About Us

Austin theatre artists and producers Roy Lazorwitz (Dirty Gold & xx) and Molly Fonseca (Broad Theatre) are launching TAPE MACHINE, a new independent performance, rehearsal, and gathering space at 2505 G East 6th St. in East Austin.

The new venture grew out of a problem both Fonseca and Lazorwitz have encountered repeatedly in their own work: finding affordable, flexible space to make theatre in Austin.

As the city’s creative landscape continues to evolve, independent performing artists are increasingly navigating limited rehearsal space, rising production costs, and a shortage of small venues where developing and producing new work is financially feasible. Fonseca and Lazorwitz realized they were in a position not only to navigate those challenges for their own projects, but to become an active part of addressing them for other Austin artists.

“I kept having the same conversations about space with other companies and independent artists—where do we rehearse, where can we afford to produce, and how do small companies take a chance on something new when so much of their budget has to be committed before they ever sell a ticket?” said Fonseca. “Eventually the question became: if I know this is a problem, and I have an opportunity to help solve a piece of it, why wouldn’t I?”