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In Memoriam: Kenneth N. Smith, Professional Photographer for UB Theatre and Dance
2/24/26
In Memoriam: Kenneth N. Smith
Sep. 23, 1963 – Dec. 12, 2025
UB Systems Administrator and Professional Photographer for UB Theatre and Dance, UB Athletics, and the Special Olympics
UB Dance Announces New Scholarship for Incoming First-Year Dance Students
2/18/26
UB Dance is excited to announce a new scholarship for incoming first-year dance students, starting in Fall 2026!
PhD Student Teya Juarez Publishes Article in Journal of American Drama & Theatre
1/27/26
Congratulations to third-year theatre and performance PhD student Teya Juarez on the publication of her article, “Fat Suits and Fat Futures: Ob*sity Drag in The Whale,” in the latest issue of the Segal Graduate Center’s Journal of American Drama & Theatre.
2023 Faculty Publishing Achievements
1/2/24
This is our second feature about UB Theatre and Dance faculty research publishing in academic journals and books in 2023, which was a busy year. Congratulations once more to our talented faculty. We look forward to what’s in store in 2024.
2023 Faculty Creative Work Highlights
1/4/24
2023 was a busy year for UB Theatre and Dance faculty in creating performance work across many stages-local, regional and national. Faculty contributions to the vibrant Buffalo, NY arts scene are a point of pride, with much more to come in 2024. Here’s a look back at some of the creative activities of our talented faculty in 2023.
2023 Faculty Publishing Achievements
12/29/23
2023 was a busy year for UB Theatre and Dance faculty in publishing research in academic journals and books, as well as creating performance work across many stages-local, regional and national. Congratulations to our entire talented faculty. We look forward to what the New Year brings. Here’s a look back at some of the scholarship our faculty produced in 2023.
2023 Faculty Creative Work Highlights
1/5/24
This is our second feature about UB Theatre and Dance faculty creative work in 2023, which was plentiful. Congratulations once more to our talented faculty.
Students in "Mr. Burns" Recognized by Kennedy Center Festival
3/14/24
Congratulations to the dozen students and faculty members who proudly represented the Department of Theatre and Dance (THD) and UB at the 56^th annual Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) at the Playhouse Theatre in Pittsburgh, January 24-27, 2024.
Dance Professor Anne Burnidge Collaborates on Immersive Exhibition Exploring Marine Ecology at Burchfield Penney
12/18/25
The Burchfield Penney Art Center is hosting an innovative multimedia exhibition, Serenades for Settling, which immerses visitors in the underwater world of oysters and examines how human-generated sounds may influence their behavior. The exhibit, on view through March 1, 2026, blends acoustics research, animated graphics, robotics, live performance, real-time data, and marine ecology.
Associate Dance Professor Chanon Judson Nominated for Prestigious Bessie Award
12/1/25
The New York Dance and Performance Awards—known as The Bessies, New York City’s premier honors for excellence in dance—has announced its nominees for the 2024 and 2025 awards. Among them is Associate Professor Chanon Judson, recognized in the category of Outstanding Choreographer/Creator alongside Mame Diarra Speis of Urban Bush Women for their acclaimed work “Haint Blu,” performed at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Harlem. https://bessies.org/the-bessies-announce-nominees-for-the-20242025-bessie-awards/
Associate Theatre Professor Eero Laine Honored with ASTR Collaborative Research Award
11/25/25
The American Society for Theatre Research (ASTR) has recognized Associate Professor Eero Laine with its prestigious Collaborative Research Award. Laine, a former chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, has also served as director of graduate studies and director of theatre studies.
Behind the Costumes of “Urinetown:” Interview with Costume Designer Faith Marsala
10/30/25
The toilets are closed. The revolution is open. “Urinetown, The Musical” is a Tony-winning satire that flushes the rules of capitalism, politics, and musical theatre itself. Think Brecht meets Broadway—with plumbing problems.
