UT Selects Brant Pope to head Theatre and Dance

Announced by the University of Texas Department of Theatre and Dance, May 18:

Pope Named Chair of Theatre and Dance Department at The University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Brant Pope, head of the Department of Theatre at the University of Illinois, has been appointed chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at The University of Texas at Austin, effective June 1.

Pope also has been appointed as holder of the Z.T. Scott Family Chair in Drama in the university's Department of Theatre and Dance.

Pope succeeds Holly Williams, interim chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, who will continue in her position as professor and head of the master of fine arts in dance program after having been interim chair of the department since 2009, and senior associate chair from 2006-09.

"Brant Pope is equally at home and accomplished in the world of professional theatre and the world of university and conservatory theatrical training programs," said Douglas Dempster, dean of the College of Fine Arts. "He has extensive credits as a practicing actor, director and theatrical manager in professional regional theatre while at the same time holding a Ph.D., publishing as a scholar and teacher, and leading the best theatre training programs in the country. He will set a new high standard of academic excellence and artistic professionalism for the Department of Theatre and Dance and for the Austin theatre community."

As a teacher and administrator, Pope has held academic positions at Pennsylvania State University, Florida State University and Virginia Commonwealth University. He was director of the Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training and associate artistic director of the Asolo State Theatre, in Sarasota, Fla., from 1991-2001.

As an actor, director and author, Pope has been seen off-Broadway and in regional theatre with the Hartford Stage Company, Asolo Theatre Company and Park Square Theatre. He is the author of the play, "Sins of Omission" and has made significant contributions to literature in his field, including, "The Theatrical Imagination," "Method Acting Reconsidered" and the acting edition of "Three Sisters."

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com. . . .