Edgar "Cléo" Flores

Theatre BA, Concentration in Directing '23

“The most surprising thing I've learned at Columbia is the number of connections in the theater industry that I've gotten from professors, classmates, and alumni who have reached out to me,” says the recent Theatre graduate.

What would you say has been the most surprising thing you learned at Columbia?

The most surprising thing I've learned at Columbia is the number of connections in the theater industry that I've gotten from professors, classmates, and alumni who have reached out to me.

What individuals or programs at Columbia were helpful to you in reaching your goal of graduating? 

A faculty member who supported my goals is John Green, who recommended the grant that secured funding for my Directing Three project, Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again, which was produced last November. I also really appreciate Greg Geffrard and Heather Gilbert for all the support they have provided while I've been at Columbia.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I am a drag performer known as "Cléo" and an event producer with a monthly queer variety show and party on the west side titled "Diva Nite" under the production company ArtHaus Vigil. We plan to continue these monthly variety shows while also producing original, site-specific, queer-focused theatrical productions.

If you were going to sum up your experience at Columbia in one sentence, what would you say?

Chaotic and overwhelming at times, yet a great time to grow my art outside of just my major.