Austin's theater scene is active and ever-evolving, offering a diverse selection of performances for all artistic tastes. Here are just a few of our favorite theatres and groups in town that are guaranteed to fill your evening with art and talent.

Photo of a performance of Gospel Down By The Riverside ZACH Theatre. The show is being held outside at night, and people are seated at tables in front o the building

ZACH Theatre

As one of Austin's premier theaters, ZACH Theatre has long offered a full calendar of top-tier productions blending Broadway classics with innovative, locally-produced works. This venue also hosts engaging outdoor concerts and interactive community events, making it a must-visit for theater enthusiasts.

Hyde Park Theatre

The Hyde Park Theatre produces works by both new and established voices of the alternative theatre scene. In addition to their regular showings, they also host FronteraFest, a five-week celebration of performance art that includes theater, improv, comedy, and more. This intimate venue offers audiences a chance to witness cutting-edge performances in an up-close setting.

Photo of a performance of Annie Jump and the Library of Heaven at VORTEX theater. Three actors are pictured, all wearing lab coats and dressed as mad scientists
The VORTEX. Credit Errich Peterson Photography.

The VORTEX

The VORTEX is a trailblazer in Austin's performing arts scene, offering shows like operas, musicals and ritual theatre alongside interdisciplinary collaborations. They are responsible for more than 350 productions combining music, film, dance, opera, aerial arts, puppetry and more. The theater also actively collaborates with cultural institutions, like Six Square Austin’s Black Cultural Center and the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogy Center and to provide visitors with an enriching and thought-provoking experience.

The Paramount Theatre

An Austin staple, the Paramount Theatre remains one of Austin's cultural cornerstones hosting live performances for over a century. Known for its Summer Classic Films series, special holiday programming and major events like the Moontower Comedy Festival, it hosts a wide variety of performances, including concerts, stand-up comedy and dance shows. Its ornate architecture adds a touch of grandeur to any visit. 

Two female actors on stage during a performance of Single Black Female at Ground Floor Theatre
Ground Floor Theatre. Credit Dave Hawks.

Ground Floor Theatre

Nestled in East Austin, the Ground Floor Theatre provides a performance space for companies that share their vision of uplifting underrepresented community voices. Ground Floor Theatre’s commitment to inclusivity and community storytelling makes it a vital part of Austin’s theater scene.

B. Iden Payne Theatre

Part of the University of Texas University of Texas Department of Theatre and Dance department, Payne Theatre showcases groundbreaking student and faculty productions, ranging from contemporary plays to experimental works. With performances from up-and-coming directors and playwrights, it’s an ideal stop for visitors looking to explore Austin’s emerging talent in the performing arts.

Empty stage at Esther's Follies. There are windows behind the stage and red lights on surrounding walls
Courtesy of Esther's Follies.

Esther’s Follies

For almost 50 years Esther’s Follies has been a hub of comedy, magic and musical satire in the heart of Downtown Austin. Instantly recognizable for its colorful exterior, vaudeville-style performances and sharp political humor, Esther's delights audiences with five weekly shows from Thursday to Saturday. Everything about this venue embodies the quirky spirit of Austin.

Bass Concert Hall

As the flagship venue for Texas Performing Arts, Bass Concert Hall is Austin’s largest theater, hosting Broadway tours and world-class concerts. Visitors can often find their favorite podcaster hosting a live show at this venue, and it has capability to exhibit performances with live bands thanks to its large orchestra pit. 

Photo showing a women performing at Salvage Vanguard Theater. She is wearing a short white dress and is standing in the center of the audience, with her back turned to the camera
Salvage Vanguard Theater. Credit Erica Nix.

Salvage Vanguard Theater

The Salvage Vanguard Theater puts its cool name to use and provides experimental theatre shows and workshops that are simply unforgettable. Recent productions like Summer Sauna showcase their commitment to blending art with community engagement. Their events often incorporate local partnerships, making each visit a unique cultural dive into Austin's creativity.

Teatro Vivo

Teatro Vivo is a performing arts group that produces quality bilingual theater and makes it accessible to all theater audiences and artists. Their productions celebrate Lainto culture through resonant performances that bring stories from Austin's Latin community to life.

photo of a performance at Trinity Street Playhouse. A man wearing black athletic clothing stands in the center, singing, and a chorus stands behind him. Each chorus member is singing and stands behind a black music stand
Courtesy of Trinity Street Playhouse.

Trinity Street Playhouse

Home of the Trinity Street Players, the Trinity Street Playhouse hosts thought-provoking and entertaining stage productions with an accomplished community ensemble. They often host fun evenings of musical theatre where guests can bring their own blankets and lawn chairs to settle in for cozy shows from talented performers.

Austin Playhouse

Fresh with a new address, the Austin Playhouse has been providing entertainment for the city since 2000. Austin Playhouse is known for its diverse repertoire, including classics, musicals and contemporary plays. Each year they host the Festival of New Texas Plays where playwrights can show off their new works. 

Jade Fabello author headshotContributed by Jade Fabello
Jade Fabello is an Austin-based writer and a recent graduate of the University of Texas, where he was a double major in the Journalism and the Communication and Leadership programs. You can find his work at JadeFabello.com. 
Instagram @Jade__Fab. Twitter: @Jade_F