this literary man

Celebrated Houston professor named Texas' new Poet Laureate

University of Houston professor and 2026 Texas State Poet Laureate Kevin Prufer looks into the camera.

Prof. Kevin Prufer is the Texas State Poet Laureate for 2026.

Courtesy of the University of Houston

The Texas Legislature has named University of Houston professor Kevin Prufer as the 2026 Texas State Poet Laureate, one of the highest artistic honors in the Lone Star State.

“I am delighted and surprised to be appointed the Texas poet laureate,” Prufer said in a statement. “Nobody writes poetry for recognition, but it’s always nice when you realize all those nights spent writing upstairs in the dark had an impact on people. I’m glad for that, and for being able to contribute to the state’s rich artistic tradition.”

Prufer is one of the state's most celebrated poets. In 2023 he published The Fears, a harrowing collection of prose that tackled subjects like the death of his father, reframed in a poem by comparing the experience to classical Greek mythological poetry. He is known for his scatter-shot style of writing, wedding fragmented thoughts across the page in small bits of shrapnel that cut deep.

In addition, he published a novel, Sleepaway, in 2024. Prufer's contributions have earned him a place on the 2024 Rilke Prize shortlist, recognition as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize long-list, inclusion in the "New York Times Ten Best Poetry Books of the Year" list, as well as multiple selections for the "Best American Poetry" series, Pushcart prizes, and accolades from the Poetry Society of America.

“Kevin Prufer’s creative influence extends far beyond our Creative Writing classrooms – his appointment as Texas State Poet Laureate is certainly proof of that,” said Diane Z. Chase, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “All of us at the University of Houston are proud of his latest achievement. Professor Prufer inspires our students on campus, and we are thrilled that he will be able to inspire future poets across the state.”

The Texas State Poet Laureate position was created by the Texas Legislature in 1933. Several University of Houston faculty and alumni have held the position, including Vassar Miller in 1988, David M. Parsons in 1991, and Larry D. Thomas in 2008. Prufer will serve in the role until the end of the next legislative session.

welcome to houston

Musical theater veteran joins prominent Houston company

Courtesy of Stages

Stages has named Valerie Rachelle as its new associate artist director.

A Houston theater company is adding an accomplished artist to its ranks. Stages announced that Valerie Rachelle will be the company’s new associate artistic director beginning in January 2026.

For more than a decade, Rachelle has been artistic director of the Oregon Cabaret Theatre in Ashland, Oregon, where she oversaw artistic vision and operations. That theater specializes in musical theater performances offered in a cabaret setting.

Rachelle comes to Houston with a career spanning nearly 30 years as a director and choreographer. She has extensive experience in developing new musicals and plays for regional theaters and opera companies across the United States, including the Tony Award-winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Sierra Repertory Theatre. She was appointed to her position at Stages following a nationwide search.

“I’m beyond thankful for this opportunity to join this incredible company, and I’m excited to be a part of a creative entity that has a strong mission and vision as Stages,” Rachelle said in a statement.

In her role with Stages, she will support artistic director Derek Charles Livingston with season planning and casting; liaise with artists, press, and staff; and coordinate day-to-day operations for the artistic department. She will also assist with crafting educational materials, direct and choreograph productions, and serve as the primary liaison with theatrical unions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Valerie to Stages in this role,” said Livingston. “I have seen her work as a director and director choreographer — she's excellent. Those skills combined with her experience as a theatre artistic director and manager only further fortify Stages' commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement.”

Born and raised in Eugene, Oregon, Rachelle began her career as a dancer and apprentice ballerina with the Eugene Ballet Company before earning her BFA in acting from California Institute of the Arts. She received her MFA in Directing from the University of California, Irvine. She has held teaching and directing positions at numerous institutions, including the University of Southern California, Southern Oregon University, Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts, and others. She has also served as a mentor through Statera Arts, an organization dedicated to gender equity in the arts.

Rachelle teaches musical theater, auditioning, and singing at Southern Oregon University when she isn’t on the road as a freelance director and choreographer. She’s also a classically trained singer and toured the world with her parents and their illusionist show as a child.

“Joining the team that has a long-standing reputation of excellence in theater is an honor,” Rachelle added.

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