Displaying items by tag: Convocation

Name: Jonathan Onyango  
Pronouns: He/Him 
Major: Theatre with an emphasis in musical theatre performance 
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya 
Three words that describe you: Goofy, funny, and sincere 
Most impactful class or professor: The most impactful professor in the department has to be Dr. Brian Manternach. He has mastered the art of teaching voice while simultaneously inspiring and encouraging his students. He has saved the self-esteem of countless people by empowering us and teaching how to find our voice and relish in our unique sounds all while giving us the knowledge necessary to be able to continue to explore our voices even more once we graduate. I know every other student in my major would agree when I say, he is the greatest delight to work with and is a wonderful human as well as professor. 
A CFA moment you’ll never forget: When one of my classmates (Jace Von App) single handedly changed the curriculum of an entire class by filming a video of him singing at work behind the counter of the Smith’s gas station (because he forgot about the assignment) and it was so funny that our professor wanted us all to do unique things in our videos.
What inspires you: If anything it’s my peers. I am in constant amazement by the things my friends have accomplished from the jobs they’ve booked and callbacks they’ve gotten to the energy they bring to class. They know I’m their biggest fan and I’m grateful to have been able to work with them in any capacity.
Summary of major accomplishments on or off campus:

• Got cast in a regional production of "To Kill a Mockingbird" at the Grand Theatre my freshman year as Tom Robinson
• Got cast in the U’s production of "She Kills Monsters" at Kingsbury and played the role of Orcus my sophomore year
• Got to work with the Salt Lake Tribune to write a story on our department along with some other students my junior year
• Got to help a series of film students with a handful of different capstone projects. I had the honor of playing leads in two different projects
• Got cast as Grand-Pah in the U’s production of "Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience" my senior
• Got to perform in "Elf" at the Pioneer Theatre my senior year. I played the role of Sam and understudied the role of Mr. Greenway

"I am in constant amazement by the things my friends have accomplished from the jobs they’ve booked and callbacks they’ve gotten to the energy they bring to class. They know I’m their biggest fan and I’m grateful to have been able to work with them in any capacity."

College of Fine Arts 2022 Convocation will be held Friday, May 6 at 9a at Kingsbury Hall. For more information, click here. 

The College of Fine Arts is delighted to present the 2022 Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher award to Comstock from the Department of Art & Art History.

In 2015, The Office of Undergraduate Research established the Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award to recognize an outstanding undergraduate researcher from each college. Faculty mentors are invited to nominate students, and awardees are selected by committee. The criteria for the Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award include: a record of sustained commitment to developing research skills and knowledge under the supervision of a faculty mentor, evidence of independent and critical thinking, active participation in research-related activities on campus, and positive contributions to the research culture of the department, college, and university.

Comstock’s impressive accomplishments as an undergraduate researcher in the College of Fine Arts center around a commitment to creation of a body of work investigating applications of new materialism to contemporary ceramics.

In Comstock’s personal statement, they write about the impact research has had on their work as an artist, “As I was collecting my ideas and scholarly research in my thesis, every new piece I generated picked up a conceptual thread and grew upon it. I’ve found increased independence moving through my degree as a result, finding an ever-increasing clarity around a theoretical cache that all my work pulls from regardless of medium…. Everything has all become fodder within a holistic and immersive creative research process.”

Comstock presented their research titled “A Balmy Elsewhere: Manifesto for Restorative Materialism” at the 2022 Undergraduate Research Symposium, and is submitting their Honors thesis in full to the Undergraduate Research Journal. Their work will also be exhibited Friday, April 22, 2022 at Studio Elevn in Salt Lake City. This summer, with support from the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Travel Fund, Comstock will present a performance piece in Berlin, Germany with artist collective Aktionskunst Park Gruppe.

