About Me

I’m Anna Skidis Vargas, a director, actor, playmaker, and educator. I currently serve as Resident Director and Assistant Professor of Performing Arts at St. Edward's University and Mary Moody Northen Theatre in Austin, Texas. I hold an M.F.A. in Directing from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.A. in Performance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

My directing work spans across a variety of theaters, including ZACH Theatre, First Stage, Texas State University, and the University of Texas at Austin, to name a few. I’m also honored to be part of the 2018-21 Rising Leaders of Color cohort with Theatre Communications Group (TCG). In addition, I’m the Founding Artistic Director of Theatre Nuevo in St. Louis, where I had the privilege of developing original works that highlight diverse narratives.

As a playwright and deviser, my work is a blend of humor, cultural depth, and social commentary. I focus on reimagining classic narratives and Mexican-American myths, bringing them to life with a contemporary, feminist lens. Whether through radio plays, devised theater, or experimental performances, my work explores complex themes of identity, family, and the human experience, often with a comedic twist that captures the messy, poignant beauty of life.

As an actor and singer, I’ve received recognition for my performances, including two Circle Awards for Outstanding Performance and being named Saint Louis’ Best Female Vocalist by the Riverfront Times in 2014. Some of my favorite roles include Yitzhak in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Daniela in In the Heights, and Cheryl in Evil Dead: The Musical.

At St. Edward's, I teach courses in Directing, Devising, Theatre for Social Change, and introductory Acting. I’m passionate about fostering a brave space where students can develop both their craft and their voice, preparing them to become the next generation of impactful storytellers.