Zodiaque Dance Company: Interview with Choreographer Kurt Adametz
10/15/25
Zodiaque Dance Company’s (ZDC) 51 Fall Program opens next week, running October 23 – 26, 2025 at UB Center for the Arts! Tickets are only $10-$25: https://www.ticketmaster.com/zodiaque-dance-tickets/artist/836688
Zodiaque Dance Company: Interview with Company Member Nathan Eck
10/10/25
Zodiaque Dance Company’s (ZDC) 51 Fall Program opens in just two week, running October 23 – 26, 2025, at UB Center for the Arts! Tickets are only $10-$25: https://www.ticketmaster.com/zodiaque-dance-tickets/artist/836688
"The Wolves:" Interview with Cast Member Kyla Thomas
9/30/25
“The Wolves” by Sarah DeLappe is the first production of our 2025-26 season, opening October 3-5 at UB Center for the Arts! Tickets are $10-$25: https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=The+Wolves+Black+Box+Theatre
"The Wolves:" Interview with Cast Member Sarah Bray
9/30/25
Lace up for the 2025–26 season opener with "The Wolves," Sarah DeLappe’s gripping and fast-paced play, coming to life October 3–5 at the UB Center for the Arts! Tickets are $10–$25 — don’t wait: https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=The+Wolves+Black+Box+Theatre
"The Wolves:" Interview with Cast Member Jo Yanko
9/25/25
Kicking off our 2025–26 season is Sarah DeLappe’s acclaimed play "The Wolves," running October 3–5 at the UB Center for the Arts. This dynamic production explores the lives of a suburban high school girls’ soccer team as they navigate six weeks of practices, games, and growing up. Tickets range from $10–$25 and are available here.
Buffalo Theatre District Honors Vincent O'Neill
10/27/22
Associate Professor Vincent O'Neill was named the 2022 Buffalo Theatre District Plaza of Stars Inductee for his work as Co-Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus of The Irish Classical Theatre Company.
Costume Shop Manager Max Levitt Featured in UB Reporter
9/23/25
Behind the scenes, building careers! In the University at Buffalo Department of Theatre and Dance's Costume Shop, students design and construct hundreds of costumes each season under the guidance of alum and assistant professor, Max Levitt. Costume shop manager Max Levitt and their students are responsible for producing upward of 300 items per show.
Theatre and Dance Celebrates Largest First-Year Class
9/18/25
The Department of Theatre and Dance welcomed its largest overall freshman class this fall, according to available records. Sixty-eight first-year students have joined degree programs in Theatre, Dance, and Music Theatre this year, with first-year students making up over 40% of the total Theatre and Dance undergraduate student population.
"The Wolves:" Interview with Director Lana Sugarman
9/24/25
“The Wolves” by Sarah DeLappe is the first production of our 2025-26 season and runs October 3-5 in the UB Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre! Tickets are $10-$25: https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=The+Wolves+Black+Box+Theatre
Graduate Student Spotlight on Dani Schofer
8/28/25
Danica ‘Dani’ Schofer (they/she/he) earned their MFA in Dance in spring 2025 at the University at Buffalo. Schofer’s MFA Thesis project employed devised creation tools to restructure collective perception of the spaces that surround us. While teaching Open Modern and Ballet classes for the Department of Theatre and Dance (THD), Dani integrated social justice liberation practices to develop a pedagogy around radical community care.
THD Announces New Leadership Positions and Celebrates Promotions
8/28/25
As we begin a new academic year, the Department of Theatre and Dance (THD) is pleased and excited to announce new area Directors, as well as the promotion of current staff. 2025-2026 also represents the department's first year under the leadership of new Chair Meredith Conti, PhD.
Professor Jenna Zavrel's New Dance Film "Transmigration" Receives Multiple Honors
8/13/25
Congratulations to Clinical Assistant Professor Jenna Zavrel. Her screendance Transmigration was accepted into four international film festivals this year, and was honored by several, for costume design and choreography.
