UNLV Department of Theatre

04/23/2026

See 'Giants Have Us in Their Books' - Six Children’s Plays for Adults at UNLV

Nevada Conservatory Theatre is closing out its 25th anniversary season with a bold and imaginative production; Giants Have Us in Their Books: Six Children’s Pla

04/06/2026

The Department of Theatre is very saddened to learn of the passing of Theatre Arts Professor Fredrick "Fred" Lee Olson on January 20, 2026.

Fred was born on April 30, 1935 to Grace Lee and Harry V. Olson in Lompoc, California. He attended public schools in Salinas, California, met his first wife and made life long friends. Fred decided at a very young age that the theater was his calling. He moved his wife and two small children to San Francisco to attend San Francisco State College. It took him seven years of sacrifice and hard work to earn a Bachelors and Masters degrees in Theater. Fred's first teaching job was at San Diego State College where he met his second wife Sally, and together they began their 59 year journey.

In 1970, UNLV hired Fred as Technical Director for a growing theater department. Construction had just begun on the Judy Bailey Theater and Fred became the onsite consultant for the project. Through the years, ACTF, the American College Theater Festival, bestowed numerous awards on the UNLV Theater Department, and Fred was honored with a number of them for Directing, and Scenic and Lighting Design. In the mid 1970's, Fred began a dual career as a stagehand with Iatse Local 720 working at both Tropicana and the Stardust. Through his friendships with his Iatse brothers he was given a unique perspective of Las Vegas life. In 1999, Fred retired from UNLV with the title of Theater Arts Professor Emeritus.

https://obituaries.reviewjournal.com/obituary/fredrick-olson-1093711358

04/06/2026

NCT Stages José Rivera’s 'Giants Have Us in Their Books' May 1-10

When the playwright's daughter asked whether giants tell stories about people, it sparked one of Rivera's most inventive works.

03/25/2026

Congratulations to Professor Judy Ryerson on the publication of her book: CHOOSING FABRICS FOR THEATRE: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO TEXTILES FOR COSTUME AND PROP ARTISANS. This new book 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 for costumes and props?" and takes the guesswork out of selecting materials and understanding the varieties available. Beginning with guidance on how to select fabric and what fabrics say about a setting, character, or mood, the book explores different types of textiles, their construction, and their use in theatre design. It also guides readers in resource preplanning and material measurement estimations, commonly used tools, comprehensive ways to manipulate and work with fabrics and textiles, and contemporary substitutes that mimic historic textiles."
https://www.routledge.com/Choosing-Fabrics-for-Theatre-A-Practical-Guide-to-Textiles-for-Costume-and-Prop-Artisans/Ryerson/p/book/9781032863344

03/23/2026

Congratulations to our very own Paige 'Flynn' Yepsen for winning Stump the Rigger at USITT.
The question posed was based on their rigging scenario and solution for the NCT's HEDDA GABLER and THE UNDERPANTS reps.
If you are unfamiliar with Uncle Bill Sapsis and the history of Stump the Rigger:
"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 entertainment rigging safety, techniques, and troubleshooting.

Annually, since 2008, the Stump the Rigger trophy is awarded for the best question or situation that the Stump the Rigger panel cannot correctly answer, identify or solve.

03/18/2026

Nevada Conservatory Theatre Stages Christopher Chen’s 'Passage' March 27-April 5

Inspired by E.M. Forster’s A Passage to India, the play unfolds as a fantasia set within a neocolonial landscape where a fragile friendship is placed under extraordinary strain.

02/10/2026

NCT Invites You to Experience 'Shorts: The Worker' March 6-15

Shorts: The Worker — where everyday lives, unseen battles, and quiet triumphs take center stage.

01/25/2026

The MFA Performance cohort filmed their showcase reels last week. We can't wait to share the final projects.

11/19/2025

11/14/2025

Last night was the World of Fallout new exhibit unveiling at the National Atomic Testing Museum in partnership with Bethesda Games, Prime, and Kilter Films. Students from UNLV Department of Theatre and Entertainment Engineering and Design designed the scenic elements of the New Vegas sign and our actors performed as Vault Dwellers at this exciting event.

Check out the exhibit at the Atomic Museum:
Fans of the Fallout franchise will recognize exclusive memorabilia from the Fallout universe, including vault suits, a power armor helmet, and so much more! The new gallery will spotlight these elements while drawing parallels to mid-20th century atomic history and how it inspired art, entertainment, and our imagination.

Thanks to Diane Zapach for the pictures!

10/28/2025

Give it up for Joy — actor, storyteller, and all-around creative force who’s taking over big screens.

From recurring roles on CBS’s Ghosts to powerful performances and narrations that move audiences worldwide, Joy continues to inspire us with her artistry and range.
Currently recurring as Sharon, Samantha’s book editor (played by Rose McIver), Joy shines once again in Ghosts Season 5 — reuniting with her iZombie co-star and a truly “delightful” cast.

Watch on CBS: https://www.cbs.com/shows/ghosts/

She also recently narrated “With Friends Like These” by Alissa Lee for Simon & Schuster — a “deliciously twisty” dark academia thriller that’s making waves on Audible.

For Apple News+, Joy lent her voice to two gripping stories — “When Adoption Promises Are Broken” (The Atlantic) and “Espionage Enters the Chat” (Fortune).

And in New York, she brought her insight and brilliance to the workshop of “But Today I Am Fine” at The Cell Theatre - a darkly funny and poignant one-woman show written by Ying Ying Li and directed by Jessica O’Hara-Baker.

Most recently, Joy appeared opposite Vera Farmiga in the Netflix hit Boots — executive produced by the late Norman Lear. The series, inspired by The Pink Marine memoir, explores friendship, identity, and resilience in the U.S. Marine Corps.

We’re so proud to see Joy’s artistry thrive across television, theatre, and voice work — always creating stories that move hearts and spark conversation. ❤️