TCG Recognizes 5 Puerto Rican Artists as 2026 Rising Leaders

The 2026 Rising Leaders of Puerto Rico cohort, clockwise from top left: Xavier Ortiz Torres, Liam A. Gómez-Pedraza, Guillermo Díaz Martínez, Raquel Torre González, and Yadiel Vispo.

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June 4, 2026 American Theatre Editors Leave a comment

TCG Names 5 Puerto Rican Artists as 2026 Rising Leaders

This year’s Rising Leaders program highlights emerging artists within the Puerto Rican diaspora, ahead of the upcoming TCG conference on the island.

By American Theatre Editors

NEW YORK CITY: Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for theatre, has announced the five participants selected for the 2026 Rising Leaders of Puerto Rico program: Guillermo Díaz Martínez, Liam A. Gómez-Pedraza, Xavier Ortiz Torres, Raquel Torre González, and Yadiel Vispo. This 2026 cohort consists of artists within the Puerto Rican diaspora, including several alumni of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus (UPRRPC) theatre program. They began their yearlong participation in the program in May 2026 and will continue through June 2027. They will gather in person for the first time at TCG’s National Conference on June 10-13, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“The Rising Leaders program reflects TCG’s commitment to supporting those who will shape the future of our field,” said Emilya Cachapero, co-executive director of national and global programming at TCG. “This year’s cohort represents an inspiring range of artistic practices, leadership approaches, and community-rooted visions for theatre. We are honored to support these remarkable leaders as they deepen their work, expand their networks, and continue imagining the future of theatre in Puerto Rico.”

A core TCG professional development initiative, the Rising Leaders program brings national recognition to emerging theatre leaders, creates a learning space grounded in affinity and accountability, and expands participants’ networks through meaningful relationships with peers and established leaders across the country. Participants receive a full registration scholarship to attend TCG’s 2026 National Conference in San Juan, professional development opportunities throughout the program year, networking with leaders across the national theatre field, one-on-one career counseling with TCG staff, and program resources designed to support their continued growth and leadership development.

Guillermo Díaz Martínez is an actor, educator, producer, and cultural manager originally from Corozal, Puerto Rico, active in theatre, film, and television. He holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre and education and a master’s degree in cultural management and administration with an emphasis on performing arts from UPRRPC. During his undergraduate studies, he was an actor and production team member with Teatro Rodante Universitario and Teatro Repertorio . He has nearly a decade of experience in education as a theatre teacher at the elementary and secondary school levels. As a cultural manager, he has collaborated on initiatives and projects related to the performing arts, education, and community engagement. He is the executive director and co-founder of Colectivo 7, Inc. , a nonprofit theatre organization dedicated to the production, education, and accessibility of theatrical and cultural projects with social and community impact.

Liam A. Gómez-Pedraza is a choreographer, director, producer, arts and culture professional, and transdisciplinary researcher in dance, performance, and theatre from Caguas, Puerto Rico. His research focuses on neurodivergence and how, through a transdisciplinary approach, it is possible to stage the lived experiences of various neurodivergent manifestations, including ADHD, schizophrenia, and anxiety. He earned his MA in cultural management and administration as a Mellon MAGAC Fellow at UPRRPC, where he founded the Laboratorio Preliminal, a transdisciplinary space for artistic research that has developed productions including Preliminal (2023), ABISMAL (2025), and Ritual (2026). He has published in Tangible Territory (Issue 9, 2026) and Ingenios (UPR, 2023). He is a contemporary dance and performance teacher at Pasos Academia de Baile and as production and stage management assistant at Teatro en 15 .

Xavier Ortiz Torres is a Puerto Rican actor, improviser, writer, director, and creative communicator whose work lives at the intersection of theatre, comedy, community engagement, and science communication. He holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary natural sciences with a second concentration in theatre from UPRRPC. His artistic practice is rooted in curiosity, collaboration, humor, and the belief that performance can open spaces for reflection, learning, and collective care. Xavier is an active member of Teatro Breve , where he has worked as an actor, improviser, writer, and director on projects such as Noches de Impro and Algo Extra. His work explores storytelling, improvisation, leadership, and the possibilities of comedy as entertainment and social commentary. In collaboration with CienciaPR , he has developed creative communication projects connected to public health, science, and community-based education across Puerto Rico.

Raquel Torre González is a Boricua theatremaker based in Chicago with a background in new work development, physical performance, and community-grounded spectacle. She’s been creating, directing, producing, and performing all types of theatre for almost two decades. She was the 2024-25 Goodman Theatre Michael Maggio Directing Fellow and, since 2013, has been creating original work through La Vuelta Theatre Lab with her partner Jean Claudio. She’s passionate about artistic facilitation and teaching artistry. She teaches workshops and leads guided experiences, as well as a course on Latinx theatre at Aurora University. Select Chicago directing credits include BOOK UP! , The Lizard y El Sol ( Goodman ); Farewell Opportunity ( Filament Theatre ); Aquí o Allá ( Actors Gymnasium ); Memorabilia ( Teatro Vista ); Kid Prince and Pablo ( Lifeline Theatre ); Back in the Day ( UrbanTheater Company ). She holds a BA in theatre from Puerto Rico’s Universidad de Sagrado Corazón, a certificate in movement and devised theatre from Argentina’s Cabuia Teatro , and an MFA in devised performance practice from LISPA/Columbia College Chicago.

Yadiel Vispo is a Puerto Rican theatre director, actor, choreographer, dancer, playwright, and arts educator. He holds a BA in drama from UPRRPC. He is the founder and director of Pasos en las Tablas , a nonprofit theatre dedicated to creating accessible theatre experiences and providing training and professional opportunities for emerging and established artists. Directing and choreography credits include Urinetown , Legally Blonde, Singin’ in the Rain , Chicago , Mamma Mia! , and Something Rotten! , as well as original works such as Metamorfosis , Bombazo Navideño , Vámonos , and (Des)encuentro . As a performer, he works across musical theatre, experimental theatre, performance, and contemporary dance. He also works as a lighting technician and designer with Teatro en 15 .

Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for theatre, leads for a just and thriving theatre ecology. Since its founding in 1961, TCG’s constituency has grown from a handful of groundbreaking theatres to over 500 member theatres and affiliate organizations and over 3,000 individual members. Through its programs and services, TCG reaches over one million students, audience members, and theatre professionals each year.

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#TCG26 Emilya Cachapero Guillermo Díaz Martínez Liam A. Gómez-Pedraza Raquel Torre González Rising Leaders of Color Showcase TCG National Conference Xavier Ortiz Torres Yadiel Vispo

_Originally reported by [American Theatre](https://www.americantheatre.org/2026/06/04/tcg-names-5-puerto-rican-artists-as-2026-rising-leaders/)._