I am a  teaching artist and co-founder of Sanctuary Stage, dedicated to fostering collaborative creation through original plays using community-engaged, applied, and devised play-making methodologies. These projects are driven by a mission to raise awareness, nurture respect, and celebrate diversity by amplifying the narratives of underrepresented communities.

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My work has gained recognition, including a feature in the International Journal of Social, Political and Community Agendas in the Arts, titled "Oregon's Sanctuary Stage: Providing a Voice for the Voiceless." Additionally, My contributions are highlighted in the 2022 publication, "Artist Activating Sustainability: The Oregon Story," where a dedicated chapter showcases my artistic endeavors with Sanctuary Stage. This chapter vividly recounts my experiences collaborating with communities to craft original, community-engaged plays that resonate deeply with audiences. I was just awarded the 2024 Interchange Fellowship funded by the Mellon Foundation to continue his work in socially engaged participatory theatre.

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As a co-founder of Sanctuary Stage, I spearhead the development and execution of original productions utilizing community-engaged, devised, and applied play-making methodologies. Our mission is to amplify narratives from underrepresented communities, fostering diversity, raising awareness, and facilitating understanding. I firmly believe that the creative process transcends the mere staging of a theatrical piece; it's about crafting an immersive experience that ignites intellectual reflection, captivates audiences, and encourages active community engagement.

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My dedication to this work stems from a profound belief in the power of storytelling and the unique capacity of theater to vividly depict life experiences, educate audiences, and catalyze dialogue for societal change. Moreover, I am driven by the concept of "mutual mentorship," where I mentor communities in honing their own creative skills while simultaneously learning from that community about their culture, history, and life journeys. My efforts serve as a platform for individuals to share their stories, particularly those that profoundly impact their lives. Through our productions, we provide a space for audiences to engage with these narratives, fostering empathy and understanding. It's not just about the creative collaboration within our community; it's also about engaging leaders and policymakers who attend our performances, sparking crucial dialogues on the issues explored in our productions. In essence, my socially engaged theatre process celebrates the richness of individual lives, the vibrancy of communities, and the diverse perspectives they contribute to society.