THE MERCHANT OF VENICE To Be Presented By Austin Shakespeare
The performance will be presented as a part of the Young Shakespeare program.
Austin Shakespeare's Young Shakespeare program opens its 19th annual summer production in June, presenting William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice.
Featuring music and dance, the production transports audiences from the streets and canals of Venice to the gilded halls of Belmont Estate, with a cast of actors ages 15–20 navigating some of Shakespeare's most morally complex characters.
"Now in its 19th year, Young Shakespeare invites audiences into a world of romance, wit, wealth and worrisome bargains — where the weight of gold is tested against love, loyalty and the loss of human dignity," said Director Cynthia Florez. "Come join these remarkable young actors inside the beautiful and historic walls of Austin's Scottish Rite Theater as they search for balance inside Shakespeare's comic, yet fragile, house of cards."
The production features eight actors new to the Young Shakespeare program alongside returning alumni.
Making their Young Shakespeare debuts are Skylar Ewing as Portia, Madison Gumbert as Nerissa, Willa Hibbs as Jessica, Janus Santillan as Salarino/Balthazar, Teddy Coltman-Oliver as Bassanio, Avery Matthew Yates as Gratiano, Jackson McCrary sharing the role of Lorenzo and Major Vincent as Shylock.
Returning alumni include David Mackowski (3rd year) as Antonio; Kenji Miller (3rd year) who will share the role of Lorenzo, Prince of Arragon, Waiter and Jailer; and Nicholas Moncivalles (2nd year) as Lancelet, Prince of Morocco and The Duke of Venice.
Skylar Ewing, who takes on the role of Portia this season, previously performed with Austin Shakespeare's professional company in Macbeth at the Long Center's Rollins Studio Theatre, where she appeared as Fleance.
The Merchant of Venice features scenic and lighting design by Patrick W. Anthony, costume design by Cecelia Gay, prop design by Stephanie Schmid and sound design by Dawson MacLeod.
Performances will take place on June 19–28, 2026, at the Austin Scottish Rite Theater. Seven performances are scheduled Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. More information can be found at the Austin Shakespeare website.
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