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My story would be utterly incomplete without “The Show” in all its forms. It’s about the hours of rehearsals, the various auditions, and the consistent hard work towards my next big thing. I live to be the force that produces chills, tears, and entrancing sounds; the one who has control over moments that create awe. The journey is so enticing: the sweat, the laughs, the butterflies. The Show makes every effort worth it. Performing in all forms is my greatest love! My name is Ava Bianca Nielsen, and my passion in performance started with one thing: music.

I was fortunate enough to grow up surrounded by musical influences at every door. My dad is a sound engineer who has toured with different bands, sometimes taking his family with him. Growing up, I had an unforgettable experience of touring with the ‘70s rock band ‘Blondie.’ I was immediately hooked-- I wanted to be onstage with them so, so badly. Through their music, Blondie displayed the stage presence and confidence that I wanted for myself. My parents showed me how magnetic the world of performance is, how one small group of people can draw the attention of a much bigger group, and in just a moment have the power to change their lives. Through my dad’s hard work and passion for the music industry, he has inspired me to pursue this art in my own life. As I grew older, I found I had a natural finger for many instruments, but singing became my number one passion. I felt exhilarated, with tingles all across my body. The audience’s thrilled applause changed my life. The dynamic nature of singing gripped me from the beginning and has kept me coming back for more. While music itself is a force, it can also enhance almost every type of performance. Even the most impressive choreography is lifeless without the levitation of a melody. Music has led me naturally to dance, which has also taken center stage in my life. I feel absolute freedom when I can express myself through the power of movement. I am like a fish out of water when I am not dancing. All of this is why I decided to pursue the performing arts in college. I can't imagine myself doing anything else with my life and I truly love being onstage and performing more than anything!

I am always striving for my best to be better. One amazing performance can change the world, which makes every attempt worth it. The calluses on my feet from turning, the scars from failing, and the cheers from getting back up and succeeding are part of this wonderful journey. I take joy in the ups and downs that make up the performance that is life. This is what makes me Ava, the girl who loves making people smile.

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Collaboration: What I think about it, why it matters!

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Collaboration: What I think about it, why it matters!

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Oh collaboration. This was always a concept I never REALLY understood the importance of until doing it and discussing it so much this year!

Growing up, I preferred to work alone. I preferred to be on my own in my thoughts, my way or the highway type mentality. I enjoyed doing things with other people, but when it came to my art, I was convinced that no one would understand my ideas or wants. I wanted to create without feeling pressured by an outside source or someone who can't look into the inner workings of my mind. I am very independent and that often translates into my work and I love to take the lead and be with just my own thoughts and ideas, but I have found the treasure of working with others.

After this semester in PCP, I learned how important it is to collaborate. I also learned that it isn't about everyone following one person's route, but about putting all our ideas together to create something even more brilliant.
A pro of collaboration is the self discoveries you can have while working with others. You learn what you like or maybe don't like and this is super important because being more in tune with yourself can help you flourish as an artist!
I found this to be really true after being in different groups for PCP this semester and also working on a project for the CNWF. These really helped me grow significantly! I was really inspired by the end of each project and never felt like my toes were stepped on.

I will say on the other hand, there is a chance that collaboration can end poorly, ending relationships or crashing and burning something that you were really excited for. With these impediments, a lot of people don't take the risk of collaborating in fear that it won't work out. But what I have found is that the best artists are risk takers. My current thoughts on collaboration: it is beautiful. It is almost like dating to me. You bounce around to different people, grow, learn, may discover some heartbreak, but if it works out, it is something you love and worked for.

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After participating and watching the Cohen NWF, it proved to me and many others that collaboration is still very possible during these times. It really inspired me to bring my ideas to life, talk with others and make it happen.

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College of Fine Arts - University of Texas at Austin

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BROCKETT STREAM (CHANNEL 1)

10:00-10:30 a.m. | Spells of the Sea (Episode 1)
12:15-12:30 p.m. | Manufacturing Female
12:30-12:45 p.m. |Selamatan for Austin, 20-21

1:00-2:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion: About Time

5:00-6:30 p.m. | Opening Ceremony

Tuesday, April 13

1:00-2:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion: Centering Latinx Storytelling

Wednesday, April 14

1:00-2:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion: Expanding Definitions of Theatre for Young Audiences

Thursday, April 15

1:00-2:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion: Representations of Blackness

5:00-6:00 p.m. | Considering the Field: A Special Event with Jenn Kidwell

Friday, April 16

10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Margot and Mr. Snooze (talkback to follow)

1:00-2:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion: What's "New"?

5:00-6:30 p.m. | Closing Ceremony

PAYNE STREAM (CHANNEL 2)

Monday, April 12

10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | A Pregnant Pause

1:00-2:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion: About Time

5:00-6:30 p.m. | Opening Ceremony

Tuesday, April 13

12:30-12:45 p.m. | Selamatan for Austin, 20-21

1:00-2:00 p.m | Panel Discussion: Centering Latinx Storytelling

Wednesday, April 14

1:00-2:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion: Expanding Definitions of Theatre for Young Audiences

Thursday, April 15

1:00-2:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion: Representations of Blackness

5:00-6:00 p.m. | Considering the Field: A Special Event with Jenn Kidwell

6:15-7:15 p.m. | Xpress VIBE The Bigger Picture (talkback to follow)
7:30-9:15 p.m. |Come Winter's End
9:15-9:30 p.m. |Collecting Dust
9:45-10:00 p.m. |This is Life (Episode 4)

Friday, April 16

1:00-2:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion: What's "New"?

