From left to right: Anna Southern, Laura Baker, Grace Mondy, and Jaimee Harmon-Taboni
At TPA, we’re committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of arts leaders. Each semester, TPA employs more than 100 students to work across the organization and gain real-world experience. Building on that commitment, TPA created the Emerging Arts Professionals (EAP) program to give recent graduates the opportunity to launch their professional journeys through early-career roles, mentorship and hands-on learning. Now in its fourth year, the program welcomes four talented EAPs for the 26/27 season: Anna Southern, Events Management; Laura Baker, Digital Marketing; Grace Mondy, Fabrication-Technical Direction; and Jaimee Harmon-Taboni, Education & Engagement.
We’re excited to introduce this year’s amazing cohort! TPA asked each a few questions as they begin this new journey.
Anna Southern: Programming & Events
Originally from Victoria, Texas, Anna’s love for the performing arts began at a very early age. While pursuing her BFA in Acting at St. Edward's University, she found a second calling in event management through her work as an Orientation Coordinator and Student Involvement Coordinator. When mapping out her career, Anna knew she needed a way to combine the two. Joining Texas Performing Arts as an Emerging Arts Professional in Event Management gives her the opportunity to bring her love for event planning into the performing arts world, creating experiences that stay with audiences long after the lights go down.
What interests you most about working behind the scenes to support live performances and visiting artists?
The performing arts have always been a powerful way for people to connect through shared experiences. I’m excited about the opportunity to help bring these artists to Austin and create memorable moments for our community. Behind the scenes, I want to do my part to make sure every visiting artist has the support they need so they can focus on delivering a great performance and giving the audience an experience that they will never forget.
What are you most excited about this coming year in terms of TPA’s programming and events?
I am most looking forward to making sure every visiting cast and crew remember Bass Concert Hall as one of the most welcoming stops on their tour. These teams bring incredible art and experiences to our community, so my goal is to ensure this doesn't feel like 'just another stop' on a long road. I want Bass Concert Hall to be a venue they are genuinely excited to return to, backed by friendly, supportive faces every step of the way.
Where do you see yourself in five years, and how do you think this program can help you get there?
In five years, I hope to be working as an event manager for the performing arts, but I am open to how my vision may grow or change. That’s why this program is so important, it serves as the bridge between my degree and my career. I have the passion as well as the experience for events, but working behind the scenes offers constant opportunities to learn. Being an EAP gives me the opportunity to sharpen my skills in real time, build a strong foundation for long-term success, and discover where within the Performing Arts I can make the biggest impact.
Grace Mondy: Fabrication – Technical Direction
Grace Mondy is an Emerging Arts Professional in Technical Direction at Texas Performing Arts. She graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with an emphasis in Technical Production. After graduating, she spent her summers in the Berkshires working as a Carpenter for Shakespeare & Company, and the following summer working as the Assistant Technical Director. During the rest of the year, she worked at St. Edward’s University as their Assistant Technical Director. When she is not working, you can find her hiking or at a concert.
Laura Baker: Digital Marketing
Laura Baker holds a BFA in Dance and a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. She is passionate about supporting the growth and development of the performing arts and is excited to bridge her creative background in dance with professional training in journalism and media. Laura has previously worked with the Jose Limón Dance Foundation, the Austin Current, and Spectrum News, where she contributed to arts administration, digital storytelling, and audience engagement. She is excited to join Texas Performing Arts for its 45th season!
Major support is provided by Kandace and Dennis Eakin. Additional support is provided by Jamie Barshop, Nawaf Bitar, the Jason R. Caballero Endowment for Theater Production Education, Brian Hencey and Chuck Ross, Mr. and Mrs. Jon Newton, and the Kathy Panoff Texas Performing Arts Student Engagement Endowment.
Interested in supporting an Emerging Arts Professional? Learn more on how you can make a difference through TPA’s Emerging Arts Professionals program by calling 512-242-8567 or emailing us at support@texasperformingarts.org.
Originally from Victoria, Texas, Anna’s love for the performing arts began at a very early age. While pursuing her BFA in Acting at St. Edward's University, she found a second calling in event management through her work as an Orientation Coordinator and Student Involvement Coordinator. When mapping out her career, Anna knew she needed a way to combine the two. Joining Texas Performing Arts as an Emerging Arts Professional in Event Management gives her the opportunity to bring her love for event planning into the performing arts world, creating experiences that stay with audiences long after the lights go down.
What interests you most about working behind the scenes to support live performances and visiting artists?
