1 00:00:08,350 --> 00:00:10,089 Hundreds of private schools in Texas 2 00:00:10,090 --> 00:00:11,909 are being shut out of the state's 3 00:00:11,910 --> 00:00:13,489 new school voucher program because 4 00:00:13,490 --> 00:00:14,769 of alleged ties to some 5 00:00:14,770 --> 00:00:16,089 organizations or foreign 6 00:00:16,090 --> 00:00:16,889 governments. 7 00:00:16,890 --> 00:00:18,289 And that includes dozens of schools 8 00:00:18,290 --> 00:00:20,149 here in the Austin area. 9 00:00:20,150 --> 00:00:21,469 We'll have more about the voucher 10 00:00:21,470 --> 00:00:23,749 program and its continuing rollout. 11 00:00:23,750 --> 00:00:25,289 That's coming up on today's show. 12 00:00:25,290 --> 00:00:27,189 The Austin Signal is a production 13 00:00:27,190 --> 00:00:29,289 of KUT News, hosted by 14 00:00:29,290 --> 00:00:30,219 Jerry Quijano. 15 00:00:30,220 --> 00:00:32,339 Plus, hobbies can lead to rewarding 16 00:00:32,340 --> 00:00:34,179 experiences, but carving out 17 00:00:34,180 --> 00:00:35,819 the time to invest in one can be 18 00:00:35,820 --> 00:00:37,279 tough. We're going to hear the story 19 00:00:37,280 --> 00:00:38,799 of a group of skaters here in Austin 20 00:00:38,800 --> 00:00:40,739 that prioritizes community and 21 00:00:40,740 --> 00:00:42,879 fun despite their busy schedules. 22 00:00:42,880 --> 00:00:44,619 And the executive director for Texas 23 00:00:44,620 --> 00:00:45,939 Performing Arts stepped into the 24 00:00:45,940 --> 00:00:47,639 role just months before the pandemic 25 00:00:47,640 --> 00:00:49,639 forced shows to stop and theaters to 26 00:00:49,640 --> 00:00:50,579 close. 27 00:00:50,580 --> 00:00:51,979 What he's learned about the job and 28 00:00:51,980 --> 00:00:53,719 the future of arts and performances 29 00:00:53,720 --> 00:00:55,539 going forward, That's coming 30 00:00:55,540 --> 00:00:57,500 up today on Austin Signal. 31 00:01:08,750 --> 00:01:10,269 Howdy out there, and thank you for 32 00:01:10,270 --> 00:01:12,229 tuning in. This is Austin 33 00:01:12,230 --> 00:01:13,029 Signal. 34 00:01:13,030 --> 00:01:15,029 It's Tuesday, January 20th. 35 00:01:15,030 --> 00:01:16,049 Thank you for making 36 00:01:16,050 --> 00:01:17,969 listener-powered public radio part 37 00:01:17,970 --> 00:01:19,129 of your day. 38 00:01:19,130 --> 00:01:21,409 We are glad to have you here. 39 00:01:21,410 --> 00:01:23,289 56 degrees out along the 40 00:01:23,290 --> 00:01:24,829 drag at one o'clock this afternoon, 41 00:01:24,830 --> 00:01:26,769 and a bit of good news to start off 42 00:01:26,770 --> 00:01:27,949 the show is that temperatures the 43 00:01:27,950 --> 00:01:29,129 next couple of nights in Austin 44 00:01:29,130 --> 00:01:31,049 won't be nearly as cold as they 45 00:01:31,050 --> 00:01:32,189 have been. 46 00:01:32,190 --> 00:01:34,109 We are, however, keeping an eye on 47 00:01:34,110 --> 00:01:35,409 the weather that's coming our way 48 00:01:35,410 --> 00:01:36,289 this weekend. 49 00:01:36,290 --> 00:01:38,219 What we know for now, is 50 00:01:38,220 --> 00:01:39,659 that we are getting the coldest air 51 00:01:39,660 --> 00:01:41,379 of the season on Saturday and 52 00:01:41,380 --> 00:01:42,299 Sunday. 53 00:01:42,300 --> 00:01:43,399 The National Weather Service is 54 00:01:43,400 --> 00:01:45,379 forecasting highs in the 30s and 55 00:01:45,380 --> 00:01:46,839 lows in the 20s. 56 00:01:46,840 --> 00:01:48,219 And with precipitation in the 57 00:01:48,220 --> 00:01:49,839 forecast at the same time, the 58 00:01:49,840 --> 00:01:51,159 Weather Service says there's a 59 00:01:51,160 --> 00:01:52,799 chance for freezing rain Saturday 60 00:01:52,800 --> 00:01:54,619 into Saturday night. 61 00:01:54,620 --> 00:01:56,119 We will of course be watching the 62 00:01:56,120 --> 00:01:57,979 forecast as it develops in the days 63 00:01:57,980 --> 00:01:59,519 ahead and we'll keep you updated 64 00:01:59,520 --> 00:02:01,719 right here on Austin Signal and 65 00:02:01,720 --> 00:02:03,939 all day long over on 66 00:02:03,940 --> 00:02:05,400 KUT News. 67 00:02:06,480 --> 00:02:08,159 Hundreds of private schools in Texas 68 00:02:08,160 --> 00:02:10,099 have so far been excluded 69 00:02:10,100 --> 00:02:12,059 from the state's new school voucher 70 00:02:12,060 --> 00:02:13,819 program, including dozens of schools 71 00:02:13,820 --> 00:02:16,199 here in the Austin area. 72 00:02:16,200 --> 00:02:18,279 For more about why that is the case, 73 00:02:18,280 --> 00:02:19,959 we are joined by Isaac Yu. 74 00:02:19,960 --> 00:02:21,519 He's a politics reporter at the 75 00:02:21,520 --> 00:02:22,939 Austin American Statesman. 76 00:02:22,940 --> 00:02:24,379 Isaac, it's great to talk with you. 77 00:02:24,380 --> 00:02:25,399 Thanks for having me. 78 00:02:25,400 --> 00:02:27,499 So take us back a bit. 79 00:02:27,500 --> 00:02:29,039 What reason did legislators give for 80 00:02:29,040 --> 00:02:30,299 vouchers when they were initially 81 00:02:30,300 --> 00:02:31,959 passed into law last year. 82 00:02:31,960 --> 00:02:33,399 That's right. So this was the 83 00:02:33,400 --> 00:02:35,299 biggest political issue of the 84 00:02:35,300 --> 00:02:37,659 last session, the 89th session. 85 00:02:37,660 --> 00:02:39,579 And the idea of the 86 00:02:39,580 --> 00:02:41,139 Republican proponents who wanted to 87 00:02:41,140 --> 00:02:43,679 pass this legislation was to 88 00:02:43,680 --> 00:02:45,499 provide more tax dollars 89 00:02:45,500 --> 00:02:47,399 to families who want to 90 00:02:47,400 --> 00:02:48,739 afford things like private school 91 00:02:48,740 --> 00:02:50,639 tuition, homeschooling costs, 92 00:02:51,920 --> 00:02:53,559 just educational expenses that fall 93 00:02:53,560 --> 00:02:55,059 outside of the traditional public 94 00:02:55,060 --> 00:02:55,829 school system. 