Andrés López-Alicea

A proudly Puerto Rican director, actor, and teaching artist based in New York. Graduated from The New School for Drama with a degree in MFA Directing. Back home I studied at the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in both Architecture and Drama. In 2010, I founded the company, Arte Zanquia’o, where I directed, produced, and acted in a variety of performances that ranged from improv shows to original works.

In 2015 I came to New York, where I joined the creative team of Teatro LATEA, producing improv shows with the award winning theater company, Teatro 220. As an actor I enjoy the opportunity of playing someone that I’m not and to connect with the audience by making them laugh, cry and think about the character’s emotional journey.

As a Director, I enjoy building a world with a group of collaborators in order to tell a story that can transcend the pages. My work as an artist has been seen in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Williamstown Theatre Festival, St Peter’s University NJ and Oregon Shakespeare Festival and The Village Theatre in WA. In New York at The Tank, NYU Tisch Musical Theatre, LATEA Theater, Story Pirates, The New School of Drama, MCC Theatre, Playwrights Realm, Ensemble Studio Theatre, The Cherry Lane Theater, The Song Collective and many more. In the past years I’ve been awarded with the 2019/2020 Clubbed Thumb Theater Directing Fellowship and the Roundabout Directors’ Group 2021-2022. As for my teaching experience, I have to say it… I LOVE TEACHING!. I’ve been blessed to be part of the teaching staff at Rybin Talent & Studio of Drama in Manhattan, Raíces Summer Camp, The New School and more. Places where I can share my knowledge in Theatre and TV and Film, inspiring every student to pursue this art with dedication and passion.

THEATRE, TV AND FILM, RYBIN STUDIO OF DRAMA                                    Dec 2019 - Present

Paterson, New Jersey

• Create a curriculum teaching fundamentals of Theatre Production and Acting.
• Create a curriculum teaching fundamentals of TV and Film
• Create a curriculum teaching fundamentals of Improvisation.
• Work with students from ages 10 to 18.
• Produce, write, and direct theatre shows as a final project.
• Involve students in the design process of costumes, set and props.
• Guide students on writing their own 10-minute plays and to write, act, film and edit their own short films.

TEACHING ARTSIT, ZARA AINA                                                                                             2022 - Present

Camden, Alabama and Rhinebeck, NY

• Inspire students to create, write and act on a new theatre show.
• Create a safe and stimulating environment that promotes creativity.
• Write original songs to be performed at the final presentation.
• Incorporate a variety of strategies and activities (movement, exercises, games, listening, etc) to tell a story.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR/PROFESSOR, THE NEW SCHOOL                                                  Spring 2022

New York, New York 

• Collaborate with the Director and Professor to teach and produce the end-of-year project.
• Guide students on their play development process and design.
• Assist on the set and prop design process and construction.

ACTING, TV AND FILM, PRE-COLLEGE YOUTH PROGRAMS                                    Summer 2021-2022

William Paterson University, New Jersey

• Create a curriculum teaching fundamentals of TV and Film
• Guide students to write, act, film and edit their own short films.
• Teach Acting and Improv techniques.
• Teach students how to produce a music video.
• Edit student’s film scenes and music videos.

THE NEW SCHOOL, NY                                                                                                                                 Graduated 2018

MFA Theatre Directing

UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO, PR                                                                                                        Graduated 2012

BA Drama and Architecture