The Rollins Studio Theatre can’t help but invite in the weird, the niche, and the unexpected. From the local favorites like Graham Reynolds Ruins the Holidays, to the nationally touring performing feline group, The Amazing Acro-Cats, the Rollins doesn’t flinch at the offbeat.
This smaller performance space can seat around 200 and is often thought of as playing a supporting role to the grand and expansive Dell Hall’s 2400+ capacity. But despite its humbler appearances, the Rollins Theatre is every bit as important to the community.
Our black box theatre can be transformed into just about anything, creating a unique and versatile space that gives a home to Austin’s experimental, zany, and… particular performances. “We can host a film screening one day, and then an immersive art installation the next,” says Sam Trottier, Programming Manager at the Long Center, who spends much of her time working on shows in the Rollins. “That flexibility and customizability allows us to book all types of events, giving the artists and organizations in our community a blank canvas to bring their vision to life.”
Shows in the Rollins feel more personal for both performers and audiences alike. A recent multimedia performance, Witness by Tamir Kalifa, showcased photographs Kalifa captured through his work as a journalist paired with original songs about the people he met along the way. “This show felt really special in Rollins because of its intimate setting,” Sam recounts, “You could feel the emotion in the room.” The space is programmed with connection, education, and discovery in mind, leading the LC to some unexpected spaces – like the realm of SCIENCE, for instance.
Science might not be the first thing you think of when thinking about the Long Center for the Performing Arts, but in the Rollins, it’s a no brainer. We love an arts and science crossover, evident in past shows like The Moth Project, and ongoing series like Reel Science, our documentary and lecture series in partnership with UT College of Natural Sciences.
During the spring and fall, Reel Science provides audiences with a science themed documentary screening covering topics including meteors, DNA, caves, our brains, and more. Following the film is a discussion and Q&A with real scientists who study the topics highlighted in the film. “Partnering with UT’s College of Natural Science for our Reel Science series is a great example of how we bring educational and engaging events and experiences to our community,” says Sam. “This series makes sense for our performing arts center because each film is artful and deeply human.”
And speaking of working with prestigious scientific institutions, one of the science greats, National Geographic Live, is bringing a show to this space. On October 5, photographer and wilderness conservation advocate Jaime Rojo is presenting never-before-seen photos and videos capturing his study of the monarch butterflies’ winter migration to the forests of Mexico, and the conservationists and scientists helping this species avoid threats. With immersive visual arts and the exploration of a subject like insects, this show is one that fits the Rollins like a latex glove (you know, because science).
Across Austin’s creative community, the Rollins is for shows that may not fit into a typical venue: multimedia performances, ambitious projects that require a little more production and creativity to bring to life, or performances that really benefit from an intimate setting.
For all Austinites curious about seeing something out of the ordinary, learning something you didn’t know before, and connecting with a community who’s equally as into weird stuff as they are, the Rollins Theatre is the place for you. Check out what’s on, and come get weird with us!
COMING UP IN THE ROLLINS THEATRE
OCTOBER 5 – National Geographic Live: An Evening with Jaime Rojo
OCTOBER 14 – Reel Science: The American Southwest
OCTOBER 16 – Gauri B: Years in the Breaking
NOVEMBER 5 – Reel Science: Particle Fever
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
We’re having a party! Our annual celebration of our mission to build communities through creative expression where we throw a FREE community bash and open house is right around the corner. Part block party, part arts fest, this day is all about honoring co-founder Dr. Teresa Lozano Long‘s vision of making the arts accessible to all. Right here, we’ve got your guide for all things Community Day so you’re prepared to explore the Long Center on September 19th. Read on for the goods!
LEARN MORE ABOUT TERESA >>
First off, get to know how it all started by learning a bit about Terry and what she was all about! She passed away in 2021, but her legacy lives on in the Long Center and beyond.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Saturday, September 19 | 12pm-4pm
Doors Open @ 12pm ➡️ RSVP HERE
Indoors AND Outdoors
All Ages
Come prepared for a full day of performances & activities with friends from all over town.
