Shi Mae Bowling has known for years that she wanted to become a costume designer. What she didn’t know was that a high school initiative located on a college campus would turn that dream into a real, reachable goal—and connect her with a mentor who could help make it possible. But thanks to her time at University High, a collaboration between UTC and Hamilton County Schools, Bowling—a graduating senior from the program’s first cohort—has found guidance and a sense of belonging while earning college credit.
Picking all the right pieces: Costume shop prepares for UTC Theatre Co. production of “John Proctor is the Villain”
When most people think of college theater, they picture actors delivering lines, musical numbers and dramatic monologues. Behind the scenes, however, is a long decision-making and creative process that shapes what the audience sees. For Taylor Busch, a visiting assistant professor of costume design at UTC, that process begins with fabric, color and countless rereads of the script.
UTC theatre students take center stage in national social venture competition
A social entrepreneurship team comprised of two UTC theatre students has been selected to compete in the Hult Prize 2025 United States National Competition—a contest challenging students to develop innovative business solutions for global issues. Senior Pearson Smith—UTC’s first theatre entrepreneurship major—and junior Harrison Faulkner, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing with a minor in theatre, will represent the University at the Hult International Business School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on March 21-22.
Lights, camera, action: UTC introduces new film and TV minor
The Department of Theatre is introducing a new multi-disciplinary film and TV studies minor, allowing allow students to explore all aspects of film and television from in front of and behind the camera. Working with the communication, English, and Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures departments, the new minor—coming in the 2025-26 academic year—will give students a flexible path that suits their interests in film and TV.
Bluegrass, Appalachia and a story worth singing: “Bright Star” musical coming to UTC Theatre Co.
“I’m ready for my life to begin. I’m ready for it all to start.” These lyrics from “Bright Star,” a bluegrass-inspired musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, strike a personal chord with UTC freshman Liam Phillips.
UTC Theatre Co. presents “Bright Star” Feb. 25-March 1
Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s “Bright Star,” a heartfelt story of love, loss and redemption set against the bluegrass-rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 1940s, will take the stage at the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre. Performed by the UTC Theatre Co., “Bright Star” runs at 7:30 p.m. from Feb. 25-March 1—with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, March 1.
UTC announces spring 2025 dual enrollment options
High school juniors and seniors can now experience college-level learning through UTC’s newly announced spring 2025 dual-enrollment courses. Ten general education courses—chosen for their strong transferability to most four-year institutions—will be available in various formats: on the UTC campus after the high school day, online with set schedules, and online with flexible options.
Blue and Gold Preview: Future Mocs get a glimpse of UTC
Hundreds of prospective students and their families explored UTC during Blue and Gold Preview Day. In addition to campus tours, information sessions and an application workshop, UTC faculty, advisors and current students set up booths in the Aquatic and Recreation Center. Representatives from each academic department shared insights and answered questions from prospective students and their families.
UTC Theatre Co. presents “Bus Stop” Nov. 19-23
William Inge’s “Bus Stop,” a quintessentially American story about bus passengers stranded by a blizzard in a diner, is coming to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre stage. Performed by the UTC Theatre Co., “Bus Stop” runs at 7:30 p.m. from Nov. 19-23—with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Nov. 23.
UTC Theatre Co. presents “Blood Wedding” October 1-5
The UTC Theatre Co. begins its 2024-2025 season with its production of legendary poet and playwright Federico García Lorca’s “Blood Wedding.” Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 1-5, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Oct. 5.