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Recent Alumni News
UW School of Drama Alum Richard Nguyen Sloniker Featured in The Seattle Times
Richard Nguyen Sloniker (MFA Acting, 2009), a graduate of the University of Washington School of Drama, was recently featured in The Seattle Times for his work as a leading actor in Seattle’s regional theatre community.Sloniker is currently appearing at Village Theatre as Sherlock Holmes in Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. The Seattle Times article reflects on his career and the range of work he has built across stages in the…
ArtSci Roundup: February
While February might be just 28 days, the UW College of Arts & Sciences offers an exciting lineup of more than 40 in-person and online events. From thought-provoking art and music to conversations on culture, history, and science, the UW community invites you to explore, learn, and connect across disciplines throughout the University.
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New Works Northwest Festival Highlights UW Drama Artists
Union Arts Center’s New Works Northwest Festival returns January 22–25, 2026, offering staged readings, community events, and artist conversations that center the development of new plays by Pacific Northwest writers. Now in its third year, the festival invites audiences into a vital step of the creative process, supporting stories as they move from script to stage.Curated from more than 200 submissions, this year’s six-play lineup reflects the urgency, complexity, and…
PATP alum Kyra Miller Himmelbaum explores experimental film and performance
Interdisciplinary artist Kyra Miller Himmelbaum (MFA, Acting, PATP ’03) continues to create work that moves across performance, film, and visual storytelling. Her recent project, Bluebeard Gaslight, blends puppetry, horror, experimental film, and handmade design into a striking, genre-defying experience. Himmelbaum’s collaborative process brings together filmmakers, composers, designers, and performers, resulting in work that is intimate, layered, and thoughtfully…
Ariel Estrada Recognized for Powerful Performance in Full Contact
PATP alum Ariel Estrada receives critical recognition for contemporary performance. Actor Ariel Estrada, a graduate of UW Drama’s Professional Actor Training Program (PATP), is earning strong reviews for their performance in Full Contact, with critics noting the work’s physical intensity, emotional clarity, and ensemble-driven approach.Estrada’s performance reflects a thoughtful engagement with risk, embodiment, and collaboration. Their continued success…
Jose Rufino Earns Critical Praise for Recent Stage Work
PATP alum Jose Rufino earns praise for emotionally resonant stage work.Actor and PATP alumnus Jose Rufino is receiving critical attention for his recent performance in The Long Christmas Ride Home at The Strand Theatre. Reviews highlight his emotional nuance and disciplined physical storytelling, underscoring a performance grounded in restraint and presence.Rufino’s career reflects a deep commitment to ensemble work and character-…
PATP alum Timothy Johnson publishes new acting book and continues directing work Off-Broadway.
Actor, director, educator, and author Timothy Johnson is celebrating the publication of his first acting book while continuing active collaborations in the professional theatre field.In July 2025, Johnson released How to Rehearse a Scene: Progressive Exercises to Enhance Scene Work with Routledge. The book offers a practical and imaginative approach to scene study, drawing on decades of experience in rehearsal rooms and classrooms alike.Johnson…
Lenne Klingaman Shines on Stage, Screen, and in Song
PATP alum Lenne Klingaman continues to build a dynamic career across stage and music.Actor and musician Lenne Klingaman is currently appearing as Émilie du Châtelet in Legacy of Light by Karen Zacarías at McCarter Theatre. The role, centered on curiosity, intellect, and legacy, adds to a growing body of work that reflects Klingaman’s versatility and depth as an artist.In addition to her theatrical work, Klingaman recently released her second full-…
Joel McHale Visits the School of Drama
The School of Drama and the College of Arts & Sciences were honored to welcome back award-winning actor, comedian, UW alumnus, and UW Drama Major Joel McHale on December 2, 2025. Known for his work on Community, The Soup, and a wide range of film and television projects, Joel returned to Hutchinson Hall for two conversations —one for all majors, minors, pre-majors, faculty, and staff, and a second with our MFA PATP cohorts. Facilitated by Drama Professor Chi-wang Yang, Joel spoke about…
ArtSci Roundup: December
Come curious. Leave inspired. For those near and far, we invite you to end the year with us through a range of events, performances, exhibitions, podcasts, and more. As you begin to shape your December plans, dont miss the inspiring events still to come this November. In addition,sign up to receive a monthly notice when...Featured
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