The Vortex

The East Side of Austin has become a haven for experimental theatre productions and other performance that lives on the fringe. With an intimate, multipurpose stage and a sprawling sideyard, the Vortex is a welcome space for artists from all walks of life. Artistic Director Bonnie Cullum has cultivated longstanding relationships with artists across the globe, and the Vortex is often their first choice for their stops in Austin.

Fire dancers, aerialists, performance artists and puppeteers are all common to this venue, and the audiences are generally game for a more visceral experience than your typical theatergoers. At the same time, daytime activities are often family friendly and include many weekend activities for the kids.

Sidenote: The lobby of the theatre has been transformed into a 1920's-themed speakeasy called The Butterfly Bar which is open for business 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. throughout the week, regardless of show schedules.