One part vaudeville and one part stinging political/social satire, this place has been amusing and delighting its guests, as well as the pedestrians who pass by its front-stage windows and observe its goings-on, since the late 1970s. A troupe of multi-talented performers write, act, sing and dance their way across a broad and constantly updated comedic map that pokes fun at our elected officials, celebrity icons, and regular citizens. It is not all for laughs, though; a magical act comes on a couple of times per show to startle and captivate your senses. This is a true downtown institution.
This venue, south of the river, is a throwback to the 1950s. Roots rock and country reign supreme in this bar, where one can often find men in leather jackets and classic Cadillacs out front. With live music nightly, tributes to Elvis, and celebrations of Hank William's birthday, this place is great for dancing, drinking and kicking back on the high stools. Happy hours feature some of Austin's favorite songwriters. The venue has broadened its range of live music to include occasional indie rock.
This company knows how to push the limits and still keep the traditional form. The traditional Christmas production of The Nutcracker always brings a smile to patrons' faces. Each year an innovative twist or take on this classic ballet provides a new perspective on this timeless work. Ballet Austin is very familiar with the eclectic nature of the Austin arts scene, and keeps that in mind when developing the seasonal productions.
Constructed using sustainable technology, ACL Live at The Moody Theater is a state of the art facility hosts a variety of musical acts throughout the year. With a capacity to hold more than 2,700 guests among three levels of seating, this venue has drawn musicians such as Willie Nelson, Robyn, the Gipsy Kings and more. If you've ever watched Austin City Limits Live on television, you'll no doubt recognize this Austin staple.
As the home of the Frontera Theatre company (which puts on the annual FronteraFest), this stage is the perfect place to catch a performance. Whether you like plays, dance, interpretive readings or even experimental projects, this theater has a show for you. The intimate environment (seats up to 80) is also often used for performances appropriate for children. Located in the middle of Hyde Park, one of Austin's more bohemian neighborhoods, the theater is a wonderful extension of the eclectic Austin way of life.
A little bit of the Great White Way can be found deep in the heart of Texas. Like the movie studio which shares its name, this theater is grandiose and ambitious with 1250 seats available to host an estimated 160,000 people a year. The calendar features both visiting and local stage productions of musicals and dramatic plays, one-person acts, orchestral performances, children's shows, revivals of great old movies and (because this is Austin) the occasional visiting live-music act. A horn of plenty for theater, music and entertainment fans.
The Debra and Kevin Rollins Studio Theatre is located within the Long Center. Boasting of brown tiled walls, excellent acoustics and a seating capacity of 229 guests, it is a very versatile space. It can be converted into an auditorium or theater for plays and film screenings, complete with projectors, various styles of theater seating, stage and stage curtains as required. It can be turned into a banquet hall by adding round tables on occasions, corporate functions and family gatherings. It can also be hired as a venue for carabet performances.
Blue Rock Studio is a modern concert venue that doubles up as a recording studio. Designed by architect Lou Kimball and Michael Cronin, an acoustic designer, this space meets the sound and technical specifications requisite of a concert hall. The live performances are staged in the events room and the likes of Chris Smither, Iris Dement, John Gorka, Willy Porter, Ellis Paul and David Wilcox have performed here in the past. And, if you do not wish to drive home after a late-night concert, Blue Rock offers comfortable accommodations complete with a kitchen, pool, fireplace and an enviable DVD collection. For more details, check website or call ahead.
McCallum Performing Arts Center is located inside the McCallum Fine Arts Academy and has a 550 seat auditorium with excellent acoustics and lighting system. It plays host to a number of student performances and is dedicated to encourage awareness and love for the arts among the students. Musical plays, concerts and theater performances with offbeat stories and a fresh take on the subject are offered here.
A fitness studio, Rose Movement is located at East Riverside Drive in Austin. Specializing in conducting yoga and dance classes, the studio sees a huge turnout for their events. Regular workshops, classes and events are lined up at the studio to inculcate fitness into your daily routine. To attend an event, or to check out their upcoming schedule, please have a look at the website.