Programs: Here's What We Do

+ Here's What We Do + [ New Plays ] [ Presenting ] [ Outreach ] [ The Off Center ] [ Volunteer ]

RUDE MECHANICALS (a.k.a. Rude Mechs) is an ensemble-based theatre company founded in Austin, TX in1995. Since our inception, we’ve produced 22 original theatrical productions, received over 135 nominations for artistic excellence and have been honored as “The Best Theatre Company in Austin” by the Austin Chronicle for a record four consecutive years. Here’s what we do:

1. CREATE NEW PLAYS.

We collaboratively create original work in Austin. We don’t produce the “old chestnuts” or even new chestnuts by other people. All of our work is home grown. We promise to always use our best thinking, our fiercest arguments, and the last of our midnight oil to make mentally nervy and physically ecstatic shows. We believe Austin has a unique voice. We are proud to represent it here, and to export it with sass as we tour nationally and internationally.

2. RUN A PERFORMING ARTS VENUE.

We manage The Off Center, Austin’s most affordable performance venue. By keeping our rental rates low, we subsidize the work that goes on in The Off Center to the tune of about $20,000 per year. In 2004 the Austin Theater Critics nominated more shows for special merit that happened here than at any other venue in town. If you’re looking for the best music, dance, or theatre in Austin, come to The Off Center.

3. PRESENT NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED ARTISTS.

We keep Austin’s performance scene fresh by co-producing local artists in our Rude Fusion series and by presenting the best touring shows in the country. While other venues have the bigger touring shows covered, Rude Mechs brings you the best of intimate performance.

4. SERVE OUR COMMUNITY.

Outreach. It ’s a little word that covers a huge array of activities meant to show our gratitude and give muscle to the idea that Rude Mechs is not just a theater company but a community.
a. Grrl Action: We are also proud to serve as a bridge to the next generation of artists with Grrl Action – our year-round program for teenaged girls focused on writing and performance.
b. Arts Aloud: We now have a pilot program extending our work with young women in Grrl Action to adult women in need of the tools required for self-expression, self-esteem, group work and success. Arts Aloud uses autobiographical writing and performance to help women in transition develop those tools.
c. Pay-What-You-Can: Our Pay-What-You-Can nights embody an aggressive application of our mission to ensure that the arts are accessible to everyone, regardless of economic status.

For tickets or information please call 512-476-RUDE or visit our tickets page.
For questions email info@rudemechs.com.