Today I got the opportunity to visit the Austin Independent School District (AISD) performing arts…read morecenter for the first time. The building is huge and aesthetically pleasing. There is also a large parking garage nearby (free parking). AISD student art work is prominently displayed throughout the building. I was at the performing arts center for a Alvin Alley dance workshop. This dance group travels throughout the world featuring modern dance, ballet and Afro beat movements. During middle and high school years we got the opportunity to see the Alvin Alley dancers every year. Their performance was elegant, rhymic and exquisitely executed. I remember being in awe of their toned bodies and breathtaking athletic and graceful moves. I remember also thinking how beautiful their ballet moves. Today's Rhythm and Movement workshop was engaging, authentic and very enjoyable. I loved that the workshop was diverse - ages 6 to 70+ years old, from all walks of life and different ethnicities. Look forward to the Alvin Alley dance performance next week...

I've been to multiple productions here in the past 6 months. I'm reviewing the facility, not the…read moreproductions. The theater complex is conveniently situated at the edge of the Mueller development. Parking is covered, close, convenient, and FREE. Productions here are reasonably priced with tickets typically in the $10-15 per person range. Concessions are often run by boosters; while limited in their offerings, water is not $6 a bottle like it is at UT productions. The space is modern and attractive. In terms of comfort, I found the Black Box theater to be the less welcoming of the two. Seats are difficult to access in the risers, and I do not have mobility issues. The seats themselves are comfortable however. In sharp contrast, the main theater is very accommodating and comfortable. If accessibility is it all an issue I would check to see which theater your production is in before you buy the tickets. Highly recommended.

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.

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!

Best bet is to get season tickets. I've found more and more the shows that focus less on the…read more"greatest hits" and more on the "off the beaten path" selections.

The Austin Symphony Orchestra is the oldest performing group in Austin, Texas, USA. It was founded…read morein 1911. The mission of the Austin Symphony Orchestra is to bring live symphonic music to the people of the Austin area through community orchestra concerts, to provide enjoyment and enhanced musical appreciation and knowledge, to provide an avenue of artistic growth for regional performers, and to encourage continual musical study for area musicians. The symphony hosts entertainers who specialize in jazz, swing, and other brass supported musical disciplines. Thing Two and I have been here on multiple occasions to support the orchestra. Each performance is unique and timeless. Patrons who attend the symphony are allowed to bring in their own food/picnic baskets to enjoy while in attendance. The alcoholic drinks served here are at premium costs, but that is to be expected at venues such as this one. Thing two and I have also had the pleasure to meet Peter Bay (Music Director and Conductor of the Austin Symphony Orchestra since 1998) on several occasions. I appreciate the time he has taken with Thing Two and others who have stopped him after shows to educate them and get them more involved in music. If you are looking for a fun night out with family or for looking for date ideas, Austin Symphony Orchestra should definitely be a consideration.

It's official - immersive theater has arrived in Austin, thanks to NunaMaana…read more I discovered NunaMaana through Ballet Austin about a year and a half ago and have been going to their shows ever since. Seeing a NunaMaana show is like nothing else in Austin. Think of New York's Sleep No More - but instead of terrifying and creepy, tons of fun with vibrant colors and beautiful dancing. Oh, and lots of laughs. I love watching the show unfold and seeing people open up as the performance progress - by the end, even the stodgiest of folks find themselves getting involved in the story and playing along. I cannot recommend NunaMaana more - they provide professional entertainment mixed with quintessential Austin friendliness.

NunaMaana and its performances are easily one of my favorite things about Austin. Their…read moreperformances are not something you go to see, they're something you go to DO, to experience along next to the performers and other audience members. Their shows range from funny with characters that have you laughing, to heartaching with pieces that reach from the souls, to intricate with stories that unravel throughout the show and will have you eagerly awaiting what will be revealed next. It is not a sit down and watch the stage type of show -- the stage and characters are around you. They will interact with you if you are interested, and you can get to know each characters' unique stories moments before they all come together for another energetic dance (which they'll teach you a couple of, too!). Every show is such a different theme, you never know what you're getting into -- from hip hop to indie rock, from soft romantic tunes to booty-rockin' jams. Settings range from masquerade balls to medieval kingdoms, glow parties to out-of-this-world get togethers with lawn games. I would recommend this to anyone, and that's the beauty of it. Go for a girls night out and get dressed up to match the theme. Bring a big group of friends and play some cornhole in between dances. Go for a date night and have some drinks while eating delicious cupcakes left at the tables while mingling with the characters. Bring the family and kids can dance right along with the young dancers in the show giving out lollipops and glow sticks. These shows are creative, magical, and make you forget the outside world. They are all different enough that you never know what you're getting into, but the surprises are always such a delight. I highly recommend.

My husband and I have been to see several shows by the Texas Performing Arts. Every show we have…read moreseen has been amazing. The artist that perform are always excellent at their jobs and the shows are always great. The sets and scenes are creative and the overall experience is fun. I really enjoy watching the musicals. We will continue to go watch different performances in the future.

I love Texas Performing Arts! I've been going to shows at Bass Concert Hall since I was in high…read moreschool and it's so cool that they have ticket lotteries, discount tickets for students, and the Bass is just an amazing venue. There isn't a bad seat in the house and the acoustics are great. I've seen Broadway musical shows here like Hamilton, Rent, Hadestown, Shucked, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, comedians like Flight of the Concords and artists like Yuna. Go see a show!

How can this premiere Grammy winning choral group be rated with less than 5 stars? I've known Craig…read moreHella Johnson for at least 20 years. Having been to quite a few of the Conspirare concerts over the years, this choral group has never failed to excede my expectations! I am impressed by the professionalism of the singers, their dedication to providing the best quality choral performance possible, the melodic harmony with voices that meld together so well that they sound as one voice. Their repertoire, especially during the Christmas concerts, is excellent, blending musical styles that one would not think possible in such an elegant manner. Their performance and CD of Russian sacred music is of the highest quality, for which they received a well deserved Grammy in 2015. Conspirare is truly an Austin jewel. Maestro Hella Johnson's own composition honoring the late Matthew Shepherd truly moved me to the most profound depths of my heart. May Conspirare continue to inspire and augment our souls as they conspire together in one song. Beautiful!

Fabulous professional choir. Wish they were closer so I could hear them often. Transforming music.read more

Pollyanna could be a theatre company that you may not have heard of, unless you are seven... or in…read morethe know when it comes to the Austin theatre scene. It's a children's theatre company that fit's its mission and purpose well. I caught a revival of a New Mexico children's' play called Wonderdog, a young girl's journey from loss to new school to friendship and ultimate reunification of family. Pretty serious stuff for kidd-os, huh? At this performance, there were about 100 audience members, and the kids were mesmerized. They loved it, and so did the adults. The company is expertly produced by artistic director, Judy Matetzschk-Campbell. She took the time to welcome the audience before the show and help the children understand the difference between television and live theatre. Smart move! She made the medium accessible for the kids but did more than tell them they had to stay seated. You can tell she's a teacher. The kids were ready for an hour of live theatre. The performance itself was expertly written, directed, and designed. The kids loved the dog costumes, which were cleverly crafted with styrofoam hats with cool doggie snouts, and woolly jackets, and they suited the characters' needs well, since all of the dogs of Dog Alley like those "belly rubs." The show itself is very appropriate for young ones but full of thoughtful, real themes such as bereavement and unconditional love. The actors handled the script well and warmed our hearts when the scene demanded. Nice job! If you have a kiddo in your world, share Pollyanna with them. They'll be more than entertained; they'll learn a skill set and mature their understanding of and love for live theatre.