Ventana Ballet presents…
UNDEAD
Haunted House of Dances
Ventana Ballet presents an immersive, adults-only Halloween show.
UNDEAD
Haunted House of Dances
a spooky creation by AJ Garcia-Rameau
Trick or Treat?
UNDEAD is an immersive, adults-only Halloween show. Encounter the shadows of the night, where only the undead gather. Featuring local professional dance and theater artists.
Sarah Somerville of Nerd News Social calls it “an evening of unearthly elegance where mischief unhinges the mortal realm.”
UNDEAD features local professional theater and dance artists across multiple disciplines, engrossing the audience in an evening of classic Halloween creatures, suspense, comedy, and of course, ballet.
Ventana Ballet UNDEAD Zombies 2025, Photo by Alexsi Carrasquillo
* NEW SPOOKY SURPRISES THIS YEAR *
8 Shows:
Thursday, October 22 - 7:30pm (Doors 6:45pm)
Friday, October 23 - 7:30pm (Doors 6:45pm)
Saturday, October 24 - 6:00pm (Doors 5:15pm)
Saturday, October 24 - 8:30pm (Doors 7:45pm)
Wednesday, October 28 - 7:30pm (Doors 6:45pm)
Thursday, October 29 - 7:30pm (Doors 6:45pm)
Friday, October 30 - 7:30pm (Doors 6:45pm)
Saturday, October 31 - 7:30pm (Doors 6:45pm)
Arrival Info:
Pre-show haunts begin when doors open.
Show run time is approximately 60 minutes.
There is no intermission.
Bring cash for the Spooky Cocktail Bar and the Zombie Raffle!
Location:
EAST SIDE PERFORMING ARTS (ESPA)
979 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78702
Witch’s FAQs:
More information and Witch’s FAQs: scroll down, if you dare.
Age Info & Content Advisory:
Show content is Rated R due to explicit language and triggering content. The recommended age for this show is 16 & up, and parental discretion is strongly advised. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to drink. The production of UNDEAD contains: strobe lighting effects, sudden loud noises, theatrical fog/haze, foul language, mature topics, and adult humor.
Support!
Donate, Sponsor, Support UNDEAD Artists & Production here:
Photo by Tyler Whitman
What is UNDEAD?
UNDEAD is an immersive, adults-only Halloween show. Encounter the shadows of the night, where only the undead gather.
Sarah Somerville of Nerd News Social calls it “an evening of unearthly elegance where mischief unhinges the mortal realm.”
UNDEAD features local professional theater and dance artists across multiple disciplines, engrossing the audience in an evening of classic Halloween creatures, suspense, comedy, and of course, ballet.
Photo by Farid Zarrinabadi
TICKETS
VIP Front Row Seats [Yellow Zone] $55
VIP Bar-Height Stools [Green Zone] $45
Spooky Pit Seats [Blue Zone] $35
plus tax & ticketing platform fee
**Scroll down to see the seat map**
EARLY GHOUL TICKETS ON SALE THROUGH OCTOBER 5TH WITH PROMO CODE “ZOMBIES”
“Evil comes in shades of gray, not black and white.” -Dacre Stoker, Dracula the Un-Dead
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Meet the Official Cast of UNDEAD 2026:
(Artist Bios listed below)
Lathan A. Roberts - Dracula
Tikiri Shapiro - Huntress (Week1); Zombie, Bat (Week2)
Mia Moi - Huntress (Week2); Zombie, Bat (Week1)
Colleen DeForrest - The Witch
Taylor Baker- Carol, the Spider
Kelsey Oliver - The Werewolf
AJ Garcia-Rameau - Zombie, Bride
Abriella Mauldin - Doll, Zombie, Bride
Bess Millard - Doll, Zombie, Bride
Tiffany Judkins - Doll, Zombie, Bat
Lexi Garden - Zombie, Bat
Shelby Higley - Zombie, Bat
Laney Phillips - Zombie, Bat
Ash Taylor - Zombie, Bat
CREDITS:
Direction, Production, Choreography, Lighting Design, & Audio Design — AJ Garcia-Rameau
Libretto — AJ Garcia-Rameau in collaboration with Rachel Meador, Colleen DeForrest, Taylor Woolums, & Navaji David Nava
Character Lore & Backstory — Caroline Carver
Costuming — AJ Garcia-Rameau, Navaji David Nava, various in-kind donors
Set Design — Navaji David Nava, AJ Garcia-Rameau, Ventana Ballet Crew
Graphic Design — Giulio Yaquinto & AJ Garcia-Rameau
Photography & Editing— Farid Zarrinabadi, Sergio Carrasco, Navaji David Nava
Big Thanks!
