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.
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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.