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A NOTE FROM THE DEAN

With this Fall edition of the TTU Arts Newsletter, I am thrilled to share the incredible stories that reflect the vitality and spirit of the J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Peroforming Arts. This issue is a celebration of the remarkable people who make our arts community thrive.

We are excited to spotlight the achievements of our faculty, including recently published books and notable accomplishments. We also take a moment to announce the launch of our university-wide campaign, On & On, which will shape the future of our instition and create new opportunities for all.

Within the following stories we showcase the transformative work happinging in classrooms, on stages, and communities extending across oceans, with narratives that illustrate the breadth of talent and commitment that defines us. Finally, we celebrate our alumni, whose successes continue to inspire and elevate the legacy of our college.

I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and look forward to what lies ahead. Thank you for being part of this dynamic community with your energy, passion, and vision.

Dr. Martin Camacho, Dean, J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts

 

FACULTY NEWS

School of Music Represented at the International Horn Competition of America and the International Horn Symposium

Christopher M. Smith
Photo of Christopher M. Smith

School of Music Professor of Horn, Christopher M. Smith, contributed as one of eleven university division adjudicators for the International Horn Competition of America (IHCA) and performed at the opening concert for the International Horn Symposium. Performing with Smith were a number of Horn Studio students from Texas Tech that went to compete in the IHCA.

>> Read More

Associate Professor Cody Arnall Participated in Solid State: A Celebration of the Material World

Cody Arnall Exhibit
Photo of Cody Arnall at his exhibit, “Waiting, So Long” 
as seen on sculpturemonthhouston.org

A competitive exhibition program at the Site Gallery Houston at The Silos at Sawyer Yards.

>> Learn More

Texas Tech Researchers Explore Radio Across the Globe

David Sears
Photo of David Sears

David Sears, associate professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Arts and co-director of the Performing Arts Research Lab (PeARL), and associate professor Tommy Dang of Computer Science, received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to further illuminate patterns in how people listen to music globally. Both having a desire to understand the human-to-music connection but having different approaches to getting there, a collaboration was born. Together they built Music Informatics for Radio Across the GlobE (MIRAGE), an open-access database and online dashboard that allows users to access, interact with, and export metadata and musicological features from the music on internet radio. 

Sears and Dang hope that at the end of the day, MIRAGE is used to better understand how people connect, and that researchers and musicians can learn more about the music produced and heard around the world.

>> Read More

The School of Theatre & Dance Awarded the 
Presidential Departmental Excellence in Safety Award

EHS Safety Award
left to right: Lawrence Schovanec, Dimitri Pappas, Mark Charney, Paul Reinsch, Natalie Mayo, Jared Roberts, Martin Camacho

Natalie Mayo, Jared Roberts and Paul Reinsch, from the School of Theatre & Dance headed the efforts that awarded the school a $25,000 fund to further enhance its safety mission. Proposed use of the funds is a critical component of the application process and given annually to an academic unit to recognize excellence in safety in research, scholarly and creative activity, and teaching.

>> Learn More

Book Corner

The Ponte Vecchio

Professor Theresa Flanigan has published her new book, The Ponte Vecchio, now available through Brepols under the Harvey Miller imprint. This captivating work delves into the rich history of the Ponte Vecchio, the last premodern bridge spanning Florence’s Arno River, renowned for its iconic shops and historical significance.

>> Get the Book

 

Shakespeare and Nonhuman Intelligence Book Cover

In the newest book by Assistant Professor Heather Warren-Crow, Shakespeare and Nonhuman Intelligence, explores a metaphysical analysis of the Bard’s function in the Theorem in various contexts over the past century. Beginning with early-twentieth century astrophysics and ending with twenty-first century AI, it traces the emergence of Shakespeare as the embattled figure of writing in the age of machine learning, bioinformatics, and other alleged crimes against the human organism. In an argument that pays close attention to computer programs that instantiate the Theorem, it contends that Shakespeare performs as an interface between the human and our Others: animal, god, machine.

