Arts and Entertainment

Many in the theater world here in Seattle know of David Armstrong, UW affiliate instructor of drama, as 5th Avenue Theatre's artistic director and executive producer from 2000 to 2018. Now he's also an author. Armstrong is interviewed about his new book: "Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical."

Featuring exhibitions at the University of Washington.

An exhibit by Rob Rhee, assistant professor and chair of interdisciplinary visual art, is included in this roundup.

With "University of Washington Soundscape," ethnomusicology and international studies major Leo Freedman has created an audio experience of the UW campus. 

A new book from David Armstrong, University of Washington affiliate instructor of drama, is an historical and cultural account of how the Broadway musical was predominantly created by people marginalized from mainstream society. The book, Broadway Nation: How Immigrant, Jewish, Queer, and Black Artists Invented the Broadway Musical, traces this history through four major eras.

Derek Sheffield, ’90, ’99, a poet and English teacher, was appointed Washington State’s Poet Laureate in April by Governor Bob Ferguson. A passionate naturalist known for co-editing the best-selling "Cascadia Field Guide: Art, Ecology, Poetry" with Elizabeth Bradfield, ’94, and CMarie Fuhrman, Sheffield is “always packing” binoculars and hand lens and birds by ear—often in the woods near his home in Leavenworth. He has butterflied alongside Robert Michael Pyle, ’69, ’73, the lepidopterist, and once exchanged letters with Pulitzer-winning biologist E.O. Wilson.

Derek Sheffield, ’90, ’99, a poet and English teacher, was appointed Washington State’s Poet Laureate in April by Governor Bob Ferguson. A passionate naturalist known for co-editing the best-selling “Cascadia Field Guide: Art, Ecology, Poetry” with Elizabeth Bradfield, ’94, and CMarie Fuhrman, Sheffield is “always packing” binoculars and hand lens and birds by ear—often in the woods near his home in Leavenworth. He has butterflied alongside Robert Michael Pyle, ’69, ’73, the lepidopterist, and once exchanged letters with Pulitzer-winning biologist E.O. Wilson.

Looking for galleries to visit this fall? Check out these visual arts shows by UW alumni.

Art meets technology at the SPAM New Media Festival, an exhibition of creative works that use technology in unexpected ways. The event will be held September 12-14.

Lucia Flores-Wiseman (B.A., Communication), a Mexican American singer-songwriter, brings an inspiring emotional depth to her craft.

Launched in Spring of 2025, the pilot season includes seven episodes – each featuring a School of Art + Art History + Design alum in conversation with host Liz Copland.

Each of the College's 2025 medalists received a special gift — a glass bowl, handblown in the UW School of Art + Art History + Design.

"What might the virtual assistant in your phone sound like if the artificial intelligence that powered it emerged from the consciousness of a Black girl from Chicago?" writes Timeka Tounsel, associate professor of Black studies in communication at the UW. Golden M. Owens, assistant professor of cinema & media studies at the UW, is quoted.

From promoting punk bands to designing light festivals, Terry Morgan has shaped Seattle’s cultural landscape for over 50 years. As an African American studies major at the UW, Morgan, ’76, studied widely outside his major, learning video art from art faculty Bill Ritchie and electronic music from Glenn White.

The College of Arts & Sciences is home to many distinguished researchers, faculty, and students. Their work and contributions have been featured in media outside of the UW and across the country. Take a look at some ArtSci features from this past Spring Quarter. From AI to nature's poets, ArtSci in the Media has something for everyone!