Berkeley Rep is a jewel in this city. Always amazi...
Berkeley Rep is a jewel in this city. Always amazing productions. I saw an outstanding one woman play called Pike St tonight.
Berkeley Rep is a jewel in this city. Always amazing productions. I saw an outstanding one woman play called Pike St tonight.
Berkeley Rep has become more fussy and "corporate" than I prefer. They still do some good shows, but they seem less creative now than 20 years ago.
Saw White Noise here, a very engaging and thought provoking play! The venue is very nice with a great view of the stage from every seat.
Deb the house manager is the best! The concession staff is rad, they deserve raises!
We were in the center of the last row of the mezzanine and had perfect sightlines. Roda theater.
I have only amazing things to say about Berkeley Repertory Theater. I have never been disappointed by anything I have seen here. I cannot begin to recommend it strongly enough. if you're in the East Bay for any length of time at all, grab tickets and see a show. You will never be disappointed.
The smaller theater is perfect for intimate performances
Easy to park - no bad seats in the theatre and the play "White Noise" was executed very well.
Every seat in the house is good. Well located near public transportation and good garage parking. It would have been five stars if only there were adequate restrooms for patrons, especially women.
Everything was fine except one glaring issue... Our ticket came with a cocktail included, but to get that cocktail, we would have had to wait in a line at least 30 people long with a hopelessly understaffed bar staff. All the while, ushers and ticket readers were constantly warning that late seating would not be permitted, entrance denied. But what they conveniently forgot to say was that the performance we were there for didn't really start until 815, 15mins after the ticket stated time. Indeed, we could've easily stood in that line for our freebie booze, but were not told the truth about the start time, and threatened with no entrance should we be a couple minutes late. That's a great way to save on liquor costs...frighten patrons into going without by intentionally inflicting long lines, and freak them out about late seating. Not nice Berkeley Rep. I will stay on the good side of the caldicott for a better arts experience in walnut creek.
Often thoughtful, leading edge plays. I always leave, looking forward to the next play. Near a BART station for easy transport.
Berkeley Rep is a true Bay Area institution, and for good reason. For decades, they have sustained a level of quality that matches or surpasses anything West of Broadway. Everything from Shakespeare classics to this year's hot new plays, or anything in between. And right in the heart of Berkeley with it's great restaurants and the UC campus.
Saw Angels in America here. Beat theater I've ever witnessed. Roda Theater was great, we were in the back row of the balcony but the performances still felt intimate and immediate.
If you want a break from binge-watching TV and going to the movies, check out good theater with live humans.
Amazing place. Moving sets, spinning stage, good acoustics, awesome actors.
The theater is great! Maybe the audience is too intellectual for it's own good.
Theatre area is good. Other areas get way too crowded and it's worst when people are rushing to get to bathrooms during intermission. I can understand urgency of floor level folks who can't delay as they must be reseated before curtain up. Any upstairs loos? Would be helpful in reducing traffic downstairs. New parking lot across street has fab disabled parking. M
Well, the performance "Ain't Too Proud" was stellar!!!! Nice venue!
Such GREAT performances and plays! With exceptionally talented actors,plays, staff and volunteers. We r soooooo LUCKY to live nearby so we can go frequently. We also love going to ACT and Magic. I also happily worked with a travelling theatre troupe Dakota Theatre Caravan. In South Dakota!!
Hot summer tour was okay I enjoyed myself.. Hope they have a even bigger turnout next time.
Current production of Angels in America is amazing!
Great theater! Only complaint is the lack of senior discounts.
Two theaters, quality of productions varies widely, especially new work.
The facilities here are gorgeous, the staff is wonderful, and the shows are magic!
Fantastic local theater, punches above its weight nationally. Plays vary from cerebral to punch in the gut, often in a single show. Intimate, well designed stages, not a bad seat. The only downside is you tend to be with people from Berkeley ;-)
We thought the performances in Paradise Square were incredible, and the play/musical has powerful resonance with today's political and social situation. My only complaint is ticket prices--I know that they have to support the activities of Berkeley Rep, but prices close off the theater experience to most people on a low or modest income.
