Oooh, if you like fancy theaters or Texas history or antiques or Illuminati conspiracy theories, you simply must come visit the Austin Scottish Rite Theater (ASRT). Best known these days for delightful children's programming, the ASRT also serves as a rentable events venue, the site of many interesting touring act performances, and the ongoing home of one of the oldest Freemason groups in the state, Austin Lodge #12. The building was constructed in 1871 as a German opera house called Turner Hall, and you'll still find many interesting architectural details that hint at the original use. There's even an official state historical marker medallion out front. You can learn more about the fascinating history of the building and the men who met here over the years at the Freemason's site, http://www.austinscottishrite.com/av-temple/ and Historic Theatre Photos, https://www.historictheatrephotos.com/Theatre/Scottish-Rite-Austin.aspx My usual reason to be here is to hear some live music by one of our awesome local bands, or a touring act that is willing to perform in a venue that holds less than 400 audience members. The seats are comfortable and the room is gorgeous, from the old-time decor around the stage to the dreamy night sky on the ceiling and the priceless hand-painted antique backdrops. I really enjoy the intimate listening space and ease of movement out to lounges and the restroom, especially from the first row of the back of the theater. Parking for evening and weekend events is not too bad. There's a small surface lot at 1710 Colorado that is free for theater visitors after 5:30p and on weekends. If that doesn't work out, there is ample metered street parking managed by Texas Capitol (not by City of Austin) and a few private surface lots around with pay-on-site or reservations through ParkWhiz app. I usually don't have to walk more than a couple of blocks or pay more than 5 bucks. One thing that is not easy to do is to understand when upcoming public events are happening at ASRT. The theater's calendar lists only productions that they are managing directly (such as children's plays), and this is only a small sliver of what goes on here. However, if you are tuned into our local performing arts & culture scene, chances are that you'll see some upcoming events scheduled at ASRT and promoted through the hosting organization, such as SXSW, Sonic Guild, Russian Speaker Society of Austin, and others. read more

See all

My family attended a Russian performance and this theatre delivers on the atmosphere and customer service! It is an older theatre, with not a whole lot of seating. It is perfect for local Austin cultural groups who want their community to get together. read more

I took my 2nd grader here recently to see a play based on a Judy Moody book. The production was an hour long--the perfect length for his age group, imo--and tons of fun. I love that the theater is small and cozy rather than huge and intimidating. It's perfect for introducing kids to the experience of seeing plays. We were able to sit close to the stage near the person playing live music to accompany the action. We both loved the whole experience so much that he is now returning to the theater for a week of summer camp. This place is seriously a hidden gem! read more

Austin Scottish Rite Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

Is it just me or was it sort of funny that in the walls of this former 19th century opera house turned Scottish Rite (read: Freemason) theater I saw Henry Rollins? When you walk into the dark hallways you will see imposing oil portraits of grandfatherly figures who must be the keepers of lots of secrets. They don't fully look you in the eye. There are plush couches and thick carpeting and lamps. Oh if these walls could talk. The inside of the theater itself is really pretty. I had no idea such a venue existed in Austin. There are 2 levels: floor and balcony. Even with all that seating the place is cozy enough without being too imposing. The only major downside is that the antique wooden seats, though adorable, are very uncomfortable. At the Henry Rollins show they had a folding table set up outside the theater in the hallway that sold alcohol so it seems that this is possible here though it will probably depend on the show. Scottish Rite Theater does a lot of local plays and such but I wouldn't be surprised to see broader events coming in the future. Supposedly this is the oldest operating theater in Austin. Now that's pretty cool. read more

Austin Scottish Rite Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

Three free backdrops from which to choose, including a forest! What? That's right, if you rent the Scottish Rite Theater for a performance or event they give you a choice of three backdrops. I learned this from the Gourds, who held an awesomely-fun New Year's Eve show here. They let their fans help choose ... drumroll please ... the forest backdrop. It's red and green and kinda' hologram-my. This is befitting considering that it self describes as "21st century arts, 19th century opera house." As far as a non-bar venue for music, this place is the bee's knees. The bathrooms are large, the chandeliers are fancy, and oh, those leather couches. You just kinda sink into them. The makeshift bar had a hard time keeping up with all of the New Year's Eve drinking needs of the Gourds fans, but they remained cheerful and while standing in the long line you could still hear the music and enjoy the fancy environment. This was not my first rode at the Scottish Rite, oh no. It was my second ... the first event I went to was the UT Law School's annual theater production, Assault and Flattery where students lampoon one another and their professors. This was a decidedly raucous sit-down affair, but it was great because they have balcony and floor seating I can't *actually* remember which of the three free backgrounds they chose, but because the forest is so enchanting I'm currently choosing to selectively remember that it was probably the forest. Anyway, what I'm really saying is get thee to Scottish Rite Theater, it's fancy and fun for all kinds of events. read more

