The University of Texas at Austin’s Performance as Public Practice program has celebrated wide reaching success since its inception 20 years ago. For years, this graduate program has offered curriculum that aims to explore the historical development, cultural and theoretical concepts behind performance as well as its wider artistic significance and role in public spheres. In addition, Performance as Public Practice courses have contextualized the art of performance for hundreds of undergraduate students. PPP has constantly evolved throughout its history, revolutionized by the professors who champion it and the students who contribute to its courses, changing its very fabric through their participation. In celebration of the program’s impact and growth, we spoke to faculty members past and present to find out more about the area’s development and evolution.

Continue Reading PPP@20: A History Marked by Passion in Performance and Scholarship

At the beginning of the summer, while many students and faculty travelled home for the break or set off on much anticipated vacations, faculty member Roxanne Schroeder-Arce and nine students embarked on a different journey. Together, they travelled to Mexico City for a month-long Maymester course entitled Engaging the Arts as Audience – Mexican Arts and Youth, where they studied the breathtaking artwork of Mexican artists and the impact of arts education on children in Mexico City. We recently sat down with Schroeder-Arce to get an inside look at the program, from mask-making to soaking in the local art scene through various exhibits, performances and rehearsals.

Continue Reading Studying Abroad: Artmaking and Exploration in Mexico City