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.

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.

The Original Recipe Band...We have really mixed feelings about our experience with them…read more Unfortunately, more negatives than positives stand out, which is our reasoning for the 2 stars instead of the neutral 3 stars. We were recently married in Hill Country, and felt very strongly about having a live band rather than a DJ at our wedding, mostly because all of the weddings that stood out in our memories had awesome live bands to make the reception memorable. We did a lot of research on bands, which definitely took a lot of time. Getting married in the Austin area leaves a ton of options to sort through! What originally attracted us to the band is that they were large, seemingly flexible in accommodating our wishes, offered a great price, and despite not having many online reviews, they provided us with a list of emails to previous clients who we were able to email us references. While the "booking" process what relatively easy, once we did book, our impression of the band manager, James, started to decline. While he was initially quick to respond to us when we were scouting them, once we booked he took months to get our signed contract back to us. I had to email and encourage him multiple times. I come from a family of lawyers and have always had the mentality that nothing is final or confirmed until it is in writing, so waiting so long to see our agreement in writing made me uncomfortable. James often commented that he was preoccupied with moving forward with other endeavors professionally and home repairs, and that this was the reasoning for his delay, which I found to be unprofessional. Let me throw in some positives: They were accommodating of our song choices for special dances. We arranged to have one of the band members play guitar for our ceremony. His name is also James (a different James than the manager) and he was very prompt at responding, kind, and his ceremony performance was excellent. The jazz/piano music for the cocktail hour were appropriate. When it came to the reception music and orchestrating the order of events, the manager, James, seemed to have no idea what was going on despite having had been emailed a timeline for the evening and order of events. He initially kept coming up to me (the bride) and asking me what was next, etc. Keeping him organized and on schedule was the last thing that I wanted to be doing at my own wedding. We had two wedding coordinators and he didn't even think to go to them first with questions without my prompting. When James was speaking and introducing speeches, etc. he was very mumbly and difficult to understand. After the first dances were over and it was party time, instead of playing music that would get people out on the dance floor it was still a lot of jazz and swing music...not exactly what's going to get 20 and 30 something's out on the dance floor. After asking our coordinators to have them step it up a bit with the music, things did get better. Another thing of note was that the transition between songs felt like it took forever. A song would wrap up and guests would just be standing and waiting for the next song. It made it difficult to keep the momentum going. A few guests would even shout out, "Come on! Let's keep it going!" Overall, it was not the experience we were hoping to have with our band. I feel like the band really sets the vibe for the night and it wasn't exactly the upbeat party atmosphere we had in mind. We had amazing experiences with all of our other vendors, but we would not work with ORB again.

Original Recipe Band performed at my daughter's wedding in January 2011 and did an outstanding job…read more Our guests commented repeatedly about how great the band was and how much fun they had. They played a variety of music and kept everything lively. Our guests were out on the dance floor dancing and truly enjoying the event. In addition to the actual performance, my experience with James Fenno in engaging the band, selecting the music, and working through the details of the schedule of events for the reception was exceptional. He is professional in his dealings and responsive to communications. I have to say that having Original Recipe Band perform for the reception really made the event successful. I highly recommend them to anyone planning a wedding.

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!

Always entertaining - with a perspective on the Asian experience in Austin, TX…read more The shows frequently sell out, so buy your tickets or show up to the box office early. This show is put on at the Salvage Vanguard Theater on Manor Road. Always worth the money!

Last night the mister and I watch the Violet Crown Radio Players re-enact a radio show adaptation…read moreof a Perry Mason mystery, "The Crooked Candle". It was a great way to spend a Thursday night and the price was right. Free. The retro-vintage radio drama performance featured goat herders, ship captains, adultery, and much more! The event was sponsored by the Harry Ransom Center and performed by the Violet Crown Radio Players in the Jessen Auditorium on the UT campus. An Austin-based performance troupe, the VCRPs, recreate live radio experiences complete with vintage costumes and advertising. In reading the bios, every player has vast experience in the arts, on stage, writing, singing and acting. The Harry Ransom Center sponsors the VCRPs throughout the year. We plan to attend the July 10th performance of a 1950s radio show, "Dangerous Assignment". Check the Harry Ransom Center website for a schedule. Parking is sketchy but we found a park on 21st street. Dobie Parking Garage is a block away. Props to Kevin N. for posting this event!

Found this via Fever app and what a great experience! I got the VIP ticket which gave you and extra…read more30 min with the magicians and got to see them work up close and personal. They set up was pretty cozy with couches up front and then chairs/booths behind. Not a big venue which helps make sure everyone can see and gets to participate. There were several ticks I just could not believe how they did them. Everyone, EVERYONE was shocked! Learned that the magicians rotate sooo you may have opportunity to see different ones based on when you go. Highly recommend to catch this while they are hosting, I'll be back by the end of their tenure.

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!