Culture Clash

Sabina Zúñiga Varela, an actor, director and educator, is originally from New Mexico where she first encountered Culture Clash through a VHS recording of Bowl of Beings, which she would watch over and over after getting home from school. She holds an MFA in Acting from The University of Southern California where she currently teaches for the USC School for Dramatic Arts BA and MFA programs. Regional Theatre credits include Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 at The Mark Taper Forum; Uncle Vanya at the Pasadena Playhouse; Mojada at the Public Theatre; Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles performed at Portland Center Stage, Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) and The Getty Villa; Bruja performed at the Magic Theatre; Oedipus El Rey at The Dallas Theater Center; Electricidad at The National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC); Culture Clash’s Bordertown Now at the Pasadena Playhouse; You Never Can Tell performed at CalShakes; Native Gardensperformed at the Cincinnati Playhouse; Culture Clash’s Chavez Ravine at the Kirk Douglas Theatre; A Christmas Carol at the Dallas Theater Center; Water By The Spoonful at TheatreWorks; The Tenth Muse & The Heart of Robin Hood performed at the OSF; El Nogalar at The Fountain Theatre, Sill Life performed at the NHCC. She can be seen on television in Season six of Madame Secretary, Seasons three and four of FX’s Snowfall, and ABC’s American Crime. Zúñiga Varela’s film work includes Serpentine Pink and Lolo. Zúñiga Varela began her journey in theatre as a director, those credits include Conduct of Life by Maria Irene Fornés, Rio De Lagrimas by Las Meganenas, Bernabé by Luis Valdez, Gas by Elizabeth Otero and Kino and Teresa by James Lujan. Varela also holds an MA in Special Education with a concentration in Twice-Exceptional and Gifted learners and she is a visual artist whose work can be found here. 

Kirk Ward is an Emmy-nominated writer/producer and accomplished actor. Hailing from Hollister, California his journey commenced in high school when a friend introduced him to Luis Valdez’s renowned theater ensemble, El Teatro Campesino, where he experienced the comedic brilliance of Culture Clash, sparking a transformative moment in his life. Driven by comedic inspiration, Kirk ventured into stand-up comedy in the Bay Area, honing his craft and seizing the opportunity to collaborate with El Teatro Campesino. Alongside actors Fran Hernandez and Anahuac Valdez, he co-founded The Alter Boys, a satirical troupe following in the footsteps of Culture Clash. Following an invitation from Culture Clash, Ward embarked on a collaborative journey that extended into years of shared stage performances. Their partnership blossomed, leading to 30 episodes of Culture Clash on FOX, during which Ward assumed the role of their versatile “APA” (All-Purpose Anglo). After his success with Culture Clash, Ward received an invitation to become part of Tim Robbins’ prestigious Los Angeles theater ensemble, The Actors’ Gang. During his tenure, Ward delved deeper into his writing and performance abilities, ultimately showcasing his talents in his standout solo production, “3 Stories Tall,” which garnered acclaim at the HBO Aspen Comedy Festival. As an actor Ward has appeared in over forty movies and television shows from blockbuster hits like Forrest Gump and Michael Bay’s The island to indie favorites such as Lords of Dogtown. His television work is equally noteworthy, including projects like Zombieland for Amazon, Charmed, Malcolm in The Middle, VIP, and a many other shows that may elude the memory of younger audiences.  Most recently, Ward served as the creator, executive producer, and showrunner for the John Wick TV show spin-off, “The Continental,” for Peacock. His past projects include show running the breakout hit “WAYNE” for YouTube Premium, and writing “First, Last and Security” for Disney, specifically for Jack Black. Following that success, he embarked on another Disney venture titled “Park It Here,” drawing from his real-life experiences as a Beverly Hills valet. Additionally, he crafted “The Last Ninja” for Cartoon Network and “Skyward” for Amazon. Ward also secured a deal with Lionsgate for the feature film “Take My Wife,” starring The Rock and Tyler Perry, and co-wrote and produced the indie comedy “The Turkey Bowl” for Lionsgate Studios. 

Marcella Arguello is a stand up comedian, writer and actor whose comedy knows no bounds; she eagerly discusses any and every topic that tickles her. From dating short guys — because she has no other options at 6’2’’ — to being mistaken for a man, her Latinx identity, her take on race and gender, and wild stories and situations she’s gotten herself in and out of, no topic is off limit. Marcella’s debut half hour comedy special Bitch, Grow Up. on HBO & HBO Max is quickly becoming a comedy classic. For more information on Arguello, click here.  

Frankie Quiñones is a comedian, actor, and creator of the viral CHOLOFIT exercise routines. He stars as Luis in HULU’s critically claimed THIS FOOL, for which he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a New Scripted Series by the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Frankie also recurs on FX’s WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS and the animated series FIRED ON MARS and VICTOR & VALENTINO, both for HBO MAX. Other acting credits include MR MAYOR, FELIZ NAVIDAD, THE DRESS UP GANG, and the upcoming WALKING DEAD: THE ONES WHO LIVE spin off, to name a few.

Vaneza Calderón & Los Tres Perdidos

This configuration of LA-based musicians, Los Tres Perdidos, came to be thanks to a special backyard party. The trio is composed of Vaneza Mari Calderón on the low end, usually the guitarrón, the rhythmic Angel Juarez on bajo quinto and beyond, and melodious Elliott Baribeault on diatonic button accordion and more. Over the years, they have performed together in other bands and genres, including the Chicano folk punk ensemble: Ollin. Losmar Tres Perdidos draws inspiration from the classic Norteño ensembles, including Los Alegres de Teran and Los Relampagos del Norte, interpreting classic songs through the combination of each musician’s distinct musical backgrounds. They’re not afraid to utilize their folk instruments to play contemporary songs either. Juarez was born into a family of mariachi and Norteño musicians and began by playing in a punk rock band in his teens, joining the James A. Garfield Senior High School mariachi shortly after. He has been with the ELA legendary band Ollin for 30 years and continues playing/recording music on his harp and various stringed instruments with groups or session recordings. La Puente native, Calderon went from watching Culture Clash on the television as a kid, to working with them on various projects including Peace (2009), Chavez Ravine: An LA Revival (2015), and Sapo (2018). She currently teaches in correctional facilities through the Alliance for California Traditional Arts, is a guest on the guitarrón with Flor de Toloache, and works with Guadalupe Custom Strings. Salsa and jazz are only two of the many genres played by Baribeault, on instruments ranging from the piano to bajo sexto. The longtime San Gabriel Valley resident is a key player in the East LA music scene as a former member and composer of Conjunto Los Pochos and currently spearheads Bolillo y Su Conjunto.