Second Generation Theatre Launches Apprentice Program with THD
8/5/25
Applications are currently being accepted for Second Generation Theatre’s new Apprentice Program. The program is described as a workforce development initiative designed to equip the next generation of theatre professionals with the real-world skills, mentorship, and experience needed to thrive in the industry.
Dr. Kellen Hoxworth Publishes New Research Article in Theatre Journal
6/18/25
Congratulations to Assistant Professor Kellen Hoxworth, PhD, on the publication of his new research article "Alice Childress's Troubling Method: Theatrical 'Truth' and the Cold War Politics of Rehearsing Racial Authenticity."
Design/Tech Student Lisa Gallagher Receives National Award Recognition
5/23/25
Lisa Gallagher is a Theatre Design/Technology student originally from Rockland, NY. As a rising senior, her time at University at Buffalo has allowed her to experiment in many different areas of design, including sound, lighting, scenic, and projection design.
Six Design/Tech Students Receive URTA Awards Towards Graduate Schooling
5/9/25
Founded in 1969, the University Resident Theatre Association (URTA) assists American theatre by supporting professional training of new artists, including those in university theatre programs. “The URTAs” has been its flagship program, bringing together hundreds of MFA candidates across all theatre disciplines—acting, arts leadership, design and technology, directing, and stage management—in a single, centralized recruiting event from its 45 member universities.
Technical Director
9/23/22
The Department of Theatre and Dance within the College of Arts and Sciences at the University at Buffalo, is seeking a Technical Director to oversee and manage all 12+ workspaces within the department. These spaces are multi-purpose, used for classes, creative research, and productions, and are reconfigured throughout the day to accommodate various programming needs.
"The Pajama Game" Receives Kennedy Center ACTF Recognition
3/11/25
The department’s production of "The Pajama Game" was registered as an Associate Production in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region 2 program. As such, it received a response from its recent two-week run.
The Pajama Game: Interview with EvelynPaige Feron and Will Tocke
4/21/25
Theatre and Dance’s (THD) spring musical “The Pajama Game” continues through this weekend at UB Center for the Arts from May 2 - 4, 2025. For tickets: www.ubcfa.org
UB College of Arts and Sciences 2025 Outstanding Seniors
4/18/25
The Outstanding Senior Award honors one graduating senior from each department who has demonstrated exceptional diligence and promise during their time at the University at Buffalo. These students' efforts have distinguished them among their peers and set an inspiring example of academic and personal achievement.
The Pajama Game: Ensemble Interview with Robert Bartolotta
4/17/25
Theatre and Dance’s (THD) spring musical “The Pajama Game” opens for a two-week run at UB Center for the Arts next Friday, April 25 – May 4, 2025. For tickets visit: www.ubcfa.org
Professor Max Levitt Receives Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Nomination
3/19/25
Congratulations to new THD Costume Shop Manager / Assistant Teaching Professor Max Levitt aka Pinwheel Pinwheel for their nomination for theatrical excellence in Costume Design in 2024 for “Reefer Madness: The Musical” by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle.
Professor Melanie Aceto’s Community Engagement Through Cuban Dance Project
3/12/25
Professor Melanie Aceto’s Community Engagement Through Cuban Dance project, which is open to the general public, was featured on UBNow.
"Fefu" Receives Kennedy Center ACTF Recognition
3/11/25
The department’s production of "Fefu and Her Friends" was registered as an Associate Production in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region 2 program. As such, it received a response from this weekend's run.
Zodiaque Dance Company Featured on Buffalo Rising
2/19/25
The Zodiaque Dance Company Celebration 50 Spring Program runs from Feb. 27 –March 2, 2025 at UB Center for the Arts. Learn more about the show and ZDC’s mission and history in a new interview and podcast with co-directors Kerry Ring and Michael Deeb Weaver on Buffalo Rising.
