These theatre companies operate out of many venues — some self-operated, but more are rented on a per-show basis. A list of local theatre venues (spaces) can be found here.

COMPANIES THAT HIRE ACTORS/STAGE MANAGERS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF ACTORS EQUITY:

Austin Playhouse: At 22nd & San Antonio St. in West Campus; Equity Small Professional Theatre (SPT) contracts, also hires non-union

Austin Shakespeare ^ $: Performs at The Rollins Theatre/Long Center, The Curtain Theatre, and Zilker Hillside Theatre; Equity SPT & non-union

Mary Moody Northen Theatre: At St. Edward’s University; University Resident Theatre Association (URTA) and/or Guest Artist Agreement contract

Southwest Theatre Productions: Produces mostly new work; SPT, also hires non-union
ZACH Theatre ^: A three-venue complex on the west side of Lamar just south of the river; Equity Letter of Agreement (LOA), also hires non-union

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Approximately 180 of Austin's 1500 theatre workers are members of Actors Equity Association (AEA). This union represents actors and stage managers. Theatres hiring through AEA contracts must maintain union-specified working conditions, schedules and pay, and contribute to health & pension funds for union members. Find more information about AEA in Austin, the “How To Hire Me” letter for Union actors, and all the unions for performers here. 

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AUSTIN’S TOURING/EXPORTING THEATRE ORGANIZATIONS:

Glass Half Full Theatre ^

Holden & Arts Associates ^

Texas Comedies ^

Seriff Productions (Broadway producers)

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VENUES THAT IMPORT TOURING SHOWS INTO AUSTIN ~ present and generally do not produce:​

Texas Performing Arts: Austin’s cornerstone performing arts organization; multi-venue complex on the UT campus including the 2,900-seat Bass Concert Hall; partners generously with local orgs and artists; sponsors the Heller Awards for Young Artists enabling the winners to attend “The Jimmies” in NYC; home to Broadway Across America tours; led by the magnanimous/fearless Bob Bursey. We love ya, Bob!

The Long Center: This iconic campus is largely a rental or music venue and home to the Opera/Symphony/Ballet. It boasts great views of the city. A few local theatre companies can afford to rent (and fund a security guard) at the smaller venue on this campus, The Rollins Theatre.

The Paramount Theatre ^: Historic venue on Congress Avenue; brings in touring theatre productions for children/families but usually hosts festivals, music, and films. Does produce Story Wranglers, a hilariously fun Literacy to Life theatre company featuring Austin actors performing stories written by local 3rd graders in schools. 

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