Fabricating an Icon: Thesis Performance Lecture by Matthew Smith, MFA Candidate

Fabricating an Icon: Technologies of Historic Costume Recreation in Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s Legacy is a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) thesis project developed through the University of Texas at Austin’s Theatre and Dance Department in the Live Design and Production M.F.A. program.

Join Costume Technology M.F.A. candidate Matthew Smith for a performance lecture exploring the intersection of technologies, collaboration, and homage through the recreation of three historic costumes from Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s iconic legacy. Informed by direct conversations with Selena’s costume designer Martin Gomez, the project draws insight into Gomez’s collaborative role in shaping Selena’s visual identity and serves as both a site of skill-building and material problem-solving, developing custom textiles that respond to what no longer exists. 

The presentation traces Matthew’s practice-based research process and reveals the often-unseen labor of costume designers and makers, culminating in a live performance where each recreated costume is brought to life in one song per look by Selena tribute artist and Tejano musician Amanda Solis. Amanda moves the project beyond static display, reinforcing costume as a living, embodied practice shaped by intimate collaboration and movement.

A Q&A with Matthew and Amanda will follow the 60-minute presentation.

Free general admission: Seating is limited.

Please direct questions and inquiries through this link.

Meet Matthew Smith

Matthew is a third-year Costume Technology M.F.A. candidate at the University of Texas at Austin. Born and raised in Texas, Matthew's earliest encounters with costumes was at five years old when he saw the Selena movie and grew up visiting the Selena Museum. 

Matthew's costume work spans across the United States - from Off-Broadway to regional L.O.R.T. theatres, world-renowned opera and dance companies such as Houston Ballet, Baltimore Center Stage, Everyman Theatre, and Santa Fe Opera. 

View Matthew's portfolio at www.matthewglensmith.com

Meet Amanda Solis

Amanda Solis is a Selena Tribute Artist and Tejano musician. She has performed for 30,000 fans at White Sox Stadium in Chicago and has entertained Dr. Phil in Hollywood. The Texas City native has spent the last few years paying tribute to Tejano icon, Selena.

In 2024, bustier aside, Amanda released her debut album, Space Vaquera. The album is a reflection of her roots, dreams, and personal journey.

Learn more about Amanda Solis, amandasolismusic.com

Parking Information

The University requires all faculty, staff, students and visitors to pay for parking on campus. Visitors are encouraged to park in the San Jacinto Garage and Manor Garage, both within walking distance of the theatres. In addition, there is metered parking available on Dean Keeton/26th Street.

PLEASE NOTE: On high-traffic event days, parking garages can fill up quickly. Visit the Garage Availability for Visitors page to see real-time updates on garage availability. We also recommend you plan to arrive early so you have time to explore other parking options (such as discounted lots and street parking) as needed.

Additional information about parking resources on campus for visitors is available HERE. 

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Lab Theatre

The Lab Theatre, opened in 1959, is a unique space in which students mount their own productions. Students have the opportunity to write and produce their own work in this space as well as refine their technical and design skills. The department provides technical support for this stage, but it exists solely as a resource for student-driven projects.