In Their Own Words

Name: E.C. Comstock
Pronouns: Any Pronoun
Majors and minors: Art--Ceramics emphasis, Sculpture minor, Honors
Hometown: Boise, ID
Three words that describe you: amorphous, inquisitive, fraught
Most impactful class or professor: The most impactful class I had was Ceramic Surfaces, the level of experimentation Brian Snapp encouraged in Surfaces hugely expanded my practice and entirely shifted my approach to a far more holistic conception of form and surface. This class also introduced me to Skin: Surface, Substance + Design by Ellen Lupton which became a vital text in my thesis, and served as a formative period of bonding with my clay cohort.
A CFA moment you’ll never forget: I will never forget my first wood-firing, which was the first time I felt like I was part of something larger than myself in my program. The exchange and passing down of technical knowledge is so visible and tangible during the two-day long firing, and the sharing of food and music cements the community building that occurs while firing. 
What inspires you: I'm inspired by fringes and edges, the generative friction found when rich, differing substances meet one another or theoretical and practical approaches butt up. Bringing a lens of relational aesthetics to my everyday life has been a major source of inspiration, considering every action I make an art action and every material I handle a potential collaborator.
Summary of major accomplishments on or off campus: Outstanding Sculpture Student nomination, International Sculpture Center; Eccles Scholar (received Eccles full tuition scholarship through Honors College); Emma Eccles Jones Fine Arts Housing Scholarship, exhibited in Paper and Clay juried exhibition at Utah State University, Statewide Annual at the Rio Gallery, Aktionskunst Park Gruppe in Berlin, Germany; received Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program funding and a Small Grant from the Office of Undergraduate Research. 

"As I was collecting my ideas and scholarly research in my thesis, every new piece I generated picked up a conceptual thread and grew upon it. I’ve found increased independence moving through my degree as a result, finding an ever-increasing clarity around a theoretical cache that all my work pulls from regardless of medium…. Everything has all become fodder within a holistic and immersive creative research process."

 The College of Fine Arts is delighted to present the 2022 Outstanding Seniors from each of our five academic units. These individuals were nominated for their academic achievements, artistic and scholarly accomplishments, and ongoing commitment to their craft. We are inspired by each of them, and look forward to witnessing the ways they continue to contribute to our community. We are honored to have shared their time here as students.
Congratulations! 

Alexandria Jensen
Department of Art & Art History

Pronouns: She/Her
Majored in: Art Teaching with K-12 Licensure
Hometown: Salt Lake City
Three words that describe you: Kind, Passionate, Creative
Most impactful class or professor: Beth Krensky really encouraged and inspired me throughout my time in the College of Fine Arts. The kindness and care that she radiates to all of her students is so important, and her passion for art education further reinforced my choice to be an art educator.
A CFA moment you’ll never forget: I really loved all of my studio courses throughout my time at the CFA. I was able to learn about and explore so many different mediums and develop a newfound passion for ceramics. I am really grateful to all my professors who encouraged me!
What inspires you: My students inspire me. Seeing them make discoveries and breakthroughs when exploring different artistic processes always inspires me to create and explore with my own artwork. 
Summary of major accomplishments on or off campus: I have accepted a position as the ceramics teacher at a school in the community I have been working with youth in for five years.

Fiona Thomas
School of Dance

Pronouns: she/her/hers
Majored in: BFA in Modern Dance, Minor in Entrepreneurship 
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Three words that describe you: passionate, curious, tenderhearted
Most impactful class or professor: It feels impossible to choose the most impactful class or professor because each one has been such a tremendous part of my journey. I will say that Contemporary Views was the first class that helped me acknowledge my fears and accomplishments simultaneously. Understanding my worth and passion as an artist is the most valuable thing I have gained as a student. 
A CFA moment you’ll never forget: When I sang for Satu and Daniel's piece in the Fall Show, called 'remember everything that spring can bring (2020 Ballads)'
What inspires you: Being around others that care deeply about something, and knowing that art can make change. 
Summary of major accomplishments on or off campus:

