In December, the School of Theatre & Dance will celebrate the graduation of nine students from across all of its undergraduate and graduate programs. We caught up with a few of them to learn more about their time at Texas Tech and what they are up to next!
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Corynne Anderson BA – Theatre Arts Favorite School of Theatre & Dance Memory: “My favorite memory in the School of Theatre & Dance was being able to watch and hear an audience react positively to a show that I directed in Frontier Fest.” Impact of the School of Theatre & Dance: “I transferred to Texas Tech for the directing opportunities. I have been able to learn and understand the directing tools that work best for me, my cast, and my vision.” Post-Grad Plans: “I plan to move back to my hometown and work with North Texas Performing Arts as one of their creative directors.” |
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Jamison Driskill MFA – Arts Administration Thesis: Strategic Planning for THE EDGE: A COMPANY OF FINE ARTISTS Favorite School of Theatre & Dance Memory: “The Marfa Intensive was an incredible memory that I will never forget. To be fully immersed in the work we were doing with site-specific devised theatre for a full two weeks was transformative for me artistically. And Marfa is such an interesting and unique place to be. I felt like I was living on another planet.” Impact of the School of Theatre & Dance: “During my time in the SoTD, I was given opportunities to challenge myself artistically and to develop my skillset as an arts administrator. I now feel like I have a solid foundation upon which I can build an exciting career, both as a theatre artist and as an administrator.” Post-Grad Plans: “TBD. I'm open to suggestions. I have some applications out there and some entrepreneurial ideas I would like to explore. I have several options to weigh. I am excited to see how it all plays out.” |
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Evangeline Jiménez PhD – Interdisciplinary Fine Arts (specializations in Theory/History/Criticism and Arts Administration) Dissertation: “Danza Assemblage: Prayerfully Dancing Spiritual & Cultural Mestizaje Identities” Favorite School of Theatre & Dance Memory: “In my eight years of study over two degree programs, I think I've accumulated an intertwining, overlapping collage of favorite memories. It's impossible to isolate and pick one. Rather than a specific memory, the sentiment which strongly resonates is gratitude for the opportunity to form those memories by learning, creating, and growing in the School of Theatre of Dance.” Impact of the School of Theatre & Dance: “I hope that I've made a lasting impact on the School of Theatre and Dance as both an alumna of the MFA Performance & Pedagogy program (May 2015) and a soon-to-be alumna of the PhD Interdisciplinary Fine Arts program. I know that my colleagues and professors within the entirety of the Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts have certainly made a lasting impact in both my professional and personal life: they have made me a better scholar, pedagogue, artist, advocate for community needs, service-oriented citizen, and human being.” Post-Grad Plans: “I'm in the process of applying for several academic jobs and fellowship opportunities for the 2023-2024 academic year. In the meantime, while that process is ongoing, I'm keeping busy as a conference planner for the Religion & Theatre Focus Group for the Association of Theatre in Higher Education organization for the 2023 and 2024 conferences. I'm also continuing to serve as the music ministry leader of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Lubbock. And I'm enjoying some well-earned time with my friends and family.” |
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Rachel Phillips MFA – Arts Administration Thesis: Marketing an O'Neill Summer: Navigating a New Job and a New Post-Covid Landscape Favorite School of Theatre & Dance Memory: “Some of my favorite memories come from company managing WildWind 2021. Of course, it was great to be doing practical administrative work, but the ultimate joy was spending time with the amazing community of theater makers that came together during that time. Afternoons at the lazy river, a quick trip to TEXAS Outdoor Musical, dinners out together, and more – these are the moments I will hold on to along with a number of connections formed throughout these activities.” Impact of the School of Theatre & Dance: “My time at the School of Theatre & Dance has been filled with faculty, staff, and classmates who supported both my academic and professional endeavors. I would not have the opportunities or be the administrator that I am today without their impact on my life.” Post-Grad Plans: “I am thrilled to be putting everything I learned during my time at Texas Tech to use as the Communications and Marketing Manager at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut. The O'Neill is dedicated to the development of new work and new voices, and it's an immense privilege to be a part of the team helping make that happen.” |
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Berkley Stone BA – Dance Favorite School of Theatre & Dance Memory: “Meeting my closest friends through the dance program and learning dance from many amazing instructors!” Impact of the School of Theatre & Dance: “I loved getting to make peoples' day better by bringing my positive energy into each of my dance classes, learning new ways of technique and movement styles. 'Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the lord your got will be with you wherever you go.' (Joshua 1:9) I read this verse each morning as I lead into my dance classes with an open mind and positive energy.” Post-Grad Plans: “I plan to continue teaching at Revolution Elite Dance where I share my knowledge and passion for dance with future generations. The future is open to pull me wherever I need to go.” |
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Grace Taylor BA – Theatre Arts Impact of the School of Theatre & Dance: “Texas Tech was a great steppingstone to help me along my journey, and I am extremely grateful to professors like Dean Nolen, Rachel Hirshorn-Johnston, and Sarah Johnson. Currently, I am producing a podcast called “The Trauma Dump Podcast” where people anonymously share trauma and I supply them with resources and support. We have over 100 members who share and support each other every day. I'm very proud of how far I've come and how far I will go.” Post-Grad Plans: “My aspirations are to become a film director. I have been accepted to the University of Stirling in Scotland to study Business in Film and Media.” |
Additional December graduates include Abby Hardage (BA – Dance), Samuel Jones (BA – Theatre Arts), and Kaitlyn Mitchell (BFA – Design).
Congratulations to everyone!