Recent News

Every year, the B. Iden Payne Council, a volunteer organization sponsored by the Austin Creative Alliance, is tasked with viewing and nominating outstanding production elements in Austin. The Department of Theatre and Dance, as well as its students, faculty, alumni and staff, were nominated for many awards in a broad range of categories. The winners were announced at the B. Iden Payne Awards Ceremony on October 23, 2023. 

Taking the stage as part of the Urban Bush Women dance ensemble, Love Muwwakkil (M.F.A. 2023) performs in Houston Grand Opera's world premiere of Intelligence, directed and choreographed by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar

Dance Repertory Theatre returns in Fall For Dance, offering a celebration of movement and innovative choreography. Featuring works by faculty, guest artists and undergraduate choreographers, Fall For Dance presents a showcase of new and engaging work that speaks to our shared experience and illuminates the ways in which we connect with one another. Performances will include work by faculty member Gesel Mason, as well as Aysha Upchurch, Valeria Y. Gonzalez, Aída Hernandez-Reyes, Angela Cox and Ava Tran.  

Associate Professor Paul Bonin-Rodriguez is one of eight recipients of the 2023 Regents Outstanding Teaching Award in academics. With recipients from University of Texas campuses across the state, this award recognizes faculty who go above and beyond, making a positive impact on their students and the University.

Texas Theatre and Dance presents Ride the Cyclone with book, music and lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, directed by Jenny Lavery.  In this hilarious, outlandish and cult-favorite musical, the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. A funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived. Each musical number in Ride the Cyclone showcases a different musical genre – from glam rock to pop to rap and folk, there’s truly something for everyone! On stage at the B. Iden Payne Theatre October 25 – November 5, 2023.

Texas Theatre and Dance is proud to introduce the cast and creative team of Ride the Cyclone, with book, music and lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell and direction by Jenny Lavery.

Yacov Sharir, renowned international choreographer, dancer and much-beloved faculty member at the Department of Theatre and Dance, passed away September 29, 2023 at the age of 83. His legacy, profound talent and unwavering kindness will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.