The Spotlight

Check out the latest department news!

Performing Artistry in Style: Alumni Michelle J Smith

Since graduating in May of 2022 as a Fashion Merchandising and Dance double major, Alumni Michelle Smith has been on the grind as a stylist, choreographer, and dancer in various projects. Her video dance production company, S(m+m)ith, which blends visual media, fashion, and dance artistry, is a major focus for her now as it begins to gain traction.

Breaking Free: Choreography III Showcase Highlight Article

Throughout life, humans go through many trials and tribulations such as tragedy, loneliness, and heartbreak, but not often is it that we are able to express the survival of those experiences artistically.

Luck of Carpentry: From Staged Reading to Workshop Production

The hardest step to making theatre is actually putting it on its feet. The most successful theatre artists are the ones who take the leap.

Luck of Carpentry is an original play by UNT senior, Fiz Paris, that is based on Edgar Allen Poe’s short story, “The Cask of Amontillado.” The play is a mosaic of memories, regret, love, and grief, following a split timeline of the young and not-so-young Montresor (Monty) and Fortunato (Lucky) who have fallen in and out of love.

The First Steps as A Director: First Stage Recap Spring 2026

Make Believe
February 19–21, 2026
Gidion’s Knot
March 26–28, 2026
Doctor Faustus
April 23–25, 2026

Dancers in Alcina: Bringing Life to Magical Creatures Onstage

Alcina is a fantastical opera by Handel based on Ludovico Ariosto's poem Orlando Furioso, originally performed in 1735. In the story, a powerful sorceress, Alcina, seduces a knight named Ruggerio and puts him under a powerful curse.

Merrily We All Belong: Merrily We Roll Along Guest Artists Highlight

As we come closer to the opening of the University of North Texas’s production of Merrily We Roll Along, it is important to not only highlight the members of this team that we know and love, but also the artists who have come to share their talents with us.

Learning How to Market Your Art: Tech Theatre Mock Interviews

UNT’s theatrical design faculty are preparing our design students for the job search. As a part of the Technical Theatre capstone class, Design/Tech and the Profession, the design faculty held a mock interview process with our next generation designers.

Once Upon a Dance: ACDA Conference 2026 Recap

Thirty-five universities and over four hundred students gathered at the University of North Texas with a single shared passion: the love for the art of dance.

It Takes A Village To Create the Isle: Making of The Tempest

UNT’s production of The Tempest by William Shakespeare opened the mainstage season with a splash, playing a sold out run that included the premiere of original music by Justin Friello, incredibly inventive movement and direction by Sasha Maya Ada, and dynamic performances by the many actors who graced the stage.

Paving Opportunities: Student Spotlight on Trey Thornton

The UNT Theatre program encourages students to make the most of their degree by providing opportunities to expand upon their practice within their chosen field of theatre. The department contains many driven students who seek out and work hard for these opportunities. One of which is Trey Thornton, a current junior and Theatre major.

Student Artists in the Spring Dance Concert: Joshua Dabney and Breyn Morris

For dance students at UNT, learning to choreograph is a part of the required curriculum. Students who excel in these courses are chosen to choreograph for the New Choreographer’s Concert and later given the chance to present their work again at the Spring Dance Concert and the American College Dance Association conference (ACDA).

Through the Artists’ Eyes: A Peek from Student Choreographers

The University of North Texas’s Department of Dance and Theatre hosted their annual New Choreographers Concert Epilogue: The Final Bow from November 20th through 22nd, featuring a diverse show created by seven student choreographers under the mentorship of Professor Reyna Mondragon.

Dance and Theatre Department News Archives

Congratulations to Professor Sally Vahle on another wonderful performance of "A Christmas Carol" with the Dallas Theatre

Sally Vahle has been working with the Dallas Theatre for 30 years and we are so proud to have her with our theatre!

Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award Winner- Donna Marquet!

Presented Fall 2024

Congratulations to Dance and Theatre's Donna Marquet for winning the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award!

Donna has been working for UNT's Dance and Theatre department for 10 Years.
Donna is known to be direct, honest, and compassionate when advising.
Donna has increased contact, clarity, and care to the students she advises.

THANK YOU DONNA!!!

Take 5: Anatomies

Interview with Director, Nathan Autrey

2024 Texas Dance Improvisation Festival

TDIF is an annual event curated by Texas artists to inspire and foster diverse improvisational dance communities. We are grateful for the guidance of our event director, Whitney Geldon, and the production support from Reyna Mondragon.

Take 5: Peter and the Starcatcher

Interview with Director, Morgana Wilborn

Take 5: American Idiot!

Interview with Director, Nathan Autrey