Jesús Quintero is an accomplished theatre educator, director, and researcher specializing in Applied Theatre and Performing Studies for Healing. He began his career in Colombia, where he developed global Educational and Diversity Inclusion programs to empower underserved communities.

Jesús is the Founder and Artistic Director of the American Laboratory Theatre, an International School of Theatre Practice on Mental and Emotional Wellness. He completed his MS in Art Education at Florida State University in 2023 and is pursuing an MA in Performance Studies at New York University, where he is actively involved with the Tisch School of the Arts community.

His academic and professional endeavors are rooted in using theatre as a tool for social change, focusing on addressing the challenges Latino immigrants and refugees face.

Why PS @ NYU? 

My decision to study Performance Studies was a natural progression of my lifelong dedication to exploring the transformative power of theatre and the arts. This dedication was sparked in Colombia, where I witnessed firsthand how Applied Theatre could uplift underserved communities and address deep-seated social issues. As I continued to work globally—from Brazil and Italy to India and Russia—I saw the profound impact that performance can have on individuals and communities, particularly in contexts of healing and social justice.

My academic pursuits, including completing my MS in Art Education at Florida State University, have always been driven by a desire to integrate artistic practice with education and therapeutic methodologies. Performance Studies at NYU, with its interdisciplinary approach that encompasses theory, anthropology, and social engagement, provides the ideal environment to deepen my research and expand my practice. It allows me to critically examine the role of performance in society, while also developing new strategies to address the challenges faced by marginalized groups, such as Latino immigrants and refugees.

Performance Studies offers a unique space to blend my practical experience with academic inquiry. This enables me to contribute meaningfully to the field and continue using the arts as a powerful tool for social change.