January 13-17,  2025 at Marfa High School

Marfa Live Arts’ Playwriting Workshop returns to Marfa High School with special guest, filmmaker Joe Salinas to help Marfa students write their own plays. The workshop, which marks Marfa Live Arts’ 14th year, will culminate in the popular yearly staged production of young Marfa playwrights’ works.

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We are thrilled to announce that Joe Salinas who will be teaching this year’s annual playwriting workshop at Marfa High January 13-17.​

"I’m Joe Salinas, a multidisciplinary artist with a passion for storytelling across various mediums. Originally from Texas City and Galveston, Texas, my journey has taken me from these deep-rooted Texan towns to the creative hubs of Austin, New Orleans, San Francisco, and beyond. My career began in Austin, where I immersed myself in music, acting, photography, and filmmaking, collaborating with industry giants like Casting Director John Williams of The Cast Station, director Robert Rodriguez, and Ken Arlidge. My work spans an eclectic mix of genres and formats. I’ve directed music videos for indie artists that caught the attention of Rolling Stone and contributed conservation photography pieces featured in National Geographic. I’ve also created media for cultural foundations like Chinati Foundation and Dixon Water Foundation, capturing the essence of Marfa, Texas. I’ve had the honor of filming for Richard Linklater and Sarah Rountree on water conservation projects and even collaborated with the U.S. Army Blackhawk Helicopter Command on specialized film projects. Throughout my career, I’ve shared stages and creative spaces with musicians and artists such as J Mascis, Jawbreaker, Ice-T, Snoop Dogg, Fred Armisen, and Steve Albini. My work is influenced by skateboarding culture, and that energy reflects in my projects, from art direction to cinematography. I’ve been fortunate to work with brands like Vans, Blackmagic Design, and Miller Tripods, which have supported my vision. My travels have taken me worldwide—from Japan to Brazil, Italy to Mexico—allowing me to capture diverse stories through the camera lens. I’ve directed tourism campaigns for destinations like Palm Springs, Nashville, Joshua Tree, Carmel, and Marfa, and filmed live music events at SXSW, Voodoo Artist Experience, and Litquake Literary Festival (AEG Global). I’m also a featured film director on Blackmagic Design’s artist page, and I’ve shared my experiences through guest teaching, cinematography, filmmaking and acting workshops across the U.S. . I have studied acting with Mona Lee, Carol Hickey (Austin) Tom Todoroff (New Orleans/Austin) and Kim Hardin (New York City, New York) Whether I’m in Marfa or exploring a new city, I strive to bring authenticity and depth to every project, blending my Texan roots with a global perspective."