José Casas is a playwright and educator who is pursuing an MFA in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities at the University of Texas, Austin. Many of his works have been published and produced across the country. He has been the recipient of numerous writing awards in theatre for young audiences, including the Bonderman National Playwriting for Youth Award, and the AATE Distinguished Play Award. He is the current Multiculturalism and Diversity Director for the American Alliance for Theatre and Education. He is also the resident playwright for Rising Youth Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona.