Alumni in the News

Austin-based Teatro Vivo will produce “The Stories of Us,” a play written by Jelisa Jay Robinson (B.A., Theatre and Dance, 2014). The theater described the “The Stories of Us” as a collection of stories that dig deep into the intercultural conflict between African Americans and Latinos, African diaspora identity, and Afrolatinidad. It is scheduled for a three-week run in April.

Lockhart's Spellerberg Projects is proud to present "Flaneuse," a dynamic installation of small-format paintings by American artist Honoria Starbuck (B.A., Studio Art, 1995).  The works in this exhibition are the product of the artist as flaneuse, maneuvering through contemporary life and art history. Starbuck’s inspiration flows from the earliest of mark-making gestures, prehistoric cave painting, through art history to present day practices such as digital painting via tablet computers. The pieces explore color, shape and the interaction of materials, with subjects ranging from observed nature, abstract forms and fashion. The exhibition, " Flaneuse: Wander Art of Honoria Starbuck," is on view from Jan. 16 to March 12, 2015. Artist’s reception is at 5 p.m. Jan. 16.  

Jelisa Jay Robinson (B.A., Theatre and Dance, 2014) recently accepted a position as a Theatre teacher at her alma mater, North Forest High School in Houston, Texas. She enjoys teaching the next generation about the importance of creativity and critical thinking. She co-directed the winter production and it was a success. 

Jerry Freid (B.F.A., Art, 1963) was one of nine artists selected to participate in the juried art show, Speaking Silence, at Gallery Shoal Creek in Austin. The exhibition ran from Nov. 1 to Dec. 3 and featured an online catalogue.

Catherine Ann Jones' (B.F.A., Drama, 1965) musical, "Calamity Jane the Musical" won best production in Orange County, California. An actor, playwright, screenwriter and author, Jones' "The Women of Cedar Creek," a Texas family comedy-drama was awarded the NY Drama League Award and the Beverly Hills Theatre Guild Award. It is an upcoming production at the Plaza Theatre, Carpinteria, California  (April 2016). "Freud's Oracle," a one-woman show about H. D. & Freud, will be seen at The Ojai Retreat (April 2016), Ojai, California, and also in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at the Creativity and Madness Conference (August 2016). Her three books are available online.

Rachel Charbel recently won a full-time position as a violin II with the Cincinnati Symphony and also joined the faculty at the Northern Kentucky University School of the Arts. Both positions began in fall 2015. She also plays with the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra and Concert:Nova ensembles as a guest artist.

Alan Guckian (B.M., Music Studies, 2001), band director at Eastside Memorial High School in East Austin, is one of 25 finalists for the Grammy Music Educator Award, beating out 4,500 other nominees. 

Corey Rom (D.M.A., Music, 2015) was appointed director of instrumental studies at Grace Christian Academy of North Texas, and is co-director of the Frisco Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Sam Pluta (M.M., Composition, 2005) and Ian Dicke (D.M.A., Composition, 2012) were among the six people awarded the Barlow General Commission 2015. It is one of the most sought-after honors among composers.

Nick Doshier (B.M., Music Studies, 2015) teaches in the Austin Independent School District, splitting his time between Mendez Middle School and Travis High School.