Austin Playhouse
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Austin Playhouse offers exceptionally high-quality, intimate theatrical experiences, often featuring remarkably talented actors who masterfully portray multiple characters in complex productions (e.g., 6 actors playing 20+ roles, captivating one-woman shows). The small, intimate setting ensures an excellent view from any seat, making for a highly engaging and personal viewing experience. It's a venue for those who appreciate sophisticated, well-acted plays rather than typical children's entertainment.
Key Highlights
- ✓Exceptionally talented and versatile actors capable of portraying multiple distinct characters within a single performance.
- ✓Small, intimate theater where every seat provides an excellent and unobstructed view of the stage.
- ✓Captivating and 'breathtaking' one-person shows that defy expectations.
- ✓Complimentary beer/wine offered to adults (donations appreciated).
- ✓Inexpensive cookies and refreshments available for purchase.
- ✓ADA wheelchair accessible for patrons with mobility needs.
Standout Features
- ⭐Intimate theater size creating a personal and immersive viewing experience.
- ⭐No 'bad seats' in the house, ample legroom, and excellent stage visibility from every vantage point.
- ⭐Highly talented and professional acting, even with small casts.
- ⭐Complimentary adult beverages (beer/wine) with appreciated donations.
- ⭐Small lounge area available for patrons.
- ⭐Feels safe in the surrounding area.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Arrive earlier than planned to account for potentially difficult parking.
- →Look carefully for the venue entrance, as nearby construction might obscure signage or make it easy to miss.
- →Consider donating for the complimentary beer/wine to support the theater.
- →Bring cash for cheap cookies/refreshments and to tip staff.
- →Be aware that seats are randomly assigned, but rest assured all seats offer a great view.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Parking can be challenging to find in the surrounding area.
- ⚠Construction near the venue can make the entrance difficult to locate or easy to miss.
- ⚠The main theater desk for check-in is located upstairs, which may require using stairs or an elevator.
Price & Value
Concessions like cookies and refreshments are offered at a 'cheap price', and complimentary beer/wine is available (with donations appreciated), adding significant value to the overall experience. While ticket prices are not mentioned, the consistent praise for high-quality performances in an intimate setting suggests good value for the entertainment provided.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •ADA wheelchair accessible, indicating accommodating facilities for mobility devices.
- •Main theater desk and check-in are located upstairs, implying elevator or ramp access is available alongside stairs.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Cookies and refreshments are available for purchase at a cheap price.
- •Complimentary beer/wine is offered to adults, with donations appreciated.
- •A small lounge is available for patrons to enjoy refreshments.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking can be 'hard to find' in the general vicinity, suggesting street parking or distant lots.
- •One review noted 'parking was close', which might be situational or refer to a specific, limited option.
👥Crowd Levels
- •The theater is described as 'small and intimate', implying that it doesn't host massive crowds.
- •The seating arrangement ensures 'not a bad seat in the house', suggesting comfort even when full.
🛡️Safety Features
- •The general area around the theater 'felt safe' to a reviewer.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families with young children (under 12) expecting typical 'kids' theater' content, as the reviewed productions are adult-oriented dramas and classics.
- • Parents seeking interactive or child-focused entertainment, as this venue focuses on traditional theatrical productions.
- • If you prefer venues with easily accessible, dedicated parking lots right at the entrance.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Choose-4 Subscriptions
Duration: 2025-2026 Season
Hand-pick four unforgettable shows from the Main Stage productions, Studio Stage productions, and Playhouse Cabarets.
Includes:
- •Early reservations and priority seating
- •Hassle-free booking and exchange privileges
- •Discounts on additional tickets to shows and special events
- •Option to purchase discounted season parking at UT Co-Op Garage
All-Inclusive Subscriptions
Duration: 2025-2026 Season
Includes tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest, Peril in the Alps, Describe the Night, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Seared, two Studio Stage productions, musical cabarets, and special events.
Includes:
- •Complementary Season Parking at UT Co-Op Garage
- •Early reservations and priority seating
- •Hassle-free booking and exchange privileges
- •Discounts on additional tickets to shows and special events
- •Option to attend more than one performance of a production
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
All Souls Cabaret
October 24 - 26, 2025
Our most popular cabaret returns to celebrate the Spooky Season with everyone’s favorite vamps and vixens! A little murder, a little mayhem, and lots of great music to get into the Halloween spirit!
