SUMMER STOCK AUSTIN

A vibrant stage musical performance with performers dressed in colorful, green-themed costumes, holding umbrellas and posing confidently.

WHAT IS SUMMER STOCK AUSTIN?

Summer Stock Austin (SSA) has been stunning audiences for 20 seasons, bringing true musical theatre repertory experiences to Austin’s summertime entertainment scene. Running two to three professional-caliber musicals in rep each summer and producing an original movie musical, SSA is integral to the local arts community.

Every year SSA brings together a vibrant mix of high school performers, college students, and season professionals from across the nation, redefining expectations and setting the standards for excellence in theatrical productions that showcase the immense potential of our youth.

As the only program of its kind, SSA provides a level playing field for talented young performers, emphasizing inclusivity and access to high-quality arts education. With hands-on training in performance, production, marketing, and fundraising, SSA prepares participants for success in the arts and beyond, nurturing future leaders and advocates for the arts community.

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People in colorful vintage dresses and clothing dancing joyfully on a grassy field with trees in the background, while a cameraman records.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

  • There is no tuition fee for our participants who are selected solely on the basis of their demonstrated talent, promise, and character.

  • As part of a “stock” company, each one of our participants has the opportunity to perform, design, build, and assist with every aspect of our theatrical productions- all within the same season!

  • 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.

We are actively seeking people of all races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, and sexual orientation.

Earn College Credit While You Do What You Love!

Summer Stock Austin participants now have an exciting opportunity to earn college credit through a partnership with Austin Community College (ACC). This unique option lets you combine your passion for the arts with academic achievement, making your summer experience even more impactful.

Immerse yourself in professional-quality productions, grow as an artist, and take a step toward your academic goals—all at the same time. This collaboration sets Summer Stock Austin apart as a program that truly invests in your future!

What Young Artists Are Saying

  • Two young actors on stage, one girl with a flower crown and colorful outfit, and one boy with a surprised expression, wearing casual clothing, standing close with the girl's arm around the boy.

    “My experience with Summer Stock Austin has given me hope, and allowed me to see that I have potential greater than what I ever imagined. I am happy to say that I am now studying musical theatre at the University of Oklahoma, where I was cast in Thoroughly Modern Millie as a freshman this year. I am excited to return to SSA this summer!”

    — Lena Owens (Into the Woods, Tortoise & Hare)

  • A group of young men performing a dance on stage with a cityscape backdrop. They are dressed in casual clothing and are raising their arms in a choreographed motion.

    “I have met some of the most amazing people in the world, and on top of that I got to work with those amazing people to create a story and a product that changes people’s lives when they come to see it and Summer Stock Austin has given me that opportunity over and over again.”

    — Donelvan Thigpen (Legally Blonde, Swing, Chicago, Footloose, Into the Woods, Tortoise & Hare)

  • Actor kneeling next to a large puppet of a white horse with pink and black details, set against a dark background.

    “I have made so many great friends. Even as one of the youngest members of the company, I became best friends with some of the oldest. I was treated with the same respect no matter my age. Additionally, through SSA I have received an understanding of how much work goes into the “behind the scenes” of each production. I have a tremendous amount of appreciation and respect for those who specialize in the specific fields of production, since I’ve had to “play that role”. I’m thankful for the opportunities SSA has given me. I am currently attending Elon University as a Musical Theatre Major.”

    — Matthew Moore (Legally Blonde, Chess, Swing, Pippin, Into the Woods)