2025-2026 Season, The Vortex, Austin
The Pursuit of Happiness: The VORTEX 2025-26 38th Season
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.
The Bloody Ball: A Vampyre Soirée
Come as your favorite genre of Vampyre for our annual fundraiser.
October 18, 2025
The Blasphemy of a Good Bath
October 23-26, 2025
World premiere written and performed by Austin poet Michael Hatcher.
every.Word poetry.
ASL-interpreted October 25
Malum Malus Samhain
October 30-November 8, 2025
e.coli’s BAIT & HOOK
November 1, 2025 11pm
Late-night Performance art returns once again to The Eloise Stage. Brother Xen & Sister Xyla are hosting a dinner party for YOUR enemies. Curious? Witness the sorcery spectacle of the Xeno Twins (Chad Salvata & Heather Barfield) of the performance art troupe e-coli (if you’ve got the guts, mortal!)
The Target Shoots Back
November 2, 2025
ASL-interpreted
Bold, unflinching spoken word weaving themes of identity,resilience, resistance, and celebration into a powerful journey of reclaiming voice and space. We honor communities that help us survive with pre-show events. Written and Performed by Chibbi. https://www.gemineyesproductions.com/target
Dora's Gently Used Dream Store
November 13-23, 2025
ASL-interpreted November 15
An immersive, one-woman performance that transforms the simple act of dreaming into a shared, tangible experience. Originally created and performed by actor Morgan McKenzie Kauffman for a sold-out run in the 2023 Philadelphia Fringe Festival, The VORTEX presents this interactive one-woman performance as an immersive experience in our intimate Pony Shed in the corner of The Butterfly Garden. Directed by Faith Sanders.
Tammie Brown’s Holiday Sparkle
December 12-13, 2025
The Mutt-Cracker (SWEET!)
December 19-January 3, 2026
ASL-interpreted December 20 and 27
A fresh gaze at this holiday circus fun with rescue canines, world-class juggling by Darren Peterson, music and dance for the whole family. Written and directed by Melissa McKnight
The Wolf You Feed
January 15-February 7, 2026
ASL-interpreted January 17
North American premiere of a new play by Darcy Parker Bruce. Inspired by Where The Wild Things Are, this modern fable tells the story of Max and her relationship with a pack of chaotic punk-influenced wolves. Directed by Chris Fontanes.
MLK Day Poetry Open Mic
Monday, January 19, 2026
Featuring Ebony Stewart
Every.word.poetry Showcase
February 26-March 1, 2026
every.Word poetry.
Garden Party
March 8, 2026
The Happiness Gym
April 1-19, 2026
ASL-interpreted April 4
Compound-wide immersive performance to increase our capacity for happiness. By Ken Weitzman. Directed by Kara-Lynn Vaeni. Presented in cooperation with Texas State University. NNPN Rolling World Premiere with Theatre Lab at Florida Atlantic University, Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, and Kitchen Dog Theater in Dallas.
The Oldest Profession
April 23-27, 2026
ASL-interpreted April 25
Kaytlin Bailey makes her Austin debut with a mad dash through 10,000 years of history from a sex worker’s perspective.
Directed by Katherine Wilkinson.
https://theoldestprofession.org/
Malum Malus Beltane
April 30-May 3, 2026
Angels, Time, and Other things with Wings
May 7-10, 2026
Choreography by Toni Bravo.
Diverse Space Dance Theatre
https://www.tonibravo.com/diverse-space-dance-theatre
Another Kind of Silence
May 21-June 7, 2026
Deaf and hearing characters explore love, life, happiness, and silence in this dynamic new play by LM Feldman. Directed by Monique Holt. A bilingual collaboration between deaf and hearing artists and audiences.
NNPN Rolling World Premiere with City Theatre in Pittsburgh and Curious Theatre Company in Denver.
Queer Black Emancipation Poetry Slam
Date TBA
Hosted by Ebony Stewart
Juneteenth Free Verse
June 18-19, 2026
every.Word.poetry
Summer Underground
July 24-August 1, 2026
ASL-interpreted July 25
World premiere play by Austin playwright Marissa Castañón-Hernandez. Directed by Blaise Ricin. Set in the Austin future with oppressive heat, environmental and class issues determine who gets water and shelter.
Summer Youth Theatre.
Malum Malus Lammas
August 6-9
fire work
September 3-26
ASL-interpreted September 12
A darkly humorous dystopian fantasy by Mary Glen Fredrick. Directed by Bonnie Cullum. Lighting Design by Jason Amato. Factory days and firework nights blur as rebellion sparks in a haunting fable of revolution. Eat the Rich!
NNPN Rolling World Premiere with Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City and Theatre Alliance in Washington D.C.
