Speaking up!
Diversity, Arts in Education, and Community
Tony Plana is one of the most recognizable Latino actors of stage and screen and has directed, produced, and starred in more than 70 major films. Professionally trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, he is best known for his roles in several of Hollywood's most respected and venerable films.
Beyond the screen, Tony is transforming communities through the arts. He previously served as executive artistic director of the East L.A. Classic Theater, where he demonstrated his dedication to serving the Latino community through educational outreach theater programs. During his time with the East L.A. Classic Theater, Plana developed a unique and innovative literacy program called Language In Play. Today, Tony is the driving force behind Seniors In Play — a groundbreaking community program that provides seniors in all four quadrants of San Antonio a way to connect with themselves, to connect with each other, explore their inner life and express themselves, and improve their physical and mental activity in order to feel more fulfilled. This program serves as the foundation for the larger program - Arts in Play - which extends the benefits to kids and teens from traditionally underserved areas.
Plana is not only highly involved in media arts, but also very active in his community, having served on various boards including the American Red Cross, the Mariachi Heritage Foundation, the East L.A. Community Youth Center, and the Young Musicians Foundation created by Henry Mancini.
A noteworthy, substantive and engaging celebrity speaker who advocates for diversity and changes both hearts and minds, Tony speaks about the power of inclusion and teaches how different perspectives improve our interactions. Tony is now fully dedicated to promoting the powerful benefits of systemic inclusion and the essential integration of performing arts as part of the core educational experience. He emphasizes how different perspectives improve our interactions, inspire creativity, and increase productivity.
“What does an actor have to offer education? Communication skills. Not just intellectually, but emotionally and physically. ”
Speech Topics
Tony has presented on the following topics:
“Embracing the Spirit of Diversity”
“The Classroom as Theater”
"Aging and Family Values in a Multi Cultural Community"
"Bridging Cultures through Languages
"The Classroom As Theater"
"Embracing the Spirit of Multiculturalism”
“Language At Play”
“The Importance of the Arts in Urban Education”
”Literacy through Performing Arts”
“Language Acquisition and Culturally Responsive Process Drama”
“Diversity in Hollywood & Stereotypes”
"Hispanic Leadership"
“Seniors At Play”
Tony has been a keynote speaker and presenter at the following agencies and organizations:
Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund
National Association of Latino Elected & Appointed Officials
National Association of Latino Superintendents
National Council of La Raza
National Training Center Fort Irwin
On Wheels Incorporated
Spartanburg City Human Relations Commission
Texas Diversity & Leadership Conference
The Council of Great City Schools
The College Board
Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency
University of California - Santa Barbara
University of Southern California
University of Texas – El Paso
Webster University
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
Bakersfield Business Conference
California Association Bilingual Education
California State University Bakersfield
Clemson University
Consortium for Graduate Study in Management
Cornerstone Literacy
Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Council for Opportunity in Education
Fort Lewis College
Harvard university graduate school of education
Inter American University of Puerto Rico
Law Offices of George F. Martin
Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County
Mexican American Alumni Organization