Alumni News : Department of Theatre and Dance : University of Texas at Austin

Theatre and Dance Alumna Marcia Gay Harden is Commencement Speaker for The University of Texas at Austin's May Ceremony Tony Award-Winning Actress Addresses Spring Graduates on May 22, 2010 - posted on November 19, 2009

Gregg Hillmar (MFA, Theatrical Design, 1986) is a scenic and lighting designer based in Richmond, Va. He has been a recognized and published consultant in Vectorworks software. Gregg teaches at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va. and is also a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829, the union for professional theatrical designers and artists. For more information on Gregg, please visit www.hillmardesign.com - posted on November 18, 2009

Szu-Feng Chen’s (MFA 2008) design for The Alchemist of Light was recognized for Outstanding Set Design at the New York International Fringe Festival. - posted on November 5, 2009

Alumnus Stars in New Play at New York Theatre Workshop Fajer Al-Kaisi (M.F.A. '07) in “Aftermath” Written by Erik Jensen and Jessica Blank - posted on October 5, 2009

Recent Graduate Premieres New Work at Kean University Premiere Stages Presents,"Any Other Name," by George Brant (M.F.A. '08) - posted on September 28, 2009

Fajer Al-Kaisi (M.F.A. '07) featured in NY Times for his work in "The Exonerated" at New York Theater workshop. - posted on September 4, 2009

Flordelino Lagundino (M.F.A. '04) receives Directing Fellowship at Arena Stage and Oregon Shakespeare Festival. - posted on September 4, 2009

Steve Baldwin (Ph.D., '89) As a doctoral graduate under Dr. Oscar G. Brockett, Dr. Steve Baldwin co-produced, researched and wrote "A Journey Through Deaf Texas," which premiered on June 11, 2009 at UTSA-Downtown Campus in San Antonio. The 54-minute documentary covers the feats. failures and leadership of the Texas Association of the Deaf (TAD). Baldwin, a resident of Austin, developed the film with David Pierce of Davideo Productions of Seguin. In 1990 they both won the Barbara Jordan Award for a mini-documentary. - posted on June 26, 2009

Kate Cullen Roberts (M.F.A. '07) featured in "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" at New York's Public Theater through May 24. Read more in the NY Times article, "Old Hickory, That Emo Punk, Singing and Dancing to Fame" - posted on May 20, 2009

Billy Dragoo (B.F.A. '87) of Austin High School directs UIL One Act Play 5A State Champion production, "Over the River and Through the Woods." - posted on May 20, 2009

Christina Murphy (B.A. '04) featured in upcoming Wayans' Brothers movie. "Dance Flick" opens May 22. - posted on May 18, 2009

Robbie Ann Darby (M.F.A. '07) presents solo performance "Love and Violence: The Fusion or Eruption" May 15 and 16 at 7 Stages Theater in Atlanta, GA. - posted on May 13, 2009

Kimberly Scott (B.F.A. '86) appears in "Death of a Salesman" with Charles S. Dutton at Yale Repertory Theatre. - posted on May 13, 2009

Jon Ecklund (B.F.A. '91) featured in "NY Times" for role in "Cathedral" at Manhattan Theater Source. - posted on May 13, 2009

Remembering Leigh Bess Boone (1979–2009), B.F.A. in Theatre and Dance, 2003 - posted on April 28, 2009

Jason Tremblay (M.F.A. Playwriting '07) Debuts New Play in Chicago "Katrina: The Girl Who Wanted Her Name Back" at Adventure Stage through May 21 - posted on April 28, 2009

Jason Kendall (M.F.A. '96) NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador to New York City featured in "NY Times" for direction of Inwood Astronomy Project. - posted on April 6, 2009

Elena Araoz (M.F.A. '04) director of, "Thirst: A Spell for Christabel," featured in "NY Times" for production with The First Light Theater Group. - posted on April 6, 2009

Festival Brings New art and Established Talent to Austin The University Co-op Presents the Cohen New Works Festival, March 30 - April 4 - posted on March 9, 2009

