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.

  • Ph.D. Theatre. 2017.

   Dissertation: Performing National Identity, Civic Resistance, and Cultural Memory in Costa Rica's Mask Traditions.

  • 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.

  •  Lic. Performing Arts. Acting Concentration. 2005 (MFA equivalent).

  •  B.A. Theatre. Acting Concentration. 2003.

 

Additional Training:

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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).

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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.

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Other Experience:

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  • Representation, Equity and Diversity (RED) National Vice-Chair for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). Ongoing.

  • Representation, Equity and Diversity (RED) Chair for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), Region 8. 2020-2021.

  • Editorial Assistant. Latin American Theatre Review. The University of Kansas. 2015-2017.

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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)

  • “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)

  • “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.

  • “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. 

  • Teatro popular y cambio social. CAMPUS. Universidad Nacional.  Heredia, Costa Rica.  June, 2010. (University newspaper).

  • 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.

  • Provost Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Award. Agustin Lira: Living in Magic Realism. 2019.

  • Reed College Professional Development for Future Faculty Conference Awardee. 2017

  • Diversity Leadership Award. Awarded to the Interactive Theatre Troupe. KU, 2016-2017.

  • Rosemarie Bank ATDS Fellowship Award. KU, 2016-2017.

  • Joseph R. Roach Dissertation Research Award. KU, 2016-2017.

  • Ethel Hinds Burch Outstanding GTA in Theatre Award. KU, 2016-2017.

  • Adah Clarke Hagan Scholarship in Theatre Award. KU, 2016-2017; 2015-2016.

  • Tinker Foundation Research Travel Grant. KU, 2015.

  • Community Outreach Faculty Award. Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2010.

  • ISEP-UNA Fellowship. Awarded to pursue M.A. Studies in Theatre at the University of Kansas, 2005-2007.

  • Distinguished Student in Theatre Award. Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2003.

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