Juliette Carrillo, a graduate of UC Santa Cruz, is making significant strides in the national theater scene, directing productions across major cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Currently, she is preparing for a bilingual adaptation of the beloved children’s book, “Go, Dog. Go!” at the prestigious Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, set to premiere on January 20, 2026.
Carrillo’s journey in theater began during her formative years in Southern California, where she grew up in an artistic family. The daughter of renowned Chicano painter Eduardo Carrillo, she moved to the Santa Cruz Mountains, where her passion for the arts flourished. Attending Brentwood Open School, San Lorenzo Valley Junior High School, and San Lorenzo Valley High School, she first dipped her toes into theater, but it was at UC Santa Cruz that her commitment solidified.
“I came in as a psychology major. Although I really enjoyed it, I found myself gravitating towards the theater arts department,” Carrillo recalled. Influential professors like Andrew Doe and Lee Breuer guided her along the way, with Breuer encouraging her to move to New York for further studies.
She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theater arts and later pursued her Master of Fine Arts at the Yale School of Drama, inspired by fellow alum Christopher Grabowski. Carrillo noted, “I wanted to follow in his footsteps. He really influenced me.”
Since earning her degree, Carrillo has directed numerous productions, including the world premiere of Octavio Solis’ “Lydia” and Benjamin Benne’s “Alma.” She has also made her mark at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, directing thought-provoking adaptations like “Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles.”
Carrillo explains that directing in various locations allows her to engage with diverse audiences. “Producing shows in different parts of the country is a treat… I love diving into worlds that are very different than mine,” she said.
Her latest project, “Go, Dog. Go!” is a departure from her usual focus on new plays. The adaptation, which has a rich history in children’s literature, was originally penned by P.D. Eastman in 1961. The book has sold over 8 million copies, captivating young readers with its colorful illustrations and engaging narratives.
The upcoming production features adult actors embodying the playful dogs from the book, bringing to life a world where canines participate in human activities. Carrillo is excited about the bilingual aspect of the production, which will alternate between English and Spanish. “I’m excited to normalize Spanish in our culture in that way,” she expressed.
Collaborating with talented individuals like costume designer Danielle Nieves and music director Victor Zupanc, Carrillo aims to infuse the show with humor and vibrant energy. “We’re playing around with how to skew the music to give it a Latinx flavor,” she noted.
The director hopes audiences will leave the theater with laughter and joy, encapsulating the essence of childhood wonder. “I’m really hoping for laughter in the audience and an uplifting moment in their day,” she said.
Carrillo takes pride in her career and her connection to her roots. She expresses a desire to return to Santa Cruz to direct a production in the future. “It’s a very creative and impactful career. I feel blessed that I’ve had the opportunities that I’ve had,” she stated.
For more information on the Children’s Theatre Company’s production of “Go, Dog. Go!” which runs until February 22, 2026, visit ChildrensTheatre.org/dog.