Catherine Ann Jones- The Way of Story (BFA, Drama, 1965) is an award-winning writer whose films include The Christmas Wife (Jason Robards), Unlikely Angel (Dolly Parton), Angel Passing (Hume Cronyn, Calista Flockhart) which screened at Sundance and went on to win fifteen awards, and the TV series, Touched by an Angel. Her book, The Way of Story, is required for NYU writing programs, www.wayofstory.com. Ms. Jones will be in Austin giving a talk and a workshop through Reel Women on May 20-23 for all levels and all forms of narrative, focusing on writing for Hollywood and independent films. - posted on March 3, 2009

Jen Lutringer (B.F.A. '01) Theatre Arts Teacher at North Richland Hills Middle School named Teacher of the Year. - posted on February 16, 2009

Hyde Park Theatre's FronteraFest 2009 presents Lascivious Lunches and Decadent Dinners by Priscilla Sample (M.F.A. '08), Wednesday, January 28th. - posted on January 20, 2009

TUTTO Theatre presents "Ophelia" written and directed by Dustin Wills (BA '06). "Opehlia" runs November 7 – 23. - posted on November 14, 2008

Rebecca Podsednik (B.F.A. '05) accepts new position in the Kennedy Center's Theater for Young Audiences program. - posted on August 26, 2008

John Newman (M.A.) was selected by the Children's Theatre Foundation of America to received the first Robertson Award. This award recognizes an outstanding teacher of theatre in a public high school in the United States. - posted on August 20, 2008

Robert Schenkkan's (B.A., Drama, '75) play, BY THE WATERS OF BABYLON, will open in LA at the Geffen Theatre on Nov 5. He has been commissioned to write a new play for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival as part of their "American History Project", and to adapt Linda Sue Park's, A SINGLE SHARD, for the Seattle Children's Theatre Co. Most recently he workshopped a new musical, A NIGHT AT THE ALHAMBRA CAFE at the Krannert Center. The miniseries he wrote for A&E, THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN, is nominated for six Emmys including "Best Miniseries." Robert also wrote four episodes on the HBO/Tom Hanks/Steven Spielberg miniseries, THE PACIFIC, airing in 2010. Currently, Robert is writing a film for SONY Pictures based on Xenophon's "ANABASIS." He also has films set up at Fox, Fox 2000, and with Pandemonium Pictures. - posted on August 11, 2008

Randall Rapstine (B.F.A. '85) moves latest directing project, "7 Sins" from New York to Edinburgh Scotland. - posted on August 5, 2008

Tonya Larson (maiden name Bordeaux) 1996 B.A. in Theater, recently released her fitness DVD, "STEP PUMP/ Body-Mind-Spirit-Fit." You can view clips of the DVD on www.TonyaLarson.net - posted on June 23, 2008

Kate Cullen Roberts (M.F.A. '07) appears in scene on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent". The episode titled "Betrayed" airs Sunday, June 22nd. - posted on June 17, 2008

Tommy Tune (B.F.A. ’61) to receive lifetime achievement honor at 2008 Astaire Awards - posted on May 20, 2008

Carlen Gilseth (M.F.A. '92) of The Woodlands High School and Billy Dragoo (B.F.A. '87) of Austin High School direct students competing in the 82nd Annual State One-Act Play contest in Austin, TX - posted on April 30, 2008

Sets and props designed by James Walters [B.F.A. '69)] appear in episode of "N.C.I.S." The episode entitled "Stakeout" airs Tuesday, April 8th. - posted on April 7, 2008

Oregon Shakespeare Festival presents "Coriolanus" directed by former M.F.A. in Directing Student, Laird Williamson. "Coriolanus" runs March 26 - November 2. - posted on March 18, 2008

Alumnus Dock Jackson , director of parks and recreation for the City of Elgin and a current Bastrop City Council member, vies for seat on Bastrop County Commissioners Court. - posted on March 10, 2008

Dink O'Neal (B.F.A. '84) appears as the irate carwash customer on "MONK". The season finale episode entitled "Mr. Monk Is On The Run" airs Friday, February 22nd. - posted on February 19, 2008

Adam Kulbersh (BFA '96) joins Joan Rivers in the premiere of "Joan Rivers: A Work in Progress by a Life in Progress" at L.A.'s Geffen Playhouse, February 5-March 30. - posted on January 23, 2008