5:00-6:30 p.m. | Closing Ceremony

Ongoing Events and Installations

A Normal Misfortune: More or Less the Story of Iphis

Breadcrumbs

Chlorobo

Elemental Media

Reserve your space and request a Home Edition box online by booking a free ticket ( HERE).
Pickup times for boxes will be made available upon registration. Quantities limited.

Performances
April 13 at 7:30 p.m.
April 15 at 2:00 p.m.
April 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Cent'anni | Learn more and reserve a space by booking a free ticket ( HERE).

Performances
April 13 at 6:30 p.m.
April 14 at 6:30 p.m.
April 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Selamatan for Austin, 20-21 | Reserve your space for the cooking class and request an ingredient box online by booking a free ticket ( HERE).
Pickup times for boxes will be made available upon registration. Quantities limited.

Performances (cooking class only)
April 16 at 8:00 p.m.

The Cookbook Project | Reserve your space for a group of two to five participants by booking a free ticket (select one of the performances below) and completing the included form.

Performances
April 12 at 2:00-3:00 p.m.
April 14 at 4:15-5:15 p.m.
April 15 3:45-4:45 p.m.

Titles, dates and performance details subject to change.

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The Cohen New Works Festival | Schedule of Events | Department of Theatre and Dance - The University of Texas at Austin

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10:00-10:30 a.m. | Spells of the Sea (Episode 1) 12:15-12:30 p.m. | Manufacturing Female 12:30-12:45 p.m. |Selamatan for Austin, 20-21 1:00-2:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion: About Time 5:00-6:30 p.m. | Opening Ceremony 1:00-2:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion: Centering Latinx Storytelling 1:00-2:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion: Expanding Definitions of Theatre for Young Audiences 1:00-2:00 p.m.

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This was a proud moment for me! I felt very lucky to be a freshman involved in the Cohen New Works Festival, and to see my name was so special!

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This was for the collaborative project we did for the end of PCP!

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COVID: The loss and fight of the technicians in the arts.

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COVID: The loss and fight of the technicians in the arts.

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When COVID-19 hit last March, thousands of technicians were furloughed and wanted to stay available for when COVID-19 went away. The original thought was that COVID-19 would only last a couple of weeks… and then maybe a couple more… which then turned into many months. These people never intended to start a new career because they didn’t think they would need to. Now that this pandemic has gone on longer, individuals are forced to find new jobs because there are simply no events for them to work. What's happening then is that these individuals end up enjoying their new jobs, which means when places start to open up and events finally happen again, there will be a huge amount of stagehands and other people necessary, gone. In short, the longer this pandemic storms on, the more the music industry loses and the chance of failing and never returning… creeps closer. This problem helps add to the idea that technicians in the fine arts, and music specifically, add so much more to a society than meets the eye. Understanding this concept will help an individual learn how necessary music and its events are, and how it is affecting so many more people than just artists.

In our current state, there is slightly more focus on the arts after enough advocation from the technical industries. What people don't understand is that with this pandemic came an extreme loss of techs for the entertainment industry. So when we return to normal, we will be searching for people who can do the jobs we are missing. Art heroes have been harping on different problems during the pandemic so it has brought awareness thankfully.

On a personal note, in Austin, the construction and development of the Moody Amphitheater is really great and is bringing hope for the fall music scene! My dad is working on it and it is going to bring in a lot of jobs and music when the country starts to open back up again!

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Aspirations & Goals: Where I see myself going!

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Aspirations & Goals: Where I see myself going!

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My career goal as of right now is to be on Broadway. I intend to internship in New York during summers and teach while I audition. I hope to be mainly in musicals, but would also love to be in plays. After many years in New York, I think I will end up in Los Angeles working in the film industry, or touring the world with my music! I see myself auditioning for Broadway and doing that in my young years while I also write music on the side. Once I create a name for myself I will go on tour with my music and then settle down in LA to do filmmaking and continue my career in the entertainment industry! I love the idea of living in New York surrounded by so many different forms of art. As well as the concert picture, I DREAM of performing in front of thousands of people the work that I am proud of. I also see myself potentially being in a band! I have grown up in the music industry and been submersed in the art of music and I don't know what my life would be without it. My goal is to complete some of the original work that I have already begun. I hope to eventually record it and maybe make a name for myself and let that launch me into other opportunities.

I still have a strong desire to be on the stage but after NWF I am actually really interested in exploring film acting too! Right now I am having a hard time finding the first steps to achieve my dreams, but I think COVID-19 is making that hard too. I have the passion and resources, just not the time and motivation when I need it

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Watching the Cohen New Works from my bedroom.

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This is an audition from the beginning on last semester! It is crazy to back and watch all the progress I have made over the year!