Alumni in the News

Hacksaw Ridge, the latest film co-written by Robert Schenkkan (B.A., Theatre Studies, 1975) released on Nov. 4. It is directed by Mel Gibson and stars Andrew Garfield.

James Walters (B.F.A., Drama, 1969) spoke with the College of Fine Arts about the past 10 years working with the popular TV crime drama NCIS.

Michael Wellen (M.A. 2005; Ph.D., Art History, 2012) was appointed as the curator of international art at the Tate Modern in London, where he will focus on further developing the Latin American art representation in the Tate’s collection and exhibition program.

Cassie Shankman (B.A., Composition, 2013) will participate in a panel discussion at SXSW 2017 with her colleagues about Austin's Center for Music Therapy’s “Movement Tracks Project.” She’s worked for more than a year as the project’s lead composer.

On his second Fulbright Senior Specialist award in jazz, Hank Hehmsoth (B.M. 1975; M.M., Applied Music/Voice/Piano, 1976) will conduct master classes of contemporary American jazz in performance and theory at the Projazz Professional Institute in Santiago, Chile. He also will perform citywide jazz festival concerts with Chilean musicians. Joining him for a week are Russell Haight (M.M., Music, 2007; D.M.A., Music Education, 2009) and Utah Hamrick (D.M.A., Music, 2006), both colleagues of Hehmsoth at Texas State University. Photo by GR Hook.

Jaime Castañeda (M.F.A., Directing, 2006) listed by American Theatre magazine as one of the 6 Theatre Workers You Should Know.

James Walters (B.F.A., Drama, 1969) continues his position as a set designer for CBS’s television series NCIS for a 14th season. He’s worked on the show since 2006.

The College of Fine Arts profiled Kara Liotta (B.F.A., Dance, 2008) to highlight her success as a fitness instructor and model in New York City.

Selina Rosales (B.A., Directing, 2015) was named the new Program Assistant at the American Theatre Wing. She supports all core programs and services of the organization, which include the Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative, The National Theatre Company Grants, The Jonathan Larson Grants, SpringboardNYC, and the Obie Awards.

Brooke Gassiot (B.F.A., Studio Art, 2006) and Jonas Criscoe (B.F.A., Studio Art, 2006) present Bits & Pieces, a two person exhibition at ICOSA Collective in Austin. The show runs through Oct. 29.