>> Get the Book

101 Songs and Games Book Cover

A follow-up to 100 Little Songs and Rhymes for Primary Grades, Professor Susan Brumfield has published her latest book, First, We Sing! 101 Songs & Games for Singing, Playing and More! This fantastic resource offers a collection of more advanced songs and games, designed for grades 3, 4, and 5. With songs written in staff notation, this book includes background notes on historical and cultural context, game instructions, and activities perfect for the classroom!

>> Get the Book

 

Making A Scene Book Cover

Professor Bill Gelber's new book, Making a Scene: Creating a Scene Study Class for Actors, offers a pedagogical approach to rehearsal scenes as a primary tool for diagnosis and actor improvement.

This volume carefully lays out the case for thinking deeply and critically about the nature of every facet of an acting class: the environment of the classroom, the choice of material for performing, diagnostic tools for responding to scene sessions, and means for engaging all students. This study includes suggestions for a teacher’s philosophy towards the work; a justification for implementing games, improvisations, and etudes; suggestions for resources for exercises both basic and complex; and a brief discussion on approaches to period styles material and connecting it to contemporary student life and issues.

Addressed to both the beginning theatre teacher and the seasoned educator, this will be an essential book for anyone seeking to update their work with performers in private studios, high school settings, or in higher education.

>> Get the Book

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DONOR SPOTLIGHT

On & On

Texas Tech University Launches Historic $1.2 Billion “On & On” Campaign

The eight-year campaign will run through August 2028 with the goal of raising more than $1 billion to enhance scholarships, research, campus and athletics.

By George Watson

Summary: Texas Tech University has launched the public phase of its “On & On” campaign, aiming to raise $1.2 billion over eight years to enhance the institution’s national and global standing. The campaign focuses on four key priorities: transform lives, fuel academic excellence, elevate campus and community and build champions.

Why This Matters:

  • Significant Investment in Education: This campaign represents a major financial commitment to higher education in Texas, improving access and quality for thousands of students.
  • Boost to Research and Innovation: By funding academic excellence, the campaign will significantly enhance Texas Tech’s research capabilities and address the needs of Texas and the nation.
  • Economic and Community Impact: A successful campaign of this magnitude will have far-reaching effects on the local and state economy while also elevating Texas Tech’s role in shaping the future of the region and state.

Texas Tech University on Friday (Oct. 18) announced the public phase of a $1.2 billion fundraising campaign, On & On, aimed at propelling the institution to new heights of excellence and global recognition while continuing to offer a world-class education for students in Texas and beyond. It’s the university’s first-ever campaign.

>> Read the Campaign Priorities on Texas Tech Now 

Robin PhillipsSustaining the arts on campus and beyond demands special resources. For many of our talented students, launching a career in the arts is not possible without financial support. The instruments used by our students, the equipment and materials needed to produce our events and exhibitions, and the technology that prepares our graduates for today’s creative job market- these require dedicated funding. The On & On Campaign, with its focus on students, faculty, and community, will help TCVPA further its dedication to increasing student scholarships, providing our students and faculty with the best on-campus resources, and extending our reach in the greater community.

Robin Phillips
Director of Development, TCVPA

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DEPARTMENT OF INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS

Guest Artist Spotlight: Dr. Budi Miller

By Justin Santos

The J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual and Performing Arts invited Dr. Budi Miller, the Co-Artistic Director of The Theatre of Others, to be our Maegene Nelson Visiting Cross-disciplinary scholar this fall. He is the Director of Advanced Training at the Fitzmaurice Institute, a Lead Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework, a certified integrative studies practitioner, and a UNESCO-designated master teacher of mask work. His practice intersects with Balinese Performing Arts Training (BPAT), Mask Work, Fitzmaurice Voicework, Michael Chekhov, Clown, Viewpoints, Grotowski, and Self-inquiry introduced to the world by Ramana Maharshi. Dr. Miller holds a Ph.D. from the University of Melbourne and a B.F.A. in theatre from NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

