From the Winship Building at The University of Texas at Austin, to our alumni, friends, and parents – Greetings! We are excited to share our latest news with you in our biannual publication of ENCORE. Your interest and support is key to who we are as a department, and for that we are grateful. This year we are celebrating the Department of Theatre and Dance’s 75th anniversary. It’s only fitting that such exciting developments would happen during this landmark year. The B.F.A. in Acting, dormant for more than fifteen years, was recently approved and classes will begin in fall 2014. A groundbreaking program designed for the 21st century, this B.F.A. degree will bring the most talented Texans to study here at The University of Texas at Austin. I’m continually amazed at the accomplishments of our alumni, some of which you’ll read about in this issue. Of particular note is Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan (B.A. 1975), whose play All The Way recently made its Broadway debut at the Neil Simon Theatre. Our thanks to Bryan Cranston (starring as “LBJ” in the hit show) and Robert for their recent visit to the university. Our students were delighted to hear these talented artists’ words of advice as they begin their own careers. I invite you to join us this year as we toast 75 remarkable years. Together we will help write the history of this amazing Theatre and Dance program. As always, please continue to stay in touch and send us your updates and news. We look forward to hearing from of you. Hook ‘em Horns!
Dean, College of Fine Arts Douglas Dempster, Ph.D. Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance Brant Pope, Ph.D. Senior Associate Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance Susan Mickey To make a gift to the Department of Theatre and Dance Michele Baylor, Director of Development and Alumni Relations 512.475.6291 mbaylor@austin.utexas.edu To share your alumni news Cassie Gholston, Director of Marketing 512.232.5301 gholston@austin.utexas.edu The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance 300 E. 23rd Street D3900 Austin, Texas 78712
Brant Pope Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance
Phone: 512.471.5793 utexas.edu/finearts/tad The ENCORE logo is the genius of Harvey Schmidt, artist and composer, B.F.A. 1952. Photo: Daniel Cavazos, Brenda O’Brien, Lawrence Peart, Mark Rutkowski, Lauren Tarbel
In 1976, the Drama Building was expanded to include new classrooms, dance studios, and the B. Iden Payne Theatre. 1
utexas.edu/finearts/tad
ENCORE SPRING 2014
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