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
Twelfth Night, or What You Will
On a dark and stormy night, a shipwreck thrusts Viola and her twin brother Sebastian into the briny deep. Viola survives, washed up onto the shores of Illyria—but where is Sebastian? She must find him. Fearing the dangers that surround a young woman alone in a strange land, Viola disguises herself as a young man and goes into service to the Duke Orsino. Orsino is madly in love with the Countess Olivia who rebuffs his advances. Viola falls secretly in love with Orsino; and Olivia falls head over heels for the disguised Viola.
How will this unravel? Will Viola find her lost twin Sebastian? Three marriages take place—but who will marry whom?
Macbeth
In the darkness, three witches whisper... “Hail Macbeth! He who shall be king!” Sweet yet bitter, thrilling yet agonizing—the witches’ prophecy sets Macbeth on a path where fair and foul become one and the same. The legendary warrior now stands at a crossroads, caught in the battle between ambition and fate. Will Macbeth triumph in his war against desire? Perhaps. Perhaps not. But for now, grab a handful of popcorn and chant the spell with us: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair!”
Cabaret
In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920s draw to a close, a garish Master of Ceremonies welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the Cabaret. With the Emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, Cabaret explores the dark, heady and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany descends into fascism.
Yes or No...
Yes or No... is a nonverbal, highly physical, 25-minute performance that explores curiosity within the framework of Theatre for the Very Young, designed specifically for audiences aged 2–6. The characters, "Yes" and "No," navigate a world of curiosity, using imagery, movement and memory to construct a space where Yes might become No, and No might become Yes.
Explore Programs
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.
Explore Undergraduate ProgramsGraduate 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
ON THE BLOG: Meet the Cast of Cabaret
OFF BOOK: A Theatre and Dance Blog
Meet the incredible cast and creative team of Cabaret, a daring musical which expertly intertwines exciting musical numbers with compelling character narratives and social commentary.
Alumni Zachariah Ezer and Emma Watkins Chosen as Judith Champion Launch Commissioned Artists
Broadway World
Atlantic Theater Company selects alumni Zachariah Ezer (M.F.A. 2023) and Emma Watkins (M.F.A. 2024) as 2025 Judith Champion Launch Commissioned Artists.
Lara Dossett Receives Department of Theatre and Dance Teaching Excellence Award
Assistant Professor of Instruction Lara Dossett has been selected as the recipient of the 2024/2025 Department of Theatre and Dance Teaching Excellence Award. This prestigious teaching accolade recognizes faculty members who go above and beyond to foster student success within the department.
The Department of Theatre and Dance Welcomes Zack Fine to Acting Faculty
The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance is pleased to announce that Zack Fine will join the department in Fall 2025 as an Assistant Professor of Acting.
Academy of Distinguished Teachers Inducts Theatre Professor Megan Alrutz in 2025 Cohort
This spring, Theatre Professor Megan Alrutz was inducted into the UT Austin Academy of Distinguished Teachers, a program established in 2012 to recognize outstanding educators across the UT System’s academic institutions.
Big Wins for UT Theatre and Dance Alumni at the 2025 Drama Desk Awards
The 2025 Drama Desk Awards recognized outstanding Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, including award-wins for John Proctor Is the Villain by Kimberly Belflower (M.F.A. 2017), Maybe Happy Ending with projection animation by Heekyung Kim (M.F.A. 2024), Stranger Things: The First Shadow featuring cast member Nya Garner (B.F.A. 2022) and GYPSY and SUNSET BLVD. co-produced by Hunter Regian (B.A. 2017) with Allen Porterie (M.F.A. 2024) serving as assistant company manager (GYPSY).