Austin Creative Alliance (501c3 Nonprofit Fiscal Sponsor)
East Side Performing Arts (Rehearsal and Performance Venue Sponsor)
Austin School of Classical Ballet (Marley Flooring Sponsor)
Art Seen Alliance (Staging Partner)
Miscellaneous Rentals (Green Zone Seating Partner)
Kendra Scott (Necklace Donation)
Rock n Roll Rentals (Audio Equipment)
Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Maison Ferrand, Old Forrester, Dulce Vida Tequila, Western Cider, Empress Gin, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple (Bar Sponsors)
SPECIAL SHOUT OUTS
THANKS TO OUR CREW & BARTENDERS!
Thank you! You create the space for us to focus on the art. Thanks for your hospitality to our guests!
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Support Ventana Ballet
Ventana Ballet’s mission is to create fair-pay opportunities for performing artists and keep guest’s ticket prices as low as we can. In order to do that, we rely heavily upon the support of our community. If you’re able, please consider a donation.
Tap the button below to make a tax-deductible donation. No amount is too small! We are grateful to you and all of our supporters.
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What does the Witch say? (FAQs)
Photo by Sergio Carrasco, Edited by Navaji David Nava
Distinguished Guests,
Welcome to the UNDEAD Woods. Your favorite Hallow-Queen here, and I’m no basic witch. We are splendidly excited to host you for an evening of unearthly elegance where mischief unhinges the mortal realm. Do not fright! I will be at your side the entire way. Please watch your ticket confirmation email closely for further information about safety precautions, parking, logistics, etc. for the event. You should receive this mysterious note a couple days before the show, lest that dreaded Dracula gets in my way again. He can be such a pain in the neck. Did you say you have some questions?
• Q: Where is the venue? •
Witch says: The UNDEAD Woods are located at East Side Performing Arts (979 Springdale Rd., Austin, TX 78702). The entrance to the Woods is in the back of the building.
• Q: What time should I be there? •
Witch says: You and your ghouls should plan to arrive at the time on your ticket, no sooner, no later! #squadghouls
• Q: What time does the show start, and how long does it last? •
Witch says: The fang club will begin the one-hour performance in the Undead Woods approximately 30minutes after the time on your ticket. Don’t be late to the spooktacle!
• Q: Where do I park? •
Witch says: Witch, please. Note that the bar is wide open featuring eerie-sistable spooky cocktails, so we strongly encourage taking a Ride Share. If you do decide to drive, however, you can park your broomsticks behind the building at East Side Performing Arts (979 Sprindgale Rd., Suite 815, Austin, TX 78702). Enter the parking lot near Black Feather Vintage; drive around to the back of the building. Head up the stairs towards Ground Floor Theatre; make a right, and head all the way down. Look for spooky signage!
• Q: Can I wear my Halloween costume? •
Witch says: I say…. if you’ve got it, haunt it. We’ll be on the lookout for the ghostess with the mostest.
• Q: What’s up with the Zombie Raffle? •
Witch says: Those Zombie friends of mine are hosting a Zombie Raffle again. Bring cash and venmo to buy your $5 tickets and an opportunity to win the same Kendra Scott necklace that Dracula gifts the Huntress in the ballet. Hey thanks, Kendra, you’re jewelry is bat to the bone. (BTW! All proceeds go towards artist paychecks!)
• Q: What is the recommended age for this show? •
Witch says: Listen ghouls, these Woods are full of scary creatures and adult humor. I keep trying to get the undead creatures to tone it down, but alas, they love to creep it real. That said.. leave your kiddos at home. Your babes are just too cute to spook, so get a sitter and trick or treat yo' self to a night of fright.
• Q: What is the scary content of the show? •
Witch says: We are here to get this party startled. Here in the Undead Woods, you’ll meet Dracula (he’s a real Vein Gogh), the Huntress, some creepy dolls, a herd of zombies, a horrifying werewolf, a colony of Dracula’s bats, a clique of his exiled ex-brides, my silly little spider sidekick, Carol, and… well…. WITCHES!
• Q: How close will the characters get to me? •
Witch says: My friends here in the Undead Woods are tricksters, and they like to get up close and personal, but they will not touch you. Please, witches, don’t touch them either!
• Q: Will there be a bar? •
Witch says: Trick or tequila? Spooky Cocktails galore! Bring some cash. I checked the spellbook, and the cauldron punch is witchin.’ As my good foe Dracula says, “Eat, drink, and be scary!”
• Q: What special effects will be used? •
Witch says: My favorite hobby is witchcraft. Please note that haze, strobe lighting, and loud music are used during this performance.