• Volunteered with Healing in Motion Dance in 2018 and 2019
• Taught creative dance to youth at the Utah Refugee Center at the Meadowbrook Campus site in 2019 and 2020
• During Covid, Fiona was based in Seattle and taught a variety of classes remotely at All That Dance and at Olympic Hills, a local elementary school
• Fiona has been a part of faculty works with Eric Handman and Daniel Clifton as well as Graduate Thesis works with Alexandra Barbier and Jessica Boone"
• Created a collaborative work with Lia Wong to be premiered at the Spring Student Concert in February of 2020
• Fiona has been in numerous works by fellow peers and classmates in Senior shows, Student Concerts, and Graduate shows
• Served on student concert committee in 2020 and 2021
• Choreographed and performed a solo this spring that her and Daniel Clifton co-created the music for, titled 'To wonder is to live. And I am the wolf'
• This semester, Fiona is interning with Heartland, a collective directed by Molly Heller

Yein Ji
Department of Film & Media Arts

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Majored in: Film & Media Arts BFA
Hometown: North Salt Lake
Three words that describe you: Dependable, Intuitive, Ambitious
Most impactful class or professor: Sonia & Miriam Albert-Sobrino. They are always full of energy and passion for filmmaking. They always make me laugh and they’re incredibly knowledgeable. Everyone in the film department knows how amazing these women are. They inspire me to work harder and create beautiful art.
A CFA moment you’ll never forget: The F&MAD Festival last spring. I got to watch and celebrate the films made by me and my talented friends. 
What inspires you: My family. They’ve always been supportive of everything I do. They’ve starred in some of my film projects and are always excited for my next creation. 
Summary of major accomplishments on or off-campus:

• Vice President of Film Production Club
• 2021 Queer Spectra Arts Festival Intern
• 2 Semesters of Undergraduate Research
• Pretty Girl film published in Undergraduate Literary Magazine
• Cheers films showcased at Utah Arts Festival
• Helped create 34 films
• Directed 8 films

Merinda Christensen
School of Music

Pronouns: she/her/hers
Majored in: Instrumental Performance - Harp
Hometown: West Bountiful, UT
Three words that describe you: Outgoing, Ambitious, Compassionate
Most impactful class or professor: Dr. Cathy Clayton. Cathy has been my private harp instructor over the last 4 years and welcomed me with open arms when I made my transfer from the University of Arizona to Utah. She has always been so supportive as I have found my career path and I’m grateful for the time I’ve been able to spend studying under her while here at the U. 
A CFA moment you’ll never forget: I had the most amazing opportunity to be an Emerging Leaders Intern for ArtsForce in the CFA that has really prepared and paved a path for me as I continue on with my career after graduation. The friendships and connections made while a part of ArtsForce is something I will always cherish after leaving the College of Fine Arts. 
What inspires you: I’m inspired by people that are passionate about what they do and work hard to accomplish their goals. 
Summary of major accomplishments on or off campus:

• President for the School of Music Harp Ensemble: Harps at the U of U 2019 - 2022
• ArtsForce intern for the CFA 2020 - 2021
• Awarded Internship of the Year with ArtsForce from the Career and Professional Development Center 2021
• First recipient of the Music Entrepreneurship Certificate from the University of Utah School of Music 2022
• Marketing and Communications intern for UtahPresents at Kingsbury Hall 2021 - 2022
• Event Chair and summer intern for Women’s Artistic Leadership Initiative 2020 - 2021
• Crimson Mentor for transfer students at the University of Utah 2020 - 2021
• Carmen Morton Christensen scholarship recipient 2018 - 2022
• Program Assistant for THE BLOCKS: organization under the Downtown Alliance and SLC Chamber of Commerce, offered through my internship with ArtsForce
• Director of Development for Opera Mississippi, offered through connections made while completing the Music Entrepreneurship Certificate