WHO’S GONNA BE THERE
You of course, and plenty of other cool neighbors, plus performing arts groups, service organizations, food trucks, and more! Here’s the full lineup 👇
ATX Artists for Social Impact
Austin Opera’s Resident Stars
Austin Shakespeare
Austin Soundwaves
Ballet Austin’s Rhythm on Stage
Ballet Folklorico de Austin
BubblePalooza presented by H‑E‑B
Center for Child Protection
Creative Action
El Buen Samaritano
Frost Bank
Girl Empowerment Network
Girls on the Run ATX
HAAM
Headcount
Hi How Are You Project
Keep Austin Fed
KMFA
Musicians of the Austin Symphony Orchestra
Not On Our Watch
Oxfam America
Preston Lab
RuckusATX with Country Fried Dance
Social Cycling Austin
Swift Fit Social
The Underground Roller Disco
Women and Their Work
All of the Long Center’s spaces will be full of activity on Community Day – including the Terrace! Kicking things off with line dancing led by RuckusATX and Country Fried Dance, followed by an outdoor roller rink with The Underground Roller Disco (don’t forget to bring your skates!), there will be tons to do with a skyline view. Plus, Bubblepalooza is back with familiar, “pop-up” style fun, all day long. 🫧
Ballet Austin will host their crowd-favorite program Rhythm on Stage on the Meredith Stage in Dell Hall. That’s right, you’ll be able to experience what it’s like to perform on the same stage as Ballet Austin! This all-ages activity welcomes the entire family for a free class, taught by Kerin Martinez, instructor from Ballet Austin’s Butler Center for Dance & Fitness. Dance experience is not required, but a positive attitude is. 😉
Musicians of the Austin Symphony — Douglas Harvey, cello & Alex Maynegre-Torra, piano — will also treat us to some classics in Dell Hall, and Austin Opera’s Resident Stars — tenor Lucas Hickman, mezzo Aviana Burkepile, and pianist Maimy Fong will also dazzle from the stage.
What a treat to have all of our Founding Resident Companies with us on the same day!
WHAT WILL THERE BE TO DO
There’s no shortage of things to do on Community Day! On top of performances going on inside and BubblePalooza outside, we’ve also got a full list of activities for ya:
📝 Explore all the Long Center’s nooks and crannies while completing a scavenger hunt or taking a backstage tour (check in at the Long Center table for those)
🧘 Chill out during Family Yoga with Swift Fit Social
✂️ Make a craft or play a game in the KIDosky Family Zone with Creative Action
🎟️ Visit our Box Office to learn about our Community Day ticket deals
🕺 Scoot, boogie, and line dance with RuckusATX and Country Fried Dance
🛼 BYO skates and join The Underground Roller Disco on the Terrace
🌟 Drop by the Long Center table to pick up some merch and learn about Membership
🤝 Chat with some local orgs working to make a difference in our Partner Showcase
🍔 Grab a bite at one of many food trucks
🥂 Sip a drink and enjoy the vibes
All of our inside and outside spaces will be open, so the choice is yours if you want some fresh air and sunshine or sweet, sweet air conditioning.
WHAT DO MEMBERS GET?
We love our Long Center Members! Because of their support, we’re able to put on free events like Teresa Lozano Long Community Day.
Members are invited to a pre-bash brunch and get early entry to the day’s activities.
And starting now until September 19 at 4pm, you can take advantage of our Community Day Membership Deal and get Long Center Fan level Membership for only $199! You’ll get access to the Member Brunch, plus tons of other Member perks like presale access, invites to our Member Lounges, and exclusive events curated just for members.
To learn more about Membership, click the button below or swing by the Long Center table during Community Day.
HEADS UP – ROAD CLOSURES
Beginning on 9/1/2026, the Northern most Westbound Lane of Riverside Dr. (in red) will be closed, so there might be a slight detour to Community Day fun!
The Valet/Circle Drive/PEC Garage Riverside Entrance will remain accessible via eastbound Riverside Dr. by turning right from S Lamar Blvd. or Lee Barton Dr.
During construction, we recommend utilizing the Barton Springs entrance of the PEC garage – it may require a longer walk but will help reduce congestion.
Stay updated on road closure notices by visiting the Directions & Parking page on our website.
FAQs
This event is totally, 100%, absolutely free! You can now “pay what you want” — if you’d like to pass a few bucks on to Community Day to support free local programming, that’d be rad! If you’d still like to attend for free, we’ll be happy to see you there.
RSVPs are appreciated so we know to expect you, but not required.
You bet it is! We’ve teamed up with our friends at Creative Action to curate a kids-only zone called KIDosky on the Mezzanine Level. It’ll be chock-full of games, crafts, and more. Just be sure to stick with your kiddo; KIDosky is not a drop off area.
We’ll also have the return of BubblePalooza outside all day, thanks to our sponsor H-E-B.
Properly identified service animals are welcome inside and out. Otherwise, please leave your pets at home for this one.
Nope, but food and beverage will be available to purchase onsite.
For water, you can bring in 1 sealed water bottle or an empty reusable one to fill up!
Heads up! The Northern most Westbound Lane of Riverside Dr. will be closed for construction.
Parking is available at the Palmer Events Center Parking Garage, located at 900 Barton Springs Road. There are two entrances to the garage, one at Riverside Drive and South First Street near the Long Center’s Circular Drive, and one on Barton Springs Road adjacent to the Palmer Events Center main entrance.
During construction, we recommend utilizing the Barton Springs entrance of the PEC garage – it may require a longer walk but will help reduce congestion.
Mobility Impaired/Accessible Parking is available in the Palmer Events Center Parking Garage on all levels near the elevators. Please see the Accessibility section of our website for more information, including drop-off location.
