Elena Velasco (she/ella) is a theatre artist whose work encompasses performance, production, education and activism. During her 25+ year career she has devoted her time equally between performance and residency work, predominantly in the Washington, DC area. An associate member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, her directing and choreography credits include Convergence Theatre, Synetic Theater, GALA Hispanic Theatre, Central Square Theater, Adventure Theatre, Keegan Theatre, Imagination Stage, Mead Theatre Lab, Young Playwrights’ Theater, Capital Fringe, Source Theatre, Discovery Theater, and the Kennedy Center’s New Visions New Voices Festival. She has choreographed for Avant Bard, Theatre J, Mosaic Theatre Company, and Keegan Theatre. Ms. Velasco has been a member of SAG/AFTRA, and has performed at the Kennedy Center, Theatre Alliance, NextStop Theatre, Discovery Theatre, Imagination Stage, and in several films, commercials, and TV shows. A dedicated educator, she teaches and creates theatre through the lens of community engagement in K-12 schools, continuing education. and bilingual creative youth development programs. Ms. Velasco’s artistry is always driven by her commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, exemplified by her work as Artistic Director and Co-founder of Convergence Theatre, a small, nomadic performance collective centered on social justice and grounded in decolonized, consensus-organized processes and structures. She has placed her background in EDIA in service to many organizations, including the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, Southeastern Theatre Conference, the Women’s Theatre Festival, and TheatreWashington. She currently serves as a board member for Educational Theatre Company, a committee member for AATE’s Leaders of Color Institute and new chair of their Professional Theatre Network, and has been a featured speaker for Boston Conservatory at Berklee, George Mason University, Hollins University, Montgomery College, and TheatreWashington. Ms. Velasco is the theatre production coordinator and a tenured assistant professor at Bowie State University.
Unions/Professional Organizations: SDC, SAG-AFTRA, AATE
Education: M.F.A. in Directing and B.A. in Drama, Magna Cum Laude, from Catholic University.
Awards: 2023 SDCF Barbara Whitman Award; The Amazing Adventures of Dr. Wonderful, Keegan Theater, (Director/Choreographer), Broadway World DC Best Theatre For Young Audiences Award, 2022; Pipeline, Special Achievement in Direction by a Faculty Artist, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival; Outstanding Creative Works Award, Bowie State University, 2021; DCBX Veinte Award, 2019; Young Faculty Award, Bowie State University, 2019; Anacostia Arts Center Resident Company and ARCH Development Grant Recipient, 2017-2018 (Convergence Theatre); Tom Behm Professional Development Scholarship, SETC 2017; CulturalDC Mead Theatre Lab Grant, 2015-2017 (Convergence Theatre); Catholic University Graduate Assistantship, 2012-2015.
"In the Heights at NextStop Theatre," Embracing Arlington Arts hosted by Janet Kopenhaver
embracing-arlington-arts.org/elena-velasco-nextstop-theatre/
American Theatre Artists Online hosted by Stefan Sittig
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elena-velasco/id1517333279?i=1000477118554
"Cultural Equity" - Podcast with Elena Velasco and Embracing Arlington Arts
https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/embracing-arlington-arts/id/14712599
Theatre Washington Feature:
Take Ten Interview with Elena Velasco, Artistic Director of Convergence Theatre
theatrewashington.org/content/take-ten-elena-velasco
American Theatre Artists Online Podcast Interview - hosted by Stefan Sittig
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elena-velasco/id1517333279?i=1000477118554
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRICULUM VITAE
POSITIONS HELD
Bowie State University
Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts; Theatre Production Coordinator August 2017-present
American Alliance for Theatre and Education
Chair, Professional Theatre Network, October 2022 - present
Leaders of Color Institute Committee, July 2020 - present
Co-Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access, July 2017 - July 2022
Co-Chair, Youth Theatre Network, July 2016-August 2017
Catholic University of America, Washington, DC
Instructor, Introduction to Speech Communications (DR 205)
Teaching Assistant, Theater I (DR 101) and Theater 2 (DR 104)
Professor, Summer Drama Institute (DR 99)
August 2012-July 2015
July 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 (Summer Drama Institute)
Synetic Theater, Arlington, VA
Guest Director; Associate Artist; Summer Camp Director; Faculty, June 2006-March 2020
Company Member - present
Imagination Stage & Imagination Quest, Bethesda, MD
Affiliated Artist/Co-Creator for Óyeme - 2014 - 2019
Guest Director of Student Companies – 2002-2005; 2015
Teaching Artist and Theater Curriculum Specialist, Dec. 1999-June 2008; Fall 2014-Fall 2017
Outreach Coordinator, August 2001-July 2002
· Imagination Stage highlights include:
o Co-creator of and affiliated artist with Óyeme, Imagination Stage's collaborative project that responds to the surge of refugee children fleeing violence in Central America who have arrived in the DC area.
o Co-presenter for Professional Development Workshops for public and private school educators.
o Developed Arts Integration lesson plans for K-12 addressing language arts, history, and science.
o Directed and choreographed conservatory students on a full length production.