BFA Dance Graduate pens new blog - Life as a dancer in Las Vegas Lisa Browder (BFA Dance, '76) recounts her 13 years as a professional dancer, and her ten year stint as a Las Vegas "Showgirl", in her new blog One Showgirl's Life. - posted on January 16, 2008

Dink O'Neal (B.F.A. '84) guest stars as the goofy father on Disney's "Wizards of Waverly Place". The episode entitled "Disenchanted Evening" originally aired on Nov. 9th. - posted on December 5, 2007

Scott Marlowe (BFA in Dance, 2004) dances with LEVYdance in San Francisco. LEVYdance is renowned for its daring, densely layered, kinesthetically detailed, and emotionally intense choreography. - posted on October 23, 2007

Catch Kim Dilts (M.F.A. in Acting, 2004) as she plays a reporter on Dirty Sexy Money, airing on Wednesday, September 26 at 10/9p Central on ABC. - posted on September 25, 2007

Jim Walters (MFA in Directing, 1969) is set designer for a hit television show "NCIS" (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) that is entering its 5th season. It airs Tuesday nights on CBS. - posted on September 24, 2007

David Rogers (B.F.A. in Lighting Technology, 1999) was recently promoted to Manager, Electronic Information Security Compliance at US Oncology, Inc. in the Houston area. - posted on September 17, 2007

Chad Raines (B.A. in Theatre and Dance, 1999) recently took a position with Enspire Learning as a Producer. He is also pursuing a Masters in Project Management at St. Edwards University, is a company member of Salvage Vanguard Theatre, and regularly volunteers as venue and stage manager at various festivals in Austin. - posted on September 17, 2007

Val Winkelman (MFA in Theatrical Design, 1990) has recently been named Interim Head of the Department of Communication and Dramatic Arts at Auburn University Montgomery. - posted on September 13, 2007

Michael D. Arthur (PhD Theatre History & Criticism, ‘99) made his New York stage debut in March 2007 at the Joyce Theater. He appeared on stage with Buglisi Dance Theatre in a piece called Acapelorus (A Walrus Tale) where his live drawings were projected on a screen behind the dancers as they performed. - posted on July 3, 2007

Dan Dietz (MFA Drama, ‘99) is one of eleven playwrights selected in the ninth round of the Theatre Residency Program for Playwrights, jointly developed by the TCG and the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional funding from the Ford Foundation. The program allows playwrights to create new work while in residence at a theatre, and to become a part of that theatre's artistic life and community activities. He will be in residence at Salvage Vanguard Theater in Austin, TX. - posted on July 3, 2007

Elliott Forrest (BA Drama, ‘79) named co-artistic director of Riverspace Arts in Nyack, NY. The theatre had been dark for 11 months until Elliott helped gather community support to bring it back to life. - posted on July 3, 2007

Elizabeth Holland Gendler (BA Dance, ‘05) is a stockbroker with Alliance Financial Group, Inc. in Dallas - posted on July 3, 2007

Carson Kreitzer (MFA Playwriting, ‘06) was accepted into New Dramatists Class of 2013. - posted on July 3, 2007

Robin L. McGee (MFA Drama, ‘92) co-wrote, with Arnold S. Levine, Patterns for Costume Accessories, a collection of over 80 patterns for period and costume accessories. - posted on July 3, 2007

Gordon Prince (BFA Drama, ‘98) is Co-Producer of Eve of Understanding, an award-winning indie film to premiere in Texas at the inaugural AFI Dallas International Film Festival. Eve of Understanding was filmed largely in Katy and Austin, Texas. - posted on July 3, 2007

Jen Prince (BFA Drama, ‘98) is Producer of Eve of Understanding, an award-winning indie film to premiere in Texas at the inaugural AFI Dallas International Film Festival. Eve of Understanding was filmed largely in Katy and Austin, Texas. - posted on July 3, 2007

Mark Reeb (BFA Theatrical Design, ‘98) is Associate Producer of Eve of Understanding, an award-winning indie film to premiere in Texas at the inaugural AFI Dallas International Film Festival. Mark also plays the role of Glenn in the film that was filmed largely in Katy and Austin, Texas. - posted on July 3, 2007

Greg Romero (MFA Playwriting, ‘06) premiered his play The Most Beautiful Lullaby Ever Heard at City Attic Theatre, an emerging off-off-Broadway company in May 2007. - posted on July 3, 2007

