To the Director and Board: A good amount of money was spent to buy tickets to Verdi's Requiem. I, a…read more76 year old native Austinite arrived at the Long Center about 20 minutes early (at the entrance to the parking garage). The next 15 minutes were spent looking for a parking place in the garage. I ended up parking at the very top and taking the elevator down. There were several other older ladies as well there who don't quite move quickly. By the time we walked to the door of the Long Center it was 3 minutes after the start of a 90-minute opera. I raced to get to my seat but was escorted to the upper balcony. As I entered there was a lady bandaging her leg on the stairs. From falling there. When I got to the upper balcony it was pitch dark and the helper had a flashlight that didn't work. It took me a while for my eyes to adjust and finally was able to be seated, slightly short of breath from the race and the altitude of those seats. Other nicely dressed older ladies came in after me and stumbled around to find seats. We were informed we would have to sit there for the duration as there was no intermission for a 90 minute performance. Why? I ask you why? Along with a canteen of water, a flashlight and a first aid kit do I need to bring a catheter to the Opera? This is ridiculous. I am pretty ticked off and will not attend again until something is done to remedy the deeply flawed, user-unfriendly experience I had. Navigating in the dark for a 76-year-old is not something that is a healthy activity. You do realize a lot of your audience are seniors, don't you? You do realize that you all probably go to the valet or VIP parking I passed at the one minute marker entrance to the parking lot and then go to your box seats? You're not experiencing what other people are experiencing and I'm afraid you've lost track. I hope you will do something to remedy.

I had the opportunity to see Cruzar de la Luna last night with friends and had such a great time…read more The storyline had beautiful depth and the orchestra was outstanding too. Great experience overall, Austin Opera knows how to put on a show!

I saw Raped Clarity at the Gemini and was fairly impressed with the space and how they use it. When…read moreyou first enter, you arrive at a very professional ticket and snack counter, and paintings and photographs by a local artist adorn the walls. I enjoyed a nice Malbec while surveying the works, which seemed to exemplify a simple, contemporary style infused with elements of pop culture - such as you would find in greeting cards and cartoons. Some of them were quite clever, and even the photographs somehow speak to the modern style and popular ambitions of this theatre's proprietor. Despite my fine first impression, there were quite a few problems. Seating is unfortunately folding, metal chairs - but at least they were the padded kind. The stage itself was quite good - raised a foot or so above the floor, with adequate space and entrance portals, and decent sound - but the lighting was barely adequate and could not possibly be useful in most, true theatrical productions. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of Raped Clarity was marred by the lack of quality lighting. Finally, the script itself has problems, with incongruities that tend to distract one's attention as the action unfolds. Glaring examples include an inconsistent, unprofessional, and even unethical psychologist character. If this were a minor, peripheral character, perhaps the problem would not exist or it might be insignificant, but this is a central character that helps drive the action throughout the heroine's journey. Some minor problems with props may have simply been mistakes during the particular performance I attended, and these might not necessarily be blocking and choreography errors. The dialogue, in general, is problematic, with some vocabulary and word choices that seem inconsistent with the characters who deliver them and the situations in which they are delivered. By far the best performance in this production was that of the heroine's father, an archetypal southern working man and alcoholic. This character functioned as both an anti-hero and comic relief, and was oddly endearing. The heroine's mother was also a good performance, and contributed some fine, comic moments, but the character was fraught with some of the aforementioned dialogue problems. Raped Clarity is a work in progress and may very well be autobiographical, representing the author's sorting out of her own psyche after experiencing rape. I find, in fact, that the only way that I can reconcile the various characters and situations of this play is to consider them as symbolical. Indeed, I conclude that each character and situation represents an aspect of the heroine's - and perhaps the author's - own mind as she works toward recovery after a violent rape. This is the only way Raped Clarity makes any sense to me.

I was recently in a play here, and was very impressed with the Gemini playhouse. The facilities are…read moreclean and well-maintained, and though it's a bit tricky to get to, a quick phone call to the friendly and helpful owner Anita will set you straight. I would highly recommend the Gemini for shows, rehearsals, and events.