Educational Theatre Company, Arlington, VA
Director of Outreach; Director of Musical Revue; Teaching Artist – August 2001– August 2015
COURSES TAUGHT
Bowie State University - Fall 2017 - present
Senior Seminar (THEA 461/462)
Directing (THEA 407/408)
Play Production (THEA 401/402)
Advanced Acting (THEA 306)
Children's Theatre (THEA 304)
Scene Study (THEA 206)
Stage Movement II (THEA 108)
Beginning Acting (THEA 106)
Intro to Theatre, Culture and Society (THEA 105)
Acting for Non-Majors (THEA 100)
Catholic University of America – Fall 2012-Spring 2015
Summer 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019
Instructor, Introduction to Speech Communications (DR 205)
Teaching Assistant, Theater I (DR 101) and Theater 2 (DR 104)
Summer Drama Institute (DR 99)
Extracurricular Instructor, Physical Conditioning and Fitness
American University, Summer 2006
Guest Lecturer, Arts Integration Professional Development, (CPDE)
Synetic Theater, 2006-2018
Teen Acting 1: Process and Character
Street Theater
Musical Theater
Teaching Artist Professional Development
Educational Theatre Company, 2000-2015
Improvisation
Creative Drama
Musical Theater
Shakespeare: Performance
Shakespeare: Text Analysis
Imagination Stage, 1999-2008
Improvisation
Creative Drama
Musical Theater
Classika Theater, 2000-2004
Improvisation
Creative Drama
Musical Theater
Mount Vernon Community Theater, Fall 1996-2002
Improvisation
Creative Drama
Interact Story Theater, Silver Spring, MD – September 2000-2002
Storybook Drama
ARTS INTEGRATION RESIDENCIES – IMAGINATION STAGE, 2000-2008; 2014-2016
Gaithersburg High School, English as Second Language, Gaithersburg, MD
SEED Secondary School, Washington, DC
Galway Elementary School, Silver Spring, MD
Jefferson-Houston School, Alexandria, VA
Kenmore Middle School, Alexandria, VA
Simon Elementary School, Washington, DC
Green Elementary School, Washington, DC
Nalle Elementary School, Washington, DC
Potomac Elementary School, Potomac, MD
ARTS INTEGRATION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS – IMAGINATION STAGE, 2003-2008
Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore, MD
DC Public Schools, Washington, DC
Kenmore Middle School, Alexandria, VA
Jefferson-Houston School, Alexandria, VA
Harmony Hills School, Silver Spring, MD
Montgomery County Public Schools, Bethesda, MD
PUBLICATIONS
"Celebrating Black Femme Vision in Dreamgirls at Bowie State University." DC Theatre Arts, April 2022. https://dctheaterarts.org/2022/04/18/celebrating-black-femme-vision-in-dreamgirls-at-bowie-state-university/
"Questioning Social Justice: A Dialogue on Performance, Activism, and Being In-Between." Routledge Companion on Applied Performance. Co-written with Dr. Asif Majid. Routledge Publications, December 2020.
"Representation and Advocacy through EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion): Forward Momentum," Co-written with Jason Joel Rodriguez. Incite-Insight AATE Online Magazine, January 2018.
"The Bilingual Classroom: Teaching through Verbal and Physical Text." Arts Integration in Education - Teachers and Teaching Artists as Agents of Change. Edited by Dr. Gail Humphries Mardirosian and Yvette Pelletier Lewis. Bristol: Intellect Publishing, May 2016.
www.amazon.com/Arts-Integration-Education-Teachers-Teaching/dp/1783205253/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473272129&sr=8-1&keywords=Arts+integration+in+Education
NATIONAL CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
“Representar el cambio: Immersive Theatre for a New Age.” Presenter, American Alliance for Theatre and Education National Conference, Providence, RI, July 2022.
