Thursday, October 8, 2026 · Mesa Community College
A day of storytelling, conversation, and writing with author, playwright, actor, and ASU Gammage Artist in Residence Christopher Rivas.
Four free events. Come to one or spend the day with us. Everyone is welcome.
At every workshop: Enter to win an autographed copy of Brown Enough or tickets to a show at The Phoenix Theatre Company.
You may know Christopher from
Call Me Kat · Grey's Anatomy · New Amsterdam · 9-1-1 · GLOW · NCIS: Los Angeles
On screen, on stage, and on the page, Christopher uses storytelling to ask bigger questions about identity, belonging, culture, and how we understand one another.
MCC Honors Program
All four Christopher Rivas sessions are approved MCC Honors Co-Curricular events. Eligible Honors students may use attendance at one session toward their Fall 2026 co-curricular requirement, subject to Honors Program requirements.
Thursday, October 8
9:00–10:15 AM
Library · LB145
Using personal narrative as a tool for teaching and connection
Joining us: EDU230 · Cultural Diversity in Education · SOC101 · Introduction to Sociology
An interactive workshop exploring the use of personal narrative as a tool for healing, inclusion, and representation.
Open to everyone.
10:30–11:45 AM
Library · LB145
Reclaiming the Brown Narrative Through Storytelling
Joining us: CCS101 · Chicana & Chicano Studies · SOC101 · Introduction to Sociology
An interactive workshop looking at the illusion of representation, the “masks we wear,” disruption, and authenticity.
Open to everyone.
12:00–1:15 PM
Library · LB145
Free lunch · While supplies last
A conversation about consumption, enough, and the cost of more
Joining us: SOC101 · Introduction to Sociology
A talk on consumption and more, more, more. We will explore the dangers endless consumption poses to self and society, arguing that liberation begins when we stop, feel the cost, and choose enough over more… But how do we STOP?
Free lunch provided by MCC Student Life while supplies last.
Open to everyone.
2:00–3:00 PM
LA 3N · Liberal Arts
A writing workshop with Christopher Rivas
Joining us: MCC Creative Writing Club
Words do more than describe the world—they can change something. In this interactive writing workshop, explore the words we choose, the stories we tell, and the “spells” we cast through our writing. Through reflection and writing, participants will consider the power of language to shape how we understand ourselves, one another, and the world around us.
Open to everyone.
Planning to join us?
RSVP is encouraged to help us plan for the day. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows.
Author photo courtesy of Simon & Schuster.
Actor · Author · Storyteller
Christopher is an actor, author, podcaster, playwright, filmmaker, and ASU Gammage Artist in Residence. He is best known for his on-screen work on Fox's Call Me Kat, but his work moves across forms with a common thread: using story to explore identity, belonging, culture, and liberation.
The book
Part memoir and part social commentary, Brown Enough explores Brownness, race, identity, and what it means to find your place beyond a Black/white binary.
Win a signed copy. Autographed copies of Brown Enough will be given away at every MCC workshop.
Continue the evening
Christopher's day continues at ASU Gammage with Expressions, a free open mic night on the Gammage stage from 6:00–8:00 PM. Come to perform or simply experience an evening of music, dance, poetry, spoken word, and more.
The Gammage Residency
This visit is part of Christopher Rivas’s three-year Artist Residency with ASU Gammage, sponsored by Michelle Jung and Chris Rodriguez.
Location & parking
Southern & Dobson Campus
1833 W. Southern Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85202
9:00, 10:30 & noon
Paul A. Elsner Library
Community Room LB145
2:00
LA 3N · Liberal Arts
Free parking is available on campus. The official campus map shows the Library, LA 3N, and general parking areas.
We want everyone to be able to participate. To request an accommodation or ask a question about accessibility for this event, contact Michelle Jung at Michelle.Jung@mesacc.edu.