Sharon Aleta Mitchell (Haskell) passed away on April 14, 2026, at the age of 74. Honoring her wishes, her family established the Aleta Mitchell Advancement Fund at the University of Iowa to provide support to students in the Department of Theatre Arts. The fund is now accepting memorial donations from others.

Spring reflections and announcements from the department

Creators Brian Quijada (2011 BA) and Nygel D. Robinson give Playbill a demo of their process.

Broadway nominees include "Little Bear Ridge Road" by Samuel D. Hunter (2007 MFA) and "Mexodus" by Brian Quijada (2011 BA) and Nygel D. Robinson.

The annual awards honor Broadway and Off-Broadway theatre, and Iowa Theatre grads Brian Quijada (2011 BA) and Samuel D. Hunter (2007 MFA) are nominated for top honors in multiple categories.

At a predominantly white institution, students at the UI are creating meaningful communities through cultural organizations and informal “third spaces.”

“Mexodus” is written and performed by Brian Quijada (2011 BA) and Nygel D. Robinson with choreography by Tony Thomas. It’s directed by David Mendizabal.

The nominations for the 41st Annual Lucille Lortel Awards, honoring Off and Off-Off Broadway theatre, were announced April 1. New musical Mexodus, written by and starring Brian Quijada (2011 BA) and Nygel D. Robinson, led the nominations with nine awards (including Outstanding Musical).