Danny Borba
Department of Theatre​​

Pronouns: he/him/el
Majored in: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Emphasis: Actor Training Program; Minor: Ethnic Studies
Hometown: Orem, Ut
Three words that describe you: Respectful, Determined, Outgoing
Most impactful class or professor :  This one is a hard one! So I am mentioning a couple of things: 
Andra Harbold and her wisdom regarding directing has been something that continues to bring so much joy and light into my journey as an artist and a human.
Robert Scott Smith always pushes me to be better and innovate with the art.
Nathan Brian’s belief in me as a vocalist and an artist has helped me push through tough times.
Jerry Gardner has brought me peace and inspiration through Butoh and through my interactions with him.
Sarah Shippobotham amazes me continuously with the knowledge she imparts through Shakespeare or Dialects or text work. 
All of these professors and mentors (and plenty more) have pushed me to better, while also believed in me as an individual, and have encouraged me to make the theatre arts a place of inclusion and innovation. I will forever be grateful.
A CFA moment you’ll never forget: My first ArtsBash, about 4 years ago. It was the first time performing as a U of U students, and also the first time seeing how wonderfully diverse and big the College is!
What inspires you: In a specific example, Viola Davis’ journey as an artist and a human has always given comfort and inspiration. But I also want to think about my family and God. Their support and their own stories have been critical in my growth as an artist, but also as a human being. Without them, and I mean ALL of them, I would not be who I am today, or doing what I do.
Summary of major accomplishments on or off campus: Not going to lie, being a part of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series was pretty amazing, and being able to intern at Pioneer Theatre was a major goal accomplished, but one thing that stands out was being able to create a BIPOC community with my friends and establish that we belong here and aren’t going anywhere has been a very important thing for me. 

Our 2021 graduating class is exiting one cohort just to be warmly welcomed into another: the CFA alumni club.

To make that transition complete, we hope our 2021 grads will join us on social media (@uofucfaalumni on Instagram and join the CFA’s Alumni Facebook group) to stay connected and allow us to continue to celebrate your successes and support you on your next adventures. 

For those who might be interested in staying extra involved, check out the Fine Arts Ambassadors, a group of young alumni who are now working arts professionals. We have alums from all the CFA’s five areas, and we now live all across the country and even internationally. We work to advocate for current students and offer our mentorship wherever we can. Interested? Let us know.

Think of this live message board as a virtual Kingsbury Hall lawn, where students, faculty, staff, families and friends join together in celebration. Although not everyone can be together for convocation, use this space to share your appreciation, memories, and farewells.

Leave a message.
Share a picture. 
Thank a mentor.
Give a shout out.

Whether grad, parent, educator, alumni, or valued supporter — you can leave your love here. 

1. Click the pink plus sign
2. Leave your message, photo, link, or video (or all of the above!)
3. Sign your name! If you are a graduate, let us know your school or department. 
4. Read the messages from others!

Our remarkable graduates, here's to you! We couldn't be prouder.  

The College of Fine Arts is delighted to honor the 2021 Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher: Benjamin Stanford (Theatre). 

In 2015, The Office of Undergraduate Research established the Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award to recognize an outstanding undergraduate researcher from each college. Faculty mentors are invited to nominate students, and awardees are selected by committee. The criteria for the Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award include: a record of sustained commitment to developing research skills and knowledge under the supervision of a faculty mentor, evidence of independent and critical thinking, active participation in research-related activities on campus, and positive contributions to the research culture of the department, college, and university.

In his own words: 

