Diana E.H. Shortez is a performing artist, writer, director, producer and arts educator, who has been living and working in New Orleans, LA since the year 2000. Before making New Orleans her home, Diana received a self-designed Interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts degree from Antioch College in Feminist Literary Theatre. 

The proud recipient of two Big Easy Awards for Best Actress, Diana has appeared on stage in leading roles for dozens of classic and contemporary productions. She has also enjoyed working as a theatrical director, designer, production manager and touring stage manager. Her experience in the music industry includes having worked as both stage hand and green room hostess for the House of Blues, New Orleans. 

Serving as Artist in Residence for the New Orleans based Dog and Pony Theatre Co. from 2001-2009, Diana was instrumental in all elements of production for that company during her tenure, including their annual Shakespeare in City Park series, Shakespeare in the Recovery School District, an eighteen month residency at the Contemporary Arts Center and collaborations with other local arts organizations including New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and The Tennessee Williams Festival. 

To date, Diana has created, produced and performed four highly acclaimed original solo works for the stage, both independently and in conjunction with the New Orleans Fringe Festival. She has also produced and directed six writing for performance workshops, which have served as incubators and showcase platforms for other performers who later went on to successfully launch their work in a broader market.

Ms. Shortez began working as an arts educator in 2002, and is a certified Kripalu Yoga instructor with a focus on trauma recovery. She has had both specialized training and experience working with incarcerated youth, homeless youth, veterans, the elderly and students of the Arts. She looks forward to further incorporating storytelling and dramatic techniques in her work as a somatic movement instructor, and expanding her career to include both filmmaking and publishing.