Meet the Team Behind OpenScene:
Champions of Creativity and Global Culture
Our Story
Open Scene was founded by Thamara Bejarano, a Venezuelan immigrant who turned to the arts to rebuild her life in a new country. Leaving behind a successful career in journalism and academia, she created Open Scene to foster creativity, connection, and cultural exchange.
Today, Open Scene uplifts global voices and unites communities through the transformative power of the arts.
Connecting Communities Through the Arts
Mission
Open Scene is a Latin-led nonprofit organization that produces high-quality, multicultural artistic experiences connecting Orlando to the world.
Vision
At Open Scene, we envision art forging profound connections, uniting communities, and showcasing multicultural creative voices. We expand opportunities and platforms for global narratives and vibrant cultural exchange, shaping a dynamic landscape where all forms of creativity are valued and celebrated.
Values
At Open Scene, we harness the transformative power of the arts to build more connected, pluralistic, and empathetic communities.
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Plural Voices: We showcase global artistic expressions and spark dialogues that bridge social and cultural divides.
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Inclusive Access: We deliver high-quality, welcoming experiences, removing barriers so everyone can participate and local economies can flourish.
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Integrity & Fairness: We champion cultural richness and equitable pay, ensuring every perspective is respected 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
Meet The Founder & Executive Director
Thamara Bejarano
Thamara Bejarano is 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 and the postgraduate division of the Central University of Venezuela. Beyond academia, she has worked as a journalist, communications consultant, and audiovisual producer.
In 2019, she founded Open Scene to help expand Central Florida’s cultural landscape and elevate Latin representation in the arts.
Thamara Bejarano is a fellow of the International Society of Performing Arts and an active member of the Inter-American Press Association, Dramatists Guild of America, Creative and Independent Producer Alliance, National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures, and the Venezuelan National College of Journalists. She is also the cofounder of the National Alliance of Latino Theater Festivals.
Her expertise has earned her repeated invitations to serve as a panelist for major funders such as the Florida Division of Arts and Culture, South Arts, and United Arts of Central Florida, as well as appointments to the Orange County Cultural Plan Steering Committee and GOPAR (Greater Orlando Performing Arts Relief).