In his recent visit, he held three lectures--Ethics in Professional Storytelling, Possibilities for Collaboration in Southeast Asia and Australia, and the Arts in Conversation--along with a host of teaching opportunities in classrooms in the Schools of Theatre & Dance, Art, and Music. Included among them were visits to choir rehearsal, speech classes (for stage and screen), voice, and Black Queer Intersections, as well as holding open office hours to discuss arts funding and best uses of vocal training when teaching. The Director of Theatre & Dance, Dr. Mark Charney, was most impressed with the energy he displayed: 

Budi Miller 
Picture of Budi Miller

"Dr. Miller never met a stranger. His laugh is infectious, as is the energy he brings to everything he does. Not only did he share information about the best means of perpetuating the arts, but he did so in a context that was both contemporary and career driven. We’ve rarely experienced an artist who loved the community and the students at TTU, and he was much beloved by everyone fortunate enough to spend time with this incredible artist."

Here, I share with you a conversation that Dr. Miller and I had during this three-week residency with us:

What is your focus for your residency at Texas Tech University?

That’s a complicated question! I’m teaching different students from all three schools, and even others from a variety of colleges, even the health sciences. I’m focusing on active training through different lenses, for actors, for singers, for medical students, work that attracts and engages people from all disciplines.

What pushes you to do this work?

To be honest, it’s the only thing I know how to do well. I’m fortunate in that I get to do what I love, and since the world tells me to keep doing it, I just respond.

We know you often live and teach in Bali. Share with us how that became the home of your company, The Theatre of Others. 

My undergraduate professor at NYU worked with masks, and I became his protégé. He told me that if I wanted to really understand mask work, that I had to train with the Balinese. They know more about mask work than almost anywhere in the world. And so I went, fell in love with the culture, and found a home there. 
When did you decide to stay as long as you did?

I didn’t—well, not exactly. You see, I just kept going back. Interesting story: So, over the past 23 years, I spent time returning as often as possible. When I applied for my permanent residence in Australia, I had to list all the places that I had visited in the past 10 years, and when I tallied up my travel, it turns out that three years were spent in Bali. Wow. So, I guess I essentially have lived in Bali for three years.

Talk to me about your company, the Theatre of Others?

I run it with Adam Marple, my co-artistic director. We have a podcast that you can listen to on any streaming platform. We are in our 14th year and make theatre all around the world. 

Our most recent company work was with Congolese playwright interestingly named Future Destin. Yep. That’s D, E, S, T, I N. Future Destin, a playwright whose most recent work examines the conflict related to minerals in the Congo. We also have a partnership with the University of Exeter and the British Embassy, where we are the official representatives of the arts for COP Climate Summit. We were in Egypt for COP 27, Dubai for COP 28, and this year, COP 29 will be held in Azerbaijan. I’m also looking forward to next year’s held in Brazil.

 

For the readers who might not understand, what is COP?

COP is the Climate Summit where countries from all around the world and the policymakers meet to discuss the science and technology of climate change, hoping to make the planet a better place. We were the first theater group to perform at the Climate Summit. Each country has its own pavilion, and we performed in the UK pavilion; directly after, climate scientists used the performance to prompt discussion about the issues we shared. It was the first time in my life that I got to experience the actual immediate effects of my theatre on policy.

What is some of the training you received and how has it enhanced your work?

I am a lead teacher and head of advanced training for Fitzmaurice voice work, as well as a member of research and development at the Fitzmaurice Institute. I am a master teacher of mask work and the Michael Chekhov technique. Not only do I work with the Balinese, but I’ve also developed a way of training called BPAT, Balinese Performing Arts Training. I use my knowledge in my spiritual practice for awakening, authenticity and performance. All of this training allows me to find truth and authenticity, qualities that are pivotal to my success.

What is your view on the students at Texas Tech?

Beautiful! The students are great, and I really like the enthusiasm they have for the arts.

