Abdiel Portalatín Pérez is a costume designer, tailor, and educator whose work lives at the intersection of craft, storytelling, and community care. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Abdiel was introduced to theatre through a cultural lens, collaborating early on with local theatre, dance, film, television, and live event companies across the island.

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He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the Universidad de Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus and a terminal Master of Fine Arts in Theatre with a focus in Costume Design and Technology from Pennsylvania State University. His research and creative practice advocate for inclusive approaches to garment making, fashion, and pedagogy, centering access, representation, and embodied knowledge within costume design and construction.

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Abdiel currently serves as Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Costume Design and Technology, Resident Costume Designer, and Costume Shop Director at Utah Tech University, where he teaches and mentors students through hands-on, process-driven learning. His teaching philosophy emphasizes craft as both technical skill and cultural practice, rooted in collaboration, accountability, and care.

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Over the past fifteen years, Abdiel has collaborated with theatrical and creative companies throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, with work extending internationally. Through travel and cross-cultural exchange, he has developed a global perspective on the history, foundations, and social implications of fashion, costume, and performance. These experiences continue to inform his lifelong commitment to teaching, making, and building creative spaces that transform individuals and communities alike.