Alumni in the News

David Baker (B.F.A., Acting, 1986) performed in the Off-Broadway production of Tracy Letts' play, "Mary Page Marlowe" at Second Stage Theater. Baker also performed in season 2 of Amazon’s Emmy-winning comedy, "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." photo by Sara Krulwich/The New York Times

Joanna Garner (M.F.A., Theatre and Dance, 2016) has won the 8th annual Israel Baran "Izzy" Award for her play, "The Orange Garden."

 Stephanie Chiarello (B.A., Dance, 1998) created and directs "Over the Lege," a political comedy satire variety show based on the Texas Legislature. "Part 3: Return of the Legi (slature)" will show in October at the Long Center in Austin. 

Karen Rodriguez (B.A., Theatre & Dance, 2013) has joined the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Rodriguez mostly recently performed at Steppenwolf in “The Doppelgänger (an international farce)” and “The Rembrandt.” In the review for “The Rembrandt,” Rodriguez was described as “a hugely talented newcomer” and “moving throughout.” 

Flordelino Lagundino (M.F.A., Theatre, 2004) was named Artistic Director of Park Square Theatre in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Lagundino is a director, actor and producer whose performance in “VIETGONE” led to a Best Ensemble Ivey award. He is the Sir John Gielgud Classical Directing Fellow at Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. 

Hank Hehmsoth (M.M., Applied Music/Voice/Piano, 1976) has been awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for his ongoing project, Reminiscences of NEA Jazz Master Dan Morganstern. The project will capture Morgenstern’s first-hand reminiscences and decades-spanning scholarly research on Kansas City jazz and its big bands, as well as preeminent individual artists and their styles and innovations. Hehmsoth received his first NEA grant in 1979.

Alan E. Hicks (D.M.A., Music, 2009) has been appointed Director of Opera Theatre at San Diego State University in a newly created joint position with San Diego Opera. In addition to his duties at SDSU, Dr. Hicks will serve on the staff of San Diego Opera.

Reema Bounajem (B.F.A., Dance, 2015) is performing in "The Lost Supper," an immersive, theatrical dinner party at the McKittrick Hotel in New York City, through Aug. 18. 

Claire Costin (B.F.A., Music Performance, 2004) was installed as a Board Director on the Alpha Phi Foundation 2018-2020 Board of Directors on June 23, 2018.