Meet the Team Behind OpenScene: Champions of Creativity and Global Culture

Connecting Communities Through The Arts

Open Scene is a Latina-led cultural powerhouse in Orlando that produces contemporary multicultural and multilingual experiences. By amplifying non-traditional narratives through exemplary artistic programming, we deliver high-quality engagements that entertain, inspire, and challenge conventional cultural stereotypes.

Our Story

OpenScene was founded by Thamara, a Venezuelan immigrant whose resilience and vision helped her overcome the immense challenges of fleeing her country’s dictatorship. Leaving behind a thriving career and her home, she sought solace in her new homeland and found her true calling through the arts. Determined to create a platform that bridges cultural divides, Thamara established OpenScene as a beacon of hope, unity, and empowerment for underrepresented voices.

Today, Open Scene continues to enrich lives by fostering a deep sense of belonging and inspiration through the transformative power of the arts, while amplifying diverse narratives that bring communities together.

Meet The Founder & Executive Director

Thamara Bejarano

A journalist with postgraduate degrees in Audiovisual Management and Media Education, she has an extensive academic background as a film professor at the School of Social Communication at the Central University of Venezuela. In addition to her academic career, she has worked as a writer, communications consultant, and audiovisual producer.

In 2019, she founded OpenScene to help diversify Central Florida's cultural landscape and amplify the Latin community's representation in the arts.

She is a fellow of the International Society of Performing Arts and a member of the Inter-American Press Association, the Dramatists Guild of America, the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture, and the Venezuelan National College of Journalists. Her expertise has led to repeated invitations to serve as a panelist for the State of Florida Division of Arts and Culture grants and to be an appointed member of the Orange County Cultural Plan Steering Committee.

Mission

OpenScene is a Latina-led creative hub celebrating global culture through multicultural performances and unexpected experiences welcoming all, across the city of Orlando.

Vision

At OpenScene we envision a world where art fosters deep social and emotional connections, bridging cultural divides and amplifying the vibrant contributions of historically underserved and underrepresented communities. We are dedicated to celebrating plural artistic expressions by providing platforms for equal representation of diverse voices. Our work challenges traditional cultural narratives, dismantles stereotypes, and cultivates a meaningful appreciation for the richness of human experience. By championing alternate perspectives and creating spaces for meaningful exchange, we strive to build a more welcoming and connected society—one where all forms of cultural expression are valued and celebrated.

Values

In OpenScene we believe in the transformative power of the arts to cultivate more cohesive, plural, and empathic societies.

Cultural Awareness: We amplify underrepresented voices through diverse artistic expressions, fostering meaningful dialogue and shared experiences that unite communities, bridging cultural and social divides to inspire deeper understanding and connection.
Access to High-Quality Multicultural Experiences: We provide enriching, accessible cultural experiences, reducing financial, physical, and cultural barriers, fostering a sense of belonging, and contributing to the growth of local economies.
Respect and Sustainability: We are committed to integrity, cultural richness, and fairness in all we do—from the creative experiences we produce to the equitable compensation we provide—ensuring that a wide range of perspectives are acknowledged, valued, and honored.

Board of Directors

We proudly introduce our esteemed board members—a remarkable group of multidisciplinary professionals who bring a wealth of expertise and passion to our organization. These leaders are not only distinguished in their respective fields but also deeply committed to Open Scene's mission and vision. Their dedication reflects our commitment to broad perspectives, artistic excellence, and community-driven impact.

Melissa Bambusi

Secretary

Estefanía Herrera

Director

Inmaculada Lozano

Director

José Miguel Pérez

Treasurer

Gisela Romero

Chair

Mariela Saad

Director