Houston, Texas – Houston Theater Week is now in its fourth year, running from August 18-24, 2025. Designed initially to reinvigorate live attendance post-pandemic, it spans multiple genres including theater, musical theater, opera, dance, and concerts. It features more than 400 performances across 21 performing arts organizations from downtown stages to neighborhood theaters.
The initiative has generated nearly $3 million in ticket sales since 2022 and is credited with contributing to a $1.4 billion local economic impact from arts and culture. Importantly, it supports thousands of local jobs for artists and industry professionals, enabling talents like Courtney Markowitz and Ben Chavez to build lasting careers in Houston.
For audiences, Houston Theater Week offers exciting Buy One, Get One FREE ticket deals with promo code HTW25, accessible at houstontheaterweek.com . New this year, the event introduces Ask V, an AI assistant that helps attendees find shows and nearby dining and entertainment for a full night out. The celebration also includes a celebrity lecture series with figures such as Jane Fonda and Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Two acclaimed performers, Courtney Markowitz and Ben Chavez, shared their journeys and experiences working extensively within Houston’s dynamic arts community.
Courtney Markowitz, a versatile performer and director, offers a profound example of artistic dedication in Houston. Currently the Associate Director for the 2025/2026 season production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS), Courtney has also performed in numerous roles at TUTS including Ragtime (Mother), Sweeney Todd (Beggar Woman), Cinderella (Stepmother), and Mary Poppins (Mrs. Banks). Her regional and national credits include Jekyll & Hyde, Spring Awakening, Legally Blonde, and more. Beyond the stage, Courtney has showcased her vocal talents with symphony orchestras across the country, exemplifying her broad artistic range.
Ben Chavez, an award-winning songwriter, actor, and musician, has also firmly rooted his career in Houston. Known for his breakout role in the Broadway National Tour of Disney’s Aladdin, Ben has performed on prestigious stages from Radio City Music Hall to The Kennedy Center. Locally, he is a regular at TUTS with credits including Newsies, Frozen, and In the Heights. His creative talents extend to songwriting and composing for film, highlighted by his work for the 2024 feature Intermedium. Ben’s commitment to nurturing new talent is seen in his roles as Resident Music Director at Queensbury Theatre/Tribble School and as pianist for the Houston Ballet Academy.
Choosing to stay in Houston has been a deliberate and fulfilling decision for both artists. They highlight how Houston’s performing arts community has evolved into a thriving ecosystem that supports artists personally and professionally. This local ecosystem not only offers rich creative opportunities and collaborations but also fosters a sustainable living through arts careers, preventing the need to relocate to larger markets.
Everyone is invited to explore Houston Theater Week to discover performances that resonate, and support the local arts scene. These stories exemplify how staying local can lead to artistic fulfillment and community impact in Houston’s flourishing performing arts landscape.