The Department of Theatre and Dance is a world-class educational environment that serves as the ultimate creative incubator for the next generation of artists, thinkers and leaders in theatre and performance.
The Department of Theatre and Dance is a world-class educational environment that serves as the ultimate creative incubator for the next generation of artists, thinkers and leaders in theatre and performance.
Coming to the Stage
Coming to the Stage
UT Live Design and Production Showcase (2025)
The UT Live Design and Production Showcase 2025 presents work created for theatre, dance and other performance mediums by M.F.A. candidates in the UT Live Design and Production program at The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance. Areas of work include costume design and technology, lighting design, integrated media design and scenic design. Collectively, this work helps tell visual stories for live performance and reflects the collaborative nature of the theatrical process.
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Undergraduate Programs
The department offers intense, skill-based training in all areas of dance, acting and theatre, as well as studio instruction for performance in film, television and new media. With up to eight main stage productions committed to undergraduate casting and over 20 student-driven projects each season, our students - performers, designers, stage managers and scholars - have abundant production opportunities on stage and behind-the-scenes.
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Graduate Program
With a faculty of national and international reputation, The University of Texas is one of the world's leading research universities, offering more than 200 dedicated research unit and centers, including the Briscoe Center for American History, the Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies and the Harry Ransom Center. The university's library system is the nation's fifth largest academic library, containing over eight million volumes, including special collections ranging from architecture to public affairs to fine arts.
Explore Graduate ProgramsMaybe put nice quote here? Styling need to fix. Any good university educates its students. But a great university—a university with monumental impact and a tradition of intellectual leadership—does more. It transforms lives on a grand scale.
I love how being a part of UT Theatre and Dance really feels like you are part of big family. The professors are amazing and know how to push you in a positive way to achieve your goals, while preparing you for a successful career in whatever your focus is in--whether that be acting, directing, playwriting, dancing, etc. Also, being engaged with other students creates this feeling of a repertoire company that builds this level of trust. You get the feeling of being at home when you're rehearsing in Winship. There is no other place on campus that will make you feel this peaceful. - Andrew Rodriguez (B.F.A. 2019)
I love how being a part of UT Theatre and Dance really feels like you are part of big family. The professors are amazing and know how to push you in a positive way to achieve your goals, while preparing you for a successful career in whatever your focus is in--whether that be acting, directing, playwriting, dancing, etc. Also, being engaged with other students creates this feeling of a repertoire company that builds this level of trust. You get the feeling of being at home when you're rehearsing in Winship. There is no other place on campus that will make you feel this peaceful. - Andrew Rodriguez (B.F.A. 2019)
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY
Welcome home.
It's said that everything is bigger in Texas. And The University of Texas at Austin is no exception. With its impressive size, the university offers incredible resources both in and out of the classroom. Here, students pursue their academic passions, while refining their skills and uncovering new discoveries.
At center of the university's dynamic energy, our students - a tight-knit community of artists and scholars - have created a home in the F. Loren Winship Drama Building. We invite you to meet our students and and learn about our resources and opportunities, including student organizations, and career and counseling services.
The Cohen New Works Festival is a biennial, week-long showcase of new work created by students at The University of Texas at Austin held in various locations in and around UT campus. It is not just an event, but a celebration of a continuously ongoing pro
The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance presents UTNT (UT New Theatre). UTNT is an annual showcase of new plays from third-year playwrights in the M.F.A. Playwriting Program.
In the News
Faculty and Students Recognized at 2025 USITT Awards Ceremony
The University of Texas at Austin Theatre and Dance department was well represented at USITT's Awards, Awards, Awards ceremony as part of their 65th Annual Conference & Stage Expo. Karen Maness, a faculty member in the UT Live Design and Production area, was honored as an incoming Fellow of the Institute and UT Live Design and Production M.F.A. candidates Daniel Ruiz Bustos, Matthew Smith and Zach Young were recognized for their excellent work in theatre design. Behind the scenes Katelyn Nguyen, an undergraduate student pursuing a B.A. in Theatre and Dance, was able to work on the conference and expo itself through USITT's Stage Management Mentorship Program.
Faculty and Students Recognized at 2025 USITT Awards Ceremony
The University of Texas at Austin Theatre and Dance department was well represented at USITT's Awards, Awards, Awards ceremony as part of their 65th Annual Conference & Stage Expo. Karen Maness, a faculty member in the UT Live Design and Production area, was honored as an incoming Fellow of the Institute and UT Live Design and Production M.F.A. candidates Daniel Ruiz Bustos, Matthew Smith and Zach Young were recognized for their excellent work in theatre design. Behind the scenes Katelyn Nguyen, an undergraduate student pursuing a B.A. in Theatre and Dance, was able to work on the conference and expo itself through USITT's Stage Management Mentorship Program.
Faculty, Students and Alumni Present at Planet Texas 2050 Symposium
Faculty, graduate students and alumni will play an integral role in Planet Texas 2050's annual symposium, where they will present, perform and participate in roundtable discussions with fellow scholars.
Faculty, Students and Alumni Present at Planet Texas 2050 Symposium
Faculty, graduate students and alumni will play an integral role in Planet Texas 2050's annual symposium, where they will present, perform and participate in roundtable discussions with fellow scholars.
Faculty, Students and Alumni Present at Planet Texas 2050 Symposium
Faculty, graduate students and alumni will play an integral role in Planet Texas 2050's annual symposium, where they will present, perform and participate in roundtable discussions with fellow scholars.
Building an Equitable Arts Infrastructure Symposium Brings Scholars from Across the Nation to UT Austin
The College of Fine Arts and the Equitable Arts Infrastructure Research Group, co-led by UT Austin Department of Theatre and Dance Professor Charlotte Canning, University of Michigan Professor Paul Bonin-Rodriguez and Duke University Associate Professor of the Practice Sarah Wilbur, are hosting a national symposium focused on the enduring challenge of cultural, economic and racial equity in the nation’s performing arts sector.