Playhouse Cabarets
October 2025, March 2026
Accompanied by a live band, Austin Playhouse Company members and other local luminaries will treat guests to a one-of-a-kind evening of musical theatre. From fan favorites to lesser-known gems, each carefully curated cabaret will be filled with unforgettable songs brought to life by Austin’s finest performers.
Austin Playhouse Winter Gala
December 14, 2025, 6pm - 9pm
Early Bird tickets on sale now (no price listed)
An unforgettable night filled with live music, a curated silent auction, delicious local bites, and so much more! A joyful celebration of theatre, creativity, and community - all while raising vital funds to support the production and education programming.
Opening Night Reception (The Importance of Being Earnest)
Friday, September 19, 2025 (after the show)
Included with performance ticket (implied)
Raise a glass to the 26th Season opener! Join us after the show for light bites and a champagne toast with the cast.
Pride Night (The Importance of Being Earnest)
Friday, September 26, 2025 (before the show)
Included with performance ticket (implied)
Celebrate community and queerness in true Oscar Wilde fashion! Enjoy complimentary bites and sweets, and connect with fellow LGBTQIA+ theatre lovers before the show.
Post-Show Talkback (The Importance of Being Earnest)
Friday, October 10, 2025 (after the show)
Included with performance ticket (implied)
Join us after the show for a lively post-show conversation with the cast and creative team. Unpack the satire and romance, and dive deeper into the world of The Importance of Being Earnest.
Afternoon Tea (The Importance of Being Earnest)
Sunday, October 12, 2025 (before the performance)
$86 per person (Includes Pre-Show Afternoon Tea + Performance)
Come dressed to impress! Before the performance, join us for a charming afternoon tea where Victorian fashion and garden party flair are highly encouraged.
Chuseok & Filipino American History Month Celebration (The Heart Sellers)
Sunday, October 5, 2025 (after the show)
Included with performance ticket (implied)
Join us after the show for a festive evening honoring the Korean harvest festival Chuseok and Filipino American History Month! Enjoy traditional Korean and Filipino treats and celebrate community, culture, and connection.
Opening Night Reception (Peril in the Alps)
Friday, November 21, 2025 (after the show)
Included with performance ticket (implied)
Raise a glass to the opening of this regional premiere! Join us after the show for light bites and a champagne toast with the cast.
🍎Food Policy
- • Cabarets include complimentary drinks and light refreshments.
- • Opening Night Receptions include light bites and a champagne toast.
- • Pride Night includes complimentary bites and sweets.
- • Chuseok & Filipino American History Month Celebration includes traditional Korean and Filipino treats.
📅Booking Policy
- • Hassle-free booking and exchange privileges for subscribers.
- • Group discounts available for groups of 10 and up (contact boxoffice@austinplayhouse.com).
🚗Parking Information
- • Option to purchase discounted season parking at UT Co-Op Garage (for Choose-4 subscribers).
- • Complementary Season Parking at UT Co-Op Garage (for All-Inclusive subscribers).
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Sherrl Carpenter
a year agoWatched Murder on the Links by Agatha Christie and it was great... The show incredible. With a cast of 6 playing over 20 people it was so well done. I would highly recommend this Playhouse. Cookies and refreshments offered for a cheap price...please Tip. Parking was hard to find. ADA wheelchair accessible. Please support them for the good work that they do. Photos provided.
Amanda Foote
4 months agoJust watched A Christmas Carol performed by Bernadette Nason, and wow—what an incredible experience! It’s a one-woman show where she portrays every single character, and I honestly didn’t expect much going in. But I couldn’t have been more wrong—she is absolutely phenomenal! Her talent is extraordinary, and I was completely captivated from start to finish. Utterly breathtaking performance!
RnRtech tech
4 months agoSmall but fun theater. The play was fun entertaining. I would suggest this venue. Be aware, construction is bad and the door is easy to miss. Worth of of that tho.
Rob Simonton, Jr.
7 months agoThe theater is small and intimate, which enhanced the experience. Parking was close and the area felt safe. Concessions were available as was a small lounge. I had a great time watching Arcadia.
Lara Wilkinson
2 years agoExcellent experience. Easy check-in at the main theater desk upstairs, complimentary beer/wine (with donations appreciated), and a small stage that feels intimate. The seats are randomly assigned and have ample legroom. Not a bad seat in the house - you can see the stage from everywhere. Talented actors, wonderful show. Will definitely return when I visit Austin again.