MEDIA CONTACT
JJ Maldonado
Sr. Media Relations Specialist
jorge.maldonado@austinisd.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin, TX — [7/15/25] — Step into a world of pure imagination this summer as the Austin ISD Fine Arts Department celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Summer Theatre Series with a spectacular, full-scale production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

Launched in 2014, the Summer Theatre Series has offered thousands of students across Austin ISD a chance to shine, both onstage and behind the scenes, through a free, immersive theatre program. What began as a small summer enrichment initiative has grown into one of the district’s most anticipated artistic traditions.

“This program has grown beyond anything we imagined,” Musical Director Marco Bazan said. “Ten years ago, the district set out to give students a stage, and now we’re seeing alumni return as professionals, teachers, and mentors. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is the perfect way to honor that spirit: it’s vibrant, whimsical, and full of heart.”

This year’s production features a talented cast and crew made up entirely of Austin ISD middle and high school students. Audiences can expect stunning choreography, imaginative sets, dazzling costumes, and a live orchestra.

Performance Dates: July 24 – July 27, 2025

Thursday, July 24, 7 p.m. (Opening Night, Alumni Night and 10-Year Celebration; Golden Ticket Cast)

Friday, July 25, 7 p.m. (Wonka Bar Cast with ASL/Audio Description Available)

Saturday, July 26, 2 p.m. (Wonka Bar Cast with Spanish Translation available)

Saturday, July 26, 7 p.m. (Golden Ticket Cast)

Sunday, July 27, 2 p.m. (Golden Ticket Cast)

Sunday, July 27, 7 p.m. (Wonka Bar Cast)

Location: Austin ISD Performing Arts Center, 1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Austin, Tx. 78723

Tickets: https://www.austinisd.org/arts/pac/sts

Special Event: Opening Night, Alumni Night & 10-Year Celebration on July 24.

About the Summer Theatre Series

The Austin ISD Summer Theatre Series is a free enrichment program designed to provide students with professional-level training in acting, tech, and musical theatre. Over 2000 students have participated in the last decade, with many pursuing careers in the arts. The program is made possible through partnerships with AISD Fine Arts, district staff, and generous community support.

Media Opportunities:

Interviews are available with cast and staff. Please email the Media Relations team to set up interviews.

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Austin ISD is Austin's home for inclusive learning: high expectations for all children, high outcomes for every student. The district has more National Board Certified Teachers than any school district in Texas. Austin ISD is recognized as the largest No Place for Hate school district in the nation by the Anti-Defamation League. Follow Austin ISD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/austinisd, Instagram at @austinisd or on X at @AustinISD. For more information, visit austinisd.org.

For languages other than English and Spanish, we use an AI-powered translation tool. As a result, there may be some contextual inaccuracies or other errors. We apologize for this. Please email translation@austinisd.org if you are in need of clarification. To change your preferred correspondence language, contact your school's front office.