If you’re an avid theater buff, Austin, Texas might just be your destination of choice. With leading theaters and a vibrant performance art scene, you’ll rarely find a dull moment in the city.
Austin theaters have performances every week with popular theater makers and professionals who will make your evenings remarkable with creativity and talent. Below is a list of our favorite theaters in Austin, Texas. So, if you’re planning to hit the city’s arts scene any time soon, here are the theaters you need to know about.
1. Zach Theater
One of the leading theaters in Austin, Texas, Zach Theater has been a primary seat for leading classic theater productions. In recent months, they have also launched outdoor concerts while adhering to all social distancing standards.
The theater was first established in the early 1990s and currently features three auditoriums and multiple other performance art spaces. Most of the larger spaces can accommodate more than 400 guests, and the lobbies have packages for cocktails, dinners, and everything in between.
Top productions of 2021 include The Cat in the Hat and Sound of Music. Address: 202 S Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 Contact: (512) 476-0541 Web: https://softheatre.org/
2. Paramount Theater for the Performing Arts
Established in 1915, the Paramount Theater is one of the few cultural spaces in the city to serve 100 years. Originally known as the Majestic Theatre, this theater is one of the few last witnesses to a unique theatrical legacy.
When you first enter the building, you will notice that the architecture itself is unique and timeless. Leading personalities such as Houdini, Katherine Hepburn and Sheryl Crow have graced the venue with their exceptional performances, and over the past century this theater has seen it all.
The Paramount Theater is considered a legacy theater for Austin and nearby communities and it will only get better for years to come! Address: 713 Congress Ave Austin, TX 78701 Contact: (512) 472-5470 Web: http://www.austintheatre.org
3. Esther’s follies
Esther’s Follies became a theater in the spring of 1977, when Michael Shelton and Shannon Sedwick of Liberty Lunch fame decided to rent a street bar at 515 6th Street. The first party was held on April 1, and within a week it doubled as the premier spot for improv with free admission for all performers.
In the following weeks, artists, stand-up comics, dancers and musicians visited the place and the theater became popular in no time. The fame of Esther’s Follies is notable because the theater was set up on a street unpopular with the elite who typically sponsored theaters and events of the time.
Instead, 6th Street was known for its multicultural population of African Americans and Hispanics. Anyway, the theater became extremely popular because it was not up to the standards of the time. Any type of art could be exhibited by the masses as long as it was entertaining.
Top performers who have performed at the theater include Dame Della Diva, Terry Galloway, and Doug Dyer. Address: 525 E 6th St Austin, TX 78701 Contact: (512) 320-0553 Web: http://www.esthersfollies.com
4. The long center
The Long Center is one of the newcomers to the Austin theater scene. Founded in 2008, it quickly became one of the city’s premier cultural spots, thanks to its great facilities unique to Austin.
Even though the theater only opened doors to performers and the masses a decade and a half ago, its history goes back more than two decades when the local artists first teamed up against a common vision – to establish a leading global theater native to Austin.
Under the plans, Austin residents voted unanimously to lease the Lester E. Palmer Auditorium, which would eventually be converted into a performance theater by the city’s cultural community, also known as the Arts Center Stage.
The same group received another $20 million in donations the following year, further helping to make it the unique theater it is today. The Long Center is now the only live entertainment venue in Austin that still launches and celebrates local talent. A significant portion of the performances (around 80%) are curated by local artists.
However, the biggest highlight of this theater is probably the beautiful skyline overlooking Lady Bird Lake. If you are going to the theater for a performance, you may also want to take a look at the Terrasring during the breaks.
The performances are tailored for individuals of all ages and preferences. So whether it’s ballet, opera, or any other form of symphony or performance, the theater has a slice of entertainment for everyone.
Both local and international performers frequent the theater, and popular performers include Leonard Cohen and Harry Connick, Jr. Address: 701 W Riverside Dr. Austin, TX 78704 Contact: (512) 457-5100 Web: http://www.thelongcenter.org
5. Hyde Park Theatre
Whether you’re a new voice or someone with decades of experience – the Hyde Park Theater has an open space for everyone. Established in 1992, the theater has made a lasting impression on audiences over the past two decades with its iconic performances of both classics and newer materials.
Notably, Hyde Park Theater has launched 50 unique productions. The best part: it not only has a mainstage session, but also goes beyond the line by curating the best performance festival in Austin, FronteraFest.
The quality of the performances at the Hyde Park Theater has been praised by audiences and critics alike. Thanks to the great performances, the theater has received more than 40 awards in multiple categories. More than 1,000 artists present their art and performances at the Hyde Park Theater each year.
Perhaps that’s why annual visitor numbers here exceed 20,000 each year! Address: 511 W. 43rd St., Austin, TX 78751 Contact: (512) 479-7530 Web: https://www.hydeparktheatre.org/
It boils down
Well, that was our list of the best theaters in Austin, Texas. So, if you plan to enjoy the artistic and cultural side of the city, pay a visit to these theatres!