95 00:02:55,830 --> 00:02:57,509 Okay, and you're reporting at the 96 00:02:57,510 --> 00:02:59,509 statesman, you found out that not 97 00:02:59,510 --> 00:03:01,049 all private schools here in Texas 98 00:03:01,050 --> 00:03:03,089 have been able to join the voucher 99 00:03:03,090 --> 00:03:04,529 program. Why is that the case? 100 00:03:04,530 --> 00:03:05,329 That's right. 101 00:03:05,330 --> 00:03:07,409 So schools were able to apply 102 00:03:07,410 --> 00:03:08,909 beginning in mid-December. 103 00:03:08,910 --> 00:03:10,449 So we now have a list of schools 104 00:03:10,450 --> 00:03:12,089 that have been approved. 105 00:03:12,090 --> 00:03:13,409 Um, if that school is on the list 106 00:03:13,410 --> 00:03:15,389 and you receive a voucher, you 107 00:03:15,390 --> 00:03:17,569 can use that money to pay, um, 108 00:03:17,570 --> 00:03:19,629 for that tuition at that school, 109 00:03:19,630 --> 00:03:21,429 there's a category of schools and it 110 00:03:21,430 --> 00:03:23,149 makes up about a third, a little 111 00:03:23,150 --> 00:03:25,129 more of all the eligible 112 00:03:25,130 --> 00:03:26,689 private schools that had not yet 113 00:03:26,690 --> 00:03:29,159 been invited into the program. 114 00:03:29,160 --> 00:03:31,059 And what we know is that it's linked 115 00:03:31,060 --> 00:03:32,959 to a request 116 00:03:32,960 --> 00:03:34,639 that the state comptroller whose 117 00:03:34,640 --> 00:03:37,939 office is running that program has 118 00:03:37,940 --> 00:03:39,839 made also last month 119 00:03:39,840 --> 00:03:41,779 and that's holding up all the 120 00:03:41,780 --> 00:03:42,969 schools so far. 121 00:03:42,970 --> 00:03:44,029 Us a little bit more about that. 122 00:03:44,030 --> 00:03:45,089 Definitely. 123 00:03:45,090 --> 00:03:48,029 So it appears to be linked to 124 00:03:48,030 --> 00:03:49,889 an attempt by the 125 00:03:49,890 --> 00:03:51,849 Comptroller to bar certain 126 00:03:51,850 --> 00:03:53,689 schools. He asked for 127 00:03:53,690 --> 00:03:55,449 a ruling from the Attorney General's 128 00:03:55,450 --> 00:03:57,449 office, essentially asking 129 00:03:57,450 --> 00:03:59,609 if his office has the 130 00:03:59,610 --> 00:04:01,669 authority required to 131 00:04:01,670 --> 00:04:03,689 bar a certain school under Texas 132 00:04:03,690 --> 00:04:04,629 law. 133 00:04:04,630 --> 00:04:06,489 And he's Referring to two 134 00:04:06,490 --> 00:04:09,358 specific kinds of schools, one is 135 00:04:09,359 --> 00:04:10,799 schools that are linked to the 136 00:04:10,800 --> 00:04:12,359 Chinese Communist Party, either 137 00:04:12,360 --> 00:04:14,439 because they're owned or operated in 138 00:04:14,440 --> 00:04:16,359 part by some sort of entity that's 139 00:04:16,360 --> 00:04:17,778 linked to it. 140 00:04:17,779 --> 00:04:19,719 And then the other category is 141 00:04:19,720 --> 00:04:21,539 schools, you know, 142 00:04:21,540 --> 00:04:23,359 Islamic schools, not as an 143 00:04:23,360 --> 00:04:24,239 entire category. 144 00:04:24,240 --> 00:04:25,959 The way that his request is framed 145 00:04:25,960 --> 00:04:28,219 is schools that have hosted 146 00:04:28,220 --> 00:04:30,119 events by the council on 147 00:04:30,120 --> 00:04:31,979 American Islamic relations, which is 148 00:04:31,980 --> 00:04:33,799 a major Muslim advocacy 149 00:04:33,800 --> 00:04:34,800 group. 150 00:04:35,400 --> 00:04:37,319 And, you know asking whether 151 00:04:37,320 --> 00:04:39,219 schools that have ties to that group 152 00:04:39,220 --> 00:04:41,059 are also able to be barred from the 153 00:04:41,060 --> 00:04:41,459 program. 154 00:04:41,460 --> 00:04:42,839 You mentioned the state comptroller 155 00:04:42,840 --> 00:04:44,599 a couple of times, can you tell us 156 00:04:44,600 --> 00:04:46,039 who he is and how he got into the 157 00:04:46,040 --> 00:04:47,069 position that he's in right now? 158 00:04:47,070 --> 00:04:48,349 Definitely the state comptroller 159 00:04:48,350 --> 00:04:49,949 currently is Kelly Hancock. 160 00:04:49,950 --> 00:04:51,769 He's formerly a state Senator 161 00:04:51,770 --> 00:04:54,029 from the North Texas area. 162 00:04:54,030 --> 00:04:56,069 He became comptroller, um, 163 00:04:56,070 --> 00:04:58,029 last June, um stepping down 164 00:04:58,030 --> 00:05:00,249 from his legislative seat. 165 00:05:00,250 --> 00:05:02,349 Um, and he's been, you 166 00:05:02,350 --> 00:05:03,849 know, acting in that position. 167 00:05:03,850 --> 00:05:06,009 Um, he wasn't formally appointed 168 00:05:06,010 --> 00:05:07,989 due to some kind of quirkiness in 169 00:05:07,990 --> 00:05:09,989 the state law, but he's running 170 00:05:09,990 --> 00:05:11,989 that office since then, um and 171 00:05:11,990 --> 00:05:13,909 overseeing the rollout of the 172 00:05:13,910 --> 00:05:15,749 voucher and ESA program. 173 00:05:15,750 --> 00:05:17,149 And yeah, he's been there since 174 00:05:17,150 --> 00:05:17,699 June. 175 00:05:17,700 --> 00:05:20,119 And what have you heard from people 176 00:05:20,120 --> 00:05:21,799 who work for or work with Texas 177 00:05:21,800 --> 00:05:24,249 private schools about 178 00:05:24,250 --> 00:05:26,339 this claim that they're trying to 179 00:05:26,340 --> 00:05:27,659 prohibit these schools from 180 00:05:27,660 --> 00:05:28,739 participating in the program? 181 00:05:28,740 --> 00:05:30,619 You know, not, not too many people 182 00:05:30,620 --> 00:05:32,139 have spoken out specifically about 183 00:05:32,140 --> 00:05:33,419 that. Of course, the schools 184 00:05:33,420 --> 00:05:35,599 themselves are, you 185 00:05:35,600 --> 00:05:37,739 know, facing a lot of uncertainty. 