BIO

Artistic Statement

As a director, producer, and teacher with over 20 years of experience, my work has always revolved around the core concept of radical inclusion. I believe that the Arts and Entertainment sector has a crucial role in addressing and correcting systemic inequality in society. To do this, we need to go beyond token gestures and commit to fundamental changes that create access for everyone. This commitment must start from the ground up, affecting what we put on stage and screen, who creates it, and who manages the process. 

Radical inclusion is not just a buzzword; it's an ongoing, intentional effort to diversify our audiences by ensuring representation at every level of production. This approach goes beyond just creating space—it means actively working to provide opportunities for those whose voices have been underrepresented or ignored. My aim has always been to drive this change by fostering inclusion, equity, access, learning, and social justice.

Why do we go to live theater, concerts, or baseball games? The unique relationship between performers and audiences creates a shared experience that resonates with our deepest emotions and stories. These events offer a communal journey through narratives of love, passion, fantasy, adventure, and dreams. We attend them to see reflections of ourselves, our hopes, and our desires—whether literal or in essence. Access and inclusion in the Arts mean that everyone feels welcomed and that their stories matter.

One of the most defining experiences in my career was when I played Louis in "Angels in America" during the late 1990s. That same year, Matthew Shepard was tortured and killed, reinforcing for me the profound impact that theater and the Arts can have on sparking societal conversations. I explored the works of Sarah Kane, Suzan-Lori Parks, and Naomi Iizuka, finding deeper connections in their storytelling and realizing the power of their words to challenge conventional boundaries.

I am drawn to projects that tell stories from a pluralistic perspective, exploring themes that transcend traditional genres. I look for works that are highly theatrical, cinematic, and, especially, interdisciplinary. My focus has evolved to finding hope even in the darkest times, searching for the elements that make us truly human.

Currently, I'm based at Montgomery College in Silver Spring/Takoma Park, MD—one of the most diverse community colleges in the United States. This is where I continue my mission to create platforms for underrepresented voices and to foster a more inclusive Arts and Entertainment sector. Our strength, as a community, lies in our intersectionality and diversity. It's time for us to embrace that fully and ensure everyone has access to the transformative power of the Arts.