Recent News

Originally performed during The Cohen New Works Festival (2025) and developed through the GFT Writes program, Emiliana: A Revolution Cabaret premieres at Ground Floor Theatre in August 2026. Written by and featuring Jessica L. Peña Torres (Ph.D. Candidate), this play is directed by Mateo Hernandez (M.F.A. 2025) and features more alumni, faculty and current students.

The summer gives Theatre and Dance students and faculty a chance to explore opportunities, learn new skills and broaden their network of fellow artists and educators. Check out our 2026 summer updates blog for just a few examples of their wonderful work.

Charlotte M. Canning has written “We the (Theatre) People,” an article for American Theatre that looks at the history of theatre across America and how it reflects American identity.  

Alum Katie Bender (M.F.A. 2014) was selected for Cycle 4 of Rattlestick Theater's Terrence McNally New Works Incubator. The program bolsters the work of three emerging playwrights through critical financial support, personalized mentorship, and a three-week incubation period, followed by a one-week developmental workshop culminating in a presentation of their work. 

Lincoln Center Theater will feature work by two alumni as part of their 2026/2027 season: Born in the Dirt by Kimberly Belflower (M.F.A. 2017) and Pretend it's Pretend by Emma Watkins (M.F.A. 2024). Watkins' Pretend it's Pretend was performed as part of UTNT (UT New Theatre) 2024.   

Calf Scramble by Libby Carr (B.A. 2021) made its New York premiere with Primary Stages at 59E59 Theater in February 2026. Dad Don’t Read This by Eliya Smith (M.F.A. 2025) premiered at St. Luke's Theatre before transferring to Greenwich House Theatre in the summer of 2026.

Alum Karen Rodriguez co-stars in Spider Noir, a Spider-Man based drama series with Nicholas Cage, premiering May 27 on Amazon Prime.