186 00:05:37,740 --> 00:05:39,639 It's not super clear how many 187 00:05:39,640 --> 00:05:41,579 of these Islamic schools or, 188 00:05:41,580 --> 00:05:43,779 um, allegedly, um 189 00:05:43,780 --> 00:05:45,679 Chinese linked schools want to 190 00:05:45,680 --> 00:05:46,879 participate in the program, but the 191 00:05:46,880 --> 00:05:48,119 comptroller's request said that some 192 00:05:48,120 --> 00:05:50,479 of them had applied outside 193 00:05:50,480 --> 00:05:52,579 of that. Remember that this, that 194 00:05:52,580 --> 00:05:54,799 request has now blocked, you know, 195 00:05:54,800 --> 00:05:56,799 between five and 700 schools 196 00:05:56,800 --> 00:05:57,819 of all kinds. 197 00:05:57,820 --> 00:05:58,759 So that includes. 198 00:05:58,760 --> 00:06:00,299 Special education schools, Christian 199 00:06:00,300 --> 00:06:02,139 schools, and those 200 00:06:02,140 --> 00:06:04,359 groups and led by the 201 00:06:04,360 --> 00:06:06,059 Texas Private School Association are 202 00:06:06,060 --> 00:06:08,099 pushing the Comptroller to allow 203 00:06:08,100 --> 00:06:10,039 those schools to be 204 00:06:10,040 --> 00:06:11,439 approved for the program as quickly 205 00:06:11,440 --> 00:06:12,440 as possible. 206 00:06:13,400 --> 00:06:15,299 They aren't super happy 207 00:06:15,300 --> 00:06:17,679 that this, you know, 208 00:06:17,680 --> 00:06:19,659 request linked to the small handful 209 00:06:19,660 --> 00:06:21,559 of schools appears to be affecting 210 00:06:21,560 --> 00:06:22,839 a large category. 211 00:06:22,840 --> 00:06:24,739 Okay, did was there any kind of 212 00:06:24,740 --> 00:06:26,259 anticipation that there might be 213 00:06:26,260 --> 00:06:28,119 some some some pitfalls 214 00:06:28,120 --> 00:06:29,499 when it comes to this this voucher 215 00:06:29,500 --> 00:06:30,500 program here in Texas. 216 00:06:31,650 --> 00:06:33,669 There were some clues 217 00:06:33,670 --> 00:06:35,549 early on that this could be 218 00:06:35,550 --> 00:06:37,609 a problem, you know, there were some 219 00:06:37,610 --> 00:06:39,349 conservative advocates who I've 220 00:06:39,350 --> 00:06:41,129 spoken to who were against the 221 00:06:41,130 --> 00:06:43,089 voucher program, who 222 00:06:43,090 --> 00:06:44,189 there you know from their 223 00:06:44,190 --> 00:06:46,269 perspective, they were worried that 224 00:06:46,270 --> 00:06:48,149 tax dollars might be going towards 225 00:06:48,150 --> 00:06:50,129 certain kinds of schools, 226 00:06:50,130 --> 00:06:51,769 including Islamic schools, but you 227 00:06:51,770 --> 00:06:52,709 know other schools that might 228 00:06:52,710 --> 00:06:54,709 promote certain, you know, 229 00:06:54,710 --> 00:06:55,949 LGBTQ. 230 00:06:55,950 --> 00:06:57,769 Or DEI, things like that. 231 00:06:57,770 --> 00:06:59,529 And that's one major argument that 232 00:06:59,530 --> 00:07:01,249 conservative opponents of school 233 00:07:01,250 --> 00:07:02,250 choice have had. 234 00:07:03,330 --> 00:07:05,429 It's not one that was super 235 00:07:05,430 --> 00:07:06,369 thoroughly considered. 236 00:07:06,370 --> 00:07:08,349 It didn't come as a 237 00:07:08,350 --> 00:07:09,909 big part of the debate in the 238 00:07:09,910 --> 00:07:10,910 legislature. 239 00:07:11,550 --> 00:07:13,369 But I think we knew early 240 00:07:13,370 --> 00:07:14,909 on that that would be something that 241 00:07:14,910 --> 00:07:16,289 state leaders would have to navigate 242 00:07:16,290 --> 00:07:18,019 as they rolled out this program. 243 00:07:18,020 --> 00:07:19,079 Specifically here in the Austin 244 00:07:19,080 --> 00:07:20,359 area, what do we know about the 245 00:07:20,360 --> 00:07:21,799 schools that have been impacted? 246 00:07:21,800 --> 00:07:23,319 So the schools affected are all 247 00:07:23,320 --> 00:07:25,179 accredited by Cognia, which is 248 00:07:25,180 --> 00:07:26,659 a nonprofit. It's the largest 249 00:07:26,660 --> 00:07:28,539 private school creditor nationwide 250 00:07:28,540 --> 00:07:30,819 and here in Texas, 251 00:07:30,820 --> 00:07:32,319 that accredits some of these Islamic 252 00:07:32,320 --> 00:07:33,899 schools that are mentioned in the 253 00:07:33,900 --> 00:07:35,779 Comptroller's Request, but 254 00:07:35,780 --> 00:07:37,999 also a broad swath of 255 00:07:38,000 --> 00:07:39,639 other schools as well, Christian 256 00:07:39,640 --> 00:07:41,479 schools, all kinds of schools. 257 00:07:41,480 --> 00:07:43,559 Some examples here in Austin include 258 00:07:43,560 --> 00:07:45,879 the Ross& Sounder School, 259 00:07:45,880 --> 00:07:48,109 Hyde Park Montessori, and. 260 00:07:48,110 --> 00:07:49,729 You know, there's also an AI school 261 00:07:49,730 --> 00:07:50,809 called the Alpha School that's been 262 00:07:50,810 --> 00:07:52,069 getting attention here. 263 00:07:52,070 --> 00:07:54,549 You know, it's a broad category and 264 00:07:54,550 --> 00:07:57,269 they're all accredited by Cognia. 265 00:07:57,270 --> 00:07:58,929 It's not clear whether all of them 266 00:07:58,930 --> 00:08:00,489 want to apply for the program, we 267 00:08:00,490 --> 00:08:01,829 don't know that, but we do know that 268 00:08:01,830 --> 00:08:03,789 they have not been invited to do so. 269 00:08:03,790 --> 00:08:05,149 OK, well, we've been speaking with 270 00:08:05,150 --> 00:08:07,029 Isaac Yu. He is a reporter at 271 00:08:07,030 --> 00:08:08,689 the Austin American Statesman. 