Xiomara Mercado

Entertainment Relations Director

We specialize in finding and securing ideal venues for a wide range of events, including concerts, performances, conferences, and more. At DoPaNo Productions, we believe in fostering meaningful connections between artists, venues, and audiences. We are passionate about nurturing artistic growth and providing exceptional experiences for our clients. Get to know more about us and our team by exploring the rest of our website or reaching out to us via our Contact Us page.

Xiomara Mercado - DoPaNo Productions

Xiomara’s Story

Xiomara is originally from Puerto Rico, raised in New Jersey, who received her degrees in Business Administration & Music Performance. She has worked in the DC area in various capacities with GALA Hispanic Theatre, Signature Theatre & Imagination Stage. Currently she is a Theater Manager at the Kennedy Center and Co-Founder of DoPaNo Productions. Perusing her passion for music, she still performs/records locally & nationally with orchestras within the Latin and Jazz genres.

  • Bilingual: English/Spanish

  • Union Member of ATPAM (Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers) since 2018. (Same union as Broadway Managers in NY)

  • Current Helen Hayes Judge for the Equity Musicals Category in the DMV.

  • Xiomara’s degrees in Business Administration and Music Performance bring a unique blend of creativity and business acumen to DoPaNo Productions, helping the company to effectively navigate the entertainment industry while staying true to its artistic roots.

  • With her extensive experience working with theater companies and venues in the DC area, Xiomara brings a deep understanding of the local entertainment landscape to DoPaNo Productions, allowing the company to leverage its network of industry connections to find and secure the perfect venues for its clients.

  • As a co-founder of DoPaNo Productions and a musician herself, Xiomara is intimately familiar with the challenges faced by artists in the industry. This firsthand experience allows her to provide invaluable guidance and support to the company’s artist services team, helping emerging and established artists to connect with their audiences and achieve their career goals.

Xiomara has worked with the following Venues:

At DoPaNo Productions, our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients and working closely with them to bring their visions to life. Whether you’re a venue owner looking to host the perfect event or an artist seeking to grow your career, we are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of service and support.

  • Kennedy Center: In her most recent employment, she made history as the first minority Theater Manager. Her role encompassed the comprehensive management of both Front of House and Backstage operations for every performance. This included handling payroll and settlements for each event within the theater. She prioritized the overall positive experience and safety of patrons, artists, clients, and employees. Collaboration was key, as she coordinated with programmers, security personnel, accessibility teams, and stagehands to ensure smooth and successful events. In her supervisory capacity, she provided guidance and support to an Assistant Theater Manager and other employees involved in the performance or event. With her exceptional problem-solving skills, she promptly addressed any issues or concerns that arose within the theater. Diligently maintaining schedules for housekeeping and stage door attendants, she upheld the theater’s efficiency and organization.

  • Signature Theater: She began her journey as a house manager, responsible for overseeing all Front House Operations during performances. Her role included supervising ushers and volunteers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for patrons. Later, she transitioned to the Box Office, where she efficiently processed tickets, subscriptions, and handled inquiries, changes, and payments, consistently delivering exceptional customer service. She actively contributed to a ticketing conversion system aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction. Her passion for the production side led her to become a skilled sound engineer, proficient in using Qlab to provide sound cues and mix audio for various productions, including musicals, events, and cabarets. She had the privilege of working with esteemed Broadway artists such as Chita Rivera, Kerry Butler, Maureen McGovern, and many others, contributing her expertise to create captivating sound experiences.

  • GALA Hispanic Theater: As the Education & Box Office Manager, she oversaw Student Matinee programs, crafted bilingual educational materials, marketed and sold the programs, trained staff, and generated monthly revenue reports. Her role ensured smooth program execution and catered to a diverse audience with materials in Spanish and English. She actively reached out to schools and institutions to promote the programs. Additionally, she facilitated seamless reservations and payments, supervised group sales and subscriptions, and provided financial insights through tailored monthly revenue reports.

  • Smithsonian Folklife Festival: Xiomara has an impressive background in stage management, particularly in her role at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC. She was responsible for ensuring the seamless execution of performances and discussions, meticulously adhering to the festival’s schedule. Her duties included supervising sound engineers to guarantee optimal audio quality during the events. She maintained regular communication with curators, artists, and staff, keeping them informed about any necessary changes to the schedules. Her expertise and attention to detail played a crucial role in the successful coordination of the festival’s various activities.

  • Artist Background: Xiomara has a diverse musical background, specializing in flute, saxophone, and vocals. She has had the privilege of performing alongside renowned musicians such as Arturo Sandoval, Tito Puente, Tony Bennet, and Denis DiBlasio. Their talent has been showcased in various musical settings, including orchestras for the philharmonic, jazz ensembles, and Allshore Bands across Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, and the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) areas. Additionally, she has contributed her skills as a background vocalist for artists within the DMV region.