AUSTIN (KXAN) — For more than 65 years, Zilker Theatre Productions has presented a free summer production. This year’s opens on Friday and runs through Aug. 16.
There will be one minor change this year compared to previous years: parking will be paid.
Zilker Theatre Productions posted on social media about the change on Thursday, saying it’s “vital in helping us build long-term sustainability and cover the rising operational costs of producing a full-scale musical in Zilker Park.”
Paid parking will begin on Thursdays and Fridays at 5 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays at 4 p.m. Parking must be paid for by a credit or debit card only, no cash will be accepted, according to the post. There will be no charge for vehicles with ADA placards or plates.
Pricing is as follows:
- General Parking (Polo Field): $20 per vehicle
- VIP Parking (Top Lot, limited): $100 per vehicle (subject to availability)
Free parking options include under the MoPac bridge at Stratford Drive and Lou Neff Road, the Stratford Lot, and Lou Neff Drive around the park. The pool lot behind the theatre is reserved ADA parking only.
About the show
This summer’s production is “Bring It On: The Musical.” Performances will be at the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater every Thursday through Sunday night from July 11 – Aug. 16.
The production is directed by Anna Skidis under the artistic direction of Amy Oxley, according to a press release from Zilker Theatre.
Bring It On: The Musical is inspired by the movie, which was released in 2000. The story was written by Tony Award winner Jeff Whitty, music and lyrics by Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, music by Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning composer Tom Kitt, and lyrics by Amanda Green.
The Tony-nominated production is set in the world of competitive cheerleading. The story follows Campbell, captain of the cheerleading squad, whose dream senior year takes an “unexpected turn when she is transferred from her affluent suburban high school to Jackson High, an inner-city school,” according to the release.
Zilker Theatre said in the release that the summer productions began as a city-sponsored program and have evolved into a “historic nonprofit organization, sustained by generous donors and volunteers, providing award-winning, free admission entertainment to an audience of over 66,000 annually.”
“Zilker Theatre Productions was founded with a simple mission to share the magic of live performance with the Austin community,” Lisa Muir, board president of Zilker Theatre Productions, said in the release. “Over the decades, this vision has grown into one of the city’s most beloved summer traditions, offering free, professional theater that welcomes everyone. We’re honored to continue bringing neighbors and families together each summer to make memories under the stars.”