The theatre is beautiful and the shows are spectacular.
The best theatre company in the Bay Area, hands down. Integrity, strong production values and keen insight into the material that is likely to engage an audience.
Nice local theatre featuring well known actors. Good sound system and I've always been impressed with the stage settings.
My second time seeing ain't to proud at Berkeley Repertory Theatre it was amazing.
Great combo of the feel of a major theatre company and a small intimate space.
beautiful theater, comfortable venue, affordable tickets.
Great show, comfy theater, friendly helpful staff.
Saw "Becky Nurse of Salem." Wonderful, witty and thoughtful!
Another great evening with Berkeley Rep!
The acting is excellent. The plays are on the cutting edge of creative theater.
Almost every seat in their two theatres is a great seat! They offer a lovely combination of intimate space and major productions. You can often catch performances here before they head to Broadway.
The Tale of Desparoux is a wonderfully crafted production. While it may be based on a children's book, it is fully engaging for adults.
Roda Theater was very nice. Not too big, so you are close to the stage.
Great show, good volunteers for ushers and great presentation.
Saw a great production. Several same drink/pastry spots inside. Usually two shows playing at the same time.
Got the student discount. Definitely great place to watch some shows.
The Rep has always been a great showcase of talent in the Arts. But now that I've been ushering a few years now, I've seen many shows. And what strikes me the most is the diversity in content. They have all been thought-provoking, beautiful, moving and timely. The Courtyard is beautifully lit at night. The bar is super cute with great cocktails. Definitely go early to hang out in either place before the show. I also like that drinks are ok in the theaters as long as they have a lid or cap. Also, the tix are cheaper for people under 30 to encourage the "younger crowd " but just GO AND SUPPORT THE ARTS! Art saves lives.
Cutting edge theatre.
Can be Excellent, Good, bad or ugly (few and far between but does happen). Set design extraordinare...always impressed with.
Best of the best - like the Public Theater in NYC they do both comfortable and risky productions.
Great theatre, seems all the seating is perfect (even upstairs). The only drawback is that the one restroom is located all the way at the opposite end of the lobby from the handicap service elevator to the mezzanine, so it's quite a hike. I saw Angels in America there and the performances were outstanding, but being partially disabled I found it very difficult to navigate my way to and from the restroom (and stand in an endless line for the men's room while in pain and with a cane), and get back to my seat in time during the intermissions.
Had a comedy show there, nice bar to have a drink and chat with a friends
Always a great show. Thought provoking, intelligent theater.
This theater is a wonderful place that's within financial reach of most and host to top quality spectacles worthy of Broadway and other world renowned theatrical venues. I'm so lucky to have this one within my area.
Solid performances at this theatre. I've seen Monsoon Wedding and The Temptations. Both performances were outstanding. The actors and staff put a lot of work into their productions, you can tell. The Theatre is big and quite nice. The rooms are small, which is perfect because even if you're sitting in the back, you get a clear view of the stage performance. Recently, they've started to extend the discount to include everyone under age 35 to lure in a diverse audience. It's definitely working. Take advantage if you can!
I didn't hate it. It was great. "The Good Book" was very well acted and author wrote a great piece.
A giant of a theater condensed in a relatively small venue. Berkeley Rep is a treat for all they present and...don't forget to grab one of their yummy cookies at intermission!
It is nearly impossible to rate a Theater company, rather than a particular play. However, along with A.C.T., this is your best bet for great live theater in the Bay Area. Nearly everything we have seen here has been good to great. It is funkier and edgier than A.C.T. and you are more likely to see a production premiere here before it goes on to worldwide fame and fortune than just about any other theater on earth.
