JT & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts
Who We Are
The J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts (TCVPA) is the beating heart of Texas Tech University. We are a creative community with the resources of a world-class public university. Our students from all over the world shine with Texas-sized ambition, curiosity, and compassion.
Our college cultivates confidence-building artistic journeys with an infinite number of destinations. We are theatrical sound designers, independent filmmakers, and modern dance teachers. We are gallery owners, experimental sculptors, and art historians. We are symphony conductors, opera singers, and Broadway performers. We are researchers exploring the intersection of the arts with multiple disciplines.
Our schools provide a supportive visual and performing arts education. New students join a community of 1,100 arts dedicated undergraduate and graduate students—including D.M.A. and Ph.D. candidates. The arts are relevant, critical, and essential to contemporary life. An education in the arts inspires students to communicate through artistic tradition while embracing and creating innovative technologies as vehicles for individual expression and social change.
Upcoming events.
- Art
Ken Dixon: A Life in Art
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM weekdays
- Art Building Studio Gallery
- Sept. 8 – Nov. 1, 2026
- Art
Art Faculty Exhibition 2026
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM weekdays
- Art Building Landmark Gallery
- Oct. 9 – Dec. 12, 2026
- Music
Lubbock Civic Orchestra
- 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Hemmle Recital Hall
- Theatre
A Grand Night for Singing
- 7:30 PM; Sundays 2:00 PM
- School of Theatre & Dance Complex
- Oct. 21–25, 2026
A fresh and innovative revue featuring the songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein, directed by Dr. José Holland-Garcia.
- Music
Concert and Symphonic Band
- 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Hemmle Recital Hall
- Music
Julia Bell Trumpet Faculty Recital
- 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- Hemmle Recital Hall
- Alumni
IGNITE Gala
An evening celebrating the talent, artistry and impact of our School of Music community. More information coming soon.
- Art
Sara Drescher: Still Life as Landscape: The Entanglement of Place
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM weekdays
- Art Building Folio Gallery
- Nov. 6–29, 2026
- Dance
Fall Dance Festival
- 7:30 PM; Sundays 2:00 PM
- School of Theatre & Dance Complex
- Nov. 12–15, 2026
This showcase of exceptional student choreography is an annual audience favorite.
- Alumni
TAEA Conference Art Alumni Reception
- 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Join fellow School of Art alumni during the Texas Art Education Association Conference for our annual Art Alumni Reception.
- Art
5x7 Art Dash Scholarship Fundraiser
- 7:00 – 10:00 PM
- Historic Baker Building
- Alumni
TDEA Convention Dance Alumni Reception
- 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Join us at the Texas Dance Educators Association Convention for our annual TTU Dance Alumni Reception.
- Alumni
Next Stage: TCVPA Alumni Career Panel
TCVPA students and alumni talk honestly about the journey from college to career. More information coming soon.
- Alumni
100 Years of University Choir Alumni Reunion
- Jan. 15–17, 2027
Choir alumni are invited back to campus for a weekend of music, memories and connection.
- Theatre
The Crucible
- 7:30 PM; Sundays 2:00 PM
- School of Theatre & Dance Complex
- Feb. 11–13 & 18–21, 2027
A historical drama by Arthur Miller, directed by Ronald Dean Nolen.
- Alumni
TMEA Convention Music Alumni Reunion
- 9:30 – 11:30 PM
- San Antonio
School of Music alumni at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention are invited to a special reunion.
- Dance
DanceTech: Sustain
- 7:30 PM; Sundays 2:00 PM
- School of Theatre & Dance Complex
- Feb. 25–28, 2027
Dance faculty and guest choreographers reflect on the philosophies, people, places and practices that sustain them through turbulent times.
- Alumni
Texas Tech Day of Giving
- March 23–24, 2027
Support the people, programs and opportunities that empower the next generation of TCVPA artists, performers, educators and scholars.
- Theatre
Mean Girls
- 7:30 PM; Sundays 2:00 PM
- School of Theatre & Dance Complex
- April 15–17 & 22–25, 2027
A glittery, laugh-out-loud musical by Tina Fey, Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin, directed and choreographed by Kyla Olson.
Latest news.
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Texas Tech Researchers Create Global Music Guessing Game
Texas Tech faculty from the Department of Interdisciplinary Arts and the Department of Computer Science become entrepreneurs.
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Dean Martin Camacho named president of international arts deans council
Dean Martin Camacho became president of the International Council for Arts Deans (ICfAD) at its 62nd annual conference.
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Texas Tech Grad Rose from Errand Runner to Emmy-Winning Dolly Parton Producer
Hudson Hickman thought he wanted to be an entrepreneur like his dad. But his interests led him to the theater department at Texas Tech instead: Act 1 of his show business career.
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Texas Tech Professor Integrates AI and Human Creativity into Education
Hideki Isoda is using his combined interests in music and technology, including artificial intelligence, to lead the next generation into the modern world of music.
Spotlight
Madden Wilson
BFA Graphic Design (2022)
"Since graduating from the School of Art I have gone on to work for a fantastic woman-owned marketing and creative agency in Austin."
Reno Ruiz
BA Music (2023)
"I loved being a student at Texas Tech because of the people. Throughout my time here, I’ve found support and care from both the faculty and my peers."
Samantha Shavrick
BFA Musical Theatre (2024)
"The friendships, mentorships, and skills I have developed here in Lubbock will stay
with me for a
lifetime as I transition from the educational setting into the professional world."
Alyssa Lebron
BA Dance (2022)
"My time in the dance program really opened my eyes to what dance looks like worldwide, making relevant connections about the past, present and future of dance education."
Accreditations
Texas Tech University is accredited by:
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Association of Schools of Theatre
- National Association of Schools of Dance
Additionally, the TCVPA participates in the accreditation process for the university and its teacher education programs:
Podcasts for All Things Visual & Performing Arts and Texas Tech
J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts
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Address
School of Theatre & Dance Building | Box 45060 | 2812 18th Street STE 222 | Lubbock TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.0700 -
Email
talk@ttu.edu