Penfold Theatre Company began in the summer of 2007. Our founders - Ryan Crowder, Nathan Jerkins and Sean Martin - undertook an 18-hour road trip across the central United States to explore, and finally forge, a vision for professional theatre in the north Austin-Round Rock metro area.
After returning home, the group assembled a National Advisory Board, consisting of prominent theatre leaders from across the country. With their help, Penfold underwent an extensive period of planning and development, from which it emerged in the spring of 2008.
In its first three seasons, Penfold produced eight plays, ('Art', The Last Five Years, Three Days of Rain, John & Jen, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, Going with Jenny and I Love You Because) which together garnered 26 local award nominations and received Austin Critics Table Awards in categories like Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role, Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Musical Production two years in a row.
At the same time, the Company has been building relationships with community leaders in north Austin metro, where we are working to open a new performance venue that compliments the City of Round Rock's Downtown Redevelopment Plan. Round Rock envisions a mix of residential, commercial, retail, dining, entertainment and public spaces in a walkable environment that boosts the city's economy, quality of life, and sense of place.
As plans for a new venue move forward, Penfold is also developing a new education program called Penfold Players. Led by a team of experienced teaching artists, Penfold Players now offers after school classes and summer camps for students Ages 4 to 18.
The 2011-12 Season is our most artistically ambitious to date and our first time to offer season ticket packages. We start with our second annual Penfold in the Park production, Servant of Two Masters, followed closely by Ghosts, in partnership with the up-and-coming Breaking Strings Theatre and staring Austin’s leading lady Babs George. Then we return to Friar Tuck’s on Main Street in Round Rock for a new holiday tradition with a production of It’s a Wonderful Life: a live radio show. Closing out the season, we will be back at Hyde Park Theatre with The Pavilion, the show being hailed as the Our Town for modern times.
We hope you'll take some time to get to know us better and to let us get to know you. Surf the site, see a show, volunteer, or drop us a line.
