Berkeley Playhouse — Attraction in Berkeley

This place is not new, it's not fancy, and it's clearly warn around the edges, but it's worn with talent and engaged audiences, not neglect.

The facility is much better than most community theaters in it's stage setup. I don't know if they rotate stage mangers and scenery crews with shows or if they have people they specifically work with this theater over and over but they make incredible use of the space. Sometimes the sets are complex, sometimes they are simple, but they are always effective and appropriate (to my eye) for the show they support.

That casts I've seen through here are also a clear step above most community theaters. Some I've bookmarked their social media presence to see where they go next.

I like the concession stand. The cookies are really good and there is a nice selection to choose from. I do recommend ordering what you want from them when you arrive and not deal with the long line that appears during the intermission. Your pre-order is setup for you across the room so it's easy to access.

The only real problem with the place is the bathrooms. They are cramped, you can't even open the door to the mens room if someone is using the sink next to it. But for the rest of the experience I don't mind this one thing.

In (almost) short: There are a lot of theaters in the Bay Area, and while I've not been to all of them (or probably even half of them) I have been to many and this is my favorite. The mix of size (not too small, but large enough to hold the sound just right) and the people who put on the productions mean I have yet to leave with criticism of my experience. We left our last performance and realized that each season we see more of their shows and finally broke down and bought...

I've been here a couple of times for different performances. All that friends and family have been in. The shows are always very amazing and the staff is very friendly. I think the only downside of this building is that there's absolutely no air conditioning. I can't imagine how the actors and staff feel on hot summer days, especially during the days where we have intense heat waves. But there's been a few days that I've gone to a show, either at 2:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. And it's been unnaturally hot in the room. I have a mini fan that I carry with me everywhere just in case of a friend getting too hot, so I've had a small release from the heat. But I can't imagine how the actors are dealing with it being on stage under all of those lights. And from what I can hear when I'm just standing in side of the building, it doesn't sound like they have air conditioning on the back side of the stage either. This is definitely a place that probably would do well with some kind of remodel or even a few fans and places, but all in all a great place...

This was the first production I have been to but it won't be the last I assure you. This experience was what I had always hoped for but had always fell short one way or another. This is a true proud community theater that walks the walk. Confident yet humble casts of characters, quality plays with timely themes, and a charming venue with prices that encourage the public to experience live theater that's within their reach without them having to sacrifice a week of groceries just to afford tickets for the all-too-soon fleeting chance to personally appreciate the energy of a live performance. And as if that wasn't enough, the audience gets to experience raw feelings without any special effects to dilute or bury the message of the writers, directors, producers and dedicated actors who deliver powerful and unforgettable performances. Sorry..I went off on a tangent so here's my bottom line...go to these productions and go often. Experience a thought-provoking play from dedicated professionals. This is truly a gem in our...