Will Underwood (BA Drama, ‘97) is Associate Producer of Eve of Understanding, an award-winning indie film to premiere in Texas at the inaugural AFI Dallas International Film Festival. Eve of Understanding was filmed largely in Katy and Austin, Texas. - posted on July 3, 2007

Jim Wear (BFA Drama, ‘73) has opened three "new" theatres in Plano, Texas since 2002 in addition to advocating for the arts through several activities: planning the Arts of Collin County facilities, managing the City of Plano's Cultural Arts grants program, and working with the Dallas Business Arts and Culture among other activities. - posted on July 3, 2007

See Joe Murray (M.F.A. Acting, 2001) in this national commercial for Wendy’s. He plays the scientist who runs the wind tunnel. - posted on June 19, 2007

Bill Green (BFA in Drama, 1950) starred as a cynical senator in THE VIEW FROM K STREET at Alternate Stages in New York City. The play just closed after a month run. - posted on June 1, 2007

Recently graduated Anastasia Coon (M.F.A. in Acting, 2007) just landed her first Equity contract with a professional theatre company in California as the lead role in Tom Stoppard’s “The Real Thing.” She’s very excited as it’s a great challenge in British dialect and with a director she loves and respects. - posted on June 1, 2007

Literary agent William Craver (M.F.A. 1956) has a new musical, PASSING STRANGE, running at the Public/NY Shakespeare Theatre May 14-June 3, 2007. Another UT alum, Kevin Adams (B.F.A. 1984), is Lighting Designer for this show. - posted on June 1, 2007

Shannon Haragan (M.F.A. Acting, 1996) and Janelle Schremmer (M.F.A. Acting, 1997) appear in the feature film CHALK, a faux-doc comedy about teachers and the public education system, released in theaters this summer. - posted on May 20, 2007

Elena Araoz (M.F.A. in Acting, 2004) directs new play, Phallacy, written by Dr. Carl Djerassi, starring Simon Jones and Lisa Harrow. Runs May 15-June 10 at Cherry Lane Theatre in New York City. - posted on May 14, 2007

Nina LeNoir (Ph.D. Theatre History/Criticism, 1999; M.F.A. in Directing, 1993) is Director of Instruction at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, CA - posted on May 3, 2007

Jason Kendall (M.F.A. in Drama, 1996) is training to be a docent in the astronomy and earth sciences areas of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. - posted on May 3, 2007

Lucy Nagle-Record (B.A. in Dance, 1977) is an instructor at Pasadena Dance Theatre. Pasadena Dance Theatre is presenting “Beauty and the Beast” at the San Gabriel Civic Auditorium on May 12 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm and May 13 at 2:00 pm. Ms. Nagle-Record will also be choreographing for an Arts Festival in the Boston area this summer. - posted on May 2, 2007

Aaron Mack Schloff (M.F.A. in Playwriting, 2003) is featured in the May/June international issue of American Theater, which presents his account of how four Argentine plays and playwrights traveled to New York. American Theater celebrates the issue with a party on May 14th at the Romanian Cultural Institute that also marks the visit of two Romanian theater artists. Additionally, Soho Think Tank at the Ohio Theatre is presenting a reading of Mr. Schloff's play THE FLIGHT OF ICARUS at 3:00 pm on May 14 as part of its 6th Floor Series. - posted on May 2, 2007

Ryan King (B.F.A. in Theatre, 2001) is acting in current UT Playwriting candidate Jenny Connell's play CHRYSALIS on May 8-10 as part of the Nine Winning Plays showcase from the National M.F.A. Playwright's Festival at the Atlantic Theater's Stage Two. - posted on May 2, 2007

Gina Kaufmann (MFA in Drama, 1999) directs “Private Lives” at Sacramento Theater Company. Ms. Kaufmann is a theater and dance assistant professor at Sacramento State and a freelance director. Since graduating from UT Austin, she has taught at the University of Louisville, been a guest director at Brown University and taught at Dartmouth College as a guest. “Private Lives” runs through Sunday 2/18. - posted on February 19, 2007