Complimentary Garage Parking is available to vehicles with any of the following specialty license plates: Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, Army Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Medal of Honor, and Legion of Merit Medal, Purple Heart, Pearl Harbor Survivors, and Prisoners of War (House Bill 618 and City Code Section 12-3-8).
Check out our Directions and Parking page for more details.
Better yet, bike, walk, carpool, or ride share!
You betcha! Stop by the Long Center table in the Orchestra Lobby to make a donation, pick up a piece of LC merch, or become a Member. You can also check out the Support Us section of our website to see all the ways to can help.
OTHER LC HAPPENINGS
We’ve got a full calendar here at the Long Center. There’s something for everyone – check out our upcoming shows and events (and don’t forget about our special Community Day ticket deals)!
Plus, check out our Long Center merch! Swing by the Membership table at Community Day or any other Long Center show to pick up a hat, sticker, or a t-shirt and help support community events.
We can’t wait to see you on September 19! The Long Center is always yours, but especially on Teresa Lozano Long Community Day 💜
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again — we’ve got the COOLEST community partners.
These are Austin’s friendly neighborhood nonprofits and organizations that do awesome things all around town that support the community, and who frequently work with the Long Center through collaborations and activations at our shows and events. As a nonprofit ourselves, these partnerships mean the world to us, and are a big part of what makes our mission of making the arts accessible to Austinites possible. And for Creative Action, we know the feeling is mutual.
Creative Action is an Austin-based nonprofit whose mission is to empower young people through the arts. Providing arts education across after school programs, day camps and summer camps, and clubs, Creative Action reaches children of all ages, serving 16,000+ members of the community in the 2025-2026 year, and they’re also a staple of Teresa Lozano Long Community Day at the LC!
Transforming the Kodosky Donor Lounge into KIDosky, an arts and crafts oasis for children of all ages, Creative Action has played a key role in making Community Day fun and special since year one.
With the fourth annual Community Day approaching on September 19, we wanted to dive into all things Creative Action and had Noel “Curly Fries” Gaulin, Senior Director of Community Engagement & Family Programs, give us the rundown.
Welcome to Mid-Week Intermission! We usually like to ask folks for a song to go with their interview — anything come to mind?
NOEL: Hey thanks for having me! Check out this fun music video – I think it sums up what we do at Creative Action.
So, Noel, tell us a little about yourself and how you came to Creative Action!
NOEL: Well, I should probably start with how our Creative Action community knows me. I discovered a long time ago that when you work with kids a nickname goes a long way. So thousands of young people across the greater Austin area know me as “Curly Fries”.
For 16 years now, I’ve been proud to supply kindness and radical joy at Creative Action. I’m also an actor with a couple awards on my dresser. I tour one-man-show adaptations of classic novels on the theatre for young audiences national circuit. I tell people all the time: Creative Action saved my life – it has been a place of purpose where I can use my skills in performance and theatre-making to create community.
What’s been the best part of KIDosky over the past few years, and how did this partnership with the LC come to be?
NOEL: It has been an honor to curate the KIDosky Lounge since the first annual Community Day! We are big fans of the Long Center and to transform a space for young people and their families is so much fun for us. The best part of the KIDosky Lounge experience has been witnessing the whole family – not just the young people – participate and engage together.
That’s how we view community engagement: it’s an opportunity for the entire family to spend their day being creative, learning a new skill and having fun at a community space. As an actor in Austin, I’ve always viewed the Long Center as a community resource and this partnership evolved out of longtime relationships with fellow local artists and performers. This is such a great new tradition!
Is there a particular Creative Action program that you secretly hold as your personal favorite?
NOEL: In my time at Creative Action, I’ve been lucky enough to deliver all of our programs. Now, with two kids of my own, I get to experience them all over again as a parent. Dancing with them at Music & Movement in the Park, hearing them talk excitedly about our Brave School show that visited their class or cheering at their performances in our after school and camp showcases. I’m excited for them to apply for our teen programs!
What have you’ve gleaned about Austin’s communities through the perspective of Creative Action?
NOEL: Well, the landscape of Austin’s communities has changed quite a bit over the last fifteen years as the central corridor has become less and less affordable. If we just look at this past year, many of our communities have been split apart due to public school closures. I view a big part of my job as being community responsive. So as the landscape changes – so do we. This past year, we offered more accessible summer programming than ever before. And we are now in new schools with programming for newly formed communities. We know that no matter how Austin evolves – we offer value.
What are some ways folks can support Creative Action?
NOEL: Go to creativeaction.org/donate to directly support what we do! And vote for public education that supports the arts and programming partners!
Can you give us a tidbit on what to expect in KIDosky at Community Day on September 19?
NOEL: Swing by the KIDosky Lounge and try on a costume, put on a puppet parade, dance in our drum circle, work on your watercolor or code a remote-control robot! I’ll see you there!
Thanks for the hang, Noel!
RSVP for Community Day on September 19 for free!
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