“Womxn of Color in Non-Profits: Leading Change.” Southeastern Theatre Conference, March 2021. (virtual)
“Physical Conditioning for the Kinesthetic Performer.” Women’s Theatre Festival of North Carolina, July 2020. (virtual)
“Dual Language: Transforming Verbal Text into Physical Performance.” Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region 4, University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, SC, February 2020.
“Creating and Defining Performance and Production through Visual and Visceral Language.” Co-Presented with Kathryn Kawecki at Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region 2, University of Maryland, College Park, January 2020
“Devised Theatre for Community Engagement.” Co-Presented with Asif Majid at Build-Serve-Unite at Bowie State University: A Symposium on Socially Engaged Art, Bowie, MD, September 2019.
“The Voiceless Must Shout: Agitprop, Mask and Gesture.” Co-Presented with Johanna Smith at the American Alliance for Theatre and Education National Conference, New York, NY, August 2019.
“Telling Our Stories: Claiming Space for Marginalized Populations.” Co-Presented with Jason Joel Rodriguez at the American Alliance for Theatre and Education National Conference, Minneapolis, MN, August 2018.
“The Mask Movement: Heightening Social Action through Puppetry and Movement.” Co-Presented with Johanna Smith at the American Alliance for Theatre and Education National Conference, Minneapolis, MN, August 2018.
“Define, Investigate, Generate and Engage: Diversity in Theatre.” Co-presented with Shontelle Thrash at the Southeastern Theatre Conference National Convention, Mobile, AL, March 2018.
“The Bilingual Classroom: Teaching through Verbal and Physical Language.” Presented at the Arts Integration in Education Summit. Columbia, MO, November 2017
“Cultural Reboot: Descubre las Maravillas en Su Vida”. Co-presented with Johanna Smith at the American Alliance for Theatre and Education National Conference. New Orleans, LA, August 2017
“Devising through Puppetry: Tools for Kinetic Collaboration.” Co-Presented with Johanna Smith at the American Alliance for Theatre and Education National Conference. Boston, MA, July 2016
REGIONAL CONFERENCE AND SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATIONS
"Don't Steal the Story: Creating Ethical Devised Theatre with Diverse Communities." Presenter, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region 2, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (virtual), January 2022.
“Students and Faculty Sharing Space at the Table.” Co-presented with Kathryn Kawecki at Faculty Showcase 2021 Silver Linings: Lessons Learned from Teaching in a Pandemic. Center for Academic Innovation, USM, October 2021.
“Urban Improv.” Parent/Professional Advocacy League. Co-presented with Urban Improv Ensemble, Boston, MA, March 2021. (virtual)
"Physical Conditioning for the Kinesthetic Artist." Presented at the Women's Theatre Festival, Virtual, July 2020.
“Creating and Defining Performance and Production through Visual and Visceral Language.” Co-Presented with Kathryn Kawecki at Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region 2, University of Maryland, College Park, January 2020
“Devised Theatre for Community Engagement.” Co-Presented with Asif Majid at Build-Serve-Unite at Bowie State University: A Symposium on Socially Engaged Art, Bowie, MD, September 2019.
“Telling Our Story: Claiming Space for Marginalized Populations.” Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region IV, Clemson University, South Carolina, February 2019.
“Cultural Competency.” Board Retreat for Southeastern Theatre Conference, North Carolina, August 2018.
“Devising for Social Action.” Presented at the AATE Theater in Our Schools Conference, Bethesda, MD, April 2016.
“Dual Language: Translating Verbal Text into Physical Performance.” Presented at AATE Theater in our Schools Mini-Conference. Hosted by American Alliance for Theatre and Education. Silver Spring, MD, March, 2015.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Guest Artist/Respondent, Hollins Playwright’s Festival 2022, Hollins University, Roanoke, Virginia, July 2022.
“Just Like Us: Latinx-Hispanic Roles in Theater.” George Mason University, April 30, 2022.
Guest Artist/Respondent, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, March 2022.
Guest Speaker, Playwright’s Lab Summer Launch, Hollins University, Roanoke, Virginia, July 2021.
"Diversity in Theatre," The Actors Center of DC, Annual Meeting, September 2021.
"Forum on Race and Representation in Casting." Panelist, Southeastern Theatre Conference, Greensboro, NC, March 2021.
Devised Theatre Guest Artist/Respondent, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania (virtual), January 2021.
"Power Plays." Panelist, Montgomery College, Rockville, MD, October 2020.
"The Green Room: BIPOC Artists in Theatre." Panelist, Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA. October 2020.
