East Side Performing Arts (ESPA), formerly First Street Studio, has been a home for Austin's performing artists since 2014. More than 40 performing arts companies and 150 individual artists have rehearsed, performed, and taught here.
As Austin grows, many of the artists who made this city a cultural hub are being priced out.
ESPA exists to keep space affordable and accessible: a nourishing, intimate place for independent artists to take creative risks, develop new work, and build sustainable careers.
We believe protecting room for creative research is part of what keeps Austin worth living in.
Join Us in Making ESPA a Reality
Thanks to 58 generous donors in our community, we have raised $34,762 of our $57,000 goal!
The funds already raised will supply lumber for a state-of-the-art sprung floor, studio mirrors, and moving costs.
The $22,238 remaining will cover:
theater lighting
theater curtains
audience risers & seating
additional curtains for wings and configurations
projector for integrated media
exterior signage
We invite you to become an integral part of Austin's arts & culture legacy, as we journey into the next chapter together.
Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal of creating a space where the performing arts community in Austin can reflect, connect, and grow.
Thank you for creating a space where artists thrive.
Donate today and share our campaign with your network.
Together, we can make ESPA a beacon of creativity and collaboration in East Austin!
Want to contribute to the fundraising effort?
GoFundMe
This is our crowdfunding campaign, contribute and/or track its progress here:
FundRazr
For those supporters whose contributions require a tax write-off, they can donate through the portal of our fiscal sponsor, Austin Creative Alliance. 10% of the donation to ESPA will support ACA and their fiscal sponsorship of ESPA and other performing arts companies in the ATX community. Contribute here:
Write us a Check
No fees! Reach out to us with your pledge at
info@eastsideperformingarts.com
and we can share the mailing address and process for submitting Zelle and paper check donations
Meet the owners, AJ & Dorothy, and hear a little about our fundraiser here:
Check out the drawings for the new space:
