Melissa Castellanos-Espat receives Beverly Smith Lopez award for theatre and film
By Zoila Palma: Belizean educator, director and producer Melissa Castellanos-Espat has been recognized with the Beverly Smith Lopez Award for her contribution to the practice, teaching and transmission of acting in theatre and film. Castellanos-Espat is the founder of Reading Writes, through which she has brought Belizean stories and literature to the stage, including the […] The post Melissa Castellanos-Espat receives Beverly Smith Lopez award for theatre and film appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
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By Zoila Palma: Belizean educator, director and producer Melissa Castellanos-Espat has been recognized with the Beverly Smith Lopez Award for her contribution to the practice, teaching and transmission of acting in theatre and film.
Castellanos-Espat is the founder of Reading Writes, through which she has brought Belizean stories and literature to the stage, including the first theatrical adaptation of Zee Edgell’s Beka Lamb in 2012.
Her productions have also addressed social issues, including John John’s Blue and No Scamming, which tackled mental health stigma. Her 2026 collaboration with Haven House, Afta Dawk, further highlights community voices.
Through her work at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts, Castellanos-Espat continues to promote Belizean identity, cultural preservation and social dialogue through theatre and film.
The post Melissa Castellanos-Espat receives Beverly Smith Lopez award for theatre and film appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
