Curtain up

Houston Theater Week spotlights BOGO tickets to more than 230 shows

Houston has a wealth of arts organizations, offering performances of everything from avant garde theatre to classical music to multiple genres of dance. Even the most art-obsessed Houstonians may feel overwhelmed at deciding which performances to attend, especially if they're on a budget.

Thankfully, a popular program helps newbie arts lovers and longtime patrons alike. Houston Theater Week 2024 offers buy-one-get-one-free deals for more than 230 performing arts programs for the upcoming 2024-2025 arts season. Sponsored by the Houston First Corporation, the event, which runs from August 12 to 18, is a chance for Houstonians to explore performances by 22 professional performing arts organizations.

“Houston’s annual Theater Week is making a difference for both patrons and our arts organizations," Theater District Houtson's Hillary Hart said in a statement. "Not only does the revenue generated through ticket sales keep artists and other creative professionals working, it strengthens our already vibrant theater scene and exposes new audiences to a range of cultural performances by some of the best talent in the world at a discount."

Among the organizations participating this year are 4th Wall Theatre Co., Alley Theatre, Apollo Chamber Players, Chamber Music Houston, DaCamera, Dirt Dogs Theatre Co., Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Symphony, Jazz Houston, Kinetic Ensemble, Main Street Theater, Mercury Chamber Orchestra, Performing Arts Houston, Rec Room Arts, ROCO, Stages, the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, TUTS, and more.

$\u200bThe Alley Theatre Presents A Christmas Carol$ Get tickets to the Alley Theatre Presents A Christmas Carol Photo by Lynn Lane

So, whether audiences are looking for Mozart, Motown or Mariachi, they'll find something exciting to experience.

They can select from multiple shows, including the Alley's beloved holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol, or a new production of Disney's Frozen, presented by TUTS. Houston Grand Opera brings its colorful Cinderella back to the Wortham Theater Center stage.

Jazz Houston celebrates icon Sarah Vaughan's centennial with Sarah Vaughan at 100!, and the Rec Room mounts the coming-of-age musical Spring Awakening. ROCO's 20th anniversary season offers three commissioned world premieres, and the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts brings back its Live at the Founders Club series, along with All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Main Street Theater launches the world premiere of Memoriam, an exploration of memory and what we owe to future generations. The Jerusalem Quartet returns to Chamber Music Houston's concert hall at Rice University, and the Houston Symphony's Hansel and Gretel & Don Quixote is a concert of classical music inspired by fairy tales, legend, and adventure.

“A dynamic performing arts community is one of Houston’s strongest assets," said Michael Heckman, president and CEO of Houston First Corporation. "Houston is fortunate to have a thriving industry that is vital to the city’s economy. We expect Theater Week to help us keep it that way."

Houston Grand Opera's production of Cinderella.

Photo by Todd Rosenberg

Houston Grand Opera presents Cinderella as part of its 2024-2025 season.

performing-arts deals

let's open this house

Houston Theater District's free, family friendly event returns in March

Photo courtesy of Theater District Houston

undefined

Houstonians looking for fun, free activities in March can take part in the ExxonMobil Theater District Open House on Monday, March 9 in downtown Houston from 11 am to 3:30 pm. Attendees can expect free performances, hands-on activities, and special promotions from a variety of arts groups.

Among the planned events are an enriching, interactive, family workshop with an Ailey Arts in Education Teaching Artist, hosted by Performing Arts Houston. The Houston Ballet II will perform excerpts from Sleeping Beauty and other ballets. DaCamera will perform jazz and chamber music in Lynn Wyatt Square and the Center for Dance. Theatre Under the Stars will host interactive musical theater workshops at the Hobby Center. The event concludes at 3 pm with a free concert by the Houston Symphony. A full listing of activities is on the event website.

“This event is a powerful reminder of Houston’s position as an international cultural destination and our shared pride in the arts,” said chair of the Houston Theater District Board of Directors Meg Booth. “The variety of theaters, performing arts organizations and cultural diversity is on display and completely free for guests of all ages to explore — whether that’s a backstage tour, a performance or a hands-on activity for kids.”

Venues like the Alley Theatre, Jones Hall, the Wortham Theater Center, and others will be open for attendees to explore and learn more about the arts presenters who perform there and what it takes to be on stage.

Food trucks will be available throughout the district and concessions are available for purchase at the Hobby Center, Wortham Theater Center, Jones Hall, Lynn Wyatt Square, and Alley Theatre Skylight Lounge.

Parking is available at the Hobby Center, the Lyric Garage, and Theater District garages.

In 2025, the event resumed for the first time since 2019, drawing nearly 7,500 participants. Organizers are hoping for even more visitors this year.

“This event isn't just a part of Houston, it’s part of family histories, too,” said Houston Theater District executive director Craig Hauschildt. “Last year, we heard from parents who first attended in the ‘90s and were returning with their own kids. Every visit is an opportunity to continue that tradition.”

performing-arts family friendly

Curtain up

Houston Theater Week spotlights BOGO tickets to more than 230 shows

let's open this house

Houston Theater District's free, family friendly event returns in March

Promising Houston restaurant's surprise shutter leads our top stories

Cult-favorite chicken and waffle restaurant opens in Houston this weekend

The Rustic owners tee up new casual icehouse at Fifth Ward golf course