"Is the Dance Community Silent?" Panelist, SOLE Defined Dance Ensemble, June 2020.
"Fusion and Innovation." Panelist, Madloba Physical Theatre Conference, Synetic Theater, May 2020.
"Taking the Patriarchy Out of Directing." Panelist, Women's Theatre Festival of North Carolina, March 2020.
New Playwriting Program Guest Artist/Respondent, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Clemson University, South Carolina, February 2020.
New Playwriting Program Guest Artist/Respondent, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Clemson University, South Carolina, February 2019.
"Navigating Cultural Competency." Presenter, Professional Development for Southeastern Theatre Conference Fall Convention and Board Retreat. Charlotte, NC, August 2018.
“Unveiling the Witch: Defying Gender-Based Fate through Performance.” Lecturer, Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Luce Center, Washington, DC, October 8, 2016.
Director’s Forum. Panelist. Theater J, Washington, DC, 2013.
“Arts Education: Process versus Product.” Lecturer. Joint conference with Educational Theatre Company and Russian State Academic Theatre. Hosted by Arlington Public Schools and The Center for Global Connections, Arlington, VA, February 2011.
SOLO ARTIST WORKSHOPS
Community Engagement in Theatre of the Oppressed, Montgomery College, October 2022.
Performing Our Past, Creating Our Future: Verbatim Theatre, Prince George's Artist/Teacher Institute, July 2022
Devising for Social Action, The Actors' Center of DC, September 2020.
Devising for Social Action, Virginia Theatre Association, July 2020
Devising for Social Action, AATE Theater in Our Schools Conference, Bethesda, MD, April 2016
Bridging Languages: From Verbal Text to Physical Performance, AATE Theater in Our Schools Conference, 2015
Day of the Dead Mask and Movement Workshop, Catholic University, 2014
Street Theater Intensive, Co-taught with Brian Foley, Synetic Theater, 2013
Slapstick and Physical Comedy in Shakespeare, Thomas Jefferson High School, Alexandria, VA, 2004-2012
Creative Classroom: K-1 Integration, McKinley Elementary School, Arlington, VA, 2011-2014
Creative Collaboration: Parent and Child Arts Workshop, McKinley Elementary School, Arlington, VA 2010
The Arts and Core Curriculum, McKinley Elementary School, Arlington, VA, 2007-2009
Repurposed Puppets, Newseum @ Sursum Library, Washington, DC 2005
Hand-made Puppets, Hirschhorn Museum, 2002
SOLO ARTIST FAMILY PERFORMANCES AND WORKSHOPS
Hirschhorn Museum, Newseum, National Zoological Park, DC Public Libraries, Prince George’s Public Library, City of Gaithersburg, Montgomery County Public Schools and Class Acts Arts
EDUCATION/TRAINING
M.F.A. in Directing, Catholic University
B.A. in Drama, Magna cum Laude, Catholic University
AWARDS
Broadway World DC Best Theatre for Young Audiences Production (Dr. Wonderful at Keegan Theatre), 2022
Outstanding Creative Works, Bowie State University, 2021
DCBX Veinte Award, Washington, DC 2019
Young Faculty Award, Bowie State University, College of Arts and Sciences, 2019
Anacostia Arts Residency and ARCH Development Grant, 2017-2018 (Convergence Theatre)
Tom Behm Scholarship for Professional Development, Southeastern Theatre Conference 2017
CulturalDC Mead Theater Lab Grant, 2016-2017 (Convergence Theatre)
CulturalDC Mead Theater Lab Grant, 2015-2016 (Convergence Theatre)
Graduate Assistantship, Catholic University, 2012-2015
UNIONS: SDC (Associate Member); SAG-AFTRA
CELL: 703-328-8868
EMAIL: elenavelasco.director@gmail.com
Unions/Professional Organizations: SDC, SAG-AFTRA, AATE
Education: M.F.A. in Directing and B.A. in Drama, Magna Cum Laude, from Catholic University.
Awards: 2023 SDCF Barbara Whitman Award; The Amazing Adventures of Dr. Wonderful, Keegan Theater, (Director/Choreographer), Broadway World DC Best Theatre For Young Audiences Award, 2022; Pipeline, Special Achievement in Direction by a Faculty Artist, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival; Outstanding Creative Works Award, Bowie State University, 2021; DCBX Veinte Award, 2019; Young Faculty Award, Bowie State University, 2019; Anacostia Arts Center Resident Company and ARCH Development Grant Recipient, 2017-2018 (Convergence Theatre); Tom Behm Professional Development Scholarship, SETC 2017; CulturalDC Mead Theatre Lab Grant, 2015-2017 (Convergence Theatre); Catholic University Graduate Assistantship, 2012-2015.