272 00:08:08,690 --> 00:08:10,789 You can find his reporting in 273 00:08:10,790 --> 00:08:13,009 our show notes and at kut.org 274 00:08:13,010 --> 00:08:14,329 slash signal. One last question 275 00:08:14,330 --> 00:08:15,489 before I let you get out of here 276 00:08:15,490 --> 00:08:16,689 today, Isaac. 277 00:08:16,690 --> 00:08:17,649 Where do we go next? 278 00:08:17,650 --> 00:08:18,979 What happens next? 279 00:08:18,980 --> 00:08:20,659 So families will be able to apply 280 00:08:20,660 --> 00:08:21,799 for this program starting on 281 00:08:21,800 --> 00:08:22,899 February 4th. 282 00:08:22,900 --> 00:08:25,639 That's two weeks from now. 283 00:08:25,640 --> 00:08:27,279 And this list of schools is not 284 00:08:27,280 --> 00:08:28,639 complete. We know that there are 285 00:08:28,640 --> 00:08:30,039 schools that want to apply that have 286 00:08:30,040 --> 00:08:31,339 not been approved for this list and 287 00:08:31,340 --> 00:08:33,079 they're just waiting on, you know, 288 00:08:33,080 --> 00:08:34,178 are we going to be accepted into 289 00:08:34,179 --> 00:08:35,379 this program? 290 00:08:35,380 --> 00:08:36,538 And they don't really know what to 291 00:08:36,539 --> 00:08:38,199 tell their families at this point. 292 00:08:38,200 --> 00:08:39,499 And so that's what we'll be watching 293 00:08:39,500 --> 00:08:40,759 over the next couple of weeks. 294 00:08:40,760 --> 00:08:42,298 All right, that's Isaac Yu, a 295 00:08:42,299 --> 00:08:43,739 politics reporter at the Austin 296 00:08:43,740 --> 00:08:44,999 American Statesman. 297 00:08:45,000 --> 00:08:45,899 Thank you for coming on the show 298 00:08:45,900 --> 00:08:46,900 today. Thank you. 299 00:08:55,530 --> 00:08:58,089 Most of us lead busy lives, 300 00:08:58,090 --> 00:08:59,309 and that can make it difficult to 301 00:08:59,310 --> 00:09:01,329 find the time for our hobbies, 302 00:09:01,330 --> 00:09:03,149 you know, the things we actually 303 00:09:03,150 --> 00:09:04,509 like doing. 304 00:09:04,510 --> 00:09:06,129 But a group of women in Austin with 305 00:09:06,130 --> 00:09:07,909 a shared interest are taking that 306 00:09:07,910 --> 00:09:09,789 challenge head on, one 307 00:09:09,790 --> 00:09:11,649 kick push at a time. 308 00:09:11,650 --> 00:09:13,549 Texas Standard's Keyla Holmes has 309 00:09:13,550 --> 00:09:14,550 more. 310 00:09:18,510 --> 00:09:20,009 It's the first Wednesday in 311 00:09:20,010 --> 00:09:22,009 November, and several women are 312 00:09:22,010 --> 00:09:23,849 walking over to a small patch of 313 00:09:23,850 --> 00:09:25,709 concrete near a bike trail in East 314 00:09:25,710 --> 00:09:26,369 Austin. 315 00:09:26,370 --> 00:09:28,369 I actually skated here from my house 316 00:09:28,370 --> 00:09:30,129 so wouldn't have been able to do 317 00:09:30,130 --> 00:09:31,850 that four months ago and yeah. 318 00:09:33,310 --> 00:09:35,269 Amanda Batchelor sets up near a 319 00:09:35,270 --> 00:09:36,949 painted cloth banner that reads 320 00:09:36,950 --> 00:09:39,089 Austin Women's Skate and a donation 321 00:09:39,090 --> 00:09:40,889 box for diapers. 322 00:09:40,890 --> 00:09:42,409 Batcheler has always wanted to 323 00:09:42,410 --> 00:09:43,289 skate. 324 00:09:43,290 --> 00:09:44,669 She started learning about six 325 00:09:44,670 --> 00:09:46,269 months ago after searching for a 326 00:09:46,270 --> 00:09:47,729 women's skateboard community on 327 00:09:47,730 --> 00:09:49,129 Instagram. 328 00:09:49,130 --> 00:09:50,769 She found the Austin Women Skate 329 00:09:50,770 --> 00:09:52,789 group and now she's among the 330 00:09:52,790 --> 00:09:54,549 dozens of women who meet up twice a 331 00:09:54,550 --> 00:09:55,749 month to coast. 332 00:09:55,750 --> 00:09:57,029 I feel like I just kind of fell in 333 00:09:57,030 --> 00:09:58,730 love with it. In your late 20s, you 334 00:09:58,731 --> 00:10:00,449 just have no idea how to make 335 00:10:00,450 --> 00:10:01,409 friends. 336 00:10:01,410 --> 00:10:03,409 Mental health and art therapist Brie 337 00:10:03,410 --> 00:10:05,309 Valdez is one of three women who 338 00:10:05,310 --> 00:10:07,629 started Austin women's skate. 339 00:10:07,630 --> 00:10:09,549 This past summer, the trio would 340 00:10:09,550 --> 00:10:10,949 grab their boards and meet at 341 00:10:10,950 --> 00:10:13,149 Mueller Park for a cruise. 342 00:10:13,150 --> 00:10:15,709 But eventually, they realized, 343 00:10:15,710 --> 00:10:17,129 if they were enjoying their informal 344 00:10:17,130 --> 00:10:19,089 skate meetups, others probably 345 00:10:19,090 --> 00:10:20,159 would too. 346 00:10:20,160 --> 00:10:21,839 We saw kind of like a need in the 347 00:10:21,840 --> 00:10:23,779 community for 348 00:10:23,780 --> 00:10:25,479 women's skaters and a space for 349 00:10:25,480 --> 00:10:26,879 women skaters to feel really 350 00:10:26,880 --> 00:10:27,779 supported. 351 00:10:27,780 --> 00:10:29,719 Every first and third Wednesday, 352 00:10:29,720 --> 00:10:31,079 the group takes a break from their 353 00:10:31,080 --> 00:10:32,999 jobs and responsibilities to let 354 00:10:33,000 --> 00:10:35,199 loose and skate with one another. 355 00:10:35,200 --> 00:10:36,959 This audio is from two of the 356 00:10:36,960 --> 00:10:38,449 group's recent meetups. 357 00:10:38,450 --> 00:10:40,309 As soon as I get on the skateboard, 358 00:10:40,310 --> 00:10:42,649 I stop thinking about anything else. 359 00:10:42,650 --> 00:10:44,609 As members erupt into chatter 360 00:10:44,610 --> 00:10:46,329 and laughter and place their diaper 361 00:10:46,330 --> 00:10:48,309 donations into a box near the extra 362 00:10:48,310 --> 00:10:50,409 skateboards, organizer Carolina 363 00:10:50,410 --> 00:10:52,289 Montgomery gives a little pep talk. 364 00:10:53,690 --> 00:10:55,929 Have fun, be safe, 365 00:10:55,930 --> 00:10:57,569 be kind, and just remember this is 366 00:10:57,570 --> 00:10:59,029 space for everyone. 