Dr. Miller also shared that he coached Michelle Williams for her Academy Award-nominated performance in Ang Lee’s movie Brokeback Mountain and has been involved in productions such as Lovecraft Country for HBO; Creed III; Ant-Man III: Marvel Universe, and he collaborates with Julian Elijah Martinez (Wu-Tang: An American Saga: Hulu). He has had the privilege of coaching and inspiring actors in many mediums: Broadway, HBO, Netflix, Showtime, major international film markets and theatres around the world, and the Indonesian Film Festival as a Judge in 2020. 

One of the myriad takeaways from Dr. Miller’s workshops is the vast array of opportunities theatre offers us and the reach it has within our society. He illustrates that no matter where one is, art is always the main spiritual and cultural vein that connects us all. Dr. Miller aims to foster a global and inclusive approach to embodied states of being and performance that honors the richness of cultural and spiritual diversity by blending the different traditions and trainings he has acquired.

His visit was so successful, the School of Theatre & Dance is actively looking for the means to collaborate, even taking students to study with him in Bali! He is one artist whose visit was truly transformative.

University Choir with Budi Miller
Picture of the University Choir with Budi Miller

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SCHOOL OF ART

INTRODUCING DIGITAL NARRATIVE ARTS (DNA):

Crafting Stories Through the Lens

Isometric Room Render
Isometric Room Render by Isabelle James

By Dane Webster

In today’s visually driven world, storytelling is evolving at the intersection of real and digital realms. Our newly combined Digital Narrative Arts (DNA) program merges the strengths of Transmedia and Photography to equip students with the tools to construct compelling narratives across both physical and synthetic landscapes. Whether working with the tangible world of photography or the boundless possibilities of 2D/3D animation and video, students will explore how stories are framed and understood through the lens.

At the heart of DNA is the idea that the “lens”—whether real or virtual—shapes not just what we see, but how we interpret and engage with the world around us. From capturing authentic moments to creating entire digital universes, students learn to harness the power of framing to influence narrative elements and engage audiences on a deeper level. The program combines hands-on experience with a strong emphasis on production, allowing students to produce cutting-edge work that blends artistry with technology.

Our Digital Narrative Arts area is offered as both a concentration within the Studio Arts major and a minor, encouraging students to push the boundaries of their creative potential. We focus on providing real-world experience in making—fostering a deeper understanding of how images, animation, and video art not only tell stories but also shape the way those stories are received. Whether you are crafting digital animations or photographing the world around you, DNA will prepare you to be a versatile, forward-thinking storyteller in a rapidly changing media landscape.

The Digital Narrative Arts area is receiving growing interest from students, many of whom are eager to pursue both the major and the minor. Intermediate and advanced level courses are designed as rotating topics, covering areas such as 2D Animation, Video, and an Introduction to 3D Graphics. More advanced topics include Story Development for Animation, 3D Environments, and Animated Short Film. Photography-based topic courses include Digital Photography, Narrative Photography, Experimental Image Making, Book Arts, Publishing, Studio Lighting, Darkroom Experimentation, and Experimental Digital Work. This structure allows students to continuously build upon their skills and explore new creative directions within the evolving field of digital storytelling.

>> Get More Information

10 Things Page
10 Things page 1 by Victoria Hernandez 

Collage and Composite by Piper Owen
Collage and Composite work by Piper Owen

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SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Celebrating Hemmle Recital Hall: Innovation Unveiled

After almost 50 years since its opening, Hemmle Recital Hall had its grand reopening of the renovated space on Saturday, October 5, featuring the Texas Tech University Symphony Orchestra and faculty soloist, David Dees.

By Anna K.

If you walked into Hemmle Recital Hall in the 70s and entered three years ago, the hall would look the same. After many years of little to no updates, Hemmle Recital Hall is now a state-of-the-art facility. Designed to seat 532 people, the hall offers an intimate atmosphere that enhances both acoustic quality and audience experience.  

