
SCHOLARSHIP:
My research areas of interest are Latinx and Latin American theatre and performance, Theatre for Social Change, Applied Theatre, and Performance Studies.
Education:
The University of Kansas. Department of Theatre.
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Ph.D. Theatre. 2017.
Dissertation: Performing National Identity, Civic Resistance, and Cultural Memory in Costa Rica's Mask Traditions.
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M.A. Theatre and Film. 2007.
Thesis: Latin American Theatre for Social Change: The Case of Augusto Boal and Enrique Buenaventura.
Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica. School of Performing Arts.
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Lic. Performing Arts. Acting Concentration. 2005 (MFA equivalent).
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B.A. Theatre. Acting Concentration. 2003.
Additional Training:
Alexander Technique with Sheila Bandyopadhyay (Summer Arts 2021); Linklater Voice Technique with Natsuko Ohama and Lisa Wolpe (Summer Arts 2021); Tectonic Theatre’s Moment Work with Barbara Pitts (2021), QLT for Online Teaching (CSU. Advanced (2021); Intro (2020); Anti-Racist Approaches and Practices (ATDS, 2020); Anti-Racist Theatre (ATHE 2020); Digital Storytelling (ATHE, 2020); Ludo-Pedagogy (La Mancha/Signos, 2011); Interdisciplinary work in Arts (UNA, 2011) and Interdisciplinary Dimensions of Artistic Education (UNA, 2011); Normative Aspects of University Administration (UNA, 2009); Curricular Design in Theatre and the Arts (UNA-HKU, 2010); Theatre Criticism (TPMS, 2010); Creative Pedagogy (UNA, 2009); Documenting Learning Experiences (UNA,2009); Psychodrama (ICOPSI, 2009); Pedagogical Mediation in the Classroom (UNA, 2008); Engaged-Participant Methodologies (UNA, 2008); Sexuality Education from a Human Rights, Gender and Diversity Perspective (UNA, 2006); and Theatre of the Oppressed (PTO Org., 2006).
Academic Appointments:
-Assistant Professor of Latinx Theatre. Department of Theatre Arts and Dance. Fresno State. August, 2017-present.
-GTA. Instructor. Department of Theatre, University of Kansas. August, 2013-May, 2017.
-Associate Professor of Theatre. School of Performing Arts, Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica. January, 2008-June, 2013.
Other Experience:
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Representation, Equity and Diversity (RED) National Vice-Chair for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). Ongoing.
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Representation, Equity and Diversity (RED) Chair for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), Region 8. 2020-2021.
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Editorial Assistant. Latin American Theatre Review. The University of Kansas. 2015-2017.
Publications:
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Entry on Brazilian Theatre Maker Augusto Boal. In Fifty Key figures in LatinX and Latin American Theatre. Ed. Paola Hernandez and Analola Santana. (Forthcoming February 2022)
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“Ropa Intima by Lynn Nottage. Profile and Interview by Gina Sandi-Diaz”. In Seeking Common Ground: LatinX and Latin American Theatre and Performance. Ed. Trevor Boffone, Teresa Marrero and Chantal Rodriguez. (Forthcoming October 2021)
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“Comedy Acting for Theatre: The Art and Craft of Performing in Comedies. By Sidney Homan and Brian Rhinehart” (Book Review). Methods: A Journal of Acting Pedagogy, V.4, 133-35. Pace University Press, 2018.
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“Teatro Aplicado en el Contexto de la Promoción de la Salud Mental.” Conexiones para la Creatividad: Generación de Dispositivos Artístico-Creativos que Intervienen en el Bienestar Social desde una Mirada Fenomenológica. Edited by Enid Sofia Zúñiga Murillo, Heredia: EUNA, 2016. 97-108.
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Teatro popular y cambio social. CAMPUS. Universidad Nacional. Heredia, Costa Rica. June, 2010. (University newspaper).
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Teatro con la gente. LA NACION. San José, Costa Rica. May 25, 2008. (Nationwide newspaper)
Grants and Awards:
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Anonymous donor grant. ARTEVISM Fellowship Program. Fresno State and Pan Valley Institute (AFSC). January-December 2020.
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Provost Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Award. Agustin Lira: Living in Magic Realism. 2019.
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Reed College Professional Development for Future Faculty Conference Awardee. 2017
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Diversity Leadership Award. Awarded to the Interactive Theatre Troupe. KU, 2016-2017.
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Rosemarie Bank ATDS Fellowship Award. KU, 2016-2017.
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Joseph R. Roach Dissertation Research Award. KU, 2016-2017.
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Ethel Hinds Burch Outstanding GTA in Theatre Award. KU, 2016-2017.
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Adah Clarke Hagan Scholarship in Theatre Award. KU, 2016-2017; 2015-2016.
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Tinker Foundation Research Travel Grant. KU, 2015.
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Community Outreach Faculty Award. Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2010.
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ISEP-UNA Fellowship. Awarded to pursue M.A. Studies in Theatre at the University of Kansas, 2005-2007.
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Distinguished Student in Theatre Award. Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2003.