Mid-Week Intermission: A Love Letter to the Rollins Theatre
The Rollins 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.
