Tenants Speak Up! Theatre

Performing realities of low-income renters in Austin, Texas

Tenants Speak Up! Theatre is a performance and advocacy group made of low-income Austin renters. We use personal storytelling and education to shift power and build solidarity between neighbors to improve living conditions.

We are always looking for new artists to collaborate with. Come share your stories and advocate for your community.

At this time, Tenants Speak Up! Theatre is on pause. We look forward to bringing tenant voices back to the stage soon!

Tenants Speak Up Logo

PROJECTS

2020

A Tale of Two Citizens: A People's Struggle with Housing

2020

Processing a Pandemic

Processing a Pandemic

2019

Of Rights and Rats
Smilingw white woman wearing a grey t-shirt/

IN MEMORIAM

December 2, 2020— A Tribute to Pat Perez.

It is with heavy hearts that we share that longtime BASTA member and Arbors Resident Association leader Patricia “Pat” Perez passed away yesterday from complications of COVID-19. She was passionate about the health benefits of swimming, and advocated relentlessly for the clean up and reopening of the pool at Arbors. Pat cared deeply about the well-being of her friends, family, and neighbors, and could always be counted on to identify neighbors in need and share stories about how Arbors residents were impacted by rising rents and poor living conditions. Pat was also very involved in Tenants Speak Up! Theatre and relished the opportunities that acting gave her to advocate for others. She will be deeply missed.

Black man in a hat standing in front of downtown buildings.

March 8, 2020—A Tribute to James Mosley.

James, you were always such an important part of our group that it is so hard to believe you are not with us anymore. You were a brave and present actor, always ready to share your energy and love. You were a talented poet, a gifted singer, and a committed collaborator on our journey of exploration and expression. It was such a gift to work with you, to fight for justice with you, to know you. We will always feel the warmth of your wise, charming smile, and we will always hold the sound of your harmonica in our hearts. We love you, James.

(December 15, 1964 - March 8, 2020)