Nina-Grace Quintanilla is an actor, theatre maker and spoken word artist from Houston, Tx. Born to a Peruvian mother and Tejano father, her arts practice is rooted in a fascination with the rhythm and power of language, art as cultural translation and the belief that the arts deserve a place in our nation’s larger health and wellness model.
Onstage at UNCSA, Nina-Grace’s love for language-driven theatre has grown performing roles such as Bernarda in "The House of Bernarda Alba" directed by Michael Alvarez and Rosa in "Lydia" by Octavio Solis directed by Quin Gordon. Her experience as a spoken word poet has come to the forefront in UNCSA’s Intensive Arts Fest, where she has performed solo work and contributed to the first workshop of alumnus Matias De La Flor’s adaptation "Romeo y Julieta Limeño."
Beyond acting and writing, Nina-Grace’s passion for storytelling has led her to diverse experiences like interning in the Literary department of Alley Theatre (assisting Alley All New Play Fest), performing new work dramaturgy for peers and, most recently, directing and producing. Her production of David Harrower’s "Knives In Hens" is slated for School of Drama’s 2023-24 Keys to the Kingdom season.
Nina-Grace will earn her B.F.A. in Acting with a minor in Arts Entrepreneurship in May of 2024. A Kenan Excellence Scholar, she carries immense gratitude for the Kenan Foundation, Dean Zigler and the UNCSA faculty who have championed her artistic growth the past four years.