It is a bit expensive, as most high-end theater is. However, bargain tickets can be found if you take the effort to look around online.
Just wonderful and easy to get to on public transportation.
Wonderful theater, well laid out, with great programming.
Support the Rep. If only the quality we're more consistent.
A cozy community theater - pretty darn good acoustics. We watched Monsoon Wedding, The Musical - the theater was ideal for this play. I'd like to go back there again.
Love the intimate atmosphere of the Peet's and Roda theaters. The Roda, while small, achieves impressive technical feats of staging.
unique theater alto become more commercial in recent years...nissing some authenticity it once enjoyed...
Intimate theater spaces supported by a cadre of wonderful volunteers. Friendly crowd and great shows!
Berkeley Repertory Theatre: A Tony Award-Winning Regional Theatre
Berkeley Repertory Theatre is a Tony Award-winning regional theatre located in Berkeley, California. The theatre presents exhilarating new plays and innovative productions of dramas and comedies in its Roda Theatre and Peet’s Theatre. With a rich history spanning over five decades, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre has become one of the most respected theatres in the country.
The Artistic Director of Berkeley Repertory Theatre is Johanna Pfaelzer, who has been with the company since 2019. She brings with her a wealth of experience from her previous roles as Artistic Director at New York Stage and Film Company, Associate Producer at American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), and Resident Director at Yale Repertory Theater.
Susie Medak serves as Managing Director of Berkeley Repertory Theatre. She joined the company in 1990 as General Manager before being promoted to Managing Director in 1996. Under her leadership, the theatre has grown significantly both artistically and financially.
History
Berkeley Repertory Theatre was founded in 1968 by Michael Leibert Jr., who served as its first Artistic Director until his death in 1987. During his tenure, Leibert established a reputation for producing bold new works that challenged audiences' expectations.
In its early years, Berkeley Rep performed primarily at various venues around town before moving into its current home on Addison Street in downtown Berkeley. The building was originally constructed as an automobile dealership but was converted into a theatre space by architect James Plachek.
Over the years, many notable artists have worked with Berkeley Rep including Tony Kushner (Angels In America), Mary Zimmerman (Metamorphoses), David Henry Hwang (M Butterfly), Sarah Ruhl (Eurydice), Anna Deavere Smith (Twilight: Los Angeles), among others.
Productions
Berkeley Rep produces eight shows each season across two stages - Roda Theater and Peet's Theater - which are located within walking distance from each other on Addison Street. The productions range from world premieres to classic plays reimagined for modern audiences.
One recent production that garnered critical acclaim was "Sweat" by Lynn Nottage which won both Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Obie Award for Playwriting after premiering at Oregon Shakespeare Festival before transferring to Broadway via Arena Stage then finally landing on stage at Berkley rep theater where it received rave reviews from critics nationwide including New York Times critic Ben Brantley who called it "the first theatrical landmark of this Trump era."
Another notable production was "Angels In America" by Tony Kushner which premiered here before going on to win numerous awards including Pulitzer Prize for Drama & Best Play Tony Awards after transferring to Broadway via Mark Taper Forum & Royal National Theater London where it originated under direction George C Wolfe starring Nathan Lane Andrew Garfield Denise Gough Lee Pace James McArdle among others.
Education Programs
In addition to producing world-class theatre productions, Berkeley rep also offers education programs designed to engage young people with theater arts through workshops led by professional artists working alongside students aged between six months old up through high school seniors throughout Bay Area schools community centers libraries hospitals juvenile detention facilities etcetera providing them opportunities learn about acting playwriting directing design technical aspects behind-the-scenes work involved putting together successful show while also developing their own creative voices along way.
Conclusion
Overall, if you're looking for an exciting night out or want your children exposed to quality theater arts education programs then look no further than Berkley rep theater! With award-winning productions led by talented artistic team under guidance experienced management staff there's something everyone here whether you're seasoned theatergoer or just starting explore what live performance can offer us all!