Recent News

Faculty member Branden Jacobs-Jenkins was recently named one of 175 artists to receive a Guggenheim Fellowship from the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. A playwright and associate professor of practice at the Department of Theatre and Dance, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has received many accolades for his works, which have premiered off Broadway as well as at Yale Repertory Theatre.

In our current world of social distancing and isolation, we find ourselves longing for the theatre - a space we collectively share to consume art, enjoy live performance and connect with those around us. Amidst closures and the inability to share these moments together, arts organizations around the world have shifted their content to the digital sphere so that we may all continue to enjoy and support the performing arts across the globe.

We've compiled a list of various outlets where you can access these performances from the comfort of your home. Even as we take this moment to be apart, we can still enjoy the power of the performing arts together.

The Department of Theatre and Dance is currently seeking prospective residential mentors and supervisors for the 2020 American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive at The University of Texas at Austin. These are paid positions that work closely with the department and the American Ballet Theatre program. The application process for these staff members has begun and will be open through March 23, 2020.

Given the urgency of the situation regarding COVID-19, the recommendations from leadership at The University of Texas at Austin, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), it is with great consideration and sadness that we have made the difficult decision to suspend the remainder of our Spring 2020 Season indefinitely. This suspension applies to mainstage season performances, studio productions and all public events at the department for the remainder of the semester.

Coronavirus Updates and FAQs: The latest information on campus operations, social distancing and preventative measures at The University of Texas at Austin. 

The University of Texas at Austin has suspended operations and all remaining performances of UTNT (UT New Theatre) have been canceled as of Friday, March 13. Information about campus closures and operational changes are available on the university's website. Additional information pertaining to the Department of Theatre and Dance will be posted as they become available. 

Milwaukee Repertory Theater recently announced their 2020-2021 season, featuring John Proctor is the Villain by alumna Kimberly Belflower (M.F.A. 2017). This challenging, contemporary post- #metoo response to “classic” literature explores the power of young girls who fight to tell their own stories.

Austin-based Teatro Vivo presents award-winning (Un)Documents, written and performed by Jesús I. Valles and directed by alumnus Rudy Ramirez (M.A. 2012). Comprised of poems, journal entries and immigration paperwork, (Un)Documents is an attempt to ask questions about how we talk about citizenship, documentation, its absence and what, if anything, comes from telling.