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Theatre and Dance Inquiry

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An Interview with Former Student and Film Actor Will Brittain

July 23, 2021 | Anthem

Former student Will Brittain has appeared in indie films and mainstream movies alike, with roles in A Teacher (Sundance Film Festival, 2013), Kong: Skull Island and Let Him Go, among others. Brittain was recently featured in Anthem, including a discussion about his growing film career and his most recent role in The Forever Purge. 

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Alumna Among Emmy-Nominated Design Team for Yellowstone

July 13, 2021 | Television Academy - Emmys

Art director Yvonne Boudreaux (M.F.A. 2007) is among the design team who has earned the drama series Yellowstone an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program. 

Learn about Dr. Sara Simons's decades of experience working with youth and her groundbreaking HIV behavioral research and curriculum.

Dr. Sara Simons Receives Fine Arts Distinguished Teaching Award

July 6, 2021 | College of Fine Arts, The University of Texas at Austin

Dr. Sara Simons, co-area head and assistant professor of instruction (Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities and UTeach Theatre), has been named a recipient of the 2020-2021 College of Fine Arts Distinguished Teaching Award, recognizing her outstanding dedication to teaching that forges connections and challenges systems of oppression.

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Isaac Gómez selected as one of four artists to join Chicago-based Victory Gardens Theater’s Playwrights Ensemble

July 1, 2021 | American Theatre

This three-year commitment comes with a world-premiere and reading of Gómez's (B.A., Theatre and Dance, 2013) work, as well as access to board and artistic department meetings.

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Lane Michael selected for Lambda Literary's Writer’s Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices

July 1, 2021 | Lambda Literary

One of twelve playwrights to attend this multi-genred writing retreat, Stanley (M.F.A., Directing, 2020) will have the opportunity to work with a diverse faculty to hone their writing skills amongst fellow artists.

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Kimber Lee to premiere her play to the yellow house in La Jolla Playhouse’s 2021/2022 season

July 1, 2021 | American Theatre

Additionally, the production received a 2021 Edgerton Foundation New Play Award, providing Lee (M.F.A., Playwriting, 2011) and the production team with additional funds to extend their rehearsal process. 

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How the Ultra-Creative Theater Artists of Austin's Rude Mechs Have Spent Their Pandemic

June 30, 2021 | Austin American-Statesman

Faculty member Kirk Lynn and collaborator Lana Lesley, two founding members of Rude Mechs, discuss their current residency with the Department of Theatre and Dance, past performances and what's next for future creations. 

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Dr. Lisa B. Thompson Receives Creation Fund Award

June 24, 2021 | National Performance Network

Faculty member Dr. Lisa B. Thompson earned a spring 2021 Creation Fund Award from the National Performance Network for her new work The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body, which is co-commissioned by The Vortex, Fusebox Festival, the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre and the Pyramid Theatre Company.

Learn more about Mexico born designer Josafath Reynoso international career as a senic designer and speaker.

The Department of Theatre and Dance Welcomes Scenic Designer Josafath Reynoso to Faculty

June 18, 2021

This fall, the Department of Theatre and Dance at The University of Texas at Austin welcomes incoming faculty member and award-winning scenic designer Josafath Reynoso who will serve as a professor of scenic design in the UT Live Design area. Reynoso has designed work both across the United States and around the world and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field.

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Alumni Discuss Annie Jump and the Library of Heaven

June 17, 2021 | KUT 90.5

Playwright Reina Hardy (M.F.A. 2014), co-directors Rudy Ramirez (M.A. 2012) and Marcus McQuirter (Ph.D. 2012), actors Oktavea LaTio (B.A. 2017) and Christina Blake (B.A. 2021) and others members of the team behind Annie Jump and the Library of Heaven discuss the magical elements that make The Vortex Theatre's production a joy for audience members of all ages.