Professor, Theatre
- MFA, University of California Los Angeles, Playwriting
- BA, San Diego State University, Theatre
Evelyn Díaz Cruz is a Professor of Theatre and Affiliate Faculty of Ethnic Studies at the University of San Diego and teaches courses on playwriting, acting, theatre of diversity, and a theatre and community course that partners with local community organizations towards a final theatrical performance. She has taken her innovative theatre practice internationally with two study abroad trips to Jamaica, West Indies and collaborates with Drew University’s Advantage Arts Program for their community engagement program in Newark, New Jersey.
Originally from the Bronx, New York, her vision as a playwright is Latina-centric and has been produced in San Diego, New Jersey and New York City. She recently published two plays in the anthology, Represent!: New Plays for Multicultural Youth, (Bloomsbury Press, March 2021) and is co-editor of the book, Applied Theatre With Youth: Education, Engagement, Activism (Routledge Press, July 2021).
As a professor she has been recognized for her innovative teaching and community engagement practices, which garnered her a University Professorship in 2019-’20. Past honors have included: The Moxie Theatre Award for Women, a KPBS Local Heroes Award in The Arts for Hispanic Heritage Month, a USD Innovations in Experiential Education and has been featured in the USD magazine as one of “The Best and Brightest Professors.”
Areas of Interest
Professor Cruz continues to collaborate with Drew University’s Advantage Arts Program and their community engagement curriculum. This year, for the second year in a row, their combined high-impact practices were acknowledged by the Association for American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) with a “Bringing Theory to Practice Grant” entitled, Cross-Country Theatre: A Bi-Coastal Examination of Applied Performance in Universities.
Professor Cruz’s combination of teaching, theatre making, scholarship and service-learning reflects her vested interest in the University of San Diego’s mission of compassionate service, inclusivity and commitment to social justice.
Office Hours
| Section 81 | |||
| 1/26 - 5/20 | M | 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm | SHH 118 |