Name: Benjamin Stanford
Major: Theatre Studies H.B.A.
Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT
Three words that describe me: Non, Con, and Formist.
Most impactful class and professor: Tim Slover has been the most impactful professor in my development as an artist and writer while at the U. I have participated twice in the Department of Theatre's New Play Workshop, which he runs each year, as well as three other classes of his. His Topical Theatre class in particular expanded my perceptions of what theatre ought to do. Tim has taught me that complete creative and personal trust between mentor and student is critical for learning. Honestly, most of my current talent exists because of him!
A CFA moment I’ll never forget: One of my favorite CFA events that has stuck in my mind ever since I attended it was Taylor Mac's shortened performance of "A 24-Decade History of Popular Music" at Kingsbury Hall in 2018. For me, it was the first performance I had experienced that truly broke open my perceptions and assumptions of the many different forms artistry and theatre can take.
What inspires me: I find a lot of inspiration in the creative work of other artists and collaborators whom I have the chance to work with closely. I also find inspiration in certain professional playwrights and composers such as Bruce Norris, David Henry Hwang, and Stephen Sondheim, to name a few. I am also very much inspired by my partner, Izabelle, and all six of my genius brothers.
Summary of major accomplishments on or off campus:
Ben is an award-winning playwright graduating this year from the Department of Theatre. His works include One-Sided (Univ. of Utah, 2020), The Experiment (On Pitch Performing Arts, 2020), We Don't Smoke (Univ. of Utah, 2021), and most recently, Human--a musical Ben co-wrote and composed (Open Door Productions, 2021). Ben has performed with the Utah Opera, Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society, and the Murray City Arts Council. He has also worked as Dramaturg this year on Henry V (Univ. of Utah), and is currently working as a Writing Coach for WriteOn! Workshops as well as Associate Director for the student organization Open Door Productions. Ben is headed to graduate school in the fall to start his MFA in playwriting. He is the proud recipient of the Hoenig Theatre Artist Scholarship, the Marion Stiebel Siciliano Utah Fine Arts Institute Scholarship, the Ralph E. and Winnifred S. Margetts Scholarship, the Jack Lunt and Gordon & Connie Hanks Summer Study Prize, and the Promising Playwright Award.

It is our great pleasure to present the 2021 Outstanding Seniors from the University of Utah College of Fine Arts. Each year, our five academic units nominate an outstanding senior for their academic achievements, artistic and scholarly accomplishments, and ongoing commitment to their craft. These graduating students continue the CFA's tradition of sending strong creative leaders out into the art world. Congratulations, we can't wait to see how and what you achieve next! 

Name: Malithi Gunawardena
Degree: Bachelors in Fine Arts with an emphasis in graphic design
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Three words that describe me: Brave, thoughtful, dedicated
Most impactful professor: Michael Aberman. I had the privilege of taking Michaels class at the very beginning of my design education, a period of time when I constantly felt scared and out of my element. Michael’s talent, guidance, and immense kindness, in what was a very vulnerable moment in my education, continues to stick with me today. 
A CFA moment I’ll never forget: Sitting in my first zoom editorial class the morning of the earthquake last spring and wondering when I was going to wake up from the bizarre fever dream I was in. 
What inspires me: I am inspired by the people around me who are creative in every sense of the word. I am so lucky to learn from and love them. 
Summary of major accomplishments on or off campus:
2017-2021: Carmen Morton Christensen scholarship
2018-2019: departmental scholarship
2018-2019: Fine Arts Advisory Board scholarship
2018-2019: Intern for the College of Fine Arts
2019: Speculative app project chosen to present to a panel of local prominent designers
2019-2020: Designer for Wasatch Magazine
2020: Infographics project chosen for exhibition at Winter Innovation Summit
2019-2021: Designer for University of Utah’s Adthing
2019-2020: 2020 Sundance Film Festival design intern
2020-present: Designer for Modern8 

"Malithi sets a very high standard for herself and in turn serves as a wonderful example for her classmates, who also hold her in high regard. The Graphic Design curriculum is rigorous, and Malithi consistently meets these challenges with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a strong work ethic. Malithi is detail-oriented, a strong conceptual thinker, and her work exhibits maturity and insight. She is more than worthy of the honor of outstanding senior for the Department of Art & Art History."

