At Zach,

we believe in the power of light—to illuminate new ideas, spark imagination, and bring people together. As Austin’s leading professional producing theater, we create vibrant, intimate theater experiences that engage, inspire, and connect our community.

A non-profit organization, Zach produces a dazzling lineup of nationally recognized plays and musicals, each one crafted to shine a light on stories that are bold, timely, and relevant to Central Texas audiences. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley and Managing Director Jamie Herlich, Zach employs more than 250 actors, musicians, and designers each year, ensuring that every production glows with artistic excellence.

Beyond the stage, Zach’s impact radiates throughout the community, reaching more than 125,000 Central Texans annually, including 35,000 young people who discover their own creative spark through our education programs, outreach initiatives, and inspiring camps and classes.

Purpose, Mission, & Vision

PURPOSE

Zach tells stories that illuminate our shared humanity.

MISSION

Zach creates theater, education, and training programs that ignite connection between artists, audiences, students, and the community.

VISION

Zach is the place for everyone’s story.

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Values

Pursue excellence

Elevate artistry with passion and diligence

Foster belonging

Champion inclusion to create a community where everyone thrives

Embrace Innovation

Courageously evolve together to ensure organizational vitality

Act with Integrity

Instill trust through transparency, accountability and discipline

Be Bold

Commit to ambitious ideas

Our Story

For over 90 years, Zach Theater has been a beacon of creativity in Austin, lighting the way for bold storytelling, artistic excellence, and deep community connections. Since its founding in 1921 as the Austin Community Players, Zach has grown from a small volunteer-run stage to Austin’s premier professional theater, known for its vibrant, thought-provoking productions that engage, inspire, and illuminate.

From its early days, Zach has weathered challenges and embraced growth, staying true to its mission of bringing people together through the transformative power of live theater. Today, under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley and Managing Director Jamie Herlich, Zach employs more than 250 actors, musicians, and designers annually, producing a diverse lineup of plays and musicals that reflect the energy, creativity, and spirit of Austin.

Beyond the stage, Zach’s light extends throughout Central Texas, reaching over 125,000 people annually, including 35,000 young minds who discover their own creative spark through education programs, outreach initiatives, and inspiring camps and classes.
A defining moment in Zach’s history was the opening of its state-of-the-art campus in downtown Austin in 2012. The Topfer theater, with its 420-seat proscenium stage, became the heart of Zach’s productions, while the Whisenhunt Studio and Kleberg Stage continue to offer immersive and intimate performances.

Expanding its reach, Zach recently introduced Zach North, a second campus serving Austin’s growing creative community, ensuring that more people, from more neighborhoods, can experience the magic of theater.
Zach has built its reputation on producing nationally recognized works that challenge, entertain, and resonate with audiences. From reimagined classics like Death of a Salesman and West Side Story to contemporary hits like Fun Home and The Great Society, Zach shines a light on stories that matter today.

A hallmark of Zach’s production history is its commitment to new works, diverse voices, and innovative storytelling. With world premieres and fresh interpretations of beloved favorites, Zach continues to push the boundaries of what theater can be—ensuring every production is a reflection of the world we live in.
Zach theater honors its namesake, Zachary Scott, an Austin-born Hollywood leading man whose charisma and passion for the arts left an indelible mark on his hometown. After a celebrated career on Broadway and in films like Mildred Pierce and Flamingo Road, Scott remained deeply connected to Austin, championing local theater and supporting the city’s growing artistic scene.

In 1972, the Austin Civic theater was renamed Zach theater in his honor, a testament to his enduring legacy and the belief that theater should be a space where everyone can shine.
As Zach theater looks ahead, its light continues to grow brighter. Rooted in creativity, bold in its artistic vision, and unwavering in its commitment to community, Zach is more than a theater—it’s a place where stories come to life, voices are heard, and everyone is welcome.