In collaboration with BRW Architects, Vaughn Construction, and TTU Operations, this multi-million-dollar renovation officially started in the Spring of 2022. Today, its unique architectural features allow for excellent sound distribution, making it an ideal space for solo and ensemble performances. Those in the audience may notice some similarities to the Buddy Holly Hall – Crickets Theater. The aesthetics of the hall are modernized with new lighting, flooring, wall design, and seating. The hall’s stage is now framed by acoustic panels and a reflective surface overhead. Automated sound-absorbing curtains surround the stage and are also set within the side walls of the hall.

Fostering Music Education and Performance 
The hall is more than just a performance venue; it plays a crucial role in supporting music education at Texas Tech. Although used for rehearsals and concerts, it is also frequently used for masterclasses, lectures, and workshops, providing invaluable learning opportunities for students. The presence of the hall reinforces the university’s mission to promote the arts, allowing music students to thrive both academically and artistically. 

Honoring Our Educators 
The hall is named after Gene Hemmle, chair of the Texas Tech Music Department from 1949-1973. Hemmle was known for his innovative teaching methods and dedication to music education, significantly expanding the university’s band, choir, and orchestra programs. His commitment to excellence in music education shaped the careers of many students, many of whom have become successful educators and performers. The naming of Hemmle Recital Hall has served as a lasting tribute to his contributions, symbolizing Hemme’s enduring impact on the university’s music program.

University Symphony Orchestra in Hemmle Recital Hall
Photo Credit: Karina Dozal 

One of the hall’s most notable assets is its 1964 Holtkamp pipe organ. The organ features multiple ranks of pipes, offering a rich and diverse tonal palette suitable for various musical styles, including classical, sacred, and contemporary genres. After its donation in 1977, the organ did not receive proper care and unfortunately fell into disrepair by the turn of the century.  In 2012, led by the Director of the School of Music at the time, William L. Ballenger, a significant campaign was launched to renovate the organ. In honor of Director Ballenger’s dedication to the School of Music, the organ was renamed the Ballenger Grand Holtkamp Organ.

A Commitment to Community Engagement 
Through its commitment to music education, performance, and community involvement, Hemmle Recital Hall will continue to play a vital role in the artistic life of Texas Tech University and Lubbock. As a premier venue for music, it will remain a cherished resource for students, faculty, and community members alike, celebrating the transformative power of music. 

The grand opening of the renovated hall is on Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 PM. With its program titled Innovation Unveiled, the Texas Tech University Symphony Orchestra will perform 20th- and 21st-century works under the baton of Lanfranco Marcelletti Jr. In our interview with Maestro Marcelletti, he shared with us his excitement of the program and the concert. This event is free and open to the public.

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SCHOOL OF THEATRE & DANCE

Texas Tech Hosts International Parenting and Dance Network Seminar

By Justine Hollingshaus

IPADN Workshop

While balancing parenthood and a career is always difficult, professionals in the field of dance face some specific challenges due to inherent industry features. For this reason, President’s Excellence in Teaching Professor of Dance and Honors, Associate Head of Dance, and Graduate Dance Director at Texas Tech University, Dr. Ali Duffy, co-founded the International Parenting and Dance Network.

In 2020, while researching for her book Dancing Motherhood, Duffy was contacted by Lucy McCrudden, the UK’s Dance Mama, who found they had much in common. Duffy explained how they discussed “the arts are typically inaccessible in certain ways to parents and pregnant people and then pregnancy and parenthood becomes somewhat inaccessible for certain artists just because of the structure of what we do and the requirements of it."

Duffy and McCrudden co-founded the organization, bringing in professionals from across the world. Notably, Aoife McGrath of Queens University Belfast is the network’s Primary Investigator and grant writer. The group received a grant from the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council to develop three seminars over two years.

On September 13th, Texas Tech’s School of Theatre and Dance played host to the International Parenting and Dance Network’s third seminar in the Charles E. Maedgen Jr. Theatre: the first international conference hosted by the School. The presenters, along with the online audience, included people from all over the world. Duffy believes, “It’s helpful in terms of advocacy and activism to be able to point to what’s working well abroad to bring those opportunities here to working parents in the arts.” IPADN seeks to improve this discourse in the future by incorporating individuals from a wider variety of countries.