I sang with this company. I regret it. They don't consider the needs of all company members, show…read morefavoritism, and have traumatized friends and myself. I cannot in good conscience recommend this company until they are willing to reconcile their delusions of inclusion with the reality of how they allow bullying and harassment in their shows. If you are going to see Patience this summer, consider also making a donation to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, since it is more effort than they will make to support those with mental health needs.

Every year G & S of Austin puts on the finest productions of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan…read more This year, June 2024, we are performing The Yeoman of the Guard, a delightful musical comedy that everyone will enjoy and will walk away singing the tunes. The best Operetta productions anywhere in the United States are right here in Austin TX. Don't miss it!

Great local theatre. Intimate seating that makes the performances that much more raw.read more

Funky old not perfectly clean but unique theater. Worth a visi. Keep local theater alive. They do…read morea good job.

Local theater troops are a blessing... and this one tucked into the loving and welcoming First UU…read morechurch on Grover is no exception. With performances 3 times a year, the team draws upon classic and contemporary, professional and locally crafted material - always professionally staged and performed.

Phenomenal performance of Incorruptable!…read more I was really amazed by how well the show was cast, directed and the overall production. There was never a dull moment. It was filled with quick wit, brilliant acting by the two older monks. And a lot of promising performances by the rest of the cast. Truly an ensemble. I can't wait to see what they are working on next!

Wonderful location. Right on 620 in Lakeway. Huge parking lot in front, and over spill lot in the…read moreback. As I walked in, I was greeted immediately. Asked for my name. I was checked in, even though I had my printed ticket in hand. I was given my playbill, and was told there will be a raffle for 2 guitars. I was told where the bathrooms were. And also, wine by the glass or bottle were available. Popcorn, and candies were for sale as well. I was on time as they do say, if you're late, there is no late entry. They do have couches and seating in the lobby area. I sat for about 5 minutes and then they let us in. This was my first time here, I did ask for help where my seat was. A lady pointed and told me my seat is in the 3rd row area. Was easy to find. The seats are numbered. They do offer special seating right in front. They are round tables for 4 people with numbers on them and a cute small table lamp. Seats are comfortable with cup holders. All seats have a great view of the stage. It is a small stage, but very well decorated for this play. There is also a lot of leg room too. When you're sitting in your seat, you don't have to stand up so they can pass by. The show started right on time. No filming, no pictures while the show is on. There was a brief intermission. Act 2 started a few moments later. The show ended right in time. Some people stayed to chat or finish their drinks. Leaving was easy. From the building to the front parking lot, was a little dark. I used my phone light as I cross the pathway to my parked car. I had seen Rock of Ages 4 times before. 3 times in Portland, Maine, 1 time in Georgetown, Texas, and this was my first at the Lakeway, Texas location. Fifth time totaling. All performances were high energy. Great costumes. Wonderful energetic acting and vocals. Spectacular! Love the show, the story line, and the audience was pricing as well. Super fun. Look forward to seeing more shows here in Lakeway.

The State is part of Paramount and located next door. It's an older venue but it's clean and…read morecomfortable. It's definitely on the smaller side as well. Came for a speaking engagement and found the sound to be adequate. The staff are friendly and helpful.

Originally Austin's first dedicated movie theater, the State Theater is located right next to the…read moreParamount. If you walk too fast, you'll miss it. The State Theater is as expected-- dated and small with one theater screen. However, compared to the Paramount, the seats are much cozier and worth trying if you missed a premiere screening at the Paramount during South by Southwest.

This unique dance studio located on Riverside Dr offers a variety of cultural dances in a pleasant…read moreand inviting environment. From Bellydance, West African Dance (live drumming), Latin Rhythms, Yoga, Brazilian Samba, Youth dance classes....there is just about everything for everybody. The best part is that these classes are affordable with a sliding scale of $10-$15. So, add a little culture and dance to your life and join us at The Austin Dance Collective!

I went to a Hoop out party at this space and it was awesome! Who knew that up in that strip mall…read morethere is a little oasis in the form of a tiled courtyard and beautiful Soft leaf Yuccas outside a dance studio? The indoor dance studio space can be rented to hold classes and is a good size with mirrors to hold a decent sized movement class. I spent most of my time outside. I think they are going to have an event once a month with a DJ for hooping. It is so nice to find a smooth floored outdoor space to hoop in. The people I met were really nice. I look forward to going out and having a great relaxing hoop out once a month.