A nice, if a little strange, place for a rock concert. Plenty of free parking is a plus. Plenty of comfy seating areas if you want to lounge outside of the auditorium. Lots of Freemason pictures and stuff to look at while you're out there. A very fancy place indeed. In the auditorium there's comfortable seating in the back and around the sides. I debated over 2 or 3 stars and went with 3 due to the above good things. The reason this venue doesn't get a full 5 star rating is it's major failing, good sound. They have plenty of nice speakers and a large soundboard, however, a good soundboard engineer would be a very welcome addition. read more

If only the actors and the play was as beautiful as the theater itself!! We watched "Princess and the Pea" today and was so disappointed-- it was painful to watch! Firstly, the play only lasted 30 minutes- and yes- it is $20 total for an adult and one child. so not worth it! Secondly, the dialogue/acting was a "modern loosely interpreted fairy tale" which basically means that they didn't even stay vaguely close to the original story and the dialogue was so poor I was insulted. This may sound like an exaggeration, but I have been to many children's theater performances and this was at the bottom of the heap. I will say that the kids didn't seem to mind, but they were not entranced or as riveted as they have been at other performances we have watched. Save your money and go to Zilker in the summer to watch a play there! read more

My mom has taken my daughter to three plays here. I finally agreed to go this past Sunday, for their rendition of Beauty and the Beast. I was blown away! The actors and actresses are very, very good, and they involve the children in the stories. They will perform Sleeping Beauty in April--get your tickets early!! read more

I am a regular to this theater. The last show I saw was "Frog and Toad" and it was really marvelous. I'm looking forward to going to a Mid-summer Night's Dream" I urge people to study the theater and use it: go to the shows, send your kids to the camps and use it as a venue. It is just a great great thing for Austin. read more

See all

Went to see Jack and the Beanstalk here today. Arrived about 30 minutes early to ensure I would get tickets without paying the online service fees. In retrospect, I'll arrive 10 minutes before showtime next time because my son was bored and trying to touch all of the cabinets, grandfather clocks, etc. in the lobby. The show was good for kids, although several kids were freaked out by the big paper mâché giant. However the singing ukelele player was good and tried to make the mood light for the kids. My son had fun, and I would bring him back again. The shows are short, 40 minutes or so, but the kids were able to go on stage after and get pics taken with the cast, etc. so that rounded out the experience. I've seen more professional, high budget kids theater, but they do a good job with what they have and the venue is perfect because they allow the kids to sit right on the floor in front of the stage. I like the classic, authentic feel of the theater. They offer summer camps for kids as well. No concessions available here so plan accordingly. read more

Austin Scottish Rite Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

Our school attempted to schedule a field trip here. We have a a variety of students with many different accommodation needed for their disabilities. Unfortunately, our experience with getting these accommodations was less than ideal. I am sad that we weren't able to figure it out with them, but am hopeful that their new knowledge and inquiries will be beneficial to fellow educators and people with disabilities. I can't speak to the experience at the theater because we were unable to attend. read more

The Scottish Rite Children's Theater is NOT CLOSED. I have acted in the last three productions and am currently in rehearsal for a 4th. Repeat: THE SCOTTISH RITE CHILDREN'S THEATER IS ALIVE AND WELL. We are located in a gorgeous old German Opera House turned Masonic Temple, and we would love to have you and your kids come see our shows. Here's a link: http://scottishritetheater.org. See you there! read more

for a live music venue, this place is great! sound is decent and room set up so we can all see (short people are not so disadvantaged by the tall) the backdrops, costumes and lighting... parking is not a big hassle and several great pre-show dinner options... read more

