Recent News

In the wake of the horrific attack on novelist Salman Rushdie at the Chautauqua Institution, writers and readers gathered to honor Rushdie and discuss the importance of free speech. Joining these voices is faculty member and scholar Dr. Charlotte Canning, who reflects on Chautauqua's history of "reading, critical thinking and open listening." 

Ground Floor Theatre's production of Anna in the Tropics was recently celebrated by the Austin Chronicle, including praise for actors Cherry Mendoza (B.A. 2014), Briana Garcia (B.A. 2014) and Ben Bazán (B.A. 2012) and staff member Desireé Humphries. Also on the outstanding creative team was faculty and staff member Andy Grapko as intimacy director.

Faculty member Roxanne Schroeder-Arce and nine students recently embarked on a journey to Mexico City for a month long Maymester course. In a recent blog post, Schroeder-Arce discusses the program and student experience, from mask-making to soaking in the local art scene through various exhibits, performances and rehearsals.

The City Theatre Austin is presenting the celebrated musical The Fantasticks by alumni Tom Jones (B.F.A. '49, M.F.A. '51) and Harvey Schmidt (B.F.A. '52, Art and Art History). The production also features current students Eli Mendenhall and Mel Elkins and alum Michael Harlan (B.F.A. 1978), on stage September 2-18, 2022. 

Alum Will Brittain was recently revealed as a cast member for the new comedic thriller Samson. Brittan will be on screen as one part of a kidnapping duo in the upcoming film, starring co-producer Alice Lee.

Faculty member and dance historian Rebecca Rossen recently contributed to the anthology The Oxford Handbook of Jewishness and Dance. Her essay focuses on The Ivye Project, a time-traveling performance created to depict Jewish shtetl life in Belarus.

Faculty member Dr. Lisa B. Thompson discusses her background as an artist and scholar, the connections she's formed throughout her career and what inspires her work as a playwright on a recent episode of the Daughters of Lorraine podcast, presented by HowlRound Theatre Commons.