Alumni in the News

Brian Cassidy (B.M., M.M. Music Studies, '02, '04)

Jan. 14, 2008

is the lead guitarist and multi-instrumentalist for Okkervil River, a band whose recent album “The Stage Names” received ‘best of 2007’ honors from NPR, Rolling Stone, Harp, and others. Brian has recently performed live with Okkervil on NBC‘s Late Night with Conan O’Brien, NPR‘s World Cafe, BBC Radio 1, Radio France, and the Australian Broadcasting Company.

Dink O'Neal (B.F.A. '84)

Dec. 4, 2007

guest stars as the goofy father on Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place”. The episode entitled “Disenchanted Evening” originally aired on Nov. 9th.

Scott Marlowe (BFA in Dance, 2004) dances with LEVYdance in San Francisco.

Oct. 22, 2007

LEVYdance is renowned for its daring, densely layered, kinesthetically detailed, and emotionally intense choreography.

David Rogers (B.F.A. in Lighting Technology, 1999)

Sept. 27, 2007

was recently promoted to Manager, Electronic Information Security Compliance at US Oncology, Inc. in the Houston area.

Catch Kim Dilts (M.F.A. in Acting, 2004)

Sept. 24, 2007

as she plays a reporter on Dirty Sexy Money, airing on Wednesday, September 26 at 10/9p Central on ABC.

Jim Walters (MFA in Directing, 1969)

Sept. 23, 2007

is set designer for a hit television show “NCIS” (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) that is entering its 5th season. It airs Tuesday nights on CBS.

Chad Raines (B.A. in Theatre and Dance, 1999)

Sept. 16, 2007

recently took a position with Enspire Learning as a Producer. He is also pursuing a Masters in Project Management at St. Edwards University, is a company member of Salvage Vanguard Theatre, and regularly volunteers as venue and stage manager at various festivals in Austin.

Val Winkelman (MFA in Theatrical Design, 1990)

Sept. 12, 2007

has recently been named Interim Head of the Department of Communication and Dramatic Arts at Auburn University Montgomery.

Elizabeth Holland Gendler (BA Dance, ‘05)

July 2, 2007

is a stockbroker with Alliance Financial Group, Inc. in Dallas

Will Underwood (BA Drama, ‘97)

July 2, 2007

is Associate Producer of Eve of Understanding, an award-winning indie film to premiere in Texas at the inaugural AFI Dallas International Film Festival. Eve of Understanding was filmed largely in Katy and Austin, Texas.