble sleeping in our hotel room that night, so I quietly turned on the TV. A 48-hour marathon of the London cast of CATS was playing. I was mesmerized and watched the entire musical repeatedly, except for the parts with Rum Tum Tugger—I'd turn it off for a bit then.
“This early experience of being visible but not seen—of finding my place from the periphery—influenced my perspective on the world and, eventually, how I teach.”
The following day, I eagerly ran to my great-grandmother to share the news about the musical. Not long after, she surprised us with tickets to see Ain't Misbehavin' at the World Arena. She loaned me one of her mink coats, dabbed some of her rouge on my cheeks, and went off to the theater.
Even after all these years, I can recall the choreography and music perfectly. I practically wore out that VHS tape. My passion for CATS led to a fascination with other musicals like Oklahoma, Chicago, Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof, My Fair Lady, and The Sound of Music. Instead of attending sleepovers or parties, I stayed home and sang.
In 4th grade, a choir teacher chose me to lead my classmates in dance and perform a solo. Alternatively, my 6th-grade choir teacher criticized me during a concert for being "too loud." But everything changed in 9th grade when I joined Harrison High School through the 21st-century accelerated program. I discovered my community—a passionate, opera-enthusiast Italian choir director who challenged my vocal abilities and a theatre director who gave me my first lead role - Princess Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress - and a sense of purpose.
“It was the first time I felt I truly belonged.”
Since that time, I've forged a career grounded in passion and resilience. I've taken on roles as a performer, director, designer, and writer. I've taught students with individualized education plans, English language learners, and those who have experienced complex trauma. I've guided young artists through both sorrow and joy. I've faced show cancellations, mourned the loss of students, and shed tears behind the curtain. Yet, I've always returned—because the stage is where the magic resides.
I tied the knot in 2015, just down the road from ASU Theatre. My man-of-honor was the director of Vampire Lesbians of Sodom.
While expecting my daughter, I directed The Intruder for my bachelor’s thesis. After her birth, I strapped my baby to my back while building set models and sewing costumes for upcoming productions. The dressing room of ASU is where I nursed her, and my fellow performers would sing her to sleep. One of my plays, Carrie Ann and Buddy, was inspired by what I thought my daughter might be when she was six years old. By 2017, I graduated from Adams State University with my daughter in my arms.
During the COVID years, my husband and I welcomed two sons, and I established Crone Academy and Hearth Mama Holistics—two ventures that enabled me to work from home as an educator, coach, and artist. My children have been part of rehearsals, managed soundboards, and occasionally joined the stage during tech sessions. They're an integral part of my theatre family; the joy I’ve felt watching my drama students play ‘Kitty Wants a Cookie’ with my three little ones is indescribable. You can find my baby girl throughout my directing photos and videos, if you look closely…
Today, my mission in teaching and directing is to help others experience the same profound connection to art that I felt the first night I watched CATS—the moment when art touches your heart and never lets go.
And I carry generations of perseverance, passion, kindness, and revolution.
My great-great-grandfather, who was born into slavery, managed to purchase his freedom. My great-grandmother, Helen Burnett, was an English teacher throughout the era of segregation in America and was a founding member of the Chicago Genealogical Society at the DuSable Museum of African American History. She was part of Delta Sigma Theta and strongly advocated education as a means of liberation. My grandmother, Marjorie Jackson, now known as Byers, obtained her English degree from one of the pioneering universities to admit Black students. My mother, Joy - referred to as being a ‘friend of the friendless’ - raised two girls as a single mother, taking us to every dance class, performance, concert, cultural fair, and museum exhibition she could on a low income; she always dreamed of being a professor of Sociology in Film.
“Teaching is more than just a job; it’s a legacy. I’m in this position because of those who came before me. I educate because they educated me. I create platforms for others to succeed, just as others did for me.”
I am a firm believer in inclusive, courageous communities. I see theatre as a source of healing. I believe in theatre kids who struggle to find their place in the world, because I am one myself. Additionally, I am eager to continue creating magic with those who share this belief.