SEASON 38 | April 2026
The Happiness Gym™
April 1 - April 19, 2026, 8:00PM
Previews: March 29 - March 31
The Happiness Gym™ is a National New Play Rolling World Premiere conceived and trademarked by Ken Weitzman.
In the designed space of The Happiness Gym™, we will be guided through elegantly simple exercises/experiences that are scientifically designed to boost happiness through three key elements: good news, gratitude, and connection. It’s fun, beneficial, community-building, and ideally, provides a theatrical workout that just may change the way you live the rest of your life.
This world premiere consists of four unique, devised productions at Theatre Lab at Florida Atlantic University, Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, The VORTEX in Austin, and Kitchen Dog Theatre in Dallas.
American Theatre 7/30/2025 "A well-being workout in the happiness gym"
TikTok post by a participant post show
The production of The Happiness Gym™ at The VORTEX is presented in cooperation with Texas State University and is directed and devised by Kara-Lynn Vaeni, head of directing at Texas State. Featuring Yesenia Herrington and devised and performed by Texas State University Theatre BFA students include Abby Littrell, Andrew Dunson, Britney Huguley, Daniela Recabarren, Elise Ray, Eva DeGuelle, Faraz Mobli, Ilela Abimbola, Illiana Perez, Jack Peznol, Liam Arney, Miguel Gaytan, Monica Weaver, Natoz Walker, Nyah Adler, Omari Crocker, Phoebe Hamburge, Presley Batkins, and Ronisha Reneus.
Scenic Design by Ann Marie Gordon. Lighting Design by Patrick Anthony. Costume Design by Keelan Moses. Hair and Makeup Design by Olivia Rose McCain. Sound Design by Johann Solo. Dramaturgy by Insha Iqbal. Stage Management by Jamie Carroll and Tamara L. Farley. Assistant Director: Jaimee Harmon-Taboni. Managing Director, Melissa McKnight. Producing Artistic Director, Bonnie Cullum.