"In the Heights at NextStop Theatre," Embracing Arlington Arts hosted by Janet Kopenhaver
embracing-arlington-arts.org/elena-velasco-nextstop-theatre/
American Theatre Artists Online hosted by Stefan Sittig
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elena-velasco/id1517333279?i=1000477118554
"Cultural Equity" - Podcast with Elena Velasco and Embracing Arlington Arts
https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/embracing-arlington-arts/id/14712599
Theatre Washington Feature:
Take Ten Interview with Elena Velasco, Artistic Director of Convergence Theatre
theatrewashington.org/content/take-ten-elena-velasco
American Theatre Artists Online Podcast Interview - hosted by Stefan Sittig
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elena-velasco/id1517333279?i=1000477118554
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRICULUM VITAE
POSITIONS HELD
Bowie State University
Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts; Theatre Production Coordinator August 2017-present
- Provide instruction and build curriculum for the following courses: Senior Seminar (THEA 461/462), Directing (THEA 407/408), Play Production (THEA 401/402), Advanced Acting (THEA 306), Children's Theatre (THEA 304), Scene Study/Acting 2 (THEA 206), Stage Movement (THEA 108), Theatre, Beginning Acting (THEA 106), Culture and Society (THEA 105), Acting for Non-Majors (THEA 100)
- Serve as production coordinator for all Theatre Arts performances. Additionally manages marketing, PR, and contracting of guest artists
- Curate MasterClass series of visiting guest artists
- Build and maintain the BSU Theatre Arts listserv and The Hub, a community website for theatre arts students and alums
- Lead BSU's First Improvisation Troupe and award-winning BSU Devised Theatre Ensemble
- Advisor for Student Executive Producers Board
- Serve on College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee
- Build, maintain and deliver content for hybrid coursework (Blackboard)
- Provide students with individual counseling, written and verbal progress reports, and performance opportunities
- Collaborate with Fine and Performing Arts faculty for season planning
- Co-Chair and co-curator of BSU/Build Serve Unite Socially Engaged Art Symposium
American Alliance for Theatre and Education
Chair, Professional Theatre Network, October 2022 - present
Leaders of Color Institute Committee, July 2020 - present
Co-Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access, July 2017 - July 2022
Co-Chair, Youth Theatre Network, July 2016-August 2017
- Facilitate workshops on inclusion, diversity and equity through community engagement
- Establish communication among theatre artists and educators to provide a virtual space to exchange programming ideas, lesson plans, discuss human resource issues, and build community.
- Lead professional development sessions at the annual AATE National Conference.
- Lead workshops for local Theatre in our Schools conferences.
Catholic University of America, Washington, DC
Instructor, Introduction to Speech Communications (DR 205)
Teaching Assistant, Theater I (DR 101) and Theater 2 (DR 104)
Professor, Summer Drama Institute (DR 99)
August 2012-July 2015
July 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 (Summer Drama Institute)
- Create and implement the syllabus for Speech Communications, a course focused on the fundamentals of public speaking, development of presentations, dramatic interpretation and non-verbal communication.
- Provide students with individual counseling, written and verbal progress reports, and performance opportunities.
- As teaching assistant for Drama 101, grade weekly student essays, manage course blackboard, and conduct lectures and discussions on contemporary dramatic works.
- Provide instruction on movement theater, non-verbal performance, and stage composition.
Synetic Theater, Arlington, VA
Guest Director; Associate Artist; Summer Camp Director; Faculty, June 2006-March 2020
Company Member - present
- Create and implement syllabus for Teen Acting courses.
- Design and implement instruction for Teaching Artist professional development.
- Devise Summer Curriculum and Camp programming.
- Manage camp budget exceeding 100K.
- Supervise summer programs and administration – hire and schedule teaching artists, communicate with families and students, manage facilities and staff.
Imagination Stage & Imagination Quest, Bethesda, MD
Affiliated Artist/Co-Creator for Óyeme - 2014 - 2019
Guest Director of Student Companies – 2002-2005; 2015
Teaching Artist and Theater Curriculum Specialist, Dec. 1999-June 2008; Fall 2014-Fall 2017
Outreach Coordinator, August 2001-July 2002
· Imagination Stage highlights include:
o Co-creator of and affiliated artist with Óyeme, Imagination Stage's collaborative project that responds to the surge of refugee children fleeing violence in Central America who have arrived in the DC area.
o Co-presenter for Professional Development Workshops for public and private school educators.
o Developed Arts Integration lesson plans for K-12 addressing language arts, history, and science.
o Directed and choreographed conservatory students on a full length production.