THD Students Honored at 2025 Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
2/4/25
Congratulations to the students and faculty who proudly represented the Department of Theatre and Dance (THD) and UB at the 57 annual Region II Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) at the Playhouse Theatre in Pittsburgh, January 14-18, 2025. KCACTF is a national theater program involving 18,000 students from universities across the country. It exists to celebrate the educational and creative process of college theatre. There are eight regions in the United States and winners of regional festivals advance to the annual national event hosted in Washington D.C.
Professor Lana Sugarman Stages New Play Readings in Cleveland
1/31/25
Earlier this month, Clinical Assistant Professor of Theatre Lana Sugarman directed staged readings of the new play The Vase by Tyler Whidden, with Seat of the Pants (SOTP), an ensemble-based, process-driven theatre company in Cleveland.
Dr. Ariel Nereson Receives Research Fellowship and Publication Prize
11/21/24
Congratulations to Associate Professor Ariel Nereson, PhD, on being awarded a Research Fellowship from the American Society for Theatre Research (ASTR) to help underwrite research expenses of scholars undertaking projects significant to the field of theatre and/or performance studies.
"Cyclone" Receives Kennedy Center ACTF Recognition
11/12/24
The department’s production of "Ride the Cyclone" was registered as an Associate Production in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region 2 program. As such, it received a response on Friday evening.
UB Students: Take an OPEN or PATHWAYS Class with Us in Spring 2025!
3/14/24
There are many Spring 2025 Theatre and Dance courses which are open to all UB students. Several classes also satisfy your PATHWAYS requirements towards graduation. View the full list of eligible classes below!
Dr. Ariel Nereson Appointed Co-Editor of Theatre Journal
9/17/24
Congratulations to Associate Professor Ariel Nereson, PhD, on being named co-editor of Theatre Journal along with Laura Edmonson, professor of theatre at Dartmouth University. Published by Johns Hopkins University Press, the Journal celebrates its 75 anniversary this year, with seventy-five volumes and a total of 298 issues to date.
Dr. Danielle Rosvally Publishes New Book on William Shakespeare
8/19/24
Congratulations to Assistant Professor Danielle Rosvally, PhD, on the publication of her most recent book Theatres of Value: Buying and Selling Shakespeare in Nineteenth-Century New York City.
Dr. Kellen Hoxworth Publishes New Book on History of Racialized Performance in the Anglophone Imperial World
5/20/24
Congratulations to Assistant Professor Kellen Hoxworth, PhD, on the publication of his most recent book Transoceanic Blackface: Empire, Race, Performance.
Grad Student Spotlight: Dance Dynamo Josh Ikechukwa is on a Mission
5/1/24
A native of Delta State, Nigeria, second year MFA student Joshua Ikechukwu is a dynamic and driven dancer, choreographer, playwright, director, and producer. Trained in African dance, Latin ballroom, Contemporary, Afro-pop, and Hip-hop dance, Joshua received his BA in Theatre Art from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria with a specialization in Choreography and Directing, graduating in 2015.
THD Students Excel at American College Dance Association
3/21/24
Congratulations to the 20 students and faculty members who represented the Department of Theatre and Dance (THD) and UB at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) North East Regional Conference Festival at the University of Rochester, March 7-10, 2024.
MFA Dance Student Natasha McCandless Receives Prestigious Teaching Award
3/20/24
Congratulations to MFA Dance candidate Natasha McCandless, who is an award winner for this year’s Excellence in Teaching Award for Graduate Teaching Assistants at the University at Buffalo.
THD Faculty and Alumni Work on "Cabrini" Movie Shot in Buffalo
3/14/24
Theatre skills translate to the film industry
"danceSense" Integrates Wearable Sensor Technology Into Zodiaque's Spring Program
2/28/24
Zodiaque Dance Company (ZDC) is UB Theatre and Dance’s (THD) in-house pre-professional dance company, celebrating its 49 season with a spring program which includes diversified choreography in jazz, tap, ballet, modern, commercial, and contemporary dance works performed by current UB dance majors. The show is under the co-direction of faculty members Kerry Ring and Michael Deeb Weaver.
