…academia, earning him numerous accolades and recognition.
Early Career in Dance and Theater
Trules began his artistic journey in 1970 as a modern dancer with Shirley Mordine’s Dance Troupe at Columbia College Chicago. He co-founded Mo Ming, a renowned Dance-Theater in Chicago, and became one of the first recipients of the federally funded CETA grant for dance. Returning to NYC in 1977, Trules founded the Cumeezi Bozo Ensemble, a Resident Clown Troupe funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts. The troupe performed at prestigious venues like Lincoln Center and Town Hall and toured internationally in Europe.
Acting and Solo Performances
After training with Lee Strasberg, Trules transitioned to acting and solo performance. His acclaimed one-man show DOWN…BUT NOT OUT debuted in Los Angeles and gained recognition at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His subsequent works, including W(HOLES) and IT’S THE DAY AFTER VALENTINE’S DAY, explored themes of healing and relationships, solidifying his reputation as a powerful storyteller.
Writing and Poetry
Trules is a published poet, with his work featured alongside icons like Allen Ginsberg and Charles Bukowski. He has contributed to national anthologies, the LA Times, and radio programs like KCRW. A recipient of the Allen Ginsberg Poetry Award, he has also been an editor for Euphonia: A Los Angeles Journal for Men.
Academic Contributions
As an Associate Professor of Practice at USC’s School of Dramatic Arts since 1986, Trules has inspired countless students. His accolades include the Phi Kappa Phi Faculty Recognition Award for his documentary The Poet and the Con. Trules also served as a Fulbright Scholar in Malaysia and Romania, enriching global understanding of American theater.
Filmmaking and Screenwriting
Trules directed the award-winning documentary The Poet and the Con, a deeply personal exploration of family and redemption. His work has been featured at Laemmle Theaters and international film festivals. He has sold screenplays to HBO and adapted Jim Thompson’s King Blood into a feature-length screenplay.
Blogging and Podcasting
Trules’ blog, e-travels with e. trules, features vivid travelogues and cultural reflections, amassing a large following online. In 2016, he launched a podcast under the same name, continuing to share his unique perspectives with a global audience.
Recent Highlights
In 2015, Trules presented An Evening with Eric Trules at LA’s iconic Beyond Baroque and delivered a TEDxFulbright Talk, The Train of Opportunity. His lifelong dedication to the arts continues to inspire audiences and communities worldwide.
Discover more about Eric Trules:
Previous Episode 1482 (2017)