A Tribute

Hector Serrano was a retired Drama professor at EPCC.  He had a master’s degree in English literature from UTEP, and studied theater at the Pasadena Playhouse, the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute, NYU, and the University of London.  He directed well over 200 productions during his long career.  He created the theater program at EPCC where he directed over 50 productions. 

Mr. Serrano created the outdoor drama Viva El Paso! at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater in 1978 and directed until his retirement in 2002.   

Mr. Serrano inaugurated Shakespeare on-the-Rocks at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater in 1981. Since 2004, it has moved to many venues including the Chamizal and Cathedral High School.  He continued as its Artistic Director until his passing. 

He created the dance spectacular Zapateados in 2000 where it was presented for three years at the Abraham Chavez Theatre.  He then revived it in 2023 at the Plaza Theatre. 

His interest in Spanish language theater began in 1968 when he helped found Teatro Los Pobres, which he later headed through 1985. He is currently artistic director of its successor, Los Actores, founded in 2001.   

Mr. Serrano started Eden Enterprises in 2003 to produce theater in partnership with community groups.  Projects included: 

• educational outreach with the Chamizal National Memorial;  

• regular performances and workshops for Ysleta ISD.; 

• the historical reenactment component of the Rio Grande Festival in San Elizario  

He worked on projects such as Shakespeare on-the-Run for the City’s Community Arts Program (2006-13) and with theater and dance performances in collaboration with the Museum of Art. 

In 2021 he helped incorporate Eden Performing Arts, the non-profit successor to Eden Enterprises.  As its Artistic Director, he revived Zapateados in 2023 and continued to direct plays for Los Actores and Shakespeare on-the-Rocks.   

His last production was the December 2024 Tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe, performed at four churches around the city.