Round Rock theater company settling into its first-ever facility
It feels only fitting that Penfold Theatre Company’s first performances in Round Rock were Shakespeare in downtown’s Centennial Plaza—open-air productions where the city itself became the stage. Since those early shows in 2010, the professional theater company has steadily grown its presence in the community. Now, after more than a decade of producing plays in shared and temporary spaces, Penfold has a place it can call its own in Suite 290 at 2120 North Mays Street in Round Rock.
In 2008, Penfold co-founders Ryan Crowder and Nathan Jerkins were a few years removed from college and looking for the next big step in their lives. The Abilene Christian University grads became Austin-area transplants and only later learned about the City of Round Rock’s downtown development plans. They soon would find themselves performing in front of a group of movers and shakers in the Round Rock fine arts community, making a big impression.
Two years later, Penfold performed “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” at Centennial Plaza’s outdoor amphitheater, and the theatre company has enjoyed a presence in Round Rock ever since.
The City’s comprehensive plans, including Round Rock 2030 and Round Rock Creates, call for fostering creative entrepreneurship and enhancing the community’s quality of life through diverse entertainment options. Last year, City Council, with that in mind, approved a grant to assist Penfold’s initial use of a roughly 6,400-square-foot space in the Rock Creek Plaza shopping center, located along Interstate 35 just south of Old Settlers Boulevard.
The approved grant, sourced from hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds paid by visitors to Round Rock, amounted to $326,330, and covered rent for Penfold’s new venue for a total of 18 months, beginning in fall 2024. The agreement calls for Penfold to provide a variety of programming in the facility, including plays, musicals and workshops, including rentals to other arts organizations.
Penfold has now settled into its location at Rock Creek Plaza, with a new performance season, guest productions, improv and musical theater classes and summer camps for children.
Metamorphosis Dance of Round Rock performed “The Little Mermaid” on April 25-26 at Penfold’s home.
The Hideout Theatre is partnering with Penfold in a six-week adult improv workshop this year, as well as summer camps for children ages 8-13 from June 16-20.
ZACH Theatre also will work with Penfold this summer, in a series of summer camps beginning with “Moana and Moana 2” (for grades K-2) and “Wicked” (grades 3-5) from July 7-11. Other portions of the series will bring “Bluey Adventures” (July 14-18), “Mo Willems Stories” (July 28-Aug. 1), “Matilda” (July 21-25) and “Harry Potter Adventures” (July 14-18).
Penfold has also announced new shows that can be expected during its 2025-26 season, which officially is the company’s 18th season. It includes:
- “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”
Sept. 12-28
- “A Tuna Christmas”
Dec. 12-28
- “Wild Horses”
Feb. 27-March 15, 2026
- “Vincent”
June 5-21, 2026
“Season 18 lifts stories of people we might write off because of their age, where they live, or how they experience the world,” said Crowder. “We all dream passionately, struggle deeply, and strive to find meaning in our own corners of the world, especially when much feels beyond our control. When we recognize that in each other, we open ourselves to receive the good we can offer each other.”
Penfold also presents the comedy “Anton Chekhov is a Tasty Snack,” created by Austin playwright Jenny Connell Davis and loosely based off Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull.” Tickets, ranging from $19-$39, are currently on sale.
For more on Penfold Theatre and its offerings, visit www.penfoldtheatre.org.
