Alumni in the News

R. Scott Blackshire (PhD, Performance as Public Practice, 2018) has been named the new curator of the Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio, Texas. Over the course of nearly 40 years, Dr. Blackshire is only the third individual to hold this curatorial position.

Harrison Butler (M.F.A., Theatre, 2010) has been named the new executive director of the Theatre of Arts Acting Conservatory in Los Angeles. TOA is the longest continuously running acting conservatory in Los Angeles, located in the heart of Hollywood. Butler is the 14th executive director to be hired in the history of the institution.

Oluwaseun S. Olayiwola (B.F.A. 2018) is currently a Fulbright Scholar pursuing an M.F.A. in Choreography at Trinity Laban in London, England. As an advocate for the arts and a Nigerian-American artist, Oluwaseun hopes to engage residents with dance during his two years in the program and contribute toward the Nigerian diaspora’s representation in the arts landscape.

Alumnus Cosme Flores (B.F.A., Acting, 2018) was recently cast as "Ben" in Power Rangers: Beast Morphers, set to air on Nickelodeon in 2019. Featuring an all-new cast of heroes and villains, Beast Morphers will expand the Power Rangers universe with tactical leather suits, 'Beast Bot' sidekicks and elevated battle footage.

 Stephanie Chiarello (B.A., Dance, 1998) created and directs "Over the Lege," a political comedy satire variety show based on the Texas Legislature. "Part 3: Return of the Legi (slature)" will show in October at the Long Center in Austin. 

David Baker (B.F.A., Acting, 1986) performed in the Off-Broadway production of Tracy Letts' play, "Mary Page Marlowe" at Second Stage Theater. Baker also performed in season 2 of Amazon’s Emmy-winning comedy, "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." photo by Sara Krulwich/The New York Times

Joanna Garner (M.F.A., Theatre and Dance, 2016) has won the 8th annual Israel Baran "Izzy" Award for her play, "The Orange Garden."

Karen Rodriguez (B.A., Theatre & Dance, 2013) has joined the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Rodriguez mostly recently performed at Steppenwolf in “The Doppelgänger (an international farce)” and “The Rembrandt.” In the review for “The Rembrandt,” Rodriguez was described as “a hugely talented newcomer” and “moving throughout.” 

Flordelino Lagundino (M.F.A., Theatre, 2004) was named Artistic Director of Park Square Theatre in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Lagundino is a director, actor and producer whose performance in “VIETGONE” led to a Best Ensemble Ivey award. He is the Sir John Gielgud Classical Directing Fellow at Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. 

Reema Bounajem (B.F.A., Dance, 2015) is performing in "The Lost Supper," an immersive, theatrical dinner party at the McKittrick Hotel in New York City, through Aug. 18.