The Hideout Theatre has been a beacon for the creative community of Austin over the past 26 years, providing improv shows, classes, and more. Unfortunately, the Hideout is losing its venue at the end of August — and our show, VILLIAN, is helping the Hideout go out with a battle cry: we have the wild honor of being the last mainstage to grace the stage of 617 Congress.
It feels fitting, because VILLAIN — which gives other canonical villains the Wicked treatment — is very representative of what many of us love about the Hideout: it's a rich two-act improvised narrative play; it's ambitious and theatrical; it's heartfelt and has relationships at its core. And, you know, it's about what — and WHO — changes us....for good.
Ask anyone who has taken an improv class or been in a show and they'll probably tell you they were, indeed, changed for the better. And each member of the cast and crew of our show has their own personal stories to share about how improv — and the Hideout in particular — has changed them.
VILLAIN would not exist without the 26 years of Hideout legacy, and the foundation the Hideout built as a home for truly theatrical improv that pushes boundaries and tells stories that move us. Our hope is that VILLAIN can help serve as a foundation for our new venue, and that this is not the end — but rather, a big belt before intermission.
The Hideout Theatre & Coffee House needs a new home. We have provided downtown Austin with improvised theatre, training, kids classes, coffee, and community for over 25 years.
Now it's time to help us build the next Hideout.
For tax-deductible donations, visit our sister campaign hosted by the Austin Creative Alliance here.
For larger donations (over $5,000), please email us at fundraising@hideouttheatre.com so we can assist you with your donation.
 | What we do.Since 1999, The Hideout Theatre has been Austin’s home for improvisational theater—a place where creativity, spontaneity, and community come together on stage and in the classroom. Here’s what we bring to life every week:
|
What we've done.
Over the past 25 years, The Hideout has grown into one of the most beloved and enduring cultural spaces in Austin. Here's a glimpse of what your support has already made possible:
|  |
Now, as we prepare to leave our longtime home, we're building on this legacy - and asking our community to help write the next chapter.
How funds will be used.
Your generosity helps ensure that The Hideout Theatre doesn't just survive--but thrives in its next chapter. Here's how your support will directly power our move and mission:
 | Securing a New Home First and foremost, funds will help us renovate and outfit a new venue in Austin—one that can house our shows, classrooms, and community for years to come. Building the Stage We'll invest in performance infrastructure: lighting, sound, risers, seating, and accessibility features that bring every show to life. Keeping Improv Education Accessible Your donations will help us continue offering scholarships, free classes, and innovative programs for adults, youth, and neurodiverse students. Supporting Our Staff and Instructors Retaining our amazing teachers, performers, and operations team is essential—your gift helps cover salaries and stipends during the transition. Reviving the Cafe & Gathering Space We want to keep the Hideout’s cozy coffee shop alive in the new space—a welcoming hub for students, artists, and fans to connect. Ensuring a Smooth Move From moving costs to permits to signage, your support makes this complex transition possible.
|
Our Call to Action
Austin's oldest improv theater and coffee shop is being forced to relocate - but the story's not over. If The Hideout has ever made you laugh until you cried (or vice versa), helped you find your voice, or given you a place to belong -
Now's the time to give back.
Donate today to help us secure a new home for improv in Austin
This total includes all donations made both online and offline, as well as through our tax-deductible campaign.
 | FAQ or Contact
Q: Why is The Hideout moving?
Q: What will the new Hideout include?
Q: Is The Hideout a nonprofit?
Q: Are donations made through Fundrazr tax-deductible?
Q: How can I support beyond donating?
Q: Where does my money go?
|
