Recent News

Current student Demian Chavez Galvan and their theatre company Teatro Sin Fronteras presented Soldadera, a mariachi musical for young audiences here in Austin and in El Paso during the summer months. The musical, written by Chavez Galvan and originally performed during The Cohen New Works Festival (2023), featured work by multiple UT Theatre and Dance artists. 

Hinge Baby, written by alum Danny Tejera (M.F.A. 2020) and Tatiana Pandiani, was selected for Lucille Lortel Theatre's Alcove New Play Development Program. They're joining a cohort of fellow playwrights writing works that address the climate crisis and imagine possible futures beyond our current times.

We spoke with current students Esmeralda Treviño, Dominic Gross and Kira Small, alumni Sophie Anne Miller and Nya Garner and faculty members Corey Allen and Nanette Acosta about their experiences performing, designing and directing for Illinois Shakespeare Festival's 2024 summer season. 

Jaymes Sanchez (M.F.A. 2022) and KJ Sanchez (faculty) will both participate in one of The Orchard Project's various new work labs. Jaymes Sanchez will participate in the 2024-2025 Greenhouse Lab, while KJ Sanchez joins their Writers in Residence for their 2024 Performance Lab.

With the limited release of faculty member Annie Baker's feature film Janet Planet in late June 2024, news outlets around the nation have covered Baker's film debut. We've collected a roundup of features, from interviews with the renowned playwright-turned-filmmaker to reviews of her stunning new film.

From a debut film, residencies, internships, performances and prizes, UT Theatre and Dance artists are leaving their mark on the theatre and dance world. Check out our summer updates roundup to see just a few of their innovative summer projects.

Ph.D. candidate Khristián Méndez Aguirre and undergraduate student Demian Chavez Galvan are among 18 artists from around the world selected for this year's Candela Playwrights Summer Fellowship, which provides support for musical theatre writers of Latin American and Caribbean heritage.

Abe Koogler (M.F.A. 2014) has published five of his scripts in a collection entitled Abe Koogler Selected Plays, featuring a forward Koogler and the first publication of his play Advanced Man, which was developed as part of UTNT (UT New Theatre) in 2014.