John Garces
John Garces
John Garces is a Cuban American playwright, director and musician best known as the artistic director of Cornerstone Theater Company in Los Angeles. His credits include Larissa FastHorse’s Thanksgiving Play (Geffen Playhouse), Urban Rez (Cornerstone) and Native Nation.
He has written both full-length and short plays, for which he received the Princess Grace Statue, Alan Schneider Directing Award, Rockwood Arts and Culture Fellowship, TCG/New Generations Grant, Non-Profit Excellence Award from Center of Non-Profit Management and Southern California Leadership Network Fellow designation.
Early Life and Education
Garces was born and raised in Cuba before emigrating with his family to New Jersey in 1962. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, he then pursued legal studies at Princeton University.
Throughout his career, he has sought to promote justice in Spanish courts. He has championed victims of crimes against humanity and is renowned for his work on both the Pinochet case and against dictator Franco’s regime.
He is the author of Latin Evolution (Lake Isle Press, 2008) and The Latin Road Home, to be released October 2012. Additionally, he has appeared on television shows such as Iron Chef America and The Next Food Network Star and was named a 2009 James Beard Foundation “Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic” award recipient.
Professional Career
John Garces is a playwright and director, currently the Artistic Director of Cornerstone Theater Company in Los Angeles. His directing credits include Urban Rez by Larissa FastHorse, California: The Tempest by Alison Carey, Plumas Negras by Juliette Carrillo and Cafe Vida by Lisa Loomer.
He has directed productions for the Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Washington DC, including Lights Fall on Grace by Chad Beckim, We Are Proud to Present: A Story About Diversity and Inclusion by Jackie Sibblies Drury and The Convert by Danai Gurira. Additionally, he is an active member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers as well as a graduate of New Dramatists who received awards such as Princess Grace Statue Award, Alan Schneider Director Award and TCG/New Generations Grant.
Achievements and Honors
Garces is the Artistic Director of Cornerstone Theater Company, a Los Angeles-based community engaged ensemble. He has directed plays such as Urban Rez by Larissa FastHorse, California: The Tempest by Alison Carey, Plumas Negras by Juliette Carillo and Cafe Vida by Lisa Loomer.
He is a recipient of both the Princess Grace Statue and Alan Schneider Directing Award, as well as being vice president of SDC (The Stage Directors Union), an organization for stage directors and choreographers.
He is also the author of Native Nation, a multi-media theatrical production that will tour American Indian communities nationwide. His latest collaboration with playwright Larissa FastHorse will have its previews at Geffen Playhouse later this year.
Personal Life
He is the man behind Philadelphia’s Distrito, Amada and Old Town Whiskey restaurants as well as being a father to two. Additionally, his foundation provides medical care and English tutoring to Philadelphia’s immigrant population; additionally, he and his wife Beatriz co-parent their kids together.
Despite his success, celebrity chef has had some setbacks throughout his career. In seven years, four of his most successful restaurants have closed and he is currently behind on payments to his bank.
Garces has the gift of learning from his mistakes. In his career, he has mentored chefs such as Kevin Sbraga and Chad Williams.
Net Worth
Garces is an artistic director for Cornerstone Theater Company in Los Angeles and has received many awards and honors for his works. Additionally, he has guest starred on multiple television shows as a guest artist. His plays have been seen at theatres such as Yale Repertory Theater, Humana Festival of New American Plays, The Guthrie Theater, and Woolly Mammoth.
John Garces has an estimated net worth of $2.5 million. His primary income comes from his job as a lawyer, and he has also directed films such as The Shield and Pledge This!. Additionally, he has appeared on television shows like The Sopranos and Oz. With two children to support, John’s wealth is expected to increase in the near future.