367 00:10:59,030 --> 00:11:00,989 At every meetup, everyone introduces 368 00:11:00,990 --> 00:11:02,809 themselves and sometimes 369 00:11:02,810 --> 00:11:05,129 answers an icebreaker. 370 00:11:05,130 --> 00:11:06,869 This evening, the group shared what 371 00:11:06,870 --> 00:11:08,889 they had for lunch, gripping their 372 00:11:08,890 --> 00:11:11,269 boards, waiting to disperse. 373 00:11:11,270 --> 00:11:12,129 I'm Chelsea. 374 00:11:12,130 --> 00:11:14,429 I had green orzo 375 00:11:14,430 --> 00:11:16,789 risotto with 376 00:11:16,790 --> 00:11:18,879 blended broccoli. 377 00:11:18,880 --> 00:11:20,679 Some women have knee pads and 378 00:11:20,680 --> 00:11:21,959 helmets on. 379 00:11:21,960 --> 00:11:23,779 Others just have the clothes on 380 00:11:23,780 --> 00:11:25,419 their backs. 381 00:11:25,420 --> 00:11:27,619 Organizer Carolina Montgomery likes 382 00:11:27,620 --> 00:11:29,239 to wear gear because it helps her to 383 00:11:29,240 --> 00:11:30,739 feel more confident. 384 00:11:30,740 --> 00:11:32,879 As a skater in her early 40s, 385 00:11:32,880 --> 00:11:34,599 she believes that skateboarding has 386 00:11:34,600 --> 00:11:36,359 taught her to take more risks. 387 00:11:36,360 --> 00:11:38,499 I think that it's made me brave, 388 00:11:38,500 --> 00:11:40,479 to be able to take chances, to take 389 00:11:40,480 --> 00:11:42,359 up space and to be okay taking 390 00:11:42,360 --> 00:11:44,319 up space, even if I'm not 391 00:11:44,320 --> 00:11:46,259 the best skater, or if I am just 392 00:11:46,260 --> 00:11:48,099 a beginner, or I don't do tricks, or 393 00:11:48,100 --> 00:11:50,059 I'm so scared, it's okay 394 00:11:50,060 --> 00:11:51,060 to take space. 395 00:11:52,239 --> 00:11:54,039 Herrera grew up watching her older 396 00:11:54,040 --> 00:11:55,699 male cousins skate. 397 00:11:55,700 --> 00:11:57,919 But as a girl growing up in the 90s, 398 00:11:57,920 --> 00:11:59,119 she felt like there wasn't much 399 00:11:59,120 --> 00:12:00,779 representation in the. 400 00:12:00,780 --> 00:12:02,759 Not seeing anybody like 401 00:12:02,760 --> 00:12:04,639 me doing skateboarding made 402 00:12:04,640 --> 00:12:05,919 me really nervous, made me really 403 00:12:05,920 --> 00:12:06,939 scared. 404 00:12:06,940 --> 00:12:08,659 Herrera does her best to make time 405 00:12:08,660 --> 00:12:10,699 to skate because for her 406 00:12:10,700 --> 00:12:12,739 it's like she's finally free to 407 00:12:12,740 --> 00:12:14,679 do what she's always wanted. 408 00:12:14,680 --> 00:12:17,399 I played all the Tony Hawk games and 409 00:12:17,400 --> 00:12:19,679 so like I said I watched videos I 410 00:12:19,680 --> 00:12:21,839 read some of the magazines and 411 00:12:21,840 --> 00:12:24,459 so it definitely felt like giving my 412 00:12:24,460 --> 00:12:26,379 child self something 413 00:12:26,380 --> 00:12:27,380 back. 414 00:12:30,010 --> 00:12:32,149 After taking a group photo, 415 00:12:32,150 --> 00:12:33,909 the women all placed their feet on 416 00:12:33,910 --> 00:12:35,949 the tails of their boards, 417 00:12:35,950 --> 00:12:37,789 found their balance, and pushed 418 00:12:37,790 --> 00:12:39,630 themselves down the bike trail. 419 00:12:41,510 --> 00:12:43,629 I'm Keyla Holmes for the Texas 420 00:12:43,630 --> 00:12:44,630 Standard. 421 00:13:01,880 --> 00:13:03,899 Great radio story they're full 422 00:13:03,900 --> 00:13:05,919 of some awesome sounds and 423 00:13:05,920 --> 00:13:07,399 you know listening to that story 424 00:13:07,400 --> 00:13:09,339 made me think about the hobbies 425 00:13:09,340 --> 00:13:11,159 I have here in Austin you know 426 00:13:11,160 --> 00:13:13,239 going to watch movies climbing rocks 427 00:13:13,240 --> 00:13:15,139 and doors everywhere I go 428 00:13:15,140 --> 00:13:16,799 to try and find a hobby there's 429 00:13:16,800 --> 00:13:19,079 always one constant somebody 430 00:13:19,080 --> 00:13:20,959 in that building is wearing a KUT 431 00:13:20,960 --> 00:13:23,219 or KUTX t-shirt so 432 00:13:23,220 --> 00:13:25,019 I think you know listening to 433 00:13:25,020 --> 00:13:26,879 listener powered public radio right 434 00:13:26,880 --> 00:13:28,779 here on KUT news That is 435 00:13:28,780 --> 00:13:30,379 a bit of a hobby and we have plenty 436 00:13:30,380 --> 00:13:32,139 of people who partake and support 437 00:13:32,140 --> 00:13:34,139 and we're glad you join us 438 00:13:34,140 --> 00:13:35,539 every single day, but especially 439 00:13:35,540 --> 00:13:37,599 right now here on Austin 440 00:13:37,600 --> 00:13:39,139 Signal, this show is made possible 441 00:13:39,140 --> 00:13:40,719 because of the work of the trusted 442 00:13:40,720 --> 00:13:42,839 reporters and music aficionados 443 00:13:42,840 --> 00:13:45,379 here at KUT News, KUTX, 444 00:13:45,380 --> 00:13:46,819 and Texas Standard and we've got 445 00:13:46,820 --> 00:13:48,879 more coming up from them for 446 00:13:48,880 --> 00:13:50,419 you after this break. 447 00:13:50,420 --> 00:13:51,420 This is Austin Signal. 448 00:14:00,740 --> 00:14:02,319 This is Austin Signal. 449 00:14:02,320 --> 00:14:04,319 Thank you for making us part of your 450 00:14:04,320 --> 00:14:05,499 Tuesday. 