Heather Hollingsworth's journey through Texas Tech University School of Theatre and Dance and her subsequent career is a testament to her passion for the arts, resilience, and dedication to the craft. From her time studying under Mr. Ronald Schulz to her current projects, Heather's story is one of artistic exploration, overcoming challenges, and giving back to the community.

Heather's time at Texas Tech spanned from 1974 to 1980, during which she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre. Heather's years at Tech were marked by influential professors like Ronald Schulz and George Sorenson. When asked about the classes she took while at Tech, Hollingsworth recounted how Tech's theatre department was “ahead of its time” in the 70s. During her six years in the department, Hollingsworth acted in a wide range of productions on the Texas Tech stage. A few of these opportunities included George Sorenson's production of Kennedy's Children where students interchanged the roles they played during the run of the show, and Larry Randolph's cutting-edge production of Faustus in 1974--a process unlike “anything [she] had ever experienced.”

Heather's journey continued beyond Texas Tech as she ventured to New York in 1980. Her acceptance into Circle the Square's Professional Training Program, a premier acting program, marked a significant chapter in her training. Studying with renowned mentors like Michael Kahn and Ed Berkeley, Heather honed her skills and earned her AEA and SAG, and AFTRA cards. Eventually, she pursued her MFA in acting at UT Austin, studying under the renowned theater historian Dr. Oscar Brockett. After graduation, Hollingsworth accepted a position at the University of Florida where she taught BFA & MFA voice, speech, and movement courses while directing productions for the department.

While in Florida, Heather's journey took an unexpected turn with the onset of chronic illness. Despite the challenges, she continued to teach in Greeley, Colorado, before eventually settling in Dripping Springs, Texas. Heather spent years creating a safe space at home to manage her condition and educate others about environmental illness. Though her illness prevented her from continuing to pursue a career in academia and theatre/film, it has not stopped Heather exploring her passion for the arts.

Led by this passion, Heather has undertaken the significant task of transforming the Hollingsworth Hall Cultural Center (located at 42nd St. & Boston Ave) in Lubbock. Since inheriting the space from her father, Lonnie F. Hollingsworth, Heather has begun to renovate the building it into a versatile venue for theater, events, and more. Heather is excited to “continue the tradition of the space being used to celebrate the arts.” When the center opens, it will offer a wide range of arts and cultural activities to the Lubbock community including comedy nights, recitals, home school classes, staged readings, and collaboration with local theatre companies in addition to productions by the resident theatre company, the Youth Artist Guild. Heather is excited about returning to directing after an extended hiatus, and she plans to direct One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in late spring of 2024. While it is a daunting task, with help of Five Points Corporation and her brother Lonnie F. Hollingsworth, Jr, she is confident that the Hollingsworth Cultural Center will quickly become an integral part of the vibrant Lubbock arts and culture community.

In addition to her work in the Lubbock community, Heather is thrilled to be taking part in planning the upcoming Theatre and Dance Alumni Reunion honoring Ron Schulz. When asked about why she wanted to be a part of planning the event, she recounted the level of talent and passion present in the Texas Tech Theatre and Dance alumni saying, "We had such a stellar group of students and professors while I was at Tech, and I am excited to see a lot of that same energy back on campus. That the quality has continued to grow alongside the department, and it is exciting to be a part of the group that began that tradition of excellence.”