Kristoffer Diaz

Kristoffer Díaz is an American playwright, librettist, screenwriter, and educator whose work often explores cultural identity, power dynamics, and the intersections of race and class. Born in New York (with Puerto Rican heritage), he studied at New York University, earning a B.A. from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study, followed by an M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing from NYU and another M.F.A. in Performing Arts Management from Brooklyn College. He draws on his own experiences and observations growing up in urban environments to infuse his writing with authenticity, energy, and a sharp social conscience.

Díaz rose to prominence with his play The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, a sharp and theatrical examination of professional wrestling, race, and exploitation. The play earned him a Pulitzer Prize finalist nomination and won both the Lucille Lortel Award and an OBIE Award. Beyond that, he has written a varied body of work including Welcome to Arroyo’s, Reggie Hoops, The Unfortunates, and a stage adaptation of Disney’s Hercules for The Public Theater’s Public Works program.

In addition to his theatre career, Díaz is an accomplished screenwriter. He has developed pilots for major networks such as HBO and FX, contributed as a writer to Netflix’s GLOW, and adapted the musical Rent for live television. He is also deeply committed to teaching: he works as a professor at New York University, teaching playwriting and dramatic writing, and serves in leadership roles in playwright organizations.