Tlaloc Rivas (he/him/el) stands at the intersection of stage directing, playwriting, higher education, and social justice. My artistic roots were planted at El Teatro Campesino, immersing in Chicano Theatre and their physical acting training program. I am an active stage director and playwright, garnering accolades and awards as a professional freelance artist and arts advocate.

I maintain a flexible, full-time role teaching at two Research 1 institutions: Associate Professor in Residence at the University of Connecticut, and Faculty Lecturer for the David Geffen School of Drama and the Undergraduate Program of Theatre and Performance Studies (TAPS) at Yale University.

Previously, I was a Presidential Postdoctoral Presidential Fellow for Carnegie Mellon University's prestigious School of Drama. I received my M.F.A. in Directing through the University of Washington's School of Drama, and received my B.A. from the University of California, Santa Cruz with high honors: UC Regents Presidential Award, Chancellor's Honors, and Dean of the Arts Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research.
​
I am one of the original founders of the Latinx Theatre Commons, a recipient of the Sir John Gielgud Fellowship in Classical Directing, the NEA/TCG Career Development Program for Directors, and a Usual Suspect for New York Theater Workshop (since 2001).

As a proud member of Stage Directors and Choreographers, the Dramatists Guild, and serve on the Board of Directors for The New Harmony Project, I endeavor to create and advocate for stories that have not yet been told - highlighting those that been historically marginalized in our industry.

Specialties:

Artistic: Stage Direction, Playwriting (incl. adaptation and translation), New Play Development, Classical/Heightened Text

Teaching: Acting, Directing, Playwriting, Theatre Studies, Latina/e/o/x Theatre, World Performance

Management: Producing, Fundraising, Community Development and EDI Initiative Implementation

Whether you are a producer, theatre organization,
future collaborator, or audience member, or just someone
taking the time to learn about me ... WELCOME! 
Vertical Divider
Current / Recent Projects:

MEXODUS
(a Hip-Hop remix about the Underground Railroad that traveled South to Mexico)
by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson
Directed by David Mendizibál / Dramaturgy by Tlaloc Rivas

Baltimore Center Stage | March 14-April 7 | Info Page
Mosaic Theatre Company | May 16-June 15 2024 | Info/Tickets
Berkeley Repertory Theatre | September 13-October 20, 2024 | Info

A DOCTOR'S DILEMMA
Adapted and Directed by Tlaloc Rivas
based on the play by Bernard Shaw

Connecticut Repertory Theatre | March 21-30, 2024 | Review