The title of the seminar was Researching Parenting and Dance: Exploring the Economic, Political, and Sociocultural Contexts. It focused on “what changes or transformations at the organizational, federal, state, even individual level can we make to make this possible for people or to make it more exciting so that people will stay in the field,” remarked Dr. Duffy.

A variety of events took place on the day including research presentations, film screenings, performances, and a workshop. The workshop, led by Associate Professor Madeline Jazz Harvey of Colorado State University, had guests exploring dance-based exercises that help pregnant people and new parents to build attachments with their infants.

IPADN Panel Discussion

Several presenters expressed how COVID-19 impacted dancing parents. Choreographer, Yvonne Montoya, was planning her live show, Stories from Home, when the pandemic postponed performances. However, she persisted and changed the show to an online format entitled Stories from Home: Covid-19 Addendum. Staying home inspired her to create several pieces with her 5th grade son that explored their experience both as mother/son and the pandemic itself.

Professor Angela Pickard of Canterbury Christ Church University and Anna Ehnold-Danailov, Co-CEO and Creative Director of PiPA, UK shared the needs of parents and carers in their places of work. Some of these include the need for flexible scheduling, support when returning from leave, and time for breast feeding. They also offered some ways businesses can support these dancers by giving advanced notice of work hours, posting available resources, and even job shares. They emphasized that parents and carers stepping away from their careers means that the industry loses their talents and skills, so businesses should do what they can to keep them in their jobs.

Guests were also treated to performances by TTU Dance Students, the Texas Tech Pom Squad, and Flatlands Dance Theatre. Reflecting on the seminar, TTU student, Savannah Baker, said, “This kind of settles my fears about the future and what that can look like with dance.”

“What has been so exciting for me is the amount of support that has come from the school, from our director, Mark Charney, particularly, and from the college,” remarked Duffy. This was made clear by the presence of students, faculty, and the greater Lubbock community. Charney, who attended the conference, remarked, “This is an incredibly successful undertaking by Dr. Duffy and the staff of our School. Participants learned more than I ever expected about subjects of parenthood, yes, but also sustainability and generous work practices. I could not be more grateful to Dr. Duffy and her international guests.” 

IPADN co-founder Lucy McCrudden hopes that guests left the seminar with “heartening strength in continuing work in this important area of interest from connecting with a passionate and dedicated community of researchers and practitioners.”

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ALUMNI UPDATES

Cara Kizer ‘04 BM Horn Performance
One of ten adjudicators of the professional division adjudicators panel of the International Horn Competition of America; sitting alongside other judges who are members of the New York Philharmonic, Cincinnati Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Radio Symphony Orchestra of Berlin, Northern German Radio Symphony Orchestra-Hamburg, and the Bayerische Rundfunk Orchestra in Munich.

Jeannie Barrick ‘05 MM Music Theory, ‘03 BM Vocal Performance
Head MS Band Director; Sunnyvale HS Vale Jazz Orchestra  back to back 4A 1st place winners TCU Jazz Festival. Sunnyvale MS Band multiple appearances at the ATSSB OPS state finals. 

Allison Beatty ‘16 BA Dance & Adjunct Teacher for TTU MA dance program
Newly hired Assistant Teaching Professor of Dance at North Carolina State University; @allisonnicolebeaty

Rex Novak ‘16 MM Music Saxophone/Jazz
Head MS Band Director; Sunnyvale HS Vale Jazz Orchestra  back to back 4A 1st place winners TCU Jazz Festival. Sunnyvale MS Band multiple appearances at the ATSSB OPS state finals. 

Nicolle LaMere ‘17 MFA Ceramics 
Began a one-year artist residency in May at the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park and Artist Residency in Japan.

Christine Kralik ‘18 DMA Cello Performance
Appointed Assistant Professor of Cello at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. She previously taught one-year positions at Ole Miss and Middle Tennessee State University.