The performing arts have always been a powerful way for people to connect through shared experiences. I’m excited about the opportunity to help bring these artists to Austin and create memorable moments for our community. Behind the scenes, I want to do my part to make sure every visiting artist has the support they need so they can focus on delivering a great performance and giving the audience an experience that they will never forget.
What are you most excited about this coming year in terms of TPA’s programming and events?
I am most looking forward to making sure every visiting cast and crew remember Bass Concert Hall as one of the most welcoming stops on their tour. These teams bring incredible art and experiences to our community, so my goal is to ensure this doesn't feel like 'just another stop' on a long road. I want Bass Concert Hall to be a venue they are genuinely excited to return to, backed by friendly, supportive faces every step of the way.
Where do you see yourself in five years, and how do you think this program can help you get there?
In five years, I hope to be working as an event manager for the performing arts, but I am open to how my vision may grow or change. That’s why this program is so important, it serves as the bridge between my degree and my career. I have the passion as well as the experience for events, but working behind the scenes offers constant opportunities to learn. Being an EAP gives me the opportunity to sharpen my skills in real time, build a strong foundation for long-term success, and discover where within the Performing Arts I can make the biggest impact.
Jaimee Harmon-Taboni: Education & Engagement
Jaimee Harmon-Taboni (she/her) is an arts administrator, teaching artist, and director of live performance. She is originally from Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!) and holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from SUNY Buffalo. Previously, Jaimee has worked with The REV Theatre Co., McCarter Theatre Center, Premiere Stages, Creative Action, Bottle Alley Theatre Co., and The VORTEX (Company Member). Her favorite part of live performance is the post-show conversations audience members have as they process what they’ve experienced together, and she’s excited to help audiences engage with TPA this season.
Jaimee Harmon-Taboni (she/her) is an arts administrator, teaching artist, and director of live performance. She is originally from Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!) and holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from SUNY Buffalo. Previously, Jaimee has worked with The REV Theatre Co., McCarter Theatre Center, Premiere Stages, Creative Action, Bottle Alley Theatre Co., and The VORTEX (Company Member). Her favorite part of live performance is the post-show conversations audience members have as they process what they’ve experienced together, and she’s excited to help audiences engage with TPA this season.
What role do you believe the performing arts play in education and community development?
A big one! The performing arts provide an exciting opportunity for students and people of all ages and backgrounds to gather in the community, engage with new stories, practice empathy and emotional intelligence, and discover ways to express themselves.
What excites you most about working directly with students, teachers, or community partners?
Making the performing arts accessible! Attending a live performance is so valuable, but it can also be a lot of work - especially if you are bringing a group or if you don’t frequent the theatre. You have to know the theatre exists, you have to look into their season and decide what to see, you have to purchase tickets and figure out transportation and navigate the building, and so on. If we want all people to reap the incredible benefits of the performing arts, we have to help all people access the performing arts – not just one time, but consistently. I am excited to play a role in welcoming students, teachers, and community partners to TPA and helping them engage with our amazing array of programming.
What performance are you most looking forward to seeing this year in terms of TPA’s student programming?
A big one! The performing arts provide an exciting opportunity for students and people of all ages and backgrounds to gather in the community, engage with new stories, practice empathy and emotional intelligence, and discover ways to express themselves.
What excites you most about working directly with students, teachers, or community partners?
Making the performing arts accessible! Attending a live performance is so valuable, but it can also be a lot of work - especially if you are bringing a group or if you don’t frequent the theatre. You have to know the theatre exists, you have to look into their season and decide what to see, you have to purchase tickets and figure out transportation and navigate the building, and so on. If we want all people to reap the incredible benefits of the performing arts, we have to help all people access the performing arts – not just one time, but consistently. I am excited to play a role in welcoming students, teachers, and community partners to TPA and helping them engage with our amazing array of programming.
What performance are you most looking forward to seeing this year in terms of TPA’s student programming?
I am especially excited for All My Relations Collective’s Skeleton Canoe. This performance blends puppetry, music, multimedia design, and traditional Anishinaabe lifeways to create a unique theatrical performance and community gathering.
My favorite thing about the performing arts is the conversations that audience members have with each other post-show. I think students will find Skeleton Canoe beautiful and innovative, and I can’t wait to hear their post-show thoughts about the show's incredible design and performance, its life lessons, and everything in-between.
Grace Mondy: Fabrication – Technical Direction
Grace Mondy is an Emerging Arts Professional in Technical Direction at Texas Performing Arts. She graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with an emphasis in Technical Production. After graduating, she spent her summers in the Berkshires working as a Carpenter for Shakespeare & Company, and the following summer working as the Assistant Technical Director. During the rest of the year, she worked at St. Edward’s University as their Assistant Technical Director. When she is not working, you can find her hiking or at a concert.
