Krisha Marcano

Krisha Marcano (she/her/hers) is an innovative theater educator, choreographer, and entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in the performing arts. Marcano joined Boston Conservatory in 2024 as dean of theater. Prior to the Conservatory, Marcano was at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) School of Drama, where she served for eight years as associate professor of theater dance and assistant dean for student affairs and entrepreneurial studies. At the School of Drama, Marcano also served as resident choreographer, choreographing musicals, advising on dance movement for plays, and directing staged works. 

Prior to UNCSA, Marcano led a robust performance career on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. For the first six years of her career, she danced with the acclaimed Martha Graham Dance Company, as well as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She then performed on Broadway for the next 17 years in hit musicals such as Fosse (first national tour), Disney'’s Aida, Sweet Charity, and Motown the Musical; she also originated the role of Squeak in Oprah Winfrey’s The Color Purple (2005). In addition, Marcano has collaborated with esteemed organizations such as the Winston-Salem Symphony, the National Black Rep, and the National Black Theater Festival as a producer and choreographer. 

Marcano went on to teach at the Ailey School, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Harlem School of the Arts, the Joffrey Ballet School, and NYU Tisch Drama’s New Studio on Broadway. After volunteering at Career Transition for Dancers as the co-chair of the Business Group for seven years, Marcano also founded The Artistry Center to help performing artists with creative and entrepreneurial wellness. 

In 2008, Marcano received a commendation from the City of New York’s Office of the Comptroller for her lasting contributions to the Caribbean American community and New York City. She also received an Excellence in Teaching Award from UNCSA in 2020.