Students of all experience levels are welcomed to shine onstage this summer during the free Summer Theatre Series program from the Austin ISD Visual & Performing Arts Department. Current fifth through 12th-grade students are invited to try out as actors, dancers, technicians and musicians. Audition help is available, and no experience is required.

The program dates are June 14 through July 26. Rehearsals take place at the Austin ISD Performing Arts Center. Interested students need to complete the audition form by May 1. There will be an Audition Workshop and Q&A session on Thursday, April 29 at 5 p.m.

“This summer program will allow students to create lifelong memories,” Jessica Champion, the Summer Theater Series program coordinator, said. “Students will grow as members of an ensemble and develop their inner artist as they explore theatre in a safe and inclusive environment. We are excited to see our students back on stage!”

This year the program will feature three shows: two in-person productions and one virtual one-act play. The in-person musical production will be “Mama Mia.” The in-person black box studio production will be “Still Life With Iris.” The virtual one-act play title will be announced soon.

Additionally, free lunches will be available for the student participants. All participants in the in-person productions will be expected to adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols throughout the program.

Several transportation options will be provided for participating students, including a daily bus running to and from Bedichek Middle School, carpools and free city bus passes available through the Kids Ride Free program with Capital Metro. City bus locations are located at the corner of Mueller Boulevard and Barbara Jordan Boulevard, and across from Dell Children’s Hospital.

"We are thrilled to be able to offer these free summer programs for AISD students each year, and we are especially excited to welcome students back this summer with both in-person and virtual options this summer," said AISD performing arts director Alan Lambert. "We know our students and our community look forward to these programs as much as we do, and we continue to expand on them each year. We are thrilled to add transportation options and lunches this year to better serve our students, and we look forward to seeing the results of their hard work, talents, and fun!"

For access to audition materials and more information, please contact Jessica Champion at jessica.champion@austinisd.org or visit the Austin ISD Arts Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.