Maddie Bryan ‘19 BFA Musical Theatre
Currently performing for Disney Cruise Lines on the Disney Fantasy ship; has done previous cruise ship work; @madds.bryan

Kamrye Collins 
Picture of Kamrye Collins

Julia Rhea ‘19 Musical Theatre
Recently performed in NYC with Broadway star, Laura Benanti, for a Kamala Harris fundraiser

Sidney Loftin Silverton ‘19 BA Dance
NBA dancer for Dallas Mavericks; @sidney.silverthorn

Daniel DiPinto ‘21 BFA Musical Theatre
Recently performed in the premiere of “Bull Durham, A New Musical” at Theatre Raleigh starring Carmen Cusack; working actor in some other tours and regional theatres since graduating; @danieldepinto 

Elliot Esquivel ‘23 BFA Musical Theatre
Working actor in multiple productions in Chicago-area; just made his debut in Kokandy Productions’ “Alice By Heart” musical; @elliot.esquivel

Joryhebel Ginorio ‘23 BFA Musical Theatre
Working actor in multiple productions in Chicago-area at the Marriott Theatre, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre; starred as Gerda in Marriott Theatre’s musical production of “The Snow Queen”; @joryhebelginorio

Anna Rubio ‘21 BA Dance
Performer at Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Kietraille Sutton ‘21 BFA Musical Theatre
Recently performed through the summer and fall at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio; @kietraille

Collin Vorbeck ‘21 PhD in Fine Arts
Named Interim Chair of the Theatre Division for the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Conservatory

Luke Weber ‘21 BFA Musical Theatre
Working actor in regional productions in Texas and Rhode Island; @itslukeweber

Kamrye Collins ‘22 BA Dance
NBA dancer for San Antonio Spursalumni; @kamrye_collins (pictured)

Clayton Salley ‘22 BFA Jewelry Design & Metalsmithing
Fullbright award to Taiwan in 2024-2-25

Alexa Teleki ‘22 BFA Musical Theatre, Mary Lantz ‘24 BFA Musical Theatre, Claire Newey ‘24 BFA Dance, Savannah Rhodes ‘24 BFA Musical Theatre 
Participated in the TEXAS Outdoor Musical this summer in Palo Duro Canyon.

Greg Cavazos ‘23 MM Musicology
Collegiate teaching position as Assistant Proessor of Practice and Director of the Mariachi Paredes at the University of Texas Butler School of Music

Yucheng (Alex) Zhang ‘23 DMA Composition
Collegiate teaching position as theory/aural skills and composition professor at East Tennessee State University.

Taylor Burks ‘24 DMA Percussion Performance
Collegiate teaching position at Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Mississippi

Submit your alumni updates at: vpa.ttu.edu/alumni

Yu-hsuan (Vivian) Chang ‘24 DMA Horn Performance
Accepted position as Assistant Professor of Music Theory/Horn at Coastal Carolina University. At the International Horn Symposium, Vivian gave a lecture on Functions of Musical Silence in Selected Unaccompained Repertoire by Malcolm Arnold and Otto Ketting; and she was on a panel discussion with members of the Chromatic Brass Collective.

Courtney Nichols ‘24 BA Music + World Music Certificate & MM Musicology
Curator at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and continuing studies in her PhD in Musicology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio

Jon Ortiz ‘24 Percussion
Assistant Director of Bands postiion at Odessa College in Odessa, Texas

Savannah Rhodes ‘24 BFA Musical Theatre/Dance Minor
Currently performing in Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre’s musical production of Chicago directed by Charlotte d’Amboise; @savannahrhodesss

Samara Shavrick ‘24 BFA Musical Theatre
Performing Artist for Disney Cruise Lines; @samararose

Mariah Taller ‘24 DMA Percussion Performance
Collegiate teaching position at Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota

Rachel Winn ‘24 BFA Dance
Cast member at Walt Disney World in Orlando; @r.a.c.h.w.i.n.n

Becca Worthington ‘24 BFA Musical Theatre
Performer at Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA this summer; @becca.worthington (pictured below)

Becca Worthington
Picture of Becca Worthington

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