— Professor Carol Sogard, Associate Professor Dan Evans, Assistant Professor Henry Becker

Name: Brooke Wertwijn
Majors (including emphases) and minors: BFA in Ballet, Business Minor, Ballet Studio Teaching Certificate
Hometown: Edina, MN
Three words that describe me:  dedicated, passionate, intuitive
Most impactful class or professor (and why): Dance Studies with Kate Mattingly – I learned how to look at and think about our art form critically. This class opened my eyes to different perspectives on dance and taught me how my appreciation for this art form only grows deeper when we question its norms and seek change.
A CFA moment I’ll never forget: Going to Prague with Character Dance Ensemble was one of the best experiences! Looking back now that travel is restricted, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel abroad and learn more about Czech and Slovak folk dance. 
What inspires me: music, emotions, people who are passionate, hope, being in the moment, intelligence.
Summary of major accomplishments on or off campus:
Performed in classical and contemporary works by Katlyn Addison, Jay Kim, Rick McCullough, Susan Jaffe, Christopher Always-Ramsey, Bruce Marks, Victoria Stocki-Kim, Jan Fugit
Choreographed “Existence” in 2019 and “still processing…” in 2020 for Ballet Showcase
SALT Contemporary Dance’s Pre-Professional Training Company Member 2020-2021
Women’s Artistic Leadership Initiative Fellow 2020
Co-President, School of Dance Student Advisory Committee 2020-2021
Vice President, Dance Studies Working Group 2019-2021
Representative, Fine Arts Fees Grant Funding Committee 2020-2021
Character Dance Ensemble Member 2018-2021
Panelist, Speaking Through Movement 2021
Ballet Department Scholarship 2019-2021
Fine Arts Advisory Board Scholarship 2019-2020
Alice Walton Call Scholarship 2018-2020
Freshman Academic Achievement Award 2017-2018

"Brooke Wertwijn is an exemplary student in the School of Dance. She is an inquisitive artist who demonstrates a genuine desire to understand her art form more deeply. An immensely talented dancer, Brooke possesses a maturity within her artistry that is far beyond her years. Brooke consistently steps up as a leader within the School of Dance and serves as a role model for her peers. I am excited to see the ways in which she will impact the field of dance in the future."

— Melissa Bobick, Assistant Professor, School of Dance

Name: Bella Parkinson
Major: Film & Media Arts, Animation and Media Arts Production Emphases
Minor: Arts Technology
Hometown: Clearfield, UT
Three words that describe me:  Methodical, technical, chill!
Most Impactful Class/Prof: Professor Ha Na Lee! She taught me so much about interactivity in multimedia and helped me foster my 3D graphics/imaging skills. I even got to teach her students about photogrammetry--the art of making 3D models from photographs.
A CFA moment I’ll never forget: I'll never forget CFA's trip to the Creative Talent Network (CTN) Animation Expo in 2019. I had an absolute blast and made some great friends. Plus, my two years living at the Emma Eccles Jones Fine Arts House were the most fun I've had in college!
What inspires me: City views, thunderstorms, and my friends!
Summary of major accomplishments on or off campus:
Contributed 3D models (made using photogrammetry) to a virtual recreation of the John Jarvie National Historic Site through the Utah Division of State History (2019)
Along with fellow CFA student Katie Singta, created an interactive showcase of 3D models made using photogrammetry (2020)
Created, from scratch, the beginning of a voiced, animated, and interactive web comic for a senior project (2020)
Created video lectures on photogrammetry for Prof. Ha Na Lee and helped guide her students through the process (2020/2021)

"Bella Parkinson has shown great promise as an independent media artist and animator. She is highly motivated and passionate about her art practice. Her senior capstone project entitled "Sigma" illustrates her skill with interactive storytelling. The animation and web UI design is visually compelling, complex and polished."