451 00:14:05,500 --> 00:14:07,039 Think back on what you were doing 452 00:14:07,040 --> 00:14:08,999 right about now six years 453 00:14:09,000 --> 00:14:09,819 ago. 454 00:14:09,820 --> 00:14:11,939 Whatever you were up to, you likely 455 00:14:11,940 --> 00:14:13,919 weren't considering how the COVID-19 456 00:14:13,920 --> 00:14:16,059 pandemic would affect almost every 457 00:14:16,060 --> 00:14:17,979 facet of your life. 458 00:14:17,980 --> 00:14:19,799 Now, imagine starting a new job 459 00:14:19,800 --> 00:14:21,739 in a new city with all 460 00:14:21,740 --> 00:14:24,039 of that unfolding in the background. 461 00:14:24,040 --> 00:14:25,359 Heck, here in Austin, I bet there's 462 00:14:25,360 --> 00:14:27,359 a few of you out there who don't 463 00:14:27,360 --> 00:14:29,239 even have to imagine much about that 464 00:14:29,240 --> 00:14:31,079 scenario. It was certainly true 465 00:14:31,080 --> 00:14:33,199 for Bob Bursey, the executive 466 00:14:33,200 --> 00:14:34,579 and artistic director for Texas 467 00:14:34,580 --> 00:14:35,619 Performing Arts. 468 00:14:35,620 --> 00:14:37,219 They operate the Bass Concert Hall 469 00:14:37,220 --> 00:14:38,679 and McCullough Theater. 470 00:14:38,680 --> 00:14:40,519 He started his new job January 471 00:14:40,520 --> 00:14:43,159 1st, 2020. 472 00:14:43,160 --> 00:14:44,479 Needless to say, the pandemic 473 00:14:44,480 --> 00:14:46,499 required Bursey to pivot from 474 00:14:46,500 --> 00:14:47,739 some of the plans that he might've 475 00:14:47,740 --> 00:14:49,839 had coming into the gig. 476 00:14:49,840 --> 00:14:51,439 Bursey spoke with KUT's Jennifer 477 00:14:51,440 --> 00:14:52,959 Stayton on the stage of the 478 00:14:52,960 --> 00:14:54,859 McCulloch Theater about how COVID 479 00:14:54,860 --> 00:14:57,279 impacted TPA back then and 480 00:14:57,280 --> 00:14:59,199 what the future looks like for them. 481 00:14:59,200 --> 00:15:00,840 And the arts going forward. 482 00:15:02,310 --> 00:15:03,909 Taking the lead of a big 483 00:15:03,910 --> 00:15:05,849 organization on the precipice of 484 00:15:05,850 --> 00:15:10,069 a moment of great disruption really 485 00:15:10,070 --> 00:15:12,249 set the tone for so 486 00:15:12,250 --> 00:15:13,469 much of what we've been able to 487 00:15:13,470 --> 00:15:15,009 accomplish since then. 488 00:15:15,010 --> 00:15:16,729 When it became clear that we weren't 489 00:15:16,730 --> 00:15:19,289 going to be able to do what we 490 00:15:19,290 --> 00:15:21,329 normally could do or normally how we 491 00:15:21,330 --> 00:15:23,169 serve our community, we tried to 492 00:15:23,170 --> 00:15:25,109 find other things, other ways 493 00:15:25,110 --> 00:15:26,209 to make an impact. 494 00:15:26,210 --> 00:15:27,349 So we... 495 00:15:27,350 --> 00:15:29,149 Did a renovation of the facility 496 00:15:29,150 --> 00:15:30,809 that was bigger and deeper than what 497 00:15:30,810 --> 00:15:32,369 would have otherwise been possible 498 00:15:32,370 --> 00:15:34,009 and Bass Concert Hall made a lot of 499 00:15:34,010 --> 00:15:35,889 improvements. It also gave us 500 00:15:35,890 --> 00:15:37,829 an opportunity to look more locally 501 00:15:37,830 --> 00:15:39,809 for the artists that we engage 502 00:15:39,810 --> 00:15:42,029 with. So organizations like 503 00:15:42,030 --> 00:15:44,269 ours were founded in 504 00:15:44,270 --> 00:15:45,789 the middle of the last century on 505 00:15:45,790 --> 00:15:47,549 the promise of bringing in the most 506 00:15:47,550 --> 00:15:49,649 interesting things from around 507 00:15:49,650 --> 00:15:51,089 the country and around the world. 508 00:15:51,090 --> 00:15:53,049 And that's still core to what we do 509 00:15:53,050 --> 00:15:54,229 and very important to us. 510 00:15:54,230 --> 00:15:56,149 But for many organizations 511 00:15:56,150 --> 00:15:57,749 like us. 512 00:15:57,750 --> 00:16:00,629 Did that at the exclusion of 513 00:16:00,630 --> 00:16:02,729 great artists and amazing projects 514 00:16:02,730 --> 00:16:04,549 in your own backyard. 515 00:16:04,550 --> 00:16:06,229 And so during COVID, we worked with 516 00:16:06,230 --> 00:16:08,569 a lot of Austin-based artists to 517 00:16:08,570 --> 00:16:10,149 provide creative residencies where 518 00:16:10,150 --> 00:16:12,109 they could safely develop projects 519 00:16:12,110 --> 00:16:13,829 in our studios and on our stages 520 00:16:13,830 --> 00:16:15,849 that then went on to be 521 00:16:15,850 --> 00:16:17,469 presented and performed around the 522 00:16:17,470 --> 00:16:18,679 country later. 523 00:16:18,680 --> 00:16:20,479 Is that something that has stayed 524 00:16:20,480 --> 00:16:22,819 with Texas Performing Arts since 525 00:16:22,820 --> 00:16:24,059 COVID days? 526 00:16:24,060 --> 00:16:26,199 Yes, we've added that aspect 527 00:16:26,200 --> 00:16:27,619 to our program as creative 528 00:16:27,620 --> 00:16:29,159 development and residency for 529 00:16:29,160 --> 00:16:31,099 Austin-based artists. 530 00:16:31,100 --> 00:16:33,119 The pandemic also brought 531 00:16:33,120 --> 00:16:35,159 into question many of the ways 532 00:16:35,160 --> 00:16:37,619 that big organizations worked 533 00:16:37,620 --> 00:16:40,239 and showed the value of partnership. 534 00:16:40,240 --> 00:16:41,399 And that's something that stayed 535 00:16:41,400 --> 00:16:43,279 with us as well 536 00:16:43,280 --> 00:16:45,619 at TPA, that we 537 00:16:45,620 --> 00:16:48,859 can accomplish ambitious things, 538 00:16:48,860 --> 00:16:51,639 life-changing projects, impactful. 539 00:16:51,640 --> 00:16:53,359 Educational initiatives when we work 540 00:16:53,360 --> 00:16:54,959 together with other organizations. 