Juliette Carrillo, an alumna of UC Santa Cruz, is making waves in the theater world with her upcoming direction of a bilingual production of “Go, Dog. Go!” at the Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) in Minneapolis. This production, based on the beloved children’s book by P.D. Eastman, is set to premiere on January 20, 2026.
Carrillo’s impressive resume includes directing productions in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Seattle, and Denver. She has also made her mark with various theater companies, including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Her latest project at CTC highlights her versatility, as this marks a shift from her usual focus on new plays to the realm of children’s theater.
From Santa Cruz to the National Stage
Carrillo’s connection to Santa Cruz runs deep. She credits her time at UC Santa Cruz as the foundation of her theatrical journey. “It was there that I really committed to theater,” she noted, reflecting on how her professors, including Andrew Doe and Kazimierz Braun, shaped her path. Initially a psychology major, Carrillo found her true calling in the theater arts, eventually graduating with a degree in the field.
After earning her bachelor’s degree, she pursued a Master of Fine Arts at the Yale School of Drama, inspired by fellow alumnus Christopher Grabowski. “I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” she said. Since then, Carrillo has directed numerous successful productions, including the world premiere of Octavio Solis’ “Lydia” and Christine Quintana’s “Espejos: Clean.”
A New Challenge with “Go, Dog. Go!”
Carrillo’s upcoming project presents a unique opportunity to infuse humor and physicality into the stage adaptation of “Go, Dog. Go!” The book, which has sold over 8 million copies since its release in 1961, features colorful dogs engaging in various human activities. Carrillo described the adaptation as playful, incorporating “clown energy” and vibrant visual elements.
The CTC production will feature adult actors portraying dogs, complete with costumes that reflect their characters. Carrillo expressed excitement about the bilingual nature of the show, which includes dialogue in both English and Spanish. “I’m excited to normalize Spanish in our culture,” she said, emphasizing the value of introducing language diversity to young audiences.
Carrillo’s collaborative team includes costume designer Danielle Nieves and music director Victor Zupanc, with whom she plans to explore ways to integrate a Latinx flavor into the production’s music.
As rehearsals begin, Carrillo is already impressed by her cast and crew. “They’re super creative and innovative,” she remarked, highlighting the collaborative spirit that fuels her passion for theater.
Carrillo’s journey from the Santa Cruz Mountains, where she spent her early years, to directing at one of the nation’s premier children’s theaters reflects her dedication to the craft. She hopes her work will bring joy and laughter to audiences, creating uplifting moments in their lives.
For more information about the Children’s Theatre Company’s production of “Go, Dog. Go!”, visit ChildrensTheatre.org/dog. Carrillo, who expresses pride in her career, also hopes to return to Santa Cruz to direct a show in the future. “It’s a very creative and impactful career,” she concluded, feeling blessed for the opportunities she has received.
