Kymberly Mellen (Assistant Professor of Acting, Theatre Department) directed a critically acclaimed, 92-performance production of Melissa Leilani Larson’s Pride and Prejudice at The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater’s Lindsay Legacy Theater in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Following rehearsals from June 1 through Aug. 15, the production opened Aug. 17 and runs through Nov. 7, 2026, with a possible extension…
Dear Friends: It is my great pleasure to welcome the College of Fine Arts community and our friends and supporters to the new academic year! The next months of the 2026-2027 academic year will be a momentous and exciting time for all of us. The work of our college is, of course, to educate our students at the highest level possible, teaching skills and ways of knowing the world that will…
Joy Osmanski (UNLV Theatre) recently completed narration of Mary H.K. Choi's novel Pool House and book review editor Lauren Christensen had this to say about Joy's narration: "Osmanski’s ear for both sarcasm and sentimentality not only captures but elevates Choi’s balance of mordant wit, emotional depth, and bracing storytelling." An accomplished audiobook narrator with over 160 titles…
Dear UNLV Campus Community, I am delighted to share that the College of Fine Arts will continue our Faculty and Staff Appreciation Arts Events initiative for the 2026–27 academic year. Each semester, we will select events for which members of the campus community can RSVP and receive free tickets. In the spirit of “One UNLV,” the Office of the President is also graciously sponsoring receptions…
Congratulations to lighting design student Ariana Warren, who is one of six outstanding theatre design student recipients of the 2026 Pat Mackay Diversity in Design Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually since 2019 in partnership with Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association USITT . The scholarships are worth up to $5,000 for each student and are funded and sponsored…
This summer, a group of UNLV Department of Theatre students traveled to Adelaide, Australia, to participate in an intensive musical theatre bootcamp through a partnership with the University of Adelaide. The immersive experience provides students with advanced performance training while fostering international collaboration, cultural exchange, and artistic growth. We can’t wait to hear about…
The Virginia Theatre Festival kicked off its 52nd season by showcasing the literary world’s most famous detective as you have never seen him before in Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure, performed in the Ruth Caplin Theatre from June 20-28, and UNLV Assistant Professor Christina Watanabe was the lighting designer! Photo credits: Xavier Markey-Smith as…
Undergraduate student, Paige ‘Flynn’ Yepsen won the “Stump the Rigger” trophy at USITT 2026 conference in Long Beach, CA on Saturday, March 21, 2026! “Stump the Rigger” is an annual, interactive USITT Conference session led by industry veteran Bill Sapsis. Attendees challenge his expertise with complex safety and rigging questions, competing for a trophy. It is a staple event focusing on…
Judy Ryerson's new book comes out March 31, 2026 by Routledge. Choosing Fabrics for Theatre: A Practical Guide to Textiles for Costume and Prop Artisans defines textiles, tools, useful products, and how they are used to create costumes and soft goods. Fabric can be mercurial and play differently on many kinds of applications. This book answers the question "How do you pick fabrics…
As we begin this new year, I have been reflecting on the myriad ways in which art enhances our lives, bolsters our connection to each other, and builds community – both local and global. There is vast opportunity for the arts (including architecture – one of the eight disciplinary areas in the College of Fine Arts at UNLV) and humanities to positively and profoundly affect how we see the world.…
JAWAN JENKINS, Baritone and Assistant Professor of Voice at UNLV. He received his training early as a member of the Boys Choir of Harlem. He has performed with Opera San José, Seattle Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Atlanta Opera, Kansas City Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Glimmerglass Festival, Opera Las Vegas, Vegas City Opera, Albany Symphony and Georgia Symphony. An…
Dear Campus Community: I hope the semester is starting off very well for everyone! On behalf of the College of Fine Arts, I am delighted to share news of a new project that we are launching this semester. In the spirit of One UNLV, and with the goal of bringing members of our campus community together through a celebration of the arts, we are inviting all faculty and staff on campus to join us…