541 00:16:55,990 --> 00:16:58,409 How does the commercial viability 542 00:16:58,410 --> 00:17:00,409 of an artist or arts 543 00:17:00,410 --> 00:17:02,309 group coming to town sort 544 00:17:02,310 --> 00:17:04,689 of balance with maybe artistic 545 00:17:04,690 --> 00:17:07,249 experimentation or something new? 546 00:17:07,250 --> 00:17:08,489 Do you have to go to sort of 547 00:17:08,490 --> 00:17:10,009 something familiar that you know 548 00:17:10,010 --> 00:17:11,108 will fill seats? 549 00:17:11,109 --> 00:17:12,429 Or do you feel like you've got some 550 00:17:12,430 --> 00:17:14,469 room to try something new or 551 00:17:14,470 --> 00:17:15,969 experiment? How do you kind of make 552 00:17:15,970 --> 00:17:17,618 that calculation? 553 00:17:17,619 --> 00:17:19,279 We've been very intentional about 554 00:17:19,280 --> 00:17:21,299 doing all of the above to 555 00:17:21,300 --> 00:17:23,259 have things that will fill 556 00:17:23,260 --> 00:17:25,299 Bass Concert Hall at 3,000 seats 557 00:17:25,300 --> 00:17:27,118 night after night and also 558 00:17:27,119 --> 00:17:29,019 to do things in a 559 00:17:29,020 --> 00:17:30,879 rehearsal studio that maybe 12 560 00:17:30,880 --> 00:17:32,879 people a night can see 561 00:17:32,880 --> 00:17:34,659 over the course of a week. 562 00:17:34,660 --> 00:17:36,379 We're one of the only places in the 563 00:17:36,380 --> 00:17:38,779 country that's able to embrace that 564 00:17:38,780 --> 00:17:40,779 huge wide range of programming 565 00:17:40,780 --> 00:17:42,639 from artists that you have heard 566 00:17:42,640 --> 00:17:44,199 of and are really familiar with 567 00:17:44,200 --> 00:17:46,379 their work, popular entertainers 568 00:17:46,380 --> 00:17:48,599 to major touring productions 569 00:17:48,600 --> 00:17:50,119 to things that are just being 570 00:17:50,120 --> 00:17:51,979 developed and are experimenting 571 00:17:51,980 --> 00:17:53,959 and trying to get off the ground. 572 00:17:53,960 --> 00:17:55,159 Because we have different size 573 00:17:55,160 --> 00:17:57,279 spaces, because we're part of 574 00:17:57,280 --> 00:17:59,039 an institution of research and 575 00:17:59,040 --> 00:18:00,859 learning, we're able to embrace 576 00:18:00,860 --> 00:18:02,719 all of those missions. 577 00:18:02,720 --> 00:18:04,279 Texas Performing Arts operates 578 00:18:04,280 --> 00:18:07,119 financially self-sustaining, 579 00:18:07,120 --> 00:18:09,179 but is very much informed 580 00:18:09,180 --> 00:18:11,459 by the values of 581 00:18:11,460 --> 00:18:13,519 the University of Learning, 582 00:18:13,520 --> 00:18:15,399 Research and Education. 583 00:18:15,400 --> 00:18:16,719 So anytime you come to see a 584 00:18:16,720 --> 00:18:17,749 performance here. 585 00:18:17,750 --> 00:18:19,249 The artist may have gone and done a 586 00:18:19,250 --> 00:18:21,249 master class with students 587 00:18:21,250 --> 00:18:23,149 at UT, they may 588 00:18:23,150 --> 00:18:24,589 have gone out and visited with a 589 00:18:24,590 --> 00:18:26,749 local high school or elementary 590 00:18:26,750 --> 00:18:28,669 or middle school, or there may be 591 00:18:28,670 --> 00:18:30,689 students coming from the community 592 00:18:30,690 --> 00:18:32,749 to that performance. 593 00:18:32,750 --> 00:18:34,549 Can just talk a little bit about 594 00:18:34,550 --> 00:18:36,629 what the arts can do for 595 00:18:36,630 --> 00:18:38,729 people, especially maybe 596 00:18:38,730 --> 00:18:40,669 when times are challenging in 597 00:18:40,670 --> 00:18:42,319 a host of different ways. 598 00:18:42,320 --> 00:18:43,879 I personally find it a source of 599 00:18:43,880 --> 00:18:46,019 inspiration, and I love gathering 600 00:18:46,020 --> 00:18:47,979 together with people in the 601 00:18:47,980 --> 00:18:50,119 same space. Nothing makes me happier 602 00:18:50,120 --> 00:18:52,019 than to see our lobby 603 00:18:52,020 --> 00:18:54,039 just full of folks who are 604 00:18:54,040 --> 00:18:55,939 all there because they want to 605 00:18:55,940 --> 00:18:57,959 be, to have an experience 606 00:18:57,960 --> 00:18:59,839 that they've chosen to have, that 607 00:18:59,840 --> 00:19:02,159 they're going to be inspired, 608 00:19:02,160 --> 00:19:04,039 entertained, engaged, 609 00:19:04,040 --> 00:19:05,799 maybe challenged by. 610 00:19:05,800 --> 00:19:07,499 That's certainly what motivates me 611 00:19:07,500 --> 00:19:09,319 and keeps us going, and I 612 00:19:09,320 --> 00:19:10,799 think it's a real source of 613 00:19:10,800 --> 00:19:11,729 optimism. 614 00:19:11,730 --> 00:19:13,709 Right now, that we get to see 615 00:19:13,710 --> 00:19:15,669 artists who really represent 616 00:19:15,670 --> 00:19:17,609 the idea of excellence, 617 00:19:17,610 --> 00:19:19,829 that they have trained and 618 00:19:19,830 --> 00:19:21,829 crafted for many, many years in 619 00:19:21,830 --> 00:19:23,389 order to be able to present what 620 00:19:23,390 --> 00:19:24,559 they do. 621 00:19:24,560 --> 00:19:26,239 What do you see as the biggest 622 00:19:26,240 --> 00:19:28,299 challenge for Texas Performing 623 00:19:28,300 --> 00:19:30,219 Arts and maybe sort of 624 00:19:30,220 --> 00:19:31,940 arts in general moving forward? 625 00:19:34,160 --> 00:19:36,119 There is so much 626 00:19:36,120 --> 00:19:38,259 choice out there now for 627 00:19:38,260 --> 00:19:40,419 us as audience members. 628 00:19:40,420 --> 00:19:42,299 We have essentially unlimited 629 00:19:42,300 --> 00:19:45,159 access to digital content. 