The Baron’s Men, Austin’s sole Elizabethan Shakespeare company, is embarking on a new chapter following the closure of their longtime home, the Curtain Theatre. Last Thursday, the troupe performed Shakespeare’s comedy, The Merry Wives of Windsor, at the Scottish Rite Theatre, showcasing their unique blend of traditional and innovative theatrical practices.
With a commitment to authenticity, the Baron’s Men deliver performances that reflect the late 16th-century standards, complete with handmade costumes and period-appropriate props, though they do embrace modern elements such as female performers and electric lighting. Audience member Jackie O’Keefe praised the company’s distinctive approach, stating, “They are very refreshingly open and they feel original. They feel like they are always inventing it as they go along.”
This production marks a significant milestone for the Baron’s Men, as it is their first performance outside of the Curtain Theatre, which has been synonymous with the troupe for nearly three decades. The Curtain was closed last fall after being sold to a real estate developer, leaving the company facing an uncertain future.
Michael Osborn, director of Merry Wives and president of the troupe’s board, reflected on the transition, noting, “It’s kind of an unknown for everybody.” The Baron’s Men first took the stage in 1999 when a group from the Society for Creative Anachronism decided to produce a Shakespearean play. What began as a handful of friends performing a shortened version of Henry V has since transformed into a recognized theater company, known for staging two productions each year.
Initially, Richard Garriott, a member of the Society and a successful video game developer, provided the Baron’s Men with a unique venue—a replica of an Elizabethan theater known as the Curtain Theatre, which became a focal point for their performances. “The Curtain Theatre was purposely built for the Baron’s Men. It was one of North America’s only ‘wooden O’ Elizabethan replica outdoor theaters,” explained Lindsay Palinsky, the executive artistic director.
Over the years, the troupe expanded its reach and operated as a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2015, channeling all funds back into the organization for actor workshops and educational outreach programs in schools. Osborn emphasized the dedication of the group, stating, “Every bit of money that comes in goes right back into the organization.”
Despite the closure of their home theater, the Baron’s Men remained committed to their craft, taking pride in the upkeep of the Curtain. However, last year they faced the unexpected news of the property’s sale midway through their 20th season. “They were like, you could do one more show and then you gotta get out,” Osborn recalled, noting that their final performance at the Curtain was Much Ado About Nothing, a fitting sendoff for the beloved venue.
In response to the challenges ahead, the board and artistic directors began strategizing for the future, with aspirations to build a new theater that includes both indoor and outdoor spaces, rehearsal facilities, and improved amenities for audiences. “We want to rebuild something amazing that will be unique to us and unique to Austin,” Palinsky stated.
As the Baron’s Men work toward their goal, they have initiated a relocation fund and are seeking sustainable partnerships within the community to maintain their annual schedule of productions. They have cultivated a loyal fan base, including 15-year-old Hudson Purma, who expressed his commitment to supporting the troupe. “If they can’t have a new theater and they can’t keep doing what they do, it’s not just a loss of art, it’s a loss of community,” he remarked.
In collaboration with Purma’s film club, the Baron’s Men have launched a fundraising film series titled “To Screen or Not to Screen,” with all proceeds directed to the troupe. With plans for future performances and continued community engagement, the Baron’s Men are poised to enter a new era of artistry and connection.
While the Curtain Theatre may have closed its doors, the spirit of the Baron’s Men and their commitment to the performing arts in Austin remains vibrant and enduring.
