Austin’s Rad Array of Theatre Companies
These theatre companies operate out of many venues — some self-operated, but more are rented on a per-show basis. A list of local theatre venues (spaces) can be found here.
COMPANIES THAT HIRE ACTORS/STAGE MANAGERS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF ACTORS EQUITY:
Austin Playhouse: At 22nd & San Antonio St. in West Campus; Equity Small Professional Theatre (SPT) contracts, also hires non-union
Austin Shakespeare ^ $: Performs at The Rollins Theatre/Long Center, The Curtain Theatre, and Zilker Hillside Theatre; Equity SPT & non-union
Mary Moody Northen Theatre: At St. Edward’s University; University Resident Theatre Association (URTA) and/or Guest Artist Agreement contract
Southwest Theatre Productions: Produces mostly new work; SPT, also hires non-union
ZACH Theatre ^: A three-venue complex on the west side of Lamar just south of the river; Equity Letter of Agreement (LOA), also hires non-union
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Approximately 180 of Austin's 1500 theatre workers are members of Actors Equity Association (AEA). This union represents actors and stage managers. Theatres hiring through AEA contracts must maintain union-specified working conditions, schedules and pay, and contribute to health & pension funds for union members. Find more information about AEA in Austin, the “How To Hire Me” letter for Union actors, and all the unions for performers here.
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AUSTIN’S TOURING/EXPORTING THEATRE ORGANIZATIONS:
Seriff Productions (Broadway producers)
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VENUES THAT IMPORT TOURING SHOWS INTO AUSTIN ~ present and generally do not produce:​
Texas Performing Arts: Austin’s cornerstone performing arts organization; multi-venue complex on the UT campus including the 2,900-seat Bass Concert Hall; partners generously with local orgs and artists; sponsors the Heller Awards for Young Artists enabling the winners to attend “The Jimmies” in NYC; home to Broadway Across America tours; led by the magnanimous/fearless Bob Bursey. We love ya, Bob!
The Long Center: This iconic campus is largely a rental or music venue and home to the Opera/Symphony/Ballet. It boasts great views of the city. A few local theatre companies can afford to rent (and fund a security guard) at the smaller venue on this campus, The Rollins Theatre.
The Paramount Theatre ^: Historic venue on Congress Avenue; brings in touring theatre productions for children/families but usually hosts festivals, music, and films. Does produce Story Wranglers, a hilariously fun Literacy to Life theatre company featuring Austin actors performing stories written by local 3rd graders in schools.
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Leela, an Indian Community Theatre
Teatro Vivo ^
Theatre Uncovered
The Weird Sisters Women’s Theatre Collective
TUBU (Theatre for Us By Us) Festival
UT Austin Dept. of Theatre & Dance
THE FAB CORNUCOPIA OF NON-UNION THEATRE COMPANIES THAT KEEP AUSTIN CREATIVE — YOU GOTTA CHECK THESE OUT!
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Agni Entertainment
Austin Community College Drama Dpt.
​Austin Scottish Rite Theater ^
Concordia University Texas Theatre Studies
Fusebox
Gilbert & Sullivan Austin ^
Ground Floor Theatre $
Haymakers
Outskirts Affiliates
These companies may be located outside the city limits, but they participate in ATX Theatre Citywide Auditions and employ Austin actors frequently (paying them a minimum of $300 per show run). They also either offer extraordinary accessibility to Austin audiences or participate with a perk in the ATX Theatre Loyal Local program.
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Companies in blue partner with
and support ATX Theatre by using
RECENTLY CLOSED OR ON HIATUS:
SpiritHouse
Austin Theatre Project
Theatre Synesthesia
Rosedale Shakespeare
Hidden Room
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KEY:
$ Sometimes pay-what-you-can or free
^ Produces theatre for children
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LIVE THEATRE VENUES
​Austin Scottish Rite Theater
Austin Playhouse (West Campus)
Boyd Vance Theatre at The Carver
Mary Moody Northen Theatre (St. Ed's)
Oscar G. Brockett Theatre (UT)
The Rollins Theatre (Long Center)
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Do you produce theatre within the Austin city limits — or just outside the city limits but with an Equity contract hiring Austin talent??
If so, we’re glad to add your company to this list. Just email us.
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Audiences outside Austin:
We love the theatres on Austin's outskirts! Though they're not listed here, we encourage Central Texas audiences to explore them. Not sure if there's one near you? Our good partner, CTX Live Theatre, lists all the theatres in Central Texas alphabetically by town name!