ABOUT THE SHOW
Welcome to a neon-soaked sanctuary where the mic is hot, the beer is cold, and one unforgettable night turns a dive bar into a confession booth, a concert stage, and a second chance. In this immersive, heartfelt new musical, every regular, newcomer, and wannabe rockstar has a secret, a song, and something to prove. As the drinks get stronger and the bass gets louder, past and present collide — revealing the heartbreaks, hookups, and hopes hiding behind the music. Featuring songs by Lady Gaga, Elton John, Rihanna, Queen, Madonna, Tracy Chapman, ABBA, Bad Bunny, and many more, this world premiere is a joyful celebration of connection, community, and the catharsis of singing your truth. KARAOKE DREAMS reminds us that sometimes, the right song really can change everything.
This production is presented in collaboration with Blindspot Collective, an award-winning theater company based in San Diego whose productions won or been nominated for Best New Play, Best New Musical, and Best Solo Performance by the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle. It is created and directed by Blake McCarty, whose work is "broadening the definition of theater" (The New York Times), with musical direction by Lyndon Pugeda and choreography by Micah Parra.
Karaoke Dreams is presented in partnership with ArtPower at UC San Diego.
BUY TICKETS
Tickets for "Karaoke Dreams" are on sale through ArtPower at UC San Diego and cost $35. We are committed to accessible and affordable ticketing for our audiences. Please reach out with any questions regarding prices.
July 10th - August 3rd, 2025
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7pm
Sunday at 2pm
We encourage audience members to arrive early, as seating is general admission, the bar is open, and food is only available before the show starts!
MEET THE ARTISTS
Written and Directed by:
Blake McCarty
Music Direction by:
Lyndon Pugeda
Choreography by:
Micah Parra
Featuring:
Bobby Bednar, Montse Cabrera, Ria Carey, Brittany Carrillo, Cole Chinn, Taylor Henderson,
Shane Hennessey, Espie Ignacio, Matthew Javier, Aiden Meyndert, Michaela Nasello,
Jerry Rodriguez, Dacara Seward, and Brittney Tiger
Vocal Arrangements by:
Ian Brandon & Lyndon Pugeda
Stage Manager:
Kyle Waterman
Assistant Stage Manager:
Gabrielle Mendoza
Costume Design:
Sadie Rothenberg
Sound Design:
Cole Atencio & Ash Floyd
Sound Mixer:
Robin Wheeler
Video Design:
Blake McCarty and Shellina Hefner
Produced by:
Blake McCarty and Shellina Hefner
A special thanks to our friends at The Loft at UCSD!
THE VENUE
All performances of Karaoke Dreams will take place at the The Loft on UCSD's campus
The Loft is located at
3151 Matthews Ln, La Jolla, CA 92093
Parking is available in the various parking lots on UCSD's campus. The closest parking is at the Gilman Parking Structure, however parking is limited and we suggest using a rideshare or taking the trolley to the UCSD Central Campus Station.
FREquently asked questions
What does immersive theatre mean?
Karaoke Dreams is an immersive musical, which means the show will take place all around you, as if you are sharing the environment of the venue with the performers. The actors may interact with you and hang out by your table. You’re not just watching the show - you’re part of it! However, if you are someone that does not wish to be interacted with, that's okay! Interaction is completely optional.
Can I purchase a drink?
Please do! Beer, wine, soft drinks, and light snacks will be available for purchase.
How will I know what to do or where to go?
Upon following the map to UCSD's campus and parking, you will be guided by signage and personnel. The venue is listed as The Loft or Zanzibar Cafe at The Loft on Google Maps.
Is this show child-friendly?
While The Loft is all ages, to purchase alcohol you must be over 21 with valid ID. This show does contain mature language and is recommended for audiences 13 or older.
Do I have to sing?
While you don't have to, there will be opportunities to come up on stage and join our performers for select songs. Dying to get up there? Let us know when you arrive!
I am disabled or use a mobility device. Can I see this show?
Blindspot Collective is dedicated to creating accessible performance spaces for audiences of all needs. If you have specific questions, or would like to speak to someone, please reach out to us via email.
How long is the show?
The show is approximately 2 hours with an intermission.
Is this a UCSD production?
The show is being presented by Blindspot Collective in collaboration with Artpower at UC San Diego. It was developed and rehearsed at The Depot, an arts incubator and accelerator recently established by the university.
Will my favorite karaoke song be included?
The show includes music by the following artists: ABBA, Adele, Alanis Morissette, Alicia Keys, Avril Lavigne, Bad Bunny, Backstreet Boys, The Beatles, Beyoncé, Bill Withers, Billy Joel, Billy Ray Cyrus, Blondie, Bruno Mars, Captain and Tennille, Cass Elliott, Chappell Roan, Cher, Coldplay, Cyndi Lauper, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Elton John, Florence + The Machine, Gloria Estefan, Guns N' Roses, Imagine Dragons, James Blunt, Janelle Monae, Jefferson Airplane, Jennifer Lopez, Joan Osborne, John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, Kesha, Kiki Dee, Lady Gaga, Lily Allen, Lizzo, Macy Gray, Melissa Etheridge, Mumford & Sons, Nelly, New Radicals, OneRepublic, The Outfield, Panic at the Disco, Pat Benatar, Pink, The Proclaimers, Queen, R.E.M., Rihanna, Scissor Sisters, Shea Diamond, Supertramp, The Supremes, Tal Bachman, Tori Amos, and Tracy Chapman
CONTACT US
Karaoke Dreams is presented by
Blindspot Collective, a performing arts organization based in San Diego.
Blindspot Collective develops artistic programming to illuminate voices, communities, and stories
in the blindspot of our society.
If you have questions or wish to learn more, please email us at info@blindspotcollective.org