UH School of Theatre & Dance Alumni Take the Stage in Real Women Have Curves at Alley Theatre 

Finding the right fit at UH 

For both Brenda and Sophia, choosing UH felt natural. They were drawn to the School of Theatre & Dance for its hands-on approach, professional expectations, and strong sense of ensemble. 

Brenda says the program stood out because it felt grounded in reality. 

“It was very real-world focused,” she said. “And it felt supportive, not competitive. That was important to me.” 

Sophia felt something similar when she visited the program. The emphasis on collaboration and ensemble-based work mirrored what she would later experience in professional rehearsal rooms. 
“It felt grounded in what it actually means to work as an actor,” she said. 

Training in Houston—home to a thriving professional theatre scene—was another major draw. Both performers saw the value in studying in the same city where they hoped to build their careers. 

Training that goes beyond technique 

During their time at UH, Brenda and Sophia found themselves challenged in ways that extended beyond performance technique. 

For Brenda, the program encouraged deeper exploration—of story, identity, and purpose. 

“The faculty really pushed us to explore who we were and what stories we wanted to tell,” she said. 

That emphasis on ensemble work helped her develop collaboration skills she now relies on daily as a working actor. 

Sophia credits her UH experience with building confidence and clarity at a critical moment in her development. 

“I learned how to advocate for myself, take direction, and stay flexible,” she said—skills that quickly became essential as she transitioned from student to professional after graduation. 

Building careers in Houston

Since leaving UH, both alumni have remained active in Houston’s theatre community. Like many working actors, their careers include a mix of auditions, professional productions, workshops, and creative collaborations—each opportunity helping them grow their craft and expand their networks. 

They see UH as a clear bridge between training and the industry. The skills they developed—voice, movement, script analysis, and audition preparation—translate directly into professional rehearsal rooms across the city. 

“The training aligns with exactly what I’m doing now,” Brenda said. “I feel prepared to collaborate, adapt quickly, and take direction.” 

Sophia points to discipline and consistency as tools she uses on every project. UH’s close connection to Houston’s theatre ecosystem helped both performers see a realistic path forward—one that didn’t require leaving the city they call home. 

A full-circle moment at Alley Theatre 

That path has now led both alumni to Real Women Have Curves, a production centered on identity, community, and self-acceptance. Being cast at the Alley—a company they admired as students—has made the experience especially meaningful. 

“Working here feels like a full-circle moment,” Brenda said. “Coming back to Houston and performing at such a respected theatre is incredibly special.” 

For Sophia, stepping onto the Alley stage reinforced just how foundational her UH training had been. Applying classroom lessons in a professional rehearsal room affirmed the value of her education and the momentum she’s built since graduating. 

Their involvement also highlights the ongoing relationship between the UH School of Theatre & Dance and Alley Theatre—two institutions connected by shared artists, shared values, and a commitment to telling meaningful stories. 

Carrying UH forward

Now established as working professionals, both Brenda and Sophia continue to carry their UH experience with them. 

“I’m really grateful for my time at SOTD,” Brenda said. “It shaped me not just as an actor, but as a person.” 

Sophia echoed that sentiment, noting that the tools she gained at UH continue to serve her every day. Her advice to current students is simple: trust the process, stay open, take risks, and lean into the community around you. 

As Real Women Have Curves takes the stage, audiences aren’t just seeing a powerful story unfold. They’re also seeing UH School of Theatre & Dance alumni doing exactly what they were trained to do—building meaningful careers, telling important stories, and helping shape Houston’s theatre scene.