The Department of Theatre and Dance is a world-class educational environment that serves as the ultimate creative incubator for the next generation of artists, thinkers and leaders in theatre and performance.
Coming to the Stage
UT Live Design and Production Showcase (2025)
The UT Live Design and Production Showcase 2025 presents work created for theatre, dance and other performance mediums by M.F.A. candidates in the UT Live Design and Production program at The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance. Areas of work include costume design and technology, lighting design, integrated media design and scenic design. Collectively, this work helps tell visual stories for live performance and reflects the collaborative nature of the theatrical process.
10:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
350
Undergraduate Students
75
Graduate Students
6-8
Mainstage Productions per Year
In the News
Faculty and Students Recognized at 2025 USITT Awards Ceremony
The University of Texas at Austin Theatre and Dance department was well represented at USITT's Awards, Awards, Awards ceremony as part of their 65th Annual Conference & Stage Expo. Karen Maness, a faculty member in the UT Live Design and Production area, was honored as an incoming Fellow of the Institute and UT Live Design and Production M.F.A. candidates Daniel Ruiz Bustos, Matthew Smith and Zach Young were recognized for their excellent work in theatre design. Behind the scenes Katelyn Nguyen, an undergraduate student pursuing a B.A. in Theatre and Dance, was able to work on the conference and expo itself through USITT's Stage Management Mentorship Program.
Faculty, Students and Alumni Present at Planet Texas 2050 Symposium
Faculty, graduate students and alumni will play an integral role in Planet Texas 2050's annual symposium, where they will present, perform and participate in roundtable discussions with fellow scholars.
Building an Equitable Arts Infrastructure Symposium Brings Scholars from Across the Nation to UT Austin
The College of Fine Arts and the Equitable Arts Infrastructure Research Group, co-led by UT Austin Department of Theatre and Dance Professor Charlotte Canning, University of Michigan Professor Paul Bonin-Rodriguez and Duke University Associate Professor of the Practice Sarah Wilbur, are hosting a national symposium focused on the enduring challenge of cultural, economic and racial equity in the nation’s performing arts sector.
Ph.D. Candidate Aysha Upchurch Announced as 2025 United States Artists Fellow
United States Artists
Ph.D. candidate Aysha Upchurch has been selected as an incoming United States Artists Fellow. Upchurch is among 50 artists and collaboratives from across the country who were nominated and selected. The 2025 USA Fellows will receive funding and support to continue innovating in their respective fields.
Karen Maness Announced as 2025 United States Institute for Theatre Technology Fellow
USITT
Karen Maness, a faculty member in the UT Live Design and Production area, has been selected as an incoming Fellow of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology. She will be honored on March 6, 2025 at USITT's Awards Awards Awards ceremony in Columbus, Ohio.
Alum Samantha Garcia Performs in Production at Oil Lamp Theater
Oil Lamp Theater
Samantha Garcia (B.A. 2003) appears as one of the three actors in Oil Lamp Theater's witty, chaotic romp The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged]. The show runs from January 24-February 16, 2025 at the Glenview, Illinois theatre.
Imagine a city bursting with an entrepreneurial spirit, a commitment to personal freedom and a passion for unearthing new discoveries. With a unique and lively arts scene, there's something for everyone when you call Austin home.
2022/2023 Season
Texas Theatre and Dance is pleased to present the 2022/2023 season celebrating new and diverse voices for the stage.
Visit the Department
Information about discounted parking for events, tips for parking on campus and where to find the F. Loren Winship Drama Building.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Learn more about The College of Fine Arts' commitment to fostering a culture and climate that is inclusive and welcoming of students, faculty and staff of all backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints.
From the founding of the Department of Drama in 1938 to present, the Department of Theatre and Dance has been a hub of creativity and innovation on the 40 Acres.
I love how being a part of UT Theatre and Dance really feels like you are part of big family. The professors are amazing and know how to push you in a positive way to achieve your goals, while preparing you for a successful career in whatever your focus is in--whether that be acting, directing, playwriting, dancing, etc.
Also, being engaged with other students creates this feeling of a repertoire company that builds this level of trust. You get the feeling of being at home when you're rehearsing in Winship. There is no other place on campus that will make you feel this peaceful.
- Andrew Rodriguez (B.F.A. 2019)
I love how being a part of UT Theatre and Dance really feels like you are part of big family. The professors are amazing and know how to push you in a positive way to achieve your goals, while preparing you for a successful career in whatever your focus is in--whether that be acting, directing, playwriting, dancing, etc. Also, being engaged with other students creates this feeling of a repertoire company that builds this level of trust. You get the feeling of being at home when you're rehearsing in Winship. There is no other place on campus that will make you feel this peaceful.
- Andrew Rodriguez (B.F.A. 2019)