By Cal Ortiz, Fifth Grader, Age 11
Acting isn’t just about pretending. When I interviewed Julia Diaz, who plays Green Dog in “Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve!” at Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, I learned that acting is also about identity, culture, community, and using your voice to help others feel seen.
Julia is Mexican American, and she told me her culture inspires everything she does. She grew up in a very musical family, listening to music in Spanish like rancheras and mariachi. Those songs tell emotional stories, and that’s how she first learned how powerful storytelling can be.
She also works in her community with the Westside Community Organization in St. Paul, near her family’s business, El Burrito Mercado, which her grandparents started more than 45 years ago. Julia said being connected to her community helps her stay grounded while working in the entertainment industry and reminds her why her work matters.
One thing that stood out to me was how important bilingual theater is to Julia. She said representation matters, especially for kids from immigrant families. When kids see Spanish and English on stage, it shows them that there is a place for them in theater and in the arts.
That’s why “Go, Dog. Go!” being bilingual is so special. Julia said families can come to the theater and enjoy the show without worrying about a language barrier. That helps theater serve the community better.
Julia is playing Green Dog, and she loves dogs in real life. She told us about her family dog, Mancha, whose name means “spot” (or “stain”) in Spanish because he has a big black spot on his back. She said Green Dog is spunky, mischievous, and full of moxie.
Children’s Theatre Company is important to Julia because it’s where she first felt recognized for her talent. When she was younger, a teacher encouraged her to sing a solo, and that moment helped her believe she could be an actor.
Julia told me her dream roles include Miss Hannigan from “Annie” and Abuela Claudia from “In the Heights.” She loves musicals and likes playing strong female characters, even “crazy, powerful ladies,” as she said.
She also talked about why performing for kids is special. Julia said kids are the best audiences because they are super attentive, but they can also tell right away if you’re not being real. That’s why she always tries to be 100% authentic on stage.
Before we ended the interview, I asked Julia what advice she would give kids who want to follow their dreams. She said to talk about your dreams out loud.
“Tell your parents, tell your friends, tell your family that that’s what you want to do,” Julia said. “Because when you speak, when you say the things that you want to do, you’re speaking them into existence. It’s like a motivator for yourself. So you should tell everyone this is what I want to do. This is my dream. Then do what you can to live that dream out.”
She also said you don’t need fancy classes to start. You can practice at home, use YouTube, do karaoke, or perform for your family in the living room.
After interviewing Julia Diaz, I learned that art isn’t just about being on stage. It’s about representation, community, creativity, and believing in yourself. Julia showed me that storytelling can help bring people together and even make the world a better place.
DETAILS — All the Doggone Info You Need! 🐶
Show: Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve!
When: Jan. 20–Feb. 22, 2026
(Opening Night: Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 at 7 p.m.)
Where: Children’s Theatre Company, UnitedHealth Group Stage
2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404
⏰ Run Time: 75 minutes (no intermission)
Recommended Audience: Great for younger audiences and parents
(Lap passes available for children 3 and under)
Language: Bilingual (English and Spanish)
Tickets: Starting at $20
🎟️ Get tickets at childrenstheatre.org/dog or call 612-874-0400
Pro Tip: Perfect for families who want big laughs, bright colors, and a story everyone can understand, no matter what language you speak.
Go see Go, Dog. Go! and fetch some tail-wagging fun! 🐾
Read a youth review of “Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve!”
