SUMMER STOCK AUSTIN

Austin’s tuition-free summer theatre company for emerging artists.

Black and white halftone illustration of a hand holding a megaphone against a black background.

For more than 20 years, Summer Stock Austin has brought together exceptional high school and college artists with professional theatre-makers to create ambitious, professional-caliber musical theatre in Austin.

Produced by Impact Arts in partnership with Texas Performing Arts, SSA gives young artists the rare opportunity to train, perform, design, build, and work alongside industry professionals as part of a true repertory company.

22 SEASONS • 90+ YOUNG ARTISTS ANNUALLY • 5,700+ AUDIENCE MEMBERS IN 2026 • NO TUITION

Produced at McCullough Theatre in partnership with Texas Performing Arts on the University of Texas campus.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
EXPLORE PAST SEASONS
AUDITION / APPLY
A group of young people performing on stage, wearing cowboy hats and western-style clothing, with their heads bowed and hands adjusting their hats.
Group of performers on stage celebrating with various national flags, set resembles a lively multicultural neighborhood scene.
Group of performers on stage with 1950s-1950s style clothing, dancing and singing with expressive faces and energetic movements.
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 is a tuition-free summer theatre company where emerging artists work side-by-side with professional directors, designers, choreographers, musicians, technicians, and educators to create large-scale musical theatre. Produced by Impact Arts in partnership with Texas Performing Arts.

Each summer, high school and college participants become part of a true stock company—performing onstage while also gaining hands-on experience behind the scenes. The result is an intensive artistic experience that combines professional-caliber production with mentorship, collaboration, and real-world training.

Since its founding in Austin, SSA has helped generations of young artists develop the skills, confidence, and professional relationships that carry into college, careers, and creative lives.

Learn about the Application Process
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)