Elaine Romero - Playwright, 2026 Guggenheim Fellow

Elaine Romero is well established as a playwright in the Southwest, while also being a professor at the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film and Television. In April 2026, Romero was named the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, which is perhaps the highest honor that a working artist can achieve. In conversation with AZPM's Mark McLemore she discusses her process, inspiration, overcoming self-doubt, deep family connection to the Southwest, and all the plays she still wants to write.