Educational Theatre Company, Arlington, VA
Director of Outreach; Director of Musical Revue; Teaching Artist – August 2001– August 2015
- Educational Theatre Company highlights include:
- From 2002-2012, directed and managed Shakespeare in the Schools, a secondary school offering of repertory performances and workshops on classical text. Featured plays included Romeo and Juliet, Midsummer Night’s Dream, and As You Like It. This program reached over 2000 students annually.
- Designed and taught Professional Development workshops for public school educators on Arts Integration and Arts Education.
- Created four new theater education programs:
- Musical Revue – Summer training program for Grades 3-12.
- Creative Classroom - elementary language arts drama.
- Drama Days – daylong, multidiscipline performance Master Classes.
- Creative Collaboration - Parent-child workshop on home-based dramatic creation and learning.
COURSES TAUGHT
Bowie State University - Fall 2017 - present
Senior Seminar (THEA 461/462)
Directing (THEA 407/408)
Play Production (THEA 401/402)
Advanced Acting (THEA 306)
Children's Theatre (THEA 304)
Scene Study (THEA 206)
Stage Movement II (THEA 108)
Beginning Acting (THEA 106)
Intro to Theatre, Culture and Society (THEA 105)
Acting for Non-Majors (THEA 100)
Catholic University of America – Fall 2012-Spring 2015
Summer 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019
Instructor, Introduction to Speech Communications (DR 205)
Teaching Assistant, Theater I (DR 101) and Theater 2 (DR 104)
Summer Drama Institute (DR 99)
Extracurricular Instructor, Physical Conditioning and Fitness
American University, Summer 2006
Guest Lecturer, Arts Integration Professional Development, (CPDE)
Synetic Theater, 2006-2018
Teen Acting 1: Process and Character
Street Theater
Musical Theater
Teaching Artist Professional Development
Educational Theatre Company, 2000-2015
Improvisation
Creative Drama
Musical Theater
Shakespeare: Performance
Shakespeare: Text Analysis
Imagination Stage, 1999-2008
Improvisation
Creative Drama
Musical Theater
Classika Theater, 2000-2004
Improvisation
Creative Drama
Musical Theater
Mount Vernon Community Theater, Fall 1996-2002
Improvisation
Creative Drama
Interact Story Theater, Silver Spring, MD – September 2000-2002
Storybook Drama
ARTS INTEGRATION RESIDENCIES – IMAGINATION STAGE, 2000-2008; 2014-2016
Gaithersburg High School, English as Second Language, Gaithersburg, MD
SEED Secondary School, Washington, DC
Galway Elementary School, Silver Spring, MD
Jefferson-Houston School, Alexandria, VA
Kenmore Middle School, Alexandria, VA
Simon Elementary School, Washington, DC
Green Elementary School, Washington, DC
Nalle Elementary School, Washington, DC
Potomac Elementary School, Potomac, MD
ARTS INTEGRATION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS – IMAGINATION STAGE, 2003-2008
Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore, MD
DC Public Schools, Washington, DC
Kenmore Middle School, Alexandria, VA
Jefferson-Houston School, Alexandria, VA
Harmony Hills School, Silver Spring, MD
Montgomery County Public Schools, Bethesda, MD
PUBLICATIONS
"Celebrating Black Femme Vision in Dreamgirls at Bowie State University." DC Theatre Arts, April 2022. https://dctheaterarts.org/2022/04/18/celebrating-black-femme-vision-in-dreamgirls-at-bowie-state-university/
"Questioning Social Justice: A Dialogue on Performance, Activism, and Being In-Between." Routledge Companion on Applied Performance. Co-written with Dr. Asif Majid. Routledge Publications, December 2020.
"Representation and Advocacy through EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion): Forward Momentum," Co-written with Jason Joel Rodriguez. Incite-Insight AATE Online Magazine, January 2018.
"The Bilingual Classroom: Teaching through Verbal and Physical Text." Arts Integration in Education - Teachers and Teaching Artists as Agents of Change. Edited by Dr. Gail Humphries Mardirosian and Yvette Pelletier Lewis. Bristol: Intellect Publishing, May 2016.
www.amazon.com/Arts-Integration-Education-Teachers-Teaching/dp/1783205253/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473272129&sr=8-1&keywords=Arts+integration+in+Education
NATIONAL CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
“Representar el cambio: Immersive Theatre for a New Age.” Presenter, American Alliance for Theatre and Education National Conference, Providence, RI, July 2022.
