From the stages of Texas A&I University to performances across the United States and internationally, Ruby Nelda Perez has built a remarkable career celebrating Chicano and Latino culture through theater. Her journey is one of passion, perseverance, and deep appreciation for the experiences that shaped her future.
Originally from Alice, Texas, Perez chose Texas A&I University, now Texas A&M University-Kingsville, for its proximity to home and its well-respected Drama Department. Having attended several university productions during high school, she was eager to explore her passion for theater. During her freshman year, she met Dr. Joe Rosenberg, a professor who would forever change her perspective on cultural representation in the performing arts. Alongside professors Dr. David Deacon and Dr. Buchanan, Rosenberg helped prepare Perez for a future she had only begun to imagine.
During her junior year, Perez was offered a full-time paid position as a theater artist in Houston. Recognizing the opportunity before her, she accepted and began a professional career that would take her to stages around the world. She went on to work with several theater companies, including El Teatro de la Esperanza in Santa Barbara, Teatro Bilingüe de Houston, and the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center in San Antonio.
One of the defining moments of her career came during her time with El Teatro de la Esperanza, where playwright Rodrigo Duarte Clark wrote two one-woman plays specifically for her: Doña Rosita Jalapeño Kitchen and Rosita’s Day of the Dead. These productions led to more than 500 performances throughout the United States, Mexico, Peru, and Cuba. Her career included appearances at renowned venues such as The Public Theater in New York, the Smithsonian Institution, the Kennedy Center, and the Whitney Museum.
For Perez, her greatest accomplishment has been the opportunity to proudly represent her Chicano and Latino heritage through theater. Her passion for the performing arts began in high school, where she discovered a community that welcomed individuality and creativity. That sense of belonging became the foundation of a career dedicated to sharing stories and connecting with audiences from different backgrounds.
While her career brought incredible opportunities, it also came with personal challenges. As a touring performer and mother of two daughters, Perez often spent extended periods away from home. With the support of her husband, family, and close friends, she was able to balance her responsibilities while continuing to pursue the work she loved. She considers her family and the values they share among her proudest personal accomplishments.
Although her career kept her traveling, Perez continued giving back through theater residencies, workshops, discussions, and classes in cities and rural communities. Through these experiences, she shared her knowledge and encouraged others to embrace the arts and their cultural identities.
Looking back, Perez remains grateful for the professors and experiences at Texas A&I that helped shape her career. She encourages current Javelinas to welcome opportunities, explore unfamiliar places, and remain appreciative of the people who support them along the way.
“Be open to new experiences, try new things, don’t be afraid to travel, to wonder, be humble, and be grateful.”
Ruby Nelda Perez’s journey is a testament to the opportunities available at Texas A&I and TAMUK. Through her dedication to theater and cultural storytelling, she continues to represent the Javelina spirit far beyond Kingsville.
