If I was asked to name a unique place in Austin that I really enjoy, I would say The Hideout Theater. So that is where I decided to begin my project.
Located on 7th Street and Congress, The Hideout Theater is a coffee house that serves beer and a pretty descent turkey croissant and has an improv theater upstairs. I am lucky to know about The Hideout Theater as I am not a member of the acting, theater, or improv communities in Austin, and am not sure if I would have stumbled upon it myself.
I went to the 8:00 show Saturday evening, featuring the last performance of The Violet Underbelly, "Hardboiled improvised plays inspired by film noir." My only regret is that it was the last performance and I missed every earlier one. I found myself laughing, clapping, and completely immersed in a show that was happening less than two feet away from me.
The atmosphere inside The Hideout Theater is difficult to explain. But it is good. I arrived about thirty minutes before the show, and I was surprised at how few people were inside. There were people scattered around the tables downstairs, lounging, talking, drinking; but not as many as I would have expected. However, when the ticket booth opened and we were allowed to take seats upstairs, people poured in. The theater was completely full, and after the show, the coffee house was filled.
While waiting for the ticket booth to open and trying to smother the nausea and fear of approaching my first stranger, I noticed a group of four women of differing ages walk in. One nodded to someone I knew to be a performer, and I was intrigued. When they sat at the table next to me, I decided I would attempt to meet my first stranger.
And I met Taylor.
Taylor is an extremely friendly film student who accepted my poorly worded and slightly awkward offer for conversation with enthusiasm. She is in her early twenties, has lived in Austin for five years, and moved with her family from St. Louis because of a parental work transfer.
As a film student, she explained that one of her favorite activities either alone or with a group of friends is, surprisingly, to watch films. Her favorite theaters are The Paramount Theater and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, which are both unique theaters in downtown Austin. The Paramount Theater is a historic theater and showcases both film and live theater performances, including music, dance, and Broadway plays. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is described as an entertaining and mature cinematic experience, catering to an 18 and older audience.
Taylor explained that she really enjoys watching theater screenings of classic films. Cupping the air as she spoke and smiling through her words, she said, "I love Austin for giving me these beautiful things."
Taylor spent the evening watching the show with members of her family as her boyfriend was one of the main performers. She said that she comes to shows at The Hideout Theater about two to three times a month, and really enjoys the atmosphere in the theater upstairs as it is "intimate and not awkward." Since the theater is small, there can never really be a big crowd, but it is an involved audience, and Taylor says, "always has the best shows."
For other live performances, she recommends City Theater and Salvage Vanguard Theater.
Dressed in a pair of cut off ankle boots, skinny jeans, and a white flowy top, Taylor was effortlessly cool. Her passion for film and the arts was evident as she explained the places she loves with animation and joy. She is really looking forward to the next aspect of her life, and holds a deep love for Austin.
She is what she considers to be a "C-list" youtube celebrity, as a video (without her) that appeared on her channel went viral in Spain and has received over two million views. The channel, sunshinetaylor, is hilarious. I completely recommend watching.
http://www.youtube.com/user/sunshinetaylor#p/u/0/4eJJF11bIxM
Additionally, Taylor says that "when it is ten or later at night, when you are lying in your bed, that is the best feeling in the world." And something that makes her happy: "When you know you have to wake up in an hour, but know you get to eat breakfast!"
Taylor's recommendation for restaurant:
Foreign & Domestic
Located at 306 East 53rd Street
She describes it as upscale, experimental food with few options where one can watch the food being cooked, and that it "blew me away."
Austin's Hidden Treasure according to Taylor:
Austin Zoo
Located at 10807 Rawhide Trail
She explains that the zoo rescues animals, has a great Austin feel, and most importantly, "There's a lot of shade!"
Taylor sends me next week to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to meet my next stranger.
It was lovely meeting you.