Michael is a theatre-maker, educator, process  designer, writer and facilitator. His research and  creative practice is focused on civic imagination.  He has a 30+ year history of projects across  sectors bringing cultural activity to the work  of public engagement, … FULL BIO

JOHN CLINTON EISNER is a stage director and producer of classic and contemporary work as well as a story consultant for theater and media. For 27 years he served as Artistic Director of The Lark, … FULL BIO

MARIA MANUELA GOYANES (she/her) is the Artistic Director of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. Prior to joining Woolly, she served as the Director of Producing and Artistic Planning at The Public Theater, … FULL BIO

Jared Mezzocchi is a two-time OBIE Award-winning theater artist as a director, multimedia designer, playwright, and actor. Mezzocchi’s work has appeared at notable theaters nationwide, including The Kennedy Center, Geffen Playhouse, … FULL BIO

Irina Kruzhilina is a New York-based director, scenographer, visual dramaturg, experience designer and educator, creating work at the intersection of visual art, live performance, and civic engagement. She has collaborated with acclaimed artists and organizations including Doug Fitch, … FULL BIO

Joanna Sherman is Artistic Director of Bond Street Theatre. As director, actor and musician, she has conducted theatre projects in 60+ countries. The company collaborates with local organizations using theatre as a means to bring information to communities and promote social equity.  … FULL BIO

James Thompson is Professor of Applied Theatre at the University of Manchester. He has run theatre projects internationally and has written widely on applied theatre and socially-engaged arts. His most recent books are Performance Affects (2009), … FULL BIO

Howard Shalwitz, Associate Director of the Center for International Theatre Development (CITD) and Artistic Director Emeritus of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, is the 2014 winner of the prestigious Margo Jones Award for his lifetime commitment to new American plays.  … FULL BIO

Heather Raffo is a multi award-winning playwright and actress whose plays have been championed by The New Yorker as “an example of how art can remake the world”. She is the author and performer of NOURA (2018), … FULL BIO

Regional: Here There Are Blueberries (Shakespeare Theatre Company); Tiny Beautiful Things (Baltimore Center Stage); Confederates and The Cymbeline Project (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); In Darfur (Theater J); An Octoroon, Lenny & … FULL BIO

Ethan Heard is a director, producer, and teacher who makes theater to build community and foster love. He is Associate Artistic Director of Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA, where he has directed “The Bridges of Madison County”, … FULL BIO

Erwin Maas is a New York based theatermaker, curator, educator and international arts advocate from the Netherlands with extensive international experience across a variety of creative and community contexts. As a curious traveler, … FULL BIO