Discovering Available Performance Space Austin

By Karen Murray


When it comes to locating venues in Texas, it can often be difficult. When looking for performance space Austin, Texas, it can often be even more problematic. For, over the last several decades, numerous historic and performance spaces and venues have been torn down to make way for new condominium, shopping centers and other developments.

While this is the case, there are still several venues open and operating in the city. Although, with only a limited number of performance venues, many artists still find it hard to succeed. In particular, live music venues and poetry reading and slam spaces have been the most effected.

When it comes to touring acts, such as big name musicians, ongoing theater productions or film presentations, there are a few venues which still remain. Most of which often draw record crowds, especially since these events are now so limited in the area. One of the most historic of which is that of the Paramount Theater which has recently made a bit of a come back. In more recent years, the theater has become a multi-faceted venue for classic movies, intimate concerts and film presentations during the South by Southwest film, comedy, interactive and music festival.

While few and far between, open venues include Austin City Limits Live, a multi-story concert venue with an art gallery. The venue hosts major acts and up and coming musicians on a regular basis. With a close connection to KGSR 93.3, a local radio station, the venue also supports a number of live public and private broadcasts throughout the year.

The Long Center is another popular venue among community members as it is very convenient to a number of freeways. The center offers a number of plays, musicals and concerts throughout the year. As the center is home to a number of local arts organizations including the Lyric Opera, Ballet Austin and the Austin Symphony orchestra.

Bass Concert Hall, while located at the University of Texas is an awesome venue. The hall features amazing acoustics, world class concerts, school related events, and special events. The venue plays hosts to music, film, ballet and theater productions. In addition, the venue acts as stage and sound for a number of student projects.

A smaller venue Sky Candy is one related more to aerial classes and movement oriented events. Although, the space can be rented by individuals and groups for other events. Still, the most popular event at the space appears to be the aerial scarf dance classes which are offered on a somewhat regular basis. One downfall of the venue is that there is no air conditioning or water, so it is important to bring a water bottle and hydrate when attending classes or events at this space. Due to the lack of air conditioning, the space often hosts classes, events and rental space during the Fall and Winter months.

Some other performance spaces in or near Austin include, the Round Rock Performing Arts Center which hosts a number of concerts and the Zachary Scott Theater, which is most likely one of the longest running community theaters based in the city. The Zachary Scott generally presents a number of plays and productions on a year round basis. Lastly, when perusing the local entertainment area of 6th Street, Esther's Follies offers a performance which is often unforgettable. Often based on current events and politics, the players at this long run comedic theater take audiences on a trip of laughter akin to no other.




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