— Ha Na Lee, Assistant Professor, Film & Media Arts

Name: Ammon Helms
Majors (including emphases) and minors: Music Composition/Instrumental Performance
Hometown: West Point, UT
Three words that describe me: Driven, Creative, Detail Oriented
Most impactful class or professor (and why): Donn Schaefer, He played a major role in my progress as a trombonist and was a huge mentor for me throughout my undergrad
A CFA moment I’ll never forget: Performing at the UMEA conference with the Wind Ensemble
What inspires me: Seeing all the amazing things in the world
Summary of major accomplishments on or off campus:
Selected to compose a piece for the UMFA call for proposals
Commissioned to arrange solos and a quartet by trombonists in the Utah Symphony
Commissioned to compose work for a trombone choir
Selected to perform a trombone solo for the School of Music 2020 End of Year Showcase

"During a trombone lesson early in Ammon's degree I said 'you want to be a composer? OK, write something to play for your next lesson.' From there, Ammon composed a new duet, etude or part of a solo for each lesson. His growth on trombone helped inform his compositional skills. On his upcoming senior recital, he will premiere the original composition for trombone and piano entitled 'Wasatch.' This is a demanding and solid work that showcases his development as a performer and composer."

— Donn Schaefer, Professor, School of Music

Name: Francesca (Chessie) Hsieh
Major: Theatre, Musical Theatre Emphasis
Hometown: Brookline, MA
Three words that describe me:  kind, hardworking, driven
Most impactful class or professor (and why): My two most impactful professors (I can’t choose just one!) were Andra Harbold and Penny Caywood. They taught me about the expanse and variety in the world of theatre that I hadn’t explored and showed me what it means to be a leader, a role model, and an artist in the fullest sense of that word. They are both the epitome of grace, creativity, and forward thinking. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.
A CFA moment I’ll never forget: Creating crazy Zoom skits with my student group at the beginning of the pandemic – finding a way to still create and connect every day was amazing.
What inspires me: Seeing people work with complete joy and safety. When I have been lucky enough to see someone feel free to create work unapologetically, fueled by their own curiosity and voice, rather than by a need to impress or fit in, it is glorious. It re-focuses my own passion and makes me want to create more spaces where that kind of work is possible.
Summary of major accomplishments on or off campus:
Founder, President, Vice-President for Open Door Productions, student run production company and sponsored student organization
Co-founder of BIPOC Artists for Awareness
Student representative for Department of Theatre JEDI committee
Won Outstanding Live Production at the Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival in 2020 for directing original adaptation Cocaine Triptych
Cast in one department musical (Chess) and one department play (The Night Witches)
Assistant Director for The Odyssey in the Department of Theatre
Assistant Director for Mary Stuart at Pioneer Theatre Company
Dramaturg for The Night Witches in the Department of Theatre
Student Advocacy Workshop leader for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region 8
Video from CFA gala Fall 2020

"I have worked with Francesca extensively since last fall, and have witnessed her deep and engaged scholarship in her course work, creative practice and community service. Last fall, Francesca was a student in my Beginning Directing class and my Assistant Director for the Department of Theatre's production of Mary Zimmerman's The Odyssey. Throughout the course and The Odyssey rehearsals, her observations on text, movement, the creative process and production were generous, rigorous and astute. This fall, Francesca is my teaching assistant for the Beginning Directing class and is serving both as dramaturg and acting in a pivotal role in Rachel Bublitz's The Night Witches that I am directing. Whatever the charge, Francesca meets the challenge with attention and skill." 

— Alexandra Harbold, Assistant Professor, Department of Theatre

Are you interested in representing your graduating class? Then you’re invited to apply to be the 2021 CFA Student Convocation Speaker.

Applicants must be CFA students who either graduated Fall 2020 or who will be graduating Spring 2021 or Summer 2021. To apply, record yourself delivering your convocation address. Your speech should be 2-3 minutes in length. Submit the recording along with a written version.

With your submission, please include your name, major(s), and contact information.

Selection will be based on both the content of the speech and oral delivery. The student who is chosen will have the opportunity to have their virtual Convocation speech professionally and safely filmed on the stage of Kingsbury Hall in early April*. We will request photos and/ or video of the student’s time at the U to supplement the speech in post-production.

*there may be an opportunity to also present this during a live ceremony on May 7 in Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Submit your materials here by March 15, 2021.

Questions? Please contact Associate Dean for Undergraduate Student Affairs, Liz Leckie.

