The Summer Stock Austin program is unique for a number of reasons. First of all, there is no tuition fee for our college and high school participants who are selected solely on the basis of their demonstrated talent, promise, and character. Second, as part of a “stock” company, each of our participants performs, designs, builds, and assists with every aspect of a theatrical production. Finally, our participants have the opportunity to work side by side with University faculty as well as theatre professionals from Austin and around the country. Our high school students get a taste of theatre at the college level, and our college students gain entry into the world of professional theatre. To our knowledge, this is the only program of its kind in the United States.
The summer of 2005 was an exciting time for theatre in Central Texas. St. Edward’s University, Zilker Theatre Productions, and Austin Shakespeare Festival joined forces to create the first ever Summer Stock Austin! SSA provided an opportunity for Central Texas high school and college students to work together on performances that left Austin audiences dancing to the songs of Footloose and savoring the wit and charm of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. It was a bold step in an exciting new journey.