What was your first experience in technical direction, and how do you think that working with TPA will help you develop professionally?
My first experience as a Technical Director was for The Wolves at Texas State University. This experience showed me the process from start to finish, from doing the budgets and technical drafting to building the set and loading it in. Working at TPA gives me the opportunity to continue improving my skills in drafting, leadership, and problem-solving while working with professionals in the field.
My first experience as a Technical Director was for The Wolves at Texas State University. This experience showed me the process from start to finish, from doing the budgets and technical drafting to building the set and loading it in. Working at TPA gives me the opportunity to continue improving my skills in drafting, leadership, and problem-solving while working with professionals in the field.
What interests you about a career in performing arts and technical direction?
Since I started working in technical production classes in high school, I knew I wanted to work in theatre. I first began working backstage and later became interested in how the scenic elements were built. I love working in technical direction because I enjoy seeing a show go from a scenic designer’s idea to the process of figuring out how to make that design a reality on stage.
Since I started working in technical production classes in high school, I knew I wanted to work in theatre. I first began working backstage and later became interested in how the scenic elements were built. I love working in technical direction because I enjoy seeing a show go from a scenic designer’s idea to the process of figuring out how to make that design a reality on stage.
Tell us about a project you're particularly proud of. What was your process?
A project I am proud of is The Play That Goes Wrong at St. Edward’s University, where I was the Assistant Technical Director. This was a particularly challenging show to put on in the Mary Moody Northen Theatre due to the theatre space and the demands of the show. The process of this show included working closely with the creative team on what we could realistically make happen in our space. A part of the process was testing and making sure each stunt was safe and worked correctly for the actors to use. It was really satisfying to see the show in action and all of the pieces moving properly.
A project I am proud of is The Play That Goes Wrong at St. Edward’s University, where I was the Assistant Technical Director. This was a particularly challenging show to put on in the Mary Moody Northen Theatre due to the theatre space and the demands of the show. The process of this show included working closely with the creative team on what we could realistically make happen in our space. A part of the process was testing and making sure each stunt was safe and worked correctly for the actors to use. It was really satisfying to see the show in action and all of the pieces moving properly.
Laura Baker: Digital Marketing
Laura Baker holds a BFA in Dance and a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. She is passionate about supporting the growth and development of the performing arts and is excited to bridge her creative background in dance with professional training in journalism and media. Laura has previously worked with the Jose Limón Dance Foundation, the Austin Current, and Spectrum News, where she contributed to arts administration, digital storytelling, and audience engagement. She is excited to join Texas Performing Arts for its 45th season!
What interests you most about digital marketing, and how will you apply that interest to promoting TPA's live performances and events?
Digital marketing blends my passions for storytelling, writing and thinking creatively about how to connect with people as brands. At TPA, I am eager to apply those concepts in order to meaningfully engage with our community through the arts. As marketers of the performing arts we have the opportunity to promote all of the incredible work happening around us, and I am eager to uplift all of the art taking place around us. My biggest hope is to make the arts feel accessible and available to those who may not otherwise get a chance to watch live performance.How will you use social media and digital content to engage both existing audiences and people who have never attended the performing arts center before?
My favorite thing about social media is that it allows us to reach anyone with an account, even people who have never heard of Texas Performing Arts. I want to diversify the content we are posting in order to meet everyone where they are at. TPA presents a unique range of performances and events, and there really is something for everyone! I want to highlight that by posting authentic content that entertains, resonates with and is accessible to anyone interested in coming to see a show. The arts encourage everyone to come as they are and people should feel the same way when interacting with TPA online.
What are you most excited to learn during this time at TPA, and what would you like to accomplish by the end of the program?
I’ve always been drawn to what’s going on behind-the-scenes of a performance. I’m excited to now be a part of the team bringing art to the stage, and I hope to gain a full understanding of all the moving pieces that come together to make our favorite productions possible. Within my role in Digital Marketing, I want to deepen my understanding of what goes into promoting a show, explore which strategies are most effective, and gain hands-on experience managing a campaign from start to finish—from grassroots initiatives and social media to email marketing and website development.
Major support is provided by Kandace and Dennis Eakin. Additional support is provided by Jamie Barshop, Nawaf Bitar, the Jason R. Caballero Endowment for Theater Production Education, Brian Hencey and Chuck Ross, Mr. and Mrs. Jon Newton, and the Kathy Panoff Texas Performing Arts Student Engagement Endowment.
Interested in supporting an Emerging Arts Professional? Learn more on how you can make a difference through TPA’s Emerging Arts Professionals program by calling 512-242-8567 or emailing us at support@texasperformingarts.org.