THD Students Honored at Kennedy Center Theater Festival
2/9/24
Congratulations to the dozen students and faculty members who proudly represented the Department of Theatre and Dance (THD) and UB at the 56^th annual Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) at the Playhouse Theatre in Pittsburgh, January 24-27, 2024.
Dr. Meredith Conti Co-Edits New Anthology on Identity, Culture, and Science Performance
1/9/24
Congratulations to Associate Professor of Theatre Dr. Meredith Conti, who is celebrating the release of Identity, Culture, and the Science Performance Volume 2: From The Curious to the Quantum, as Anthology Co-Editor alongside Vivian Appler, Associate Professor of Performance Studies at the University of Georgia.
Professor Chanon Judson Performs at The Joyce Theater
12/5/23
Congratulations to Visiting Associate Professor of Dance Chanon Judson, who is in the middle of a 12-performance run at the Joyce Theater in New York City as part of Dancing with Glass: The Piano Etudes, celebrating the 85th birthday of composer Philip Glass.
Professor Michael Deeb Weaver and Students Featured on UB Now
11/14/23
Clinical Assistant Professor of Dance Michael Deeb Weaver and several of his students are featured in a new article on UB Now about psychoneuromuscular theory, and the ways in which a strong mind/body connection helps dancers to learn and remember dance by imagining movement even when still.
Zodiaque Dance Company Collaborates with UB Digital Media Studies
4/12/23
THD Professors Lynne Koscielniak, Zechariah Saenz, and Kerry Ring have been working with Professor Jason Geistweidt in UB Digitial Media Studies Department (DMS) on danceSense, a collaboration process which will be included in the spring Zodiaque Dance Company concert.
Professor Emeritus Kazimierz Braun Receives London Literary Award
10/16/23
Congratulations to THD Professor Emeritus Kazimierz Braun, who has received the London Literary Award for Lifetime Achievement, with a focus on writing, theatre and science, by the Polish Writers' Union in the Undergrowth.
Professor Jenna Zavrel Contributes Dance Film to Istanbul Festival
10/3/23
Congratulations to Clinical Assistant Professor Jenna Zavrel. Her screendance Nina was accepted into the Dance Camera Istanbul International Film Festival, currently in progress. The six-day festival is in collaboration with Impro Dance Fest, also based in Istanbul, Turkey.
Professors Koscielniak and Shimon Publish New Book on Theatre Design Technology
9/12/23
Congratulations to Professor Lynne M. Koscielniak and Associate Professor Jonathan Shimon on the publication of their new book Bringing Set and Costume Designs to Fruition: Made by Teams, co-authored with Jennifer Dasher, Assistant Professor of Costume Design in the College of the Arts at The University of Florida.
Old News Posts
12/18/25
Grad Student Spotlight: Natasha McCandless Fosters Emotional Wellness for Students by Bridging Somatics and Psychology
2/10/23
“I want to combine my interest in pedagogy with experiences to ask, as a teacher, what are the best practices to foster emotional wellness? How do we as teachers not just help students to become good dancers but to be resilient and healthy and successful people in the world?"
Dr. Ariel Nereson to Join Sawyer Seminar on Reimagining Race in America
8/29/22
Congratulations to Assistant Professor Ariel Nereson, PhD, on her acceptance as a participant in the Sawyer Seminar Reimagining the American Landscape: Race and the Future of Public History.
Dr. Meredith Conti Co-Edits New Book on Theatre and Horror
5/11/22
Congratulations to Associate Professor and Director of Theatre BA Meredith Conti, PhD, on the publication of her most recent book Theatre and the Macabre, co-edited with Kevin J. Wetmore, Jr.
Dr. Ariel Nereson Publishes New Book on Dance Pioneer Bill T. Jones
1/24/22
Congratulations to assistant professor Ariel Nereson, PhD, on the publication of her most recent book Democracy Moving: Bill T. Jones, Contemporary American Performance, and the Racial Past.

Department of Theatre and Dance