Dóri Bosnyák completed her master’s degree in arts administration from the School of Theatre & Dance.
Dóri Bosnyák, a recent graduate of the J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts (TCVPA), has been chosen to lead the Texas Tech University Presidential Lecture & Performance Series (PLPS). Bosnyák officially began in her new role in August, following the retirement of PLPS director Jo Moore, who will continue in an advisory role to the series. Bosnyák said she looks forward to continuing to build upon Moore's work since the creation of the series in fall 2006.
"I am incredibly thrilled to take on the series, as I understand the opportunity it presents to the West Texas community," Bosnyák said. "These performers don't usually stop between Dallas and Albuquerque, or Las Vegas, even, and the series presents diverse and bright entertainment and lectures through carefully selected talent. I am so fortunate to be able to help offer this unique experience to our patrons."
Bosnyák earned a bachelor's degree in film, theater and performance studies and international studies from Graceland University in 2015. In May 2019, she completed a master's degree in arts administration from the TCVPA's School of Theatre & Dance.
She has been active in the visual and performing arts community since arriving in Lubbock in 2016. She has worked with several local businesses, groups and organizations, including Ballet Lubbock, Texas Democratic Women of the South Plains, the Charles Adams Studio Project and the Lubbock Arts Alliance. She also served as the managing director of the BurkTech Players, a collaborative ensemble of artists that includes students from Texas Tech's Burkhart Center for Autism Education & Research and the School of Theatre & Dance.
"Dóri's experience in the local arts community and extensive background in arts administration are valuable assets she brings to the program," said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. "I am thankful for Jo Moore's efforts to build a series that not only entertains but educates the Texas Tech and Lubbock communities. I look forward to Dóri continuing those traditions."
As a student, Bosnyák said she became aware of PLPS early on and immediately gained appreciation for the series and what it provides to the local community: access to world-class performers without the stress and financial burden of having to travel outside of Lubbock.
"My favorite component of the series is that it is open for everyone," Bosnyák said. "You don't have to be a connoisseur of any art form to feel welcomed and to enjoy our shows. My vision is to make sure everyone in the community is aware of President Schovanec's invitation to experience the series."
Expanding the audience of the series is a top priority for Bosnyák, and she said she hopes that expansion includes more Texas Tech students.
"Texas Tech students might not realize they can pick up a free ticket for themselves for each show, just by showing their student ID at the east information desk in the Student Union Building one month prior to each event," Bosnyák said. "I truly believe attending performances like those in the series betters one's college experience and will plant little seeds that will come to fruition post-college. I saw firsthand what this series meant to my fellow students, some of whom would meet with and audition for the PLPS performers. Others would be inspired for a lifetime by simply attending an event and leaving forever changed."
The 2019-2020 PLPS season will open Oct. 30 with best-selling author and NPR humorist David Sedaris, followed by singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Royal Wood on Nov. 8, Grammy Award-winning Steep Canyon Rangers on Feb. 7, Los Angeles-based a cappella sextet m-pact on March 27 and Charleston-based quintet Ranky Tanky on April 24. Bosnyák said the season tagline, "edgy, soulful, fun" speaks to what attendees can expect from the performers.
"I am buzzed to kick-off the season with 'An Evening with David Sedaris,' especially since I know so many are looking forward to hearing him – including me," Bosnyák said. "However, I just might be most excited to simply be able to continue my arts administrator work in Lubbock and to continue to make an impact here. This community has grown very close to me through the numerous internships and connections I've made in recent years. I am overjoyed to contribute to Lubbock and the surrounding communities through this prestigious series and I hope to see many familiar and new faces in the crowd."
All PLPS events begin at 7 p.m. in the Allen Theatre. Single-event tickets ($20) and season tickets ($85) may be purchased by calling Select-A-Seat at (806) 770-2000 or visiting the Select-A-Seat website. Texas Tech students receive one free ticket with a valid Texas Tech ID one month prior to each event at the east information desk in the Student Union Building. Tickets are $15 for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) members with a valid OLLI ID.
About the Presidential Lecture & Performance Series
Now in its 14th season, the Presidential Lecture & Performance Series has brought
more than 60 performers and speakers to the Texas Tech campus. The series supports
the three primary, comprehensive areas of focus that comprise the university's strategic
plan by including speakers and performers who educate and empower a diverse student
body, enable innovative research and creative activities, and transform lives and
communities through strategic outreach and engaged scholarship.
For more information, visit the series' website or the PLPS Facebook page.
