By Edmond Ortiz
Turnip Ensemble Theater is embarking upon a new performance season having grown in different ways since its inception a few years ago.
What is happening
Members of Turnip will kick off their new season by offering a free devising workshop 2-4 p.m. Sept. 13 at the McNutt Co-Lab at UT San Antonio Southwest Campus, 300 Augusta St.
This interactive workshop is open to the public and designed for participants of all theatrical experience levels to explore Turnip’s collaborative theater-making process.
Devising, a theatrical method familiar to Turnip’s artists, refers to actors on stage who collaborate to create a performance without a pre-existing script.
The Turnip Ensemble Theater uses free workshops, staged readings and full productions to engage the public, demonstrating how troupe members use collaboration to create and show innovative, accessible works to audiences.
Audiences this performance season will get to see Turnip’s performers in action in two places. One is the aforementioned UTSA Southwest Campus – formerly Southwest School of Art – a venue that is the result of a partnership between the young theatrical organization and UTSA.
According to a press release, Turnip is operating as an in-residence theater ensemble at the McNutt Co-Lab, where it will host ensemble devising sessions, rehearsals, productions, and community arts teaching programs.
In November, Turnip will perform a staged reading of “Inheritance,” an original work-in-progress, Nov. 15 and 16 at the McNutt Co-Lab.
Turnip Theater will also present 10 performances of their staging of “The Wild Swans” next April at the Josephine Theatre, thanks to support extended by the Majestic Empire Foundation, Here, Turnip will have access to rehearsal and performance space, as well as technical and front-of-house resources at the renowned Tobin Hill neighborhood theatrical venue.
This original production of “The Wild Swans” is being developed through Turnip focus on devising, movement, text, and ensemble collaboration, the release stated.
What they are saying
Leaders with Turnip and UTSA said their collaboration will bolster their ensemble’s dedication to arts education by offering inclusive, community-based workshops, productions, and classes that welcome participants with and without live theater experience.
“We are thrilled to welcome Turnip Ensemble Theater as UTSA Arts’ inaugural ensemble in residence,” Emilie Amrein, UTSA Arts executive director and an associate dean, said in a statement.
UTSA Arts is the university’s center for arts engagement that supports public arts programs, community collaborations, and research initiatives designed to help boost artistic and cultural offerings and understanding around the San Antonio area.
“Turnip’s commitment to devised theater reflects a belief that we share: the most meaningful artistic work emerges when people have the opportunity to shape and tell their own stories. I’m excited to see how this residency creates new opportunities for artists and community members to imagine, create, and learn from one another,” Amrein added in a statement.
According to the release, Turnip Theater also recently was awarded funding support from the San Antonio Area Foundation.
“This is an exciting moment of growth for Turnip Ensemble Theater,” Ruthie Buescher, Turnip’s artistic director, said in a statement. “With new partnerships, expanded educational programming, and a residency at UT San Antonio within UTSA Arts, we’re building a stronger foundation for original work like ‘The Wild Swans’ while continuing to make our process accessible to the community.”
Additionally, the San Antonio Area Foundation recently awarded an $8,000 grant, which will help to support the Turnip Theater’s 2026-2027 season.
SAAF officials lauded Turnip for its contributions toward San Antonio’s evolving live theatrical arts community.
“Every one of our grantees is actively closing opportunity gaps in our community,” Ryan Lugalia-Hollon, the area foundation’s chief impact officer, said in a statement. “We are proud to support their extraordinary work.”
