Austin Chronicle 'Best of' 2016, Theatre-Related, November 10, 2016
AUSTIN CHRONICLE ‘Best of’ 2016
November 10 2016
(full listing at Austin Chronicle online)
CRITICS:
Best New Look for an Old Play: Hamlet by Sarah Presson/Eye Like Design
Whether created by some talented amateur that a company's lucky enough to have among its members, or by a longtime professional who's generous enough to work a pro bono gig, the visual components promoting shows in this town are almost as important as the show itself. To wit: Sarah Presson's stark, stunning design for Present Company's performed-with-flashlights-in-the-dark production of Hamlet. While capturing the spirit of the Bard, Presson managed to avoid 400-plus years of visual cliches used to illustrate one of his most famous works. We suggest that no poster was so powerfully evocative in 2016.
Eye Like Design: 911 Tillery, 731/695-4285 www.eyelikedesign.com
Best Truly Odd Comedy Venue: The Institution Theater
When improv vet Tom Booker founded the Institution Theater in 2007, it didn't quite live up to its name. Heck, it didn't even have a dedicated performance space. But nine years later, not only does it still survive, it has become an indispensable part of Austin's comedy landscape – emerging as an incubator for the city's best performers to hone their craft.
3708 Woodbury, 512/895-9580 www.theinstitutiontheater.com
READERS:
Best Actor/Actress: Kaci Beeler
Kaci is simultaneously the most unique and relatable actor I've had the pleasure of seeing. She brings so much depth, joy, and passion to her work and I genuinely believe, with all my heart, that she's changing the world with her craft. – Caiti Ward
Best Choreographer: Allison Orr
Allison's portfolio of work across an amazing spectrum of different communities – from sanitation workers to arborists to Goodwill employees – demonstrates that her choreography transcends dance, changes lives, and strengthens community. – Michele Martell
Forklift Danceworks 2023 Cesar Chavez, 512/222-5287 www.forkliftdanceworks.org
Best Performance Space/Theatre: Paramount Theatre
I know this seems kind of silly but I love their bathrooms. In the women's there is like a "powder room" area with just lights and seating. I imagine it like in the early 1900s when women would go to freshen up. Like you read in a book. – Shireen Connor
713 Congress, 512/472-5470, www.austintheatre.org
Best Repertory Theatre [sic]: Alamo Drafthouse
The absolute Mecca for film aficionados! Obsessed with this place and totally tell all my visitors about it. Really appreciate how they cater to movie fans and the entire movie-going experience. – Alison Alcantara
Multiple locations, www.drafthouse.com/austin
Best Theatre Director: Jenny Larson
Jenny has been creating and producing amazing work in Austin for years! So happy to see her recognized this year! – Adrienne Dawes
Jenny Larson, creative director, Salvage Vanguard Theater www.salvagevanguard.org