Recent News

Faculty member Josafath Reynoso received Santa Barbara Independent's 2024 Feast for the Eyes Award, recognizing his outstanding scenic design for Pacific Conservatory Theatre's production of American Mariachi. 

In May 2024, recent Live Design and Production graduates Alex Rockey, Sarah Jean Elliott (Selliott), Heekyung Kim, Leah Hummel, Meagan Beattie and Sydney Sousa presented at the National Design Portfolio Review in New York City. 

Faculty member Gesel Mason's Yes, And will be performed at The Contemporary Austin as the final program of the HOST: Fusebox series. Her piece will be performed on all floors of the Jones Center, with the work of artist Lubaina Himid as a backdrop.

The Performance Philosophy Conference brings scholars from around the world to the Winship Drama Building and other buildings across campus. Presenters will include students Jessica Peña-Torres, Yuge Ma and Whitney Beth Mosery, alumni I.B. Hopkins (M.F.A. 2020) and Jack Isaac Pryor (Ph.D. 2011) and faculty Leah Cox, Kirk Lynn and Alexandra Bassiakou-Shaw.

Spells of the Sea, a new coming-of-age musical written by Guinevere Govea (B.A. 2021) with creative contributions by Anna Pickett, will be on stage at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on October 12-20, 2024.

Ph.D. candidate Michael DeWhatley and alum Emma Watkins (M.F.A. 2024) both receive 2024/2025 Ransom Center Fellowships. During their fellowships, they'll each have access to the Harry Ransom Center's archives and additional resources while working on their own research projects and writings.

Dean Ramón Rivera-Servera (Ph.D. 2003) will be inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, joining a prestigious cohort of scholars from across the country, as well as 25 international honorary members.

M.F.A. candidate Renita James was among three artists highlighted in TYA/USA's monthly member spotlight for April. They touch on current projects and what inspires them as a TYA art-maker. 

Alum Trey Curtis (B.F.A. 2017) discusses his journey to Hamilton on Broadway, from his first principal role in middle school to finding his manager through the UTLA program to joining Hamilton's "And Peggy" tour to now portraying Alexander Hamilton at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.