2026-2027 Theatre Season, The Vortex, Austin
The VORTEX announces our 39th Season of Liberation as a beacon of artistic hope with dozens of original performances and world premiere plays. We conjure urgent, unashamed, edge-walking art to create action in a shifting age, embracing diverse communities, breaking down barriers, and elevating inclusive discourse from our cultural harbor in Austin. We enliven humanity with our magical green new theatre on The Eloise Stage and in our Butterfly Bar and Garden where friends and family join together for the complete experience of drinks, dinner, and a show at our unique destination. www.vortexrep.org
every.Word Poetry Open Mic
The first 3 Mondays of every month on the Garden Stage.
https://www.thepoethouse.org/every-word-poetry
fire work by Mary Glen Fredrick
September 6-26, 2026
NNPN Rolling World Premiere of a dystopian comedy blazing with revolution, fireworks, and “Eat the Rich” games. Directed by Bonnie Cullum. Production Design by Jason Amato.
The Bloody Ball
October 24, 2026 8pm-1am
A one-night dark carnival for creatures of the night.
18+
Malum Malus Samhain Oct 29-Nov 7, 2026
Mystical occult burlesque with Samhain themes. Curated by Blaise Ricin.
18+
Ray Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes
November 13-December 5, 2026
Dark fantasy and horror with carnival and puppets. Directed by Melissa McKnight.
A Different Stages Production
Tammie Brown’s Holiday Sparkle Dec 11-12, 2026
Full Gallop Productions
18+
The Mutt-Cracker (SWEET!)
December 18-January 2, 2027
Holiday circus fun for the whole family with rescue canines, world-class juggling by Darren Peterson, music and dance.
Written and directed by Melissa McKnight
The Trial: A Funhouse Mirror Reflection of Race in America
January 14-February 7, 2027
The Trial by Franz Kafka, written and directed by Charles P. Stites.
A fresh new version of one of Le Monde’s Top 100 Books of the 20th Century,
MLK Day Poetry Open Mic January 18, 2027
Hosted by Ebony Stewart.
Produced with every.Word Poetry.
Tim Miller’s A BODY IN THE O
February 26-28, 2027
Join legendary performance artist, queer activist, educator, and long-time VORTEX friend, Tim Miller for his performance. Climb along inside the O of the Hollywood sign.
“For an entire generation of queer artists working in the experimental theater world—including me—Tim Miller led the way. His imagination, daring and vision continue to inspire us.”
—Moisés Kaufman, author of The Laramie Project
"Tim Miller sings that song of the self which interrogates, with explosive, exploding, subversive joy and freedom, the constitution and borderlines of selfhood. You think you don't need to hear such singing? You do! You must!"
—Tony Kushner, author of Angels in America
OUTsider Fest : DREAMING US INTO BEING
March 5-7, 2027
Austin-based transmedia non-profit that celebrates the bold originality and creative nonconformity of the LGBTQ+ communities through the presentation of provocative, overlooked, and out-of-the-box film, dance, theater, performance art, music, writing and visual art. 18+
Garden Party
Saturday, March 13, 2027 2-10pm
Learn about different flora and fauna and replenish the Butterfly Garden during this family friendly environmental extravaganza.
Syntax Error: The Quickening of A.I.
March 19-27, 2027
EFF Party March 20
A multi-media exploration of Artificial Intelligence.
Created by Dr. Heather L. Barfield with the ensemble.
Partnering with Sapien Ceremonies and Electronic Frontier Foundation-Austin
Underground
April 3-18, 2027
By Lisa B. Thompson
10-year anniversary of this stunning production starring Marc Pouhé and Jeffrey “Da’Shade” Johnson. Directed by Jeremy Rashad Brown.
Malum Malus Beltane
April 29-May 9, 2027
Mystical occult burlesque with Beltane themes. Curated by Blaise Ricin. 18+
Chasing the Feeling
May 13-16, 2027
Family-friendly original dance choreographed by Toni Bravo
Diverse Space Dance Theatre
https://www.tonibravo.com/diverse-space-dance-theatre
Amaging! Age is More Than Just a Number ~ It’s A Story!
May 20-22, 2027
World Famous *BOB* curates and directs stories written and told by Queer Elders.
Partnering with Rainbow Connections ATX, a program of Family Eldercare.
Wizard of dOgZ
May 27-June 12, 2027
Family-friendly, live entertainment starring our favorite rescue canines, created by the makers of The Mutt-Cracker (SWEET!). Puppies, Puppets, Aerial Art, Juggling, Circus Acts, Original Music, and more!
Written and directed by Melissa McKnight
Queer Black Emancipation Slam
June 2027
Hosted by Ebony Stewart
Romulus the Great by Friedrick Dürrenmatt
July 23-31, 2027
The Emperor Romulus greedily ruins his crumbling kingdom.
Adapted and Directed by Insha Iqbal.
Summer Youth Theatre
Malum Malus Lammas
August 5-8, 2027
Mystical occult burlesque with Lammas themes. Curated by Blaise Ricin. 18+
Next Stop by CB Feller and Griffen McDonald
September 10-October 2, 2027
With a soundscape that pulses like pavement under tires, Next Stop drives into the heart of systemic inequity with the folks we meet on the bus.
Directed by Bonnie Cullum with Musical Direction by Tyler Mabry.
