About
Anthony Torres is a writer, performer, and Executive Director of Combat Hippies, an ensemble of Puerto Rican military veteran performing artists based in Miami, Florida. Led by renowned theater artist and director Teo Castellanos, the company was founded during a creative writing workshop for veterans in 2015 which culminated with their inaugural theater piece, “Conscience Under Fire.” Their work also explores the search for meaning, purpose, and identity through enlisting in the military, as well as Puerto Rico’s cultural heritage. Anthony has a master’s degree in Social Work from Barry University and is a 2021 Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellow.
“I sought to participate in this opportunity because I have begun shifting my career focus as a licensed clinical social worker in a therapeutic setting towards a deeper arts focus. I have begun exploring opportunities to delve deeper into my culture and identity as a Latinx performing artist, administrator, workshop facilitator, and arts consultant. I believe NALAC’s Leadership Institute can best guide me in leveraging relationships with grantors and arts organizations, assume a greater role in supporting Latinx artists, and taking a leadership role in the Puerto Rican diaspora.”