MISSION

To enrich the human experience by producing classic American musicals and plays. To educate, prepare and promote exceptional talent to achieve their fullest as artists, leaders, and global citizens.

VISION

To be an arts education and performance center where art and artists of all disciplines are WELCOMED and CELEBRATED and NURTURED.

IMPACT

2021-2023

97 Performances

207 Jobs Created

195 Class & Camps

100% Creatives Paid

1,238 Enrollments

7,757 Patrons

1 Academy

1 Black Box Theatre

The 2021 - 2022 fiscal year was our first year back to 100% in-person learning and performances. We were happy to not only bring Lake Travis residents together, but also attract a significant number of visitors throughout Texas and the nation to share in live events that may be touching, educational, thought-provoking, amusing or simply entertaining. Over 70% of our patrons attend shows from outside of Lakeway (27% visit from outside the Austin MSA). We project that we create ~$400,000 positive impact for the Lakeway hospitality industry each year.

TexARTS attracts theater goers from across the country and even Canada! Our patronage represents 2 countries, 18 states and 192 unique zip codes. 70% of our attendees are from outside of Lakeway and 27% from outside the Austin MSA.

TexARTS also attracts talent from around the country and central Texas. Over the last two years we employed 207 creatives to instruct the students in the academy, direct shows, build shows, design lights and market the shows, just to name a few roles. We partner with local universities and high schools to give early in career artists an opportunity to work alongside professionals, creating experiences and connections to help them progress in their careers. TexARTS deliberately brings in Directors and Choreographers from New York to mount our professional series to deliver high quality productions and create connections to the New York scene. We were also fortunate to have 2 grammy award winners take our stage in the last 2 years. The best part of the story is that many that have worked with TexARTS seek to return.

HISTORY

TexARTS Association for the Visual and Performing Arts was founded in 2005 by Broadway veteran Robin Lewis and former Martha Graham Dance Company & School director Todd Dellinger. From its earliest years, TexARTS established a strong artistic footprint, producing professional productions such as Carousel, Damn Yankees, Always… Patsy Cline, and I’ll Be Seeing You. The organization initially staged many of its professional shows at the historic Paramount Theatre while offering youth theatre education programs in the Lohman’s Crossing area of Lakeway.

Over the past 20 years, TexARTS has become a cultural cornerstone for the Lake Travis region. Our academy provides comprehensive performing arts training for young artists through technique classes in voice, acting, and dance; musical theatre performance opportunities; and robust summer programming. Each academic year, TexARTS fully produces and costumes multiple youth and teen musicals. These productions are significant investments, but they offer students invaluable hands-on experience across all elements of theatre-making and cultivate the skills and discipline of emerging performers.

During our tenure, we have served thousands of students—many of whom have gone on to collegiate arts programs and successful careers. TexARTS alumni can be found on Broadway, in national and international tours, on television and film sets, in commercial work, and behind the scenes as designers, technicians, and educators. Many began their artistic journey in our summer camps and youth productions, continued into advanced technique classes, and ultimately discovered their passion and professional path through TexARTS.

In addition to education, TexARTS produces a full Professional Theatre Season in our own theatre. Now in its twentieth season, our professional productions have included shows such as Guys and Dolls, Honky Tonk Laundry, and Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. To date, TexARTS has produced more than 100 professional productions and employs hundreds of creative professionals each season, including actors, musicians, designers, technicians, stage managers, directors, choreographers, and administrative staff. We are proud to support the artistic workforce and to contribute meaningfully to the region’s cultural and economic vitality.