The College of Fine Arts proudly congratulates all students who are graduating this semester! While we’re unable to gather in person for a commencement ceremony in December due to the pandemic, we celebrate the accomplishments of students, like T.K. Gray, a Theatre major who discovered a passion for design and lead the costume design for four Theatre TCU productions.
T.K. Gray, Department of Theatre
Degree: BFA Theatre, Design Emphasis
T.K. Gray
Hometown: Madison, Mississippi
Why did you choose TCU for your education?
TCU felt like a very friendly, welcoming environment for me. Everyone in the Department of Theatre, specifically, is so kind, which was really the deciding factor for me because many other theatre departments are quite competitive.
Tell us about your time at TCU
While at TCU, I was a member of Alpha Psi Omega, the Theatre honors fraternity. I was an assistant costume and scenic designer for several shows (Tom Kellogg in B Flat and Tartuffe), and I got to design the costumes for four productions on my own (The Interminable Life of Perennial Peonies, The Diviners, Sister Act and Miss Molly). I also was lucky enough to get to do two summer study abroad programs; one was an art history program that took place in Paris, Rome and Madrid, and the other was a theatre program in Prague. I also worked in the TCU Costume Studio for three years, and last summer I worked at the American Shakespeare Center.
What is your proudest accomplishment while at TCU?
My proudest accomplishment while at TCU was designing Sister Act. It was a very large show, so it required a lot of work and coordination with the costumes team. It was also just such a fun show, which was wonderful because I knew that my designs helped bring that joyful story to life. Although, my favorite part of the show was sitting in the audience and getting to hear everyone “ooh” and “ahh” when Sweaty Eddie had a crazy tear-away quick change on stage.
What will you miss most about TCU?
I will definitely miss everyone in the costumes department the most. Michele Alford, Murell Horton, and Sarah Tonemah are not only wonderful people, but they’re also the reason I am the artist I am today! They have taught me so much, and I could not be more grateful for them.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I am currently applying to graduate schools, so I can pursue an MFA in Costume Design.