Dink O'Neal (BFA in Acting, 1984) recently appeared in an episode of Nickelodeon's award winning family sitcom Drake & Josh in the role of Mr. Carmichael, the next door neighbor whose son's treehouse is burned to the ground when Drake & Josh accidentally shoot a model rocket out of their bedroom window. - posted on January 23, 2007

Colleen Danaher (BA in Theatre & Dance, 2002) is currently serving as Assistant Stage Manager for the Broadway show "Grey Gardens" now playing at the Walter Kerr Theatre in New York City. - posted on December 12, 2006

Tena Callahan (graduated Tena Bakos, BFA in Drama, 1977) has been elected District Judge of the 302nd Family Court in Dallas County. She will utilize her theatrical background in her new position as fact-finder in contested family law matters. Tena graduated in from St. Mary's University Law School, San Antonio, in December 1991. - posted on December 11, 2006

David M. Barber (BFA in Theatrical Design, 1990) is credited in a New York Times article for his "over the top" scene design in the Two River Theatre production of "Tartuffe". Read more about Barber's "Texas McMansion decorated like a Disney theme park" in this November 26 New York Times arts review. - posted on December 4, 2006

Paul Alix (MFA in Theatrical Design, 2005) is working as Assistant Set Designer for Herbalife International based in Encino, California. His job has taken him to Boca Raton, Bangkok, Las Vegas, Mexico, Anaheim, and Lisbon. His advice to all new set designers: "After you learn how to hand draft, learn Vectorworks." - posted on November 30, 2006

Devon Painter (MFA Theatrical Design, 1990) is a freelance costume designer, currently serving as Costume Designer for the Studio Theatre's production of "The Long Christmas Ride Home" by Paula Vogel. Check out Devon's portfolio and current projects on her website. - posted on November 20, 2006

David Utley (MFA Theatrical Design, 2006) is currently the Assistant Art Director on "Rendition," a New Line Cinema feature film starring Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gylenhaal, and Meryl Streep. David is a new member of USA local 829, is living in L.A., and is scheduled to design "Mother Courage" in January at the Nevada Conservatory Theatre. - posted on November 16, 2006

William Peterson (PhD in Theatre History & Criticism, 1991) is now a Senior Lecturer and Postgraduate Coordinator in the Centre for Drama and Theatre Studies at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Monash is one of Australia's leading universities with strong academic links with Southeast Asia in ethnomusicology, history, politics, and anthropology. Part of his role in the Center is to further links with Southeast Asia in theatre and performance and to attract additional postgrads to the program. - posted on November 16, 2006

Adam Kulbersh (BFA Theatrical Design, 1996) will appear in ABC's "Ugly Betty" on Thursday, November 16 at 8/7 pm Central. - posted on November 13, 2006

Lisa D'Amour (MFA in Drama, 1996) has created the new play Stanley with her brother Tim D'Amour. Written and directed by Lisa and performed by Tim, Stanley is a sequel to "Streetcar Named Desire" and runs through November 18, 2006 at Here Arts Center in New York City. - posted on November 1, 2006

Blake Hammond (BA in Theatre & Dance, attended) stars as Edna Turnblad in Broadway musical HAIRSPRAY. - posted on October 9, 2006

Allen Robertson (MFA in Drama and Theatre for Youth, 1992) plays the role of Buford in Austin's home-grown kiddie show "The Biscuit Brothers." The show just received a Lone Star Emmy nomination for children's programming. - posted on September 29, 2006

Flordelino Lagundino (MFA in Acting, 2004) is currently playing Laertes in Hamlet and will be in Noises Off (dir. Keith Baxter) as Tim. Productions both staged at the Perseverance Theatre in Douglas, Alaska. - posted on September 6, 2006

David Utley (MFA in Theatrical Design, 2006) has been made a member of United Scenic Artists local 829. This membership allows him to design theatre anywhere in Los Angeles and design theatre, television, and film in New York City. - posted on September 6, 2006

Chase Crossno (BA in Theatre & Dance/Anthropology, 2006) has been accepted into the World Teach program. The program will take her to Namibia, Africa for one year to teach HIV/AIDS resource and prevention courses using theatre and the arts. - posted on August 30, 2006

Matthew Herrick (MFA in Acting, 2004) made his solo debut at Carnegie Hall this summer. Benefit concert of Broadway hits was entitled "The Gift of Music." - posted on August 28, 2006