The VORTEX
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
The VORTEX, despite being categorized as 'Kids Theaters', functions more as a unique and inclusive community arts venue in Austin, offering a diverse range of theatrical performances. While it provides a friendly atmosphere, good food/drinks, and unique features like a resident cat, parents need to be aware that many productions cater to adults with mature themes, not solely children's entertainment. It consistently delivers 'excellent' plays and fosters an 'inclusive space'.
Key Highlights
- ✓Friendly, kind, and caring staff, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
- ✓Consistently excellent theatrical performances, described as 'fabulous' and 'always excellent'.
- ✓Unique and relaxed ambiance, featuring plants and a beloved resident black cat named Smoky.
- ✓Good quality food and drinks available on-site, including a food truck.
- ✓Serves as an inclusive community hub, hosting events like bi-weekly LGBT meetups.
- ✓Considered a significant cultural landmark for 'Austinites'.
Standout Features
- ⭐Diverse and engaging theatrical productions with high quality.
- ⭐Unique and inclusive environment with a strong community feel.
- ⭐Friendly and accommodating staff who contribute to a positive experience.
- ⭐Convenient on-site food and drink options.
- ⭐The charm of a resident black cat (Smoky) adds to the unique atmosphere.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →**Crucial for Parents**: Before bringing children, always verify the specific play's content and themes, as many productions are adult-oriented.
- →Arrive early to secure parking, especially for popular shows, as the lot can become full.
- →Be open to a diverse range of theatrical styles, including stand-up and deeper societal explorations.
- →If you have particular food preferences, be aware that food truck items might vary in taste quality.
- →Expect a friendly, relaxed, and inclusive atmosphere that welcomes a wide range of people.
Things to Consider
- ⚠The business name 'Kids Theaters' is potentially misleading; many reviewed productions (e.g., 'Jade in America') feature adult-oriented themes and language (e.g., 'dick-relations', identity exploration) unsuitable for young children.
- ⚠Parking is available but can be full, which might be inconvenient during peak times.
- ⚠Specific food truck items (e.g., pasta) might not be to everyone's taste, as one reviewer found it subpar.
Price & Value
Specific ticket prices or food costs are not detailed in the reviews. However, the consistent praise for 'excellent' and 'fabulous' plays, alongside the unique and inclusive atmosphere, suggests that patrons perceive a good value for the cultural and entertainment experience offered. There are no mentions of hidden costs.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Described as an 'inclusive space', implying a welcoming environment, but no specific physical accessibility features (e.g., ramps, sensory accommodations) are mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Food and drinks are available for purchase on-site, including options from a food truck. No explicit policy on whether outside food or beverages are permitted is mentioned.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking is available on-site, but reviewers note it can be full, indicating potential difficulty finding a spot during busy periods. No details on whether it's free or paid.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Parking often being full suggests the venue can be quite busy, especially during popular shows or events.
- •The mention of bi-weekly community meetups implies a consistent level of local attendance and engagement.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety measures such as staff monitoring, secure entry/exit systems, or first aid stations are mentioned in the provided reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Bringing young children (under 12) without prior, explicit confirmation that a specific play is age-appropriate and free of adult themes or language.
- • Assuming all performances at a business named 'Kids Theaters' are automatically suitable for children.
- • If you prefer a highly structured venue exclusively for traditional children's entertainment, as this venue has broader programming.
- • If you have severe cat allergies, due to the presence of a resident cat.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Skipper monthly membership
$25 per monthDuration: monthly
The new Skipper membership at The VORTEX.
Includes:
- •Unlimited theatre tickets for 1 person to all VORTEX productions
- •10% off at The Butterfly Bar, every time you visit
- •15% off Patrizi’s, every time you visit
- •Access to quarterly members-only events
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
The wizard of dogz
September 18 - 28, 2025
An all-new dog and circus show from the creators of The Mutt-Cracker (SWEET!). A big circus adventure for the whole family.
Jon Stetson: America's Master Mind Reader
October 3 - 4, 8:00PM, 2025
Renowned mentalist JON STETSON blends the art of mystery with the power of intuition.
