Rafael and Kimberly de Acha
The arts have been the heartbeat of Rafael and Kimberly de Acha’s lifelong journey together. Fortunately for Miami, they relocated and founded New Theatre. Rafael began his artistic journey as the youngest member of Cuba’s National Theatre. At 17, he came to the U.S., studying drama at the University of Minnesota, then earning a scholarship to Juilliard. He later transferred to the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, where he met soprano Kimberly Daniel in the opera workshop. Kimberly had
begun performing at age five and was pursuing music with equal passion. After eloping in 1968, they completed degrees and earned graduate diplomas from the New England Conservatory before launching careers in New York. Rafael worked at the New York City Opera and Public Theatre with Joseph Papp. Kimberly performed nationally at Wolf Trap, Yale Repertory Theatre, and Lincoln Center. Their shared dream led them to Miami, where in 1986 they founded New Theatre with just $1,000. Over 20 years in Coral Gables, Rafael staged more than 150 productions and over 50 world premieres. New Theatre championed South Florida talent, launching careers and earning national recognition, including a decade-long spot among the “50 Best Theatres in America” by the New York Theatre Guild. Kimberly joined the faculty at New World School of the Arts and the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, where she taught for 19 years while continuing to perform and advocate for the arts. In 2009, they retired to Cincinnati, where their lives and work came full circle. They were honored by receiving C-CM’s Distinguished Service Award.