John Gutierrez ’10 is a multidisciplinary artist, creator, educator, and performer. If that sounds dizzying, it is, but Mr. Gutierrez wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s not easy being an artist but you’ve got to do what you find joy in.” Finding joy and following his curiosity have propelled him from his family’s home in Washington Heights to Hun’s campus and eventually to stages around the world. 

Mr. Gutierrez recently closed This Bridge Called My A$$, a New York Times Critics Pick, but there’s no time to revel in praise for this peripatetic performer. That very next day he was back to managing many moving parts, from teaching dance to performance rehearsals for upcoming shows. “I was the same way at Hun. I was on most pages of the yearbook. I checked out almost every club. I did everything and anything.” 

Theatre made the most impact on his life, though. “Before I came to Hun, I didn’t know you could make a living in theatre.” Then-director Aaron Bogad helped stoke his passion for the craft. “He sent me a care package one summer with the In the Heights album. It made me realize that not only do I have a place in this (theatre) world, but this is where I come from.” 

Mr. Gutierrez was awarded a full scholarship to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he earned a BFA. Since graduating, Mr. Gutierrez has amassed an impressive resume, working with world-renowned directors and choreographers and performing in venues all over the world. His work is informed by “a wide journey to understand who I am.” It’s a journey that took shape here at Hun. “During my senior year my Capstone project involved auditioning and working with Liz Swados.” Eventually, he joined the Great Jones Repertory Company, a company she helped found, and one of many he's involved with still. 

To catch John Gutierrez in an upcoming show, connect with him on Instagram @jmg160.