“Womxn of Color in Non-Profits: Leading Change.” Southeastern Theatre Conference, March 2021. (virtual)
“Physical Conditioning for the Kinesthetic Performer.” Women’s Theatre Festival of North Carolina, July 2020. (virtual)
“Dual Language: Transforming Verbal Text into Physical Performance.” Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region 4, University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, SC, February 2020.
“Creating and Defining Performance and Production through Visual and Visceral Language.” Co-Presented with Kathryn Kawecki at Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region 2, University of Maryland, College Park, January 2020
“Devised Theatre for Community Engagement.” Co-Presented with Asif Majid at Build-Serve-Unite at Bowie State University: A Symposium on Socially Engaged Art, Bowie, MD, September 2019.
“The Voiceless Must Shout: Agitprop, Mask and Gesture.” Co-Presented with Johanna Smith at the American Alliance for Theatre and Education National Conference, New York, NY, August 2019.
“Telling Our Stories: Claiming Space for Marginalized Populations.” Co-Presented with Jason Joel Rodriguez at the American Alliance for Theatre and Education National Conference, Minneapolis, MN, August 2018.
“The Mask Movement: Heightening Social Action through Puppetry and Movement.” Co-Presented with Johanna Smith at the American Alliance for Theatre and Education National Conference, Minneapolis, MN, August 2018.
“Define, Investigate, Generate and Engage: Diversity in Theatre.” Co-presented with Shontelle Thrash at the Southeastern Theatre Conference National Convention, Mobile, AL, March 2018.
“The Bilingual Classroom: Teaching through Verbal and Physical Language.” Presented at the Arts Integration in Education Summit. Columbia, MO, November 2017
“Cultural Reboot: Descubre las Maravillas en Su Vida”. Co-presented with Johanna Smith at the American Alliance for Theatre and Education National Conference. New Orleans, LA, August 2017
“Devising through Puppetry: Tools for Kinetic Collaboration.” Co-Presented with Johanna Smith at the American Alliance for Theatre and Education National Conference. Boston, MA, July 2016
REGIONAL CONFERENCE AND SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATIONS
"Don't Steal the Story: Creating Ethical Devised Theatre with Diverse Communities." Presenter, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region 2, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (virtual), January 2022.
“Students and Faculty Sharing Space at the Table.” Co-presented with Kathryn Kawecki at Faculty Showcase 2021 Silver Linings: Lessons Learned from Teaching in a Pandemic. Center for Academic Innovation, USM, October 2021.
“Urban Improv.” Parent/Professional Advocacy League. Co-presented with Urban Improv Ensemble, Boston, MA, March 2021. (virtual)
"Physical Conditioning for the Kinesthetic Artist." Presented at the Women's Theatre Festival, Virtual, July 2020.
“Creating and Defining Performance and Production through Visual and Visceral Language.” Co-Presented with Kathryn Kawecki at Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region 2, University of Maryland, College Park, January 2020
“Devised Theatre for Community Engagement.” Co-Presented with Asif Majid at Build-Serve-Unite at Bowie State University: A Symposium on Socially Engaged Art, Bowie, MD, September 2019.
“Telling Our Story: Claiming Space for Marginalized Populations.” Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region IV, Clemson University, South Carolina, February 2019.
“Cultural Competency.” Board Retreat for Southeastern Theatre Conference, North Carolina, August 2018.
“Devising for Social Action.” Presented at the AATE Theater in Our Schools Conference, Bethesda, MD, April 2016.
“Dual Language: Translating Verbal Text into Physical Performance.” Presented at AATE Theater in our Schools Mini-Conference. Hosted by American Alliance for Theatre and Education. Silver Spring, MD, March, 2015.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Guest Artist/Respondent, Hollins Playwright’s Festival 2022, Hollins University, Roanoke, Virginia, July 2022.
“Just Like Us: Latinx-Hispanic Roles in Theater.” George Mason University, April 30, 2022.
Guest Artist/Respondent, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia, March 2022.
Guest Speaker, Playwright’s Lab Summer Launch, Hollins University, Roanoke, Virginia, July 2021.
"Diversity in Theatre," The Actors Center of DC, Annual Meeting, September 2021.
