Recent News

Andrew Valdez wearing a bright blue shirt

Andrew Aaron Valdez Joins Cleveland Public Theatre as New Play Associate

October 10, 2017 | Cleveland Public Theatre

Andrew Aaron Valdez (B.F.A. in Theatre Studies, 2017) has joined the Cleveland Public Theater as the New Play Associate. Valdez is a director, playwright, educator, actor and arts administrator from Donna, Texas. His work is centered on highlighting underrepresented communities and immersive theater set in unconventional spaces.

President LBJ speaks before signing the NEA Act of 1965

The Arts Race: Theatre's Leading Role in the Founding of the NEA

October 6, 2017 | American Theatre

Dr. Charlotte Canning discusses how the United States claimed national arts funding after decades of advocacy and why understanding this history is critical to the preservation of art in 20th century America. 

kpop dancers musical

Faculty Member Helps Light New Musical, KPOP

October 6, 2017 | The New York Times

New faculty member Jeanette Yew recently completed lighting design for the world premiere of new musical KPOP by Woodshed Collective + Jason Kim which was recently staged at Ars Nova in New York City. 

man sitting on a stool in front of cement wall

ON THE BLOG: A Day in the Life: B.F.A. in Acting Major Teddy Santiesteban

September 29, 2017 | Off Book: A Theatre and Dance Blog

As part of our Day in the Life series, we followed fourth-year B.F.A. in Acting major Teddy Santiesteban (Anon(ymous), Twelfth Night, Lost Girl) through his day to give you an inside look at what it's like to study acting at The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance.

Alumnae-formed Heartland Theatre Collective nominated for B. Iden Payne Award

September 28, 2017 | B. Iden Payne Awards

The Heartland Theatre Collective, founded by alumnae Marian Kansas (B.A., Theatre and Dance, 2016) and Nicole Oglesby (B.A., Theatre and Dance, 2016), was nominated for a B. Iden Payne Award. Allison Wojtowecz (B.A., Theatre and Dance, 2017) was nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Drama for her performance as June in the Heartland Theatre Collective's first production, Dust, which premiered October 2016.

Robert Di Donato wearing glasses

Robert Di Donato cast in Warby Parker promotional series

September 22, 2017 | Facebook

Robert Di Donato (B.A., Theatre and Dance, 2016) was recently cast in a series of shorts called "Oddcupations" promoting the glasses company Warby Parker.

Update on College of Fine Arts Safety

Update to Safety Procedures in the College of Fine Arts

September 21, 2017 | UT College of Fine Arts

Members of the university community can get free rides on LYFT through the new Parking and Transportation Services program called SURE Ride. Learn more about how to register for this new program.

cast headshots for anonymous

ON THE BLOG: Meet the Cast: Anon(ymous)

September 21, 2017 | Off Book: A Theatre and Dance Blog

Anon(ymous), based on Homer’s The Odyssey, tells the story of a young refugee called Anon journeys through the United States, encountering a wide variety of people – some kind, some dangerous and cruel – as he searches for his family. The Anon(ymous) cast features some familiar faces, along with some new to the Texas Theatre and Dance stage.

Anon(ymous), a Play for Young Audiences, Takes the Stage This October

September 18, 2017 | Department of Theatre and Dance

Based on Homer's The Odyssey, a young refugee called Anon journeys through the United States, encountering a wide variety of people - some kind, some dangerous and cruel - as he searches for his family. From a sinister, one-eyed butcher to beguiling barflies, to a sweatshop, Anon much navigate through a chaotic, ever-changing landscape to find "home." October 4-15, 2017 in the Oscar G. Brockett Theatre. 

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Video Available: https://vimeo.com/234518290

2016-2017 B. Iden Payne Nominees Announced

September 18, 2017

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. This year, the Department of Theatre and Dance, its students, faculty, alumni and friends were nominated for several awards across a broad range of categories.