We know, we’re barely kicking off Spring ’21 semester, but it’s time to also start thinking about that glorious day of diplomas and achievement! As we plan the big virtual celebrations* for our graduating students, we want to make sure you all have some important dates on your calendars.

*Some academic units may also have individual, small, safe, in-person celebrations in addition to a college-wide virtual event, so watch for information from your area.

OUTSTANDING UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER AWARD

This year, the Office of Undergraduate Research will be acknowledging the 2021 Outstanding Undergraduate Researchers from each of the colleges.

The College of Fine Arts has been asked to award this distinction to one undergraduate student who is engaged in any research/creative/scholarly tradition in the College of Fine Arts. Any currently-enrolled degree-seeking undergraduate student at the University of Utah is eligible for the award. 

If you would like to be considered as the 2021 Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher for the College of Fine Arts. Please submit the following information by email to Liz Leckie no later than February 22, 2021:

• A list of your research-related activities on campus and the faculty members with which you have worked.
• A personal statement that addresses the following questions:  
  • In what specific ways, have the research activities in which you have been involved improved your knowledge of your discipline? 
  • How have the research activities in which you have been involved strengthened your independent and critical thinking skills?
  • How has the research/mentor relationship positively impacted your undergraduate experience? 

The following items are optional, but if you would like to submit them the committee will review them:

• A copy or copies of your undergraduate research proposal.
• A letter of recommendation from a faculty member who you consider to be a research mentor.

The student who receives this award and his/her faculty mentor will be recognized by the Office of Undergraduate Research and at the College of Fine Arts virtual convocation.

CONVOCATION SPEAKER

Are you interested in representing your graduating class? Then you’re invited to apply to be the 2021 CFA Student Convocation Speaker.

Applicants must be CFA students who either graduated Fall 2020 or who will be graduating Spring 2021 or Summer 2021. To apply, record yourself delivering your convocation address. Your speech should be 2-3 minutes in length. Submit the recording along with a written version. With your submission, please include your name, major(s), and contact information.

Selection will be based on both the content of the speech and oral delivery. The student who is chosen will have the opportunity to have their virtual Convocation speech professionally and safely filmed on the stage of Kingsbury Hall in early April. We will request photos and/ or video of the student’s time at the U to supplement the speech in post-production.

Submit your materials here by March 15, 2021.

Questions? Please contact Associate Dean for Undergraduate Student Affairs, Liz Leckie.

YOUR GRADUATION DETAILS

Because we want each of our graduates to have a moment to shine individually during our virtual convocation celebration, we’ll be requesting some information from each student who plans to participate in the convocation ceremony. Curious as to what it will look like? Check it out!

To submit your info/photo and have your moment on our virtual stage, click here.

Remember, all information must be submitted by April 1, 2021 in order to be included in the program. And don’t forget to check your uMail for additional details and reminders!

CAP & GOWN

Even though we’ll be celebrating safely online again this year, our graduates are still welcome to purchase a cap and gown, graduation announcements, and other graduation memorabilia. Additional info will be available soon from the Campus Store.

We are about to graduate a class of brilliant, creative and remarkably resilient students during a global pandemic. This is a first. And it’s not without sincere disappointment and loss. While this moment presents unique challenges, as artists, we are no strangers to creative thinking, and the leadership of the College of Fine Arts is undeterred in our drive to celebrate the momentous achievements of the graduating class of 2020!   

What will make these celebration powerful is if you participate — as students, faculty, family and friends.
We will be rolling out a full week of celebrations starting on 4/27 on our blog, our social media, and via email.  

To our graduating class, if you haven’t already, please send us a photo or video of your favorite moment, people, or place at the U.
Upload your memory to this UBox or send to this email address by Monday, 4/20 to be included in the virtual celebrations.
Click 'Join Folder' on the top menu bar to access the 'Upload' feature.
Please include a brief description of your memory when you upload your file. Descriptions can be added under “File Properties” section on the righthand side of the window once your file is uploaded.

You have been making us proud for years now, and we can’t wait to see how you continue to shine.