Shotgun Players Reviews

Great local theater across the street form Ashby BART. I saw the troupe perform William S. Gibbons "The Black Rider", featuring music from Tom Waits. The band was exceptional; I'm a huge fan of mid-career Waits, and the band captured his junk-symphony vibe to a T. I'm not particularly knowledgeable about acting, so I can't comment on the skill of the actors, they clearly were having a good time performing the show (for what it's worth, I saw one of the last showings of an extended run, a time when I can easily see the actors tiring of their roles, but that was not noticeable with the Shotgun Players). I had a seat in the back corner, which wouldn't seem ideal (it was one of the last to go), but visibility and comfort we're not issues. There is a bar and you can enjoy your cocktail inside the theater. Recommended! I will be returning.

Not enough bathrooms. But the community is great, location next to BART is awesome. There's good food within walking distance. Semi easy and sometimes free (after 6pm) street parking depending on what time you get there.

I really don't have any words for there work it is amassing

Small intimate theater with high production values.

They make amazing productions. The things they do with the set blow my mind every time. It always feels intimate.

Just seen the black rider and it was awesome it's a must see.

Shotgun Players perform consistently above their weight class. Community theater that gives ACT, Berkeley Rep and the Curran a run for their money. (But check the others out too - the Bay is big enough for a lot of great acts)

Great performances and very affordable during the previews.

They paint the outside for each play. A gem for South Berkeley.

The show we saw "White" was amazing, with a great set design and great cast. The show was biting, witty and made you think. There was a nice mini discussion with patrons after which I wish I had more of when going to shows.
Also nice little area for food/drinks with sweet staff.
Cute raffle that apparently happens with each show.
Check online for MAD and other pay-what-you-can offers if you need to be frugal.

What? You haven't been to Shotgun Players yet? You've driven by, you've noticed the way they repaint the building for every show, kinda wondered about it, but you just weren't sure whether to swerve away from the standards like Berkeley Rep. Go ahead and swerve, my friend - right into the BART parking lot across the street (or better yet, just take BART there), and you will treat yourself to some of the best theatre the Bay Area has to offer. This is intelligent, thought-provoking, talk about it afterward, wow, that was really something kind of an evening, with extraordinary actors - some you'll recognize, some up and coming. Subscribe for a really good deal (check out the WOW deal), or the under 30's deal, or the nights that are pay what you wish, or check out their Champagne Reading Series - just $15 a pop.
We've subscribed for the past 5 years, but I grieve all the years before that I could have been here! Don't make the same mistake, check it out!

Fantastic plays in this small (maybe 130 seat) yet powerful local theater group. I've been a season ticket holder about 5 years.

Haven't seen a less than brilliant production here yet :)

Delightful. Heartwrench was improv fun that hit the spot. Also, a lovely selection of drinks and treats before the performance.

Such a conveniently located theater with (mostly) decent fare. I appreciate the place.

Saw Shotgun's rendition of 'The Black Rider' by Tom Waitts. Great performers, and intimate setting. A Berkeley local gem.

Saw the play Arcadia. 'Twas a creative and clever performance across time. If you're one for philosophy and/or debate I would highly recommend going to watch.

The performance hall itself was fairly cozy. Seats were reasonably comfortable and positioned 360 degrees about the stage (but with most on a single side). Lighting was on point throughout the show, hats off to not only the actors but the directors and stage hands.

Lovely, intimate stage. They have really cool promotions for cheap tickets to get youth and those who can't afford it into their doors. I saw Arcadia and loved it!

It was amazing!!! Very intimate environment...wonderful acoustics!

Every play I have seen here has been really good. My favourite theatre.

It's a quaint little place and they have a variety of shows. I saw a comedy show and it was excellent, the place has food and the seating is nice and accessible, however the whole place is pretty small

Saw Kiss here, absolutely loved it. The space is comfortable, great view even from the back.

Fun little theatre. We saw one of the "off-season" productions. The facility is intimate, and there's not really a bad seat. We would love to go back sometime.

Great place.
Enjoy Amsterdam ;)

No bad seats. If you live in the East bay I highly recommend getting some last minute seats from goldstar or todays tix and check this place out. Some bad theater occasionally and a 50/50 chance you will love what you see here as it is with all small theater groups but they are really nice and I have seen some great stuff. Their production of Arcadia last season was excellent.

My wife and I had a wonderful date night here! Very friendly people, great show, nice intimate theater with quality productions. Highly recommended.

Shotgun Players offers an alternative approach, more focused on creativity and innovation, with a bit less focus on popular, commercial theatre. I went to a reading of The Cherry Orchard recently, and have seen several other shows in the past. Parking isn't always convenient, so consider taking the BART to get there. They are just across the street from the Ashby station.

Fun, local talent in a great venue on corner of Ashby & MLK

Wonderful production of Tom Stoppard's Arcadia. Theater is charming and it was novel to sit on the stage during the play.

Exciting theatre with diversity in themes and casting.

MOST UNDERRATED THEATER IN THE BAY AREA. These people care about what they do. Everything we've seen there is better than ACT, Berkeley Rep, whatever. Not sure how they do it, but GO GO GO there.

Adventurous theater in an intimate welcoming environment and with the highest artistic standards and moral consciousness.

Amazing theater! Had such an amazing time. Comfy sheets too!

The Shotgun Players are one of the best theater companies in the bay area. Always creative original productions. Grateful to them here.

I've been wanting to see Arcadia for years, so I was grateful for the opportunity to see it here, and delighted by the incredible performance! They also have seating on the stage, which is a surprisingly intimate experience, and really brought the play to life. I would definitely attend another production by this company!

Very hip, good repertoire, intimate space.

BE HERE

High quality passionate acting. Despite modest setting, their plays will captivate you to the point of forgetting where you are. Will definitely come back.

Great Theatre over all, love the place. The shows are great!

Good show but the seating for our special location around the stage was horribly uncomfortable. Some friends left after the first act because of this.

Love this Playhouse, always have a wonderful time when I go!

A wonderful intimate theater! Be sure to bring your coat as they chill it down to an uncomfortable temperature before the performance starts.