630 00:19:45,160 --> 00:19:47,259 In our city, there's always so 631 00:19:47,260 --> 00:19:48,579 much going on. 632 00:19:49,860 --> 00:19:51,699 And making sure that we continue 633 00:19:51,700 --> 00:19:54,999 to offer really singular, 634 00:19:55,000 --> 00:19:56,279 memorable, sometimes 635 00:19:56,280 --> 00:19:58,259 once-in-a-lifetime experiences 636 00:19:58,260 --> 00:20:00,199 is a big priority for 637 00:20:00,200 --> 00:20:01,009 us. 638 00:20:01,010 --> 00:20:02,829 And keeping up with the 639 00:20:02,830 --> 00:20:05,529 pace of change that tastes are 640 00:20:05,530 --> 00:20:07,629 rapidly evolving 641 00:20:07,630 --> 00:20:09,549 and folks' interests are very, 642 00:20:09,550 --> 00:20:11,469 very wide now because we can 643 00:20:11,470 --> 00:20:13,309 self-curate in a way 644 00:20:13,310 --> 00:20:15,069 that we were never able to. 645 00:20:15,070 --> 00:20:16,709 It's a challenge, it's also hopeful 646 00:20:16,710 --> 00:20:18,629 because as life 647 00:20:18,630 --> 00:20:20,829 is increasingly digital, 648 00:20:20,830 --> 00:20:22,749 to have those moments of being in 649 00:20:22,750 --> 00:20:24,709 real space, in real time, 650 00:20:24,710 --> 00:20:26,489 together with fellow audience 651 00:20:26,490 --> 00:20:28,569 members, sharing an experience 652 00:20:28,570 --> 00:20:30,539 given to us by a performer. 653 00:20:30,540 --> 00:20:32,579 Becomes I think even more special 654 00:20:32,580 --> 00:20:33,699 right now. 655 00:20:33,700 --> 00:20:35,559 So I see it both as a challenge and 656 00:20:35,560 --> 00:20:37,219 as an opportunity. 657 00:20:37,220 --> 00:20:39,239 Is there an especially memorable 658 00:20:39,240 --> 00:20:41,459 show or performance that you've 659 00:20:41,460 --> 00:20:43,079 experienced in your time here that 660 00:20:43,080 --> 00:20:44,659 really stands out for you as 661 00:20:44,660 --> 00:20:46,839 something that really struck you 662 00:20:46,840 --> 00:20:48,779 or has stuck with you in 663 00:20:48,780 --> 00:20:50,649 your times here so far? 664 00:20:50,650 --> 00:20:52,469 Too many to name, 665 00:20:52,470 --> 00:20:55,309 clearly. I'll offer a few. 666 00:20:55,310 --> 00:20:56,709 One is anything that I get to see 667 00:20:56,710 --> 00:20:58,329 with my family, especially with my 668 00:20:58,330 --> 00:21:00,149 kids, and introduce them 669 00:21:00,150 --> 00:21:02,049 to the American 670 00:21:02,050 --> 00:21:03,589 cultural tradition. 671 00:21:03,590 --> 00:21:05,569 We have so many art forms 672 00:21:05,570 --> 00:21:07,909 that come from America, 673 00:21:07,910 --> 00:21:10,069 be it jazz or modern 674 00:21:10,070 --> 00:21:12,249 dance or Broadway. 675 00:21:12,250 --> 00:21:14,049 To see a Broadway show with my kid 676 00:21:14,050 --> 00:21:16,549 and introduce to that cultural 677 00:21:16,550 --> 00:21:19,039 lineage is really special. 678 00:21:19,040 --> 00:21:21,459 I also love the 679 00:21:21,460 --> 00:21:23,319 experimental work that we get to 680 00:21:23,320 --> 00:21:25,419 do. We did an extraordinary 681 00:21:25,420 --> 00:21:27,239 project early in my time 682 00:21:27,240 --> 00:21:29,059 here with a New York-based 683 00:21:29,060 --> 00:21:30,999 artist called Robin Frohart, 684 00:21:31,000 --> 00:21:32,559 a project called The Plastic Bag 685 00:21:32,560 --> 00:21:34,879 Store where she transformed a 686 00:21:34,880 --> 00:21:36,859 warehouse in Austin into 687 00:21:36,860 --> 00:21:38,959 a museum of 688 00:21:38,960 --> 00:21:40,899 incredible artifacts all 689 00:21:40,900 --> 00:21:43,199 created with plastic bags. 690 00:21:43,200 --> 00:21:45,039 And those kind of out of the 691 00:21:45,040 --> 00:21:45,889 box. 692 00:21:45,890 --> 00:21:47,849 Non-traditional projects are really, 693 00:21:47,850 --> 00:21:49,899 really special to me. 694 00:21:49,900 --> 00:21:51,719 Bob Bursey is executive and 695 00:21:51,720 --> 00:21:52,999 artistic director of Texas 696 00:21:53,000 --> 00:21:54,079 Performing Arts. 697 00:21:54,080 --> 00:21:55,199 Bob, thank you so much for chatting 698 00:21:55,200 --> 00:21:56,479 with me on the stage at the 699 00:21:56,480 --> 00:21:57,379 McCullough Theater. 700 00:21:57,380 --> 00:21:58,139 It's been great. 701 00:21:58,140 --> 00:21:59,139 It's been great to have you, 702 00:21:59,140 --> 00:22:00,220 Jennifer. Thank you so much. 703 00:22:06,740 --> 00:22:08,659 And thank you out there for 704 00:22:08,660 --> 00:22:10,539 tuning in on this Tuesday. 705 00:22:10,540 --> 00:22:12,139 Glad you're spinning part of it here 706 00:22:12,140 --> 00:22:14,019 with listener-powered public 707 00:22:14,020 --> 00:22:15,079 radio. 708 00:22:15,080 --> 00:22:17,579 We are KUT News 90.5 709 00:22:17,580 --> 00:22:19,199 on the KUT app. 710 00:22:19,200 --> 00:22:21,019 And we have more from our show 711 00:22:21,020 --> 00:22:24,159 online at kut.org 712 00:22:24,160 --> 00:22:25,299 slash signal. 713 00:22:25,300 --> 00:22:26,979 And please, if you listen to the 714 00:22:26,980 --> 00:22:29,479 show as a podcast, please subscribe, 715 00:22:29,480 --> 00:22:31,379 leave a review, and check the show 716 00:22:31,380 --> 00:22:33,199 notes for all the reporting that we 717 00:22:33,200 --> 00:22:34,459 brought to you today and that we 718 00:22:34,460 --> 00:22:36,159 bring to you every day. 719 00:22:36,160 --> 00:22:38,299 Thank you to Keyla Holmes, 720 00:22:38,300 --> 00:22:40,299 to Isaac Yu, and to Jennifer Stayton 721 00:22:40,300 --> 00:22:41,939 and Bob Bursey with their help 722 00:22:41,940 --> 00:22:44,539 making today's episode happen. 723 00:22:44,540 --> 00:22:46,199 Kristen Cabrera is our managing 724 00:22:46,200 --> 00:22:47,339 producer. 725 00:22:47,340 --> 00:22:49,359 Rayna Sevilla is our technical 726 00:22:49,360 --> 00:22:51,619 director. I'm Jerry Quijano. 727 00:22:51,620 --> 00:22:53,659 Austin Signal will be back tomorrow, 728 00:22:53,660 --> 00:22:54,879 and we'll talk to you then. 729 00:22:54,880 --> 00:22:55,880 Have a great day.