"Forum on Race and Representation in Casting." Panelist, Southeastern Theatre Conference, Greensboro, NC, March 2021.
Devised Theatre Guest Artist/Respondent, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania (virtual), January 2021.
"Power Plays." Panelist, Montgomery College, Rockville, MD, October 2020.
"The Green Room: BIPOC Artists in Theatre." Panelist, Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA. October 2020.
"Is the Dance Community Silent?" Panelist, SOLE Defined Dance Ensemble, June 2020.
"Fusion and Innovation." Panelist, Madloba Physical Theatre Conference, Synetic Theater, May 2020.
"Taking the Patriarchy Out of Directing." Panelist, Women's Theatre Festival of North Carolina, March 2020.
New Playwriting Program Guest Artist/Respondent, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Clemson University, South Carolina, February 2020.
New Playwriting Program Guest Artist/Respondent, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Clemson University, South Carolina, February 2019.
"Navigating Cultural Competency." Presenter, Professional Development for Southeastern Theatre Conference Fall Convention and Board Retreat. Charlotte, NC, August 2018.
“Unveiling the Witch: Defying Gender-Based Fate through Performance.” Lecturer, Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Luce Center, Washington, DC, October 8, 2016.
Director’s Forum. Panelist. Theater J, Washington, DC, 2013.
“Arts Education: Process versus Product.” Lecturer. Joint conference with Educational Theatre Company and Russian State Academic Theatre. Hosted by Arlington Public Schools and The Center for Global Connections, Arlington, VA, February 2011.
SOLO ARTIST WORKSHOPS
Community Engagement in Theatre of the Oppressed, Montgomery College, October 2022.
Performing Our Past, Creating Our Future: Verbatim Theatre, Prince George's Artist/Teacher Institute, July 2022
Devising for Social Action, The Actors' Center of DC, September 2020.
Devising for Social Action, Virginia Theatre Association, July 2020
Devising for Social Action, AATE Theater in Our Schools Conference, Bethesda, MD, April 2016
Bridging Languages: From Verbal Text to Physical Performance, AATE Theater in Our Schools Conference, 2015
Day of the Dead Mask and Movement Workshop, Catholic University, 2014
Street Theater Intensive, Co-taught with Brian Foley, Synetic Theater, 2013
Slapstick and Physical Comedy in Shakespeare, Thomas Jefferson High School, Alexandria, VA, 2004-2012
Creative Classroom: K-1 Integration, McKinley Elementary School, Arlington, VA, 2011-2014
Creative Collaboration: Parent and Child Arts Workshop, McKinley Elementary School, Arlington, VA 2010
The Arts and Core Curriculum, McKinley Elementary School, Arlington, VA, 2007-2009
Repurposed Puppets, Newseum @ Sursum Library, Washington, DC 2005
Hand-made Puppets, Hirschhorn Museum, 2002
SOLO ARTIST FAMILY PERFORMANCES AND WORKSHOPS
Hirschhorn Museum, Newseum, National Zoological Park, DC Public Libraries, Prince George’s Public Library, City of Gaithersburg, Montgomery County Public Schools and Class Acts Arts
EDUCATION/TRAINING
M.F.A. in Directing, Catholic University
B.A. in Drama, Magna cum Laude, Catholic University
AWARDS
Broadway World DC Best Theatre for Young Audiences Production (Dr. Wonderful at Keegan Theatre), 2022
Outstanding Creative Works, Bowie State University, 2021
DCBX Veinte Award, Washington, DC 2019
Young Faculty Award, Bowie State University, College of Arts and Sciences, 2019
Anacostia Arts Residency and ARCH Development Grant, 2017-2018 (Convergence Theatre)
Tom Behm Scholarship for Professional Development, Southeastern Theatre Conference 2017
CulturalDC Mead Theater Lab Grant, 2016-2017 (Convergence Theatre)
CulturalDC Mead Theater Lab Grant, 2015-2016 (Convergence Theatre)
Graduate Assistantship, Catholic University, 2012-2015
UNIONS: SDC (Associate Member); SAG-AFTRA
CELL: 703-328-8868
EMAIL: elenavelasco.director@gmail.com
Hansel and Gretel. Co-adapted, directed and choreographed by Elena Velasco and Tori Bertocci. Featuring Justin Jarod Bell, Sharisse Taylor, and Raven Wilkes. Set Design by Phil Charlwood. Prop and Puppet design by Phil da Costa. Costumes by Dominique Gabby. Stage managed by Tess Wagner. Photo credit by Johnny Shyrock.