• Q: Can we buy tickets at the door? •
Witch says: We will sell some limited tickets at the door, but it’s cheaper to buy online in advance! I definitely recommend buying in advance, though, since this show tends to SELL OUT! Buy your tickets online NOW, or else we may have to say, “Boo, Felicia!”
• Q: Is the venue wheelchair accessible? •
Witch says: Both the venue access and the seating are located on the ground level. Give us a heads up (info@ventanaballet.com) if you need us to designate some specific wheelchair spots for your party. We know that not all witches ride brooms, so allow us to reserve a spot for you to get the most fa-boo-lous views of the scares!
Some parting words from the Witch…
Prepare yourself for some treats,
and maybe a few tricks.
And remember:
I rule these Woods.
- THE WITCH
~ ~ ~
Artist Bios
AJ Garcia-Rameau (Zombie & Bride)
"Listen to them, the children of the night... what music they make." — Quote from Dracula
AJ Garcia-Rameau is a professional dance artist, based in Austin, Texas. AJ is the director & founder of Ventana Ballet, a professional contemporary ballet company in Austin that presents local professional talent and brings accessible performances, events, and classes closer to the community. AJ is also partner-owner and technical director of East Side Performing Arts (ESPA), a brand-new white-box theater and dance studio venue, serving the Austin area as an accessible performance, rehearsal, and education space; ESPA is home to more than 150 Austin-based performing arts companies and individual professional artists. AJ holds a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Texas, and she currently works as a semiconductor engineer in the Austin area, as well. When AJ isn't dancing or lighting designing or playing in spreadsheets, she is usually gardening or playing darts in the backyard with her husband, Ryan!
Abriella Mauldin (Doll, Zombie, & Bride)
Abriella Mauldin is a professional ballet dancer from Melbourne, Florida. She grew up training at a small recreational studio before beginning her professional career with Ballet Vero Beach, where she performed as a Fellowship Artist and Guest Artist in both classical and contemporary works, including Le Corsaire & Coppélia. During her fellowship, Abriella earned her B.S. in Business Administration from Indian River State College, where she was also a featured dancer in productions such as Sweet Charity and A Chorus Line. She has additionally performed with Prelude in Melbourne, FL. While in Dallas, TX, Mauldin performed works by Katie Puder & Paul Mejia with Avant Chamber Ballet. Most recently, she has embarked on her journey as a freelance dancer in Austin, TX with Ventana Ballet.
Ash Taylor (Zombie & Bat)
“Hold your corsets and hold your horses, Ash is coming for you, watch out.”
Originating from Dallas, Ashleigh Love Taylor grew up dancing competitively in styles including tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, hip-hop and pointe. At the University of Texas at Austin, Ash graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, and studied afro-contemporary, ballet, and gyrokinesis with Erica Gionfrido, Gesel Mason, Dorothy O’Shae Overbey, and Charles O. Anderson. In college they performed in projects by Venese Alcantar and Love Muwwakkil at Cohen New Works Festival and ACDA, and worked in residencies with Jesse Zerrit and Teena Marie Custer. After college, Ash moved to London and took professional classes at The Place London Contemporary Dance School with Pipa Duke, and attended workshops with the Hofesh Schechter Company and Holly Blakey, focusing on contemporary ballet and floorwork. Recently they moved back to Austin, Texas and performed their own works in Dance Carousel at The Ground Floor Theatre inspired by poetry about autonomy with the use of spoken word. Next, they hope to produce their own show and continue to inspire agency in others.
Bess Millard (Doll & Bride)
Colleen DeForrest (The Witch)
Kelsey Oliver (The Werewolf)
Laney Phillips (Zombie & Bat)
"Don’t enter the UNDEAD woods empty-handed—the only thing that wards off a barista zombie is a Reese’s peanut butter cup..."
Laney Phillips is a dancer and movement enthusiast born and raised in Austin, TX. Laney grew up dancing in Austin, and when she moved back from college in 2022, dove right into the amazing dance community in ATX. Laney has premiered her own work in Small Plates ATX and Preheat Screendance Festival. She has performed with Austin-based companies and choreographers including Spaces of Fontana, Emily Rushing, Matthew Sommers, Alexa Capareda and ET. If she’s not on stage, you're bound to see Laney with 20 kids in tow biking around the streets of ATX!
Lathan A. Roberts (Dracula)
Lathan A. Roberts is excited to be making his Ventana Ballet debut as Dracula. Lathan is an Atlanta native who attended Brenau University for Dance Education with a concentration in Musical Theatre Jazz. Some of Lathan’s favorite credits includes National Tours: Anastasia: A New Musical (Ensemble/Prince Siegfried) and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Ensemble/ u/s Andrew Gains). Regional: The Color Purple(Grady/Ensemble) Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Drifter), Kinky Boots (Angel/ u/s Lola), My Way: Frank Sinatra Review Show (Swing/ Dance Captain). Follow along on Lathan’s journey @Lathanr__ on IG.