LADIES ONLY PSYCHIC PARTY
October 5, 4:00pm, 2025
Guests will be enthralled by demonstrations of Jon Stetson's mind opening, motivational entertainment and empowered to understand and further develop their own intuitive skills.
Magical Mind Mysteries
October 8, 7:30PM
Magical Mystical Michael combines wit, charm, and a 'sleight' attitude, creating entertaining magic of the mind, eyes, and hands.
Sexe Burlesque Part Deux
October 10, 2025, 8:00pm and 10:00PM
A sultry Latin and French-inspired burlesque revue through the golden age of glamour and elegance. Described as 'sexier than ever'.
The Bloody Ball: A Vampyre Soirée
October 18, 7:00pm - 1:00am [2025]
A decadent, dark, and delicious cocktail party delighting in all things sinfully supernatural. One night only.
The Blasphemy of a good bath
October 23 - 26, 2025
A fully staged work-in-progress choreopoem blending poetry, theatre, and ritual performance, exploring how water, ancestry, and love shape survival.
MARIONETTE MAYHEM with mr, bonetangles and puppet pants
October 27th, 2025, 6:00pm
A cute and disturbing punk rock puppet spectacle of marionettes, broken toys, and home-recorded music. Committed to providing top quality marionette entertainment.
BAIT & HOOK
November 1st, 11:00pm, 2025
Brother Xen & Sister Xyla host a dinner party for your enemies, a sorcery spectacle of the Xeno Twins.
The Mutt-Cracker (SWEET!)
December 19, 2025 - January 3, 2026
Holiday circus fun with rescue canines, world-class juggling by Darren Peterson, music and dance for the whole family.
Dora's Gently Used Dream Store
November 13-23, 2025
A whimsical, cozy play by Morgan McKenzie in an installation in the Pony Shed in the Butterfly Garden.
Pillar of Fire
August 29 - September 6, 2025
Ray Bradbury’s adapted classic, interpreted entirely by teenagers, about William Lantry waking up 200 years after his death in a world sanitized of fear and imagination.
Syntax Error: The Quickening of AI
September 19 - October 4, 2025
World premiere devised by the ensemble, conceived and directed by Heather Barfield.
📅Booking Policy
- • All ticket sales are final.
- • Tickets can be exchanged for a different night or a different performance for a $3 fee, depending on availability.
- • Private data is not sold.
What People Say
What's Great
- Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 5 reviews)
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Patrick McDougall
a month agoA lovely bi-weekly LGBT meetup happens here, apparently, so I dropped in. Such friendly staff, and a chance to talk with people who see the world how it really ought to be ... full of care and love and wonder and interest, and intellect. A friendly, relaxed, inclusive space, to be whoever you are.
Mr. Bravo
a year agoGreat atmosphere, food and drinks - I came for the food and noticed they also have an amazing theatre and we will be coming back to see the mutt cracker show in the very near future. There is parking but understandably full because this place is awesome the staff is also very kind and friendly. Bonus they have a black cat that hangs out while you eat!
Jack Schutze
2 months agoWe saw Jade in America on its Texas premiere this Sunday and it was fabulous. The play was a fun and interesting journey across the US through the eyes of standup comedian Jade Esteban Estrada. With a deep exploration of identity, both individually and as a society, the play is a reflection. Where has society shifted in the last 5 years? How are the people’s lives affected? From the family we see every day, to complete strangers across this diverse and beautiful country. Something connects us all but sometimes it’s hard to see. The piece weaves fluidly from story to standup as you experience the trials and dick-relations of an old school gay in a new school world. While the play is funny and irreverent, it is also serious and honest. To be funny, you must understand people. Jade in America is an understanding that we are one and beauty comes from the variety in life just right outside your door.
Mello Rose
4 months agoAwesome in every way! The plays are always excellent. Actually, you're not an official Austinite until you go here, so saddle up!
Venessa Rosales
11 months agoSuch a unique place. Love the plants and cats. Smoky is a black, round, and beautiful cat. Some theater going on. That was so fun. Drinks good. Ordered some pasta from the food truck but just not for my taste. I’ve had better.