William “Bill” Virchis has spent decades educating people on the importance and value of popular theater. This lifelong dedication is a true testament to his work. As co-founder of “Teatro Máscara Mágica,” alongside Jorge Huerta, both leaders share the distinction of having been mentors to generations of students in the arts and culture at Southwestern College (SWC) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
For this reason, Virchis was honored at the 9th Annual Jaguar Awards Luncheon hosted by the Southwestern College Foundation, in recognition of his significant educational and community contributions.
The Foundation’s award description highlights Virchis as “a man who is a testament to the transformative power of the arts, a role model for many, and a true champion of cultural enrichment.”
Before the event, we asked Mr. Virchis what this recognition meant to him. “It’s the greatest honor of my life. I started in 1963 as a student, then taught Theater for 37 years. It gave me my life, my education, a path to the heart of my life. And I am grateful because my dad always told me, ‘Don’t forget who brought you to the dance.’”
“Theater Has Always Been My Life”
With a smile and clear pride in his Mexican heritage, Virchis recalled being born in Mexico City, “right in the center, on República de Chile,” he said, referencing a well-known central street in the heart of the capital. He shared that his father’s position as a manager for a well-known Mexican airline led the family to move to the United States: “We were supposed to go to Los Angeles because there were many Mexicans there, but we ended up in a city called Chula Vista. My mom said, ‘I’ll stay here because it’s only five minutes from my country.'”
“So, why theater?” we asked. “When did you fall in love with it?”
“Well, you know, theater has always been my life,” Virchis replied. “My mother was a well-known radio host and reciter in Mexico, Margarita Olvera Virchis. She taught us the power of words, poetry, theater, music, and, more importantly, our country, our culture.”
“I Developed the Character Without Knowing Any English”
Virchis then recalled an early experience: “When I was 9, my father took me to a theater, the Old Globe Theater, where they were performing a Shakespeare play. I developed the character for the role, even though I didn’t know any English.”
He acknowledged that theater is changing, particularly with technology, but emphasized that it remains a living, breathing experience. “Theater is a dance between the audience and the actor. It’s like music and a concert. It’s difficult because you have to come in with a clear mind about life. Each moment is like an actor. We live moment by moment. That’s how life is,” he said, embodying the essence of someone born to teach, educate, and live the theatrical performance.