Commitment to Diversity

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Diversity and inclusion are central to the work that I do as a theatre teacher, administrator and artist. As an individual who identifies as Gay and Latino, personal experiences in various circumstances created first-hand knowledge of what it means to be marginalized. When I began writing plays in earnest while in graduate school, I wrote from my personal experience and without intention, learned that I was contributing to “Diversity” in theatre. I began to learn more about other writers whose works represented marginalized voices. My first academic appointment was at the University of Texas at El Paso, where I had the privilege of instructing at an institution of approximately 85% Hispanic student body. In service to the community and as a means of creating effective experiential learning for students, I made it a point to direct plays that explored the Latinx experience. I also created the Latino Guest Artist Program and received funding from the College of Liberal Arts to bring notable Latinx artists to the Department of Theatre for workshops, symposia, and lectures.

 

My subsequent work as a marketing executive for Broadway productions was initially focused on diversifying audiences. As I conducted more and more work in areas of theatre diversity I gained an understanding of theatre’s important role in society as a transformative artform, and I also learned about the social and economic constructs at work that challenge the American theatre in building diverse audiences and providing space for writers of color. Throughout the years, I have continued my professional and personal development by reading critical race theory, queer theory and feminist theory. I stay abreast of new voices in the American Theatre, particularly writers of color and underrepresented identities. My appointment as an assistant professor at the University of Vermont in 2006 began with a three year commitment to create a set of courses that explored diversity related themes in the theatre. I created and taught Diversity in the Contemporary American Theater, Contemporary Latina/o Theatre, and LGBT themes in Theatre. I was appointed Director of the ALANA U.S. Ethnic Studies Program (now Critical Race and Ethnic Studies) in 2010 and served in that capacity through 2012 when I assumed the position of Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre. I chaired the College of Arts and Sciences Strategic Plan Diversity and Inclusion Committee and served on the College’s Diversity Task Force. I’ve had the privilege of championing diversity-related issues in my community while continuing my on-going personal cultural competency development. (I'm always learning) I have organized and facilitated sensitive forums and discussions among faculty, staff and students in these areas.

 

I believe we're at a turning point in America regarding issues of race, marginalization, access, and identity. The theatre is a vital site to explore, engage in discussions, and transform minds toward a different understanding of what we perceive as otherness. I remain dedicated in my pursuit of diversity, equity and inclusion and believe our daily actions are effective means of changing the world. Each day provides us an opportunity to learn, grow, and become more empathic, compassionate people.

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