This place is reelly cool but its also frieightening. My wife and I went here to see the liberty belles a while back and I swear I seen a ghost in the b room. It was a very good play but u have to have thick skins to stay here with the ghosts! read more

I had the pleasure to see Mark Kozelek here a week or two ago and it was honestly one of the great hidden gems of a venue. It felt as if I were in a school auditorium with a serious sound system and lighting. The ornamentation of this venue is truly unique and interesting as well. I'd suggest going to any play or show here that you can. It was one of the most intimate shows I've had the luck to see in the city. Thank you Transmission Entertainment for using this place for a real intimate setting and thanks for the No Cell phone, no photos, no video rules for this show. I'm sure the artist had more to do with it though. Can't wait to hopefully see another show here! read more

Playing at the intimate, historical Scottish Rite Theater, Cyrano de Bergerac is truly worth seeing!! Everything about the production is New York caliber. It has it all- period costumes, beautiful sets, live music and voice accompaniment. The actors and staging are stellar. This superb play deserves our support. It deserves a SELL OUT every night! Tickets are more than reasonable. read more

My daughter had a great time giggling and shouting out answers. She loved it. I was in shock when the play ended after 30 minutes. My ticket was $10, my daughter's was $8, and the online fee was $2. I didn't feel like I got my money's worth. They should either make the plays a little longer or charge less. read more

Saw a show here during Out of Bounds. It's a really cool building with lots of history. Lots of couches and places to hang out outside the theater, pictures of lots of old people on the wall. Definitely not your average venue! read more

This is a darling theater. My daughter and I attended a children's theater performance and had a ball. I loved that the kids could sit up close if they wanted and there didn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. Parking was easy peasy. We are certainly looking forward to going back. read more

I've frequented this theater a few times now and the productions never fail! The pricing is fair, the seating is great. Perfect place for kids. read more

My 4 1/2 yo daughter has seen three plays there and loved them all. The plays are a little short, but so is my daughter's attention span.

Potentially good venue but poor system for ticket pick up and encourage rudeness by patrons cutting into line. Hardly worth the trouble to go read more

Recently we attended a Beth Hart concert at this theater. While it wasn't a bad experience lack of good sound or a good sound guy was an issue I'll discuss later. We arrived REALLY early, there was plenty of parking which was a nice change from many venues. We entered no hassles and proceeded to go upstairs where there was sort of an area you could stand around in before the show but you couldn't enter the theater yet. They had beer on tap, good beer actually from a local brewery but you weren't allowed to take the beer into the show so that was a bummer. Interesting building but it's falling apart. Peeling paint in the hallways, ripped carpet and the seats just looked dirty, maybe due to the lighter color but for sure some new upholstery is in order. Now, for my biggest complaint... the sound system/guy. I'm not sure if it's the acoustics of the place, the speakers or the tech at fault but it just wasn't good, voices were shrill, bass was muddy and the sound overall a bit echoey (maybe from added reverb, maybe from the walls). In addition when we saw the opening act Rachael Sage there was clearly an oscillation/feedback problem with the main microphone that I heard clearly but I don't think the sound guy noticed at all. After the opener I was hoping they would address this but nope, when Beth came on there were loud squeals coming out of the mic, MANY times. As anyone familiar with sound knows with more volume feedback into a mic just increases, I'm not sure what they did to address it exactly but they surely didn't decrease the volume of the show but maybe attenuated those frequencies, really not sure but the sound was just not good. When Beth switched over to the Piano and used that microphone things sounded a bit more balanced but still not what I'd expect. I'm saddened by this and hope the theater or powers that be address the sound quality for concerts because all things considered even with the ratty carpeting and such I would have given a 5 star rating if the sound was on point. read more

Just saw Bannicula. It was a little strange....two adults playing the role of little boys. And the cat and dog not dressed or looking like cats/dogs. My 7 year old said..."They ended on a cliffhanger!"..AKA...no climax. Most of the shows here are really good, but I'd skip this one. Our group was 4 adults and 2 kids aged 7 and 10 and we all left saying, "WHAT?" read more

We've been to quite a few productions for kids around town, and they are pretty hit or miss. Every single production we've seen at the Scottish Rite, however, has been awesome. I never hesitate before taking the family to see a play here because they are always high quality and very enjoyable. The venue itself is beautiful and there doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. read more