ABOUT
Maija García is a visionary artist recognized for her dynamic work across theater, film & television, music, dance, and live installations. Her multidisciplinary storytelling and collaborative style have shaped dozens of new works on Broadway, in regional theaters, international festivals, and on film and television.
In 2025, García was appointed Director of the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis, ushering in a bold new era for the venue’s 100-year legacy. Her vision centers on empowering artistic innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact through sustainable programs, partnerships, and new works development—positioning The Capri as a vital hub for creative practice and community convening.
Recently commissioned by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, García conceived, directed, and choreographed Jazz Island—an adaptation of a Caribbean folktale by Geoffrey Holder, featuring an original score by Etienne Charles, costume design by Carlton Jones, and lighting/scenic design by Al Crawford. The world premiere of Jazz Island will take place at City Center in December 2025. She also returns to the Guthrie this fall, reuniting with Artistic Director Joseph Haj on Somewhere by Matthew López.
As a director, García has led an expansive range of productions—from original musicals and bilingual classics to operas and concerts. Recent highlights include the critically acclaimed I Am Betty by Christina Luzarraga and Denise Prosek at the History Theatre, and VALOR, Ana Caro’s Spanish Golden Age play presented at the Guthrie’s Dowling Studio as part of A Guthrie Experience. She is currently developing Water Riot, a cyber-punk rock opera by Derek McPhatter and Mike Prysgoda, supported by New York Live Arts, National Black Theatre, The Capri, and The Apollo. Her collaborations span cultures and continents — from CRANE: on earth, in sky with Heather Henson and Ty Defoe, and in partnership with the Jim Henson Company, to directing Salsa Mambo Cha Cha Cha at Teatro Mella in Havana, Cuba, in collaboration with Isaac Delgado, Santiago Alfonso, and X Alfonso.
In film and television, García’s choreography is featured in Spike Lee’s Oscar-winning BlacKkKlansman, Amazon’s Chi-Raq, and Netflix’s She’s Gotta Have It.
García co-choreographed the Tony Award-winning musical FELA! alongside Bill T. Jones, staging productions on Broadway, at the National Theatre of London, and leading the FELA! World Tour through the U.S., Europe, and Africa. She later directed FELA! The Concert for international festivals in Australia and New Zealand.
García’s choreography and direction have enriched numerous productions, including West Side Story at the Guthrie Theater, Kiss My Aztec! by John Leguizamo & Tony Taccone (Berkeley Rep / La Jolla Playhouse), Snow in Midsummer by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Cuba Libre by Carlos Lacámara (Artists Repertory Theatre, PAMTA Award), Another Word for Beauty by José Rivera (Goodman Theatre), Hatuey: Memory of Fire by Frank London & Elise Thoron (Montclair Peak Performances), Fats Waller Dance Party with Jason Moran & Meshell N’degeocello (Harlem Stage, UMS, SF Jazz, Kennedy Center)
In 2006, García founded Organic Magnetics (OM) — a production company generating “urban folklore for the future” and advancing sustainable social impact through the arts. Through OM, she wrote, directed, and produced Ghosts of Manhattan: 1512–2012, an immersive historical experience in Fort Tryon Park, and I Am NY: Juan Rodriguez, a musical about New York’s first immigrant at El Museo del Barrio.
After fifteen years rooted in Harlem, NYC, García relocated to Minneapolis in 2018 to serve as Director of Education and Professional Training at the Guthrie Theater, where she curated advanced actor training programs and developed digital theater curriculum for educators.
An artist, community activist, and world-builder, García studied International Relations at San Francisco State Universityand earned a B.A. in Sustainable Development from the California Institute of Integral Studies. A member of the Society of Stage Directors & Choreographers (SDC) since 2009, she served on the Tony Nominating Committee(2018–2022), advises the Melrose Center for Principled Leadership at the University of St. Thomas, and serves on the Mayor’s Downtown Action Council for the City of Minneapolis.
Maija is a brilliant director - an inspiration in any room. Her curiosity and ambition are the bedrock of her spirit, producing impressive results on and off stage. Maija led the cast, crew, and writers alike on ‘I Am Betty’ to create and interpret a colossal story, spanning 100 years of history. Maija’s attention to detail is only matched by her love of the art form and humanity throughout the process.
JASON HANSEN
Maija is one of the most passionate and compassionate leaders I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Her vision for connecting the art form with community is unparalleled and she truly believes in the power of arts education to impact the lives of all generations.
Beyond her work at the Guthrie, she has become a highly esteemed leader within the Twin Cities theater community and a sought-after artist and collaborator. Simply put, I would walk on hot coals and shards of glass to get the opportunity to work with her again. She adds value to any room she's in and delivers her message with generosity, hope and grace.
JEFFREY MEANZA
Maija is a masterful champion of artists and the world they inhabit. She skillfully negotiates projects with her ability to visualize and direct while creating a thriving, inclusive community. Her deep passion drives the important development of new and aspiring artists, culminating internal bridges within organizations, forging fresh partnerships, and elevating others with her keen intellect. She is a dedicated artist and a powerful force for change and inspiration.
MICHELLE HUTCHISON