Full Name:
Talleri McRae
Major/Year:
Drama & Theatre for Youth
Favorite class in Theatre & Dance and why:
Applied Drama and Theatre challenged me in many exciting ways. The class looked at broad applications of theatre, and was part practice, part theory. I really had the chance to put my scholar half and my teacher half together. And who knew I could attempt (and succeed) at scholastic writing!
Favorite thing about Austin:
What's not to like? I love the UT Aquatic Complex, Barton Springs, Clementine, South Congress Shopping… Really, anything you want, you can find it here. And, I know it's been said, but the Alamo Drafthouse is incredible! Give me a Friday night, a good movie, and their steak salad! I never want to go to a “regular” movie theatre again…
Favorite place to study:
Mother's Café and Garden. Although it is easy to get distracted by the AMAZING menu, you can also just order an all–natural smoothie and sit inside or out, and get some work done!
Brief biography (including projects, awards, accomplishments):
Talleri is thrilled to be pursuing an M.F.A. in Drama and Theatre for Youth here at UT. She metaphorically strapped on her cowboy boots (if she wore real ones she would probably fall down) and came south in August 2007, moving from the Chicagoland area. While in Chicago, Talleri called herself a free–lance theatre artist. She is also an actor, a storyteller, and a teacher. In recent years, she has worked with many Chicago Theatre companies including: About Face Theatre, The Goodman Theatre, Next Theatre, AppleTree Theatre, and Special Gifts Theatre. In 2007, Talleri served as a guest drama specialist for grades K–3 at Orrington Elementary School in Evanston, Illinois, where she had the chance to turn several young students into watermelons. (In their imaginations, of course, and it was big fun!) She also currently serves on the Executive Board of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education. She’s very excited you read her bio. It makes her feel special. So, thanks.
Current projects/research/interests:
I am totally digging taking an online class through the Texas Center for Disability Studies. I've never taken an online class before, and it is totally changing the way I think about distance education! The professors are so responsive and interested in who I am as a person!
I am also working as an Editorial Assistant for TYA Today, a magazine for people who work in professional theatre for young people. I am reading, summarizing, and brainstorming a lot of really cool articles!
I also completed the Non-Profit Portfolio Program through the RGK Center. I had the opportunity to take some classes in Philanthropy, Advertising, and Leadership. The readings for the class have been really interesting (I would never actually pick up a book on business theory by myself, but it's actually pretty neat stuff), and I've also had the chance to meet a lot of cool people outside the world of Theatre & Dance.
