Jack H. Skirball Center For The Performing Arts — Attraction in New York

Was super excited for my first Skirball experience. I have been following them for a couple years and have always been super interested in their programming. Finally made the leap and splurged on a couple tickets for 'Five Easy Pieces'. I was so disappointed when the space and staff did not serve the piece at all.

After sitting in our broken, sagging seats, I commented to my friend before the show that the energy of the room "felt like a school assembly" - this wasn't a bad thing when I said it. There is a certain community feeling to that, but it soon became so distracting.

The space amplified every audience noise and there was a LOT of audience noise. An entire group of 6-8 college students in front of us were on their phones, chitchatting, and sharing pictures with each other on their devices the WHOLE show. I had a pleasure of watching every Snapchat and Instagram story from one woman's entire social network. People got out of their seats and left and came back into the theater multiple times. Five different times someone's phone rang or alarm went off during the show. I understand these things are generally out of a space's control, but there wasn't any announcement or even a program note to remind people to be courtesy.

I brushed that off because - sure audiences can suck - and tried my best to focus on the production. BUT then we were sitting pretty close to the sound/lighting table and the staff were loudly whispering to each other. I've never felt like an upset crotchety old theatergoer (I'm 25), but that night I did! It felt like no one in the space cared to be there - and that would of been fine if I hadn't paid money. Wish I got to see that piece in a space that cared a bit more. Super disappointing. Hesitant about returning, which is a huge bummer because they present great work - but if there space is like that every time it isn't worth the time/money.

Try to see the work they are presenting elsewhere if possible or maybe check if the night you are going the box office releasing a lot of comps? That may of been part of the issue? If it is a louder piece like a musical work or dance I'm sure it will be fine. I don't know. Felt like no one wanted to be there and took away from the entire experience and in the end I just felt bad for the performers...

A fine theater, well-designed, excellent acoustics, yet the soundman failed terribly with lackluster audio for such a decent compliment of audio monitors/speakers. For lectures/speaking/talks etc., it's superb, yet considering today's standard, multimedia, audio needs - perhaps the current audio system requires some fixes and upgrades to add a touch of fidelity, effects and bass for events which use a lot of either music and/or audio elements.

I'd give it 5 stars, but the audio simply sucked for the 1st part of the event last Monday. I told the sound/audio guys to add fidelity and bass. They listened, happily obliged and the second-half went well (much better,) yet still lacked the heart, punch and fullness it needed... Perhaps it may have been the audio guys....? IDK but they better get on with exceptional AUDIO....!

Lastly, I really loved the interior; it's simply beautiful with an elegant, minimalist, American design...

What's not to love about this place? The space is large, accommodating, and as good as, or better, than some Broadway theaters. Their programming is excellent as I've yet to see a bad performance here. Even the unknown shows, like the one currently running, "Hot Brown Honey," are always absolute gems. From a location standpoint it's near public transportation and across from Washington Square Park, which makes for great strolls before or after the show. There are also tons of nearby places for pre or post-show dining. Inside, the seats are spacious and accessible, and the bathrooms are spotless. Their lighting and stage effects rival anything on the Great White Way and they can do any production justice. Best of all, the staff are always helpful and friendly, from the ticket booth people to the ushers. Like I said, what's...