Lexi Lime (Zombie Lead & Bat)
“My toxic trait is thinking I could fix the killer in a scary movie.”
Lexi received her formative ballet training and began her professional career with San Francisco Ballet, where she performed with the company in a variety of productions such as Swan Lake and Don Quixote. She later moved to Austin to continue dancing with Ballet Austin. After stepping away from the dance world in 2019, she has recently returned with a renewed sense of purpose and passion. Now freelancing, Lexi embraces a more expansive and personal approach to movement. She is inspired by the intersection of dance and individuality, as she continues to evolve her artistry.
Mia Moi (Weekend 1: Zombie & Bat; Weekend 2: The Huntress)
Mia Moi was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Since moving to Austin, Mia has continued to refine her training in ballet, tap, jazz, heels, hip-hop, and contemporary working in performance, entertainment, and film. She teaches at Ballet Austin and Unity Dance Co. and is Executive Director of Dance Waterloo - a local nonprofit organization focused on accessible, mixed-ability movement. Mia holds Bachelors’ degrees in Communication & Leadership and Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. She also enjoys spending time with her four dogs and exploring the outdoors.
Shelby Higley (Zombie & Bat)
“She's happy to be dancing this spooky season with Ventana Ballet one BOOgie at a time.”
Shelby Higley is a professionally trained dancer, contortionist, and aerial artist whose training and career began with Louisville Ballet. While at Louisville Ballet she danced in numerous classical productions including Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Giselle, Coppélia, and La Bayadère. Following the company, she attended UNLV and graduated Cum Laude with a BSBA in Accounting and a minor in dance. While in Vegas, Shelby transitioned into training and performing the circus arts. She received training in pole dancing, aerial hoop, aerial straps, and contortion under renowned Cirque du Soleil performers and other notable circus artists. She competed her aerial straps routine at Viva Fest Las Vegas and has performed for prestigious corporate events. Currently, Shelby teaches contortion and aerial straps in town and has reignited her love for ballet by dancing with Ventana Ballet!
Taylor Baker (Carol, the Spider)
“A little loyalty, a little mayhem and maybe a few casuals he’s along the way.”
Taylor Baker graduated magna cum laude from Colorado State University in 2019 with a BFA in Dance. From 2019–2021, she performed with Canyon Concert Ballet in Fort Collins, where she was featured in notable roles. She also performed with Impact Modern Dance Company for two seasons before moving to Austin in 2021. Taylor began dancing with Ventana in 2021 and has loved spending the past five years growing as an artist and performer with the company. She especially enjoys Ventana’s immersive productions, with favorite performances including Night Birds, Hidden Strings, and UNDEAD, where she has the role of Carol, the sassy and spooky spider. She recently got married to the love of her life in April and loves spending time with friends and family. Professionally she is an Account Manager for a luxury wedding and event social media agency. Being a part of the Ventana Company is a true treat and feels incredibly grateful to continue creating, performing, and sharing her love of dance alongside such inspiring artists!
Tiffany Judkins (Doll, Zombie, & Bat)
Fun fact: Tiffany was born on Halloween!
Tiffany grew up in Utah where she began dancing at the age of three. She trained with Classical Ballet Academy, Provo Civic Ballet, Center Stage, and a competitive drill team throughout high school. She danced as a Badgerette at Snow College, then transferred to Utah Valley University where she completed an Associate’s degree in Dance. At UVU, she danced on their ballet company, Repertory Ballet Ensemble, and was featured in Les Sylphides, Divertimento, and Hansel and Gretel. She then moved to Texas to complete her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology & Health at the University of Texas. Tiffany has always loved expressing herself through movement and is thrilled to continue pursuing her passion for dance as a Resident Artist with Metamorphosis Dance and Ventana Ballet.
Tikiri Shapiro (Weekend 1: The Huntress; Weekend 2: Zombie & Bat)
“If you spin fast enough, you can escape the UNDEAD woods."
Tikiri Shapiro landed in Austin, TX, a few years ago and has loved this city's dance scene ever since. When she's not scheming up her next choreographic project with her own dance group, Sea Legs Dance, she also dances with groups such as RushTopFish, Red Nightfall Dance Theatre, Performa/Dance, Early Era Dance Collective, Ventana Ballet, Dance Waterloo, and whoever else lets her spin around.
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Can’t make it, but still want to donate?
Ventana Ballet is grateful to you and all of our supporters! We strive to continue to create opportunities for artists and keep ticket prices as low as we can. For credit card donations, please click the PayPal button below. Also, we accept Venmo! Thank you!
Photo by Farid Zarrinabadi