VORTEX SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM
Founded in 1991, the award winning Summer Youth Theatre (SYT) provides tuition-free opportunities for teenagers ages 13 to 17. SYT provides students with experiences in all aspects of theatre, including acting, technical theatre, and publicity. The rehearsals culminate in a full production of a play, presented to the public for six performances over two weekends. SYT encourages diversity; students of any ethnicity, heritage, gender, as well as students with disabilities or economic challenges are welcome to audition. The experience enhances self-esteem and creativity, providing an excellent summer activity for Central Texas youth. Former SYT participants have received university scholarships, advanced training, and professional credits.
“Best Theatre for Kids That Treats Kids Like Grownups.”
AUDITIONS & INTERVIEWS MAY OF EVERY YEAR
The VORTEX Summer Youth program is a FREE award-winning, fun and educational summer theatre program for teenagers. Participants are selected without regard to gender, color, ethnicity, economic status, disability, or ability. Theatrical experience is not required. Must make and keep a professional commitment. Rehearsals occur evenings and weekends in June and July.
PAST PERFORMANCES
2023 The Memo
2022 Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play
2021 SYT 2021: Pandemdem Edition
2020 Postponed due to Covid
2019 Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
2018 She Kills Monsters
2017 It Can't Happen Here
2015 Tartuffe
2013 Antigone
2012 Commedia of Errors
B. Iden Payne nomination for Direction: Matthew Patterson
B. Iden Payne nomination for Young Performer: Anissa McVea
B. Iden Payne nomination for Young Performer: Xander Slay-Tamkin
2011 The Physicists
B. Iden Payne Award for Direction of a Play for Youth: Rudy Ramirez
B. Iden Payne Award for Young Performer: Joshua Michael Braun
2010 You Can't Take It With You
B. Iden Payne nomination for Performer in Youth Theatre: Steven Fay
2009 R.U.R. Rossum’s Universial Robots
B. Iden Payne Award for Youth Performance
2008 School for Scandal
2007 Wyrd Sisters
2006 The Visit
B. Iden Payne Award for Youth Performance: Taylor Flanagan
B. Iden Payne Nomination for Ensemble Performance: Avery Ashwill & Ian Stilwell
2005 Vitriol and Violets: Tales from the Algonquin Round Table
B. Iden Payne Award for Youth Actor: Kathleen Fletcher (winner)
2004 The Good Woman of Setzuan
B. Iden Payne Nomination for Outstanding Youth Performer
2003 The Conference of the Birds
2002 Moby Dick
B. Iden Payne Award for Outstanding Direction
B. Iden Payne Award for Youth Actor - Stewart Johnson
B. Iden Payne Award for Youth Actress - Elizabeth Doss
2001 Cyrano de Bergerac
2000 The Frogs
B. Iden Payne Award for Outstanding Direction
B. Iden Payne Nomination for Outstanding Production
B. Iden Payne Nomination for Outstanding Actor - David Saldaña
B. Iden Payne Nomination for Outstanding Actress - Tiffany Nicely-Williams
1999 Machinal
B. Iden Payne Award for Outstanding Sound Design
B. Iden Payne Award for Outstanding Production of a Play for Children
1998 Animal Farm
1997 Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities
The David Mark Cohen New Play Award
1996 The Madwoman of Chaillot
1995 The Insect Comedy
1993 An Enemy of the People
1992 Rhinoceros
1991 The Skin of Our Teeth
1991 Step on a Crack