Jessica Cortez
Jessica Cortez (she/her) is a Chicana theatre artist from San Diego, CA currently living and creating in Brooklyn, NY. In 2020, Jessica graduated from the CUNY School of Professional Studies MA in Applied Theatre program where she was awarded the Graduate Apprenticeship for Diversity in Applied Theatre. Over the past six years, she has worked as a teaching artist with arts organizations including the Creative Arts Team, Ping Chong + Company, Girls Leadership, Teatro Izcalli, and the San Diego Opera. Jessica received her BA in both Ethnic Studies and Theatre Arts with a certification in Leadership/Nonprofit Management from the University of San Diego.
She is passionate about centering people of color in all of her creative work and views theatre as a tool for community building, education, and activism. Jessica has performed as an actor, stilt walker, ballet folklorico dancer and fire spinner. Most recently, Jessica was awarded a scholarship to participate in Sandglass Theater’s puppetry intensive and has been exploring ways in which puppetry can be utilized for storytelling and celebration.
Get to know Jessica Cortez
What role can art and culture play in shaping the future of your neighborhood or the city at large?
Art and culture has the power to bring joy and celebration to communities. To spark imagination and play. To inspire critical thought and reflection. Art and culture nourishes us.