The Young Shakespeareans
Transforming Futures through the Power of Arts Education
RICHARD VELAZQUEZ
Richard Velazquez serves as Board Chair of The Young Shakespeareans, bringing more than two decades of experience across arts education, drama-based youth work, and executive television production.
Richard began his career as a teaching artist and drama therapy facilitator in New York City, working with organizations such as The Children’s Aid Society, Theater for a New Audience, and Enact. During this time, he taught Shakespeare, performance, and creative self-expression to students ranging from elementary through high school, many from vulnerable or high-need communities. His work focused on building confidence, emotional literacy, and resilience through theater.
In parallel, Richard built a long-running career in television production, serving as a co-executive producer on alternative and documentary programming for major networks including Discovery Channel, History Channel, and National Geographic. His production work required leadership across large teams, complex logistics, budgeting, and high-stakes creative decision-making.
Richard is an alumnus of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the University of Vermont, and is a certified mindfulness meditation teacher through Sounds True and the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley. He is fluent in English and Spanish. As Board Chair, Richard is focused on strong governance, sustainable growth, and expanding access to high-quality Shakespeare and theater education for young people across Los Angeles.
Nancy is a 40-minute autobiographical solo performance by Richard Velazquez, about a Puerto Rican kid from Brooklyn, the step-sister who taught him to dance, and everything that came between them. Through childhood in New Jersey, Jehovah's Witnesses, roller rinks, grief, and forgiveness, it's a first-generation Latinx man on stage, telling the truth.
Winner of Best Solo, Best Drama, Top of Festival, and the Barbara Colby Scholarship Award at the 30 Minutes or Less Festival, and a 2026 Award of Merit from NAMBA Performing Arts Space.