In the theater world, every city needs large houses and small ones and community ones (including…read moredinner theaters, if applicable.) Large ones to drive the theater zeitgeist with main stage productions that everyone has heard of (either locally produced or traveling extravaganzas) and small ones to provide more intimate settings and maybe take a few risks. Firehouse is a decent small theater so I am not going to review it against the standards set by the large houses. Come to Firehouse for above average acting and for decent production values. Come to Firehouse for exposure to plays you won't see at large houses -- ranging from, say, Rocky Horror to Buried Child. Come to Firehouse for the experience of seeing a show in a raw form that does not depend on major fly-in gimmicks or other high tech special effects. Do not come if the above doesn't suit you, or if not quite comfortable seating is an issue. Or if you need to park close. Firehouse and its ilk fill a valuable niche. It should be supported and patronized.

I really enjoyed the play burial tax, I think the only thing I didn't like was the random…read moresexualized scene of the actress taking off her shirt to a see through bra? For no real added plot? Other than that I really enjoyed the play. The woman playing Cora and Man playing Dar were so good forgot they were acting. Probably wouldn't be back though due to I don't really enjoy pornographic like material.

I was not familiar with this place but got tickets to the show Christmas Carol for us to go see…read more Parking is a bit of a challenge but once that is done.. it was a great experience. The set and actors did a fantastic job. It was definitely a higher quality than i expected. I think this may be a place we go to for a show a few times a year. Quite a pleasant suprise.

The November Theatre is absolutely stunning, while a bit on the smaller side compared to other…read moretheatres in the area. The intimate setting makes for a really special viewing experience. Parking is a bit tricky as there is no direct parking available in front of the theatre but there are some paid lots and street parking is available (there is a 2 hour limit to be considerate of if you're seeing a matinee, not applicable after 8). What stands out is the seating is a bit more comfortable with a decent amount of leg room my partner who is 6'1 was able to sit comfortably. The sound quality of this theatre is also amazing, I was able to hear the music and the actors very clearly throughout the show. I checked out Virginia Reps production of Waitress for the first time this past weekend and it was phenomenal! So glad that we are able to have such quality theatre offerings here in the area and this is one place that can not be beat! Before a shows run they offer pay what you can previews which definitely makes the magic of theatre more accessible to the masses. Definitely give Virginia Repertory a shot if you have any interest in the arts, I think this is a great introduction to some amazing shows and everyone is extremely talented!

Wonderful acting, great acting classes. The owner really knows what she's doing. Will visit again.read more

This is a tiny (58 seats?), intimate theatre in the far west end off Patterson Avenue. I saw 5th…read moreWall's The Human Terrain there, and it was incredibly well done. They did a lot with the small space they had to work with. Lots of parking. Go see a show and support local professional theatre!

bought tickets to Don't Tell Comedy and the show was at this location. It was runny young guys who…read moreseated us and the set up was a small stage with 3 cocktail tables and about 50 chairs in front of the stage. They have a full bar in the back with 2 young female bartenders. One had just started yesterday, very sweet girl There's also artwork on the walls,- very expensive artwork- but beautifully painted animals on every wall. This seemed like a nice place to rent for a small event. the show was cool. the comedians were all up and coming. some funny, some still working on material. we had a good time though.

Black Iris is a super cool music social club and coworking space in Jackson Ward. I love the First…read moreFriday art walk events they hold here. I've had some friends have their art here, it's wonderful how they support local artists. They also have live shows with local musicians too. While they do have paid memberships for co-working and social club benefits, they do open it to the general public from time to time. They also do private events. I went to a wedding in December here. It was a lovely venue for an intimate wedding. I found it strange that they decided to paint the walls the same morning of the wedding though. I did love having the chance to explore the different floors. Their interior design here is gorgeous. They offer a game room with a pacman game and pool table, a cigar lounge, coworking spaces, a bar and an art gallery. I love how unique each room is too. I would highly recommend checking this place out.

The Ashland theater is my favorite family friendly theater in the area! From free movie Mondays to…read morethe toddler takeovers, there is so much fun to be had here. The staff is friendly and helpful and concessions are reasonably priced!

Had a great time seeing a movie here! The theater is nice, clean facilities and beer/wine for sale…read more Not much more you can ask for.

I had the pleasure to watch Mortal Combat at this theatre. It was my first time there and I just…read morelove how beautiful it was inside. I think my photos got deleted somehow but I managed to find a video I had. After the show i wondered up stairs and thought I grab some really good pictures which I seem to have never saved . But it was nice love the architecture details. One thing I would add is that the bathroom (at least the one upstairs) is not as pretty. I forgot to check out the downstairs one but I think I was expecting something grand or as equally nice as the theatre itself. Staff was friendly, I love that they have a box office to purchase tickets from a person before coming in if you don't already have one, instead of sending you to a screen. The whole experience was nice. I will be back for another showing soon!

Awesome sauce! Glad that I RSVP'd for this event; and lucked…read moreup to see the new Michael movie! The new seats that got installed a few yrs ago are so comfortable and they all have cup holders. Staff are friendly and willing to help! It's a bit chilly as any movie theatre would be, especially during summer, so i came prepared with a jacket.

Bridge 9 is a performing arts company that hosts improv performances and comedy shows with local…read moreperformers of all ages. They also offer classes, and that's where I came in. I went here for an improv class to help me with my speaking. It was fun, fast paced, lively, and safe! You might think that there is no way you could act silly and be unscripted in front of strangers, but you find that not only can you, it's easy. If you are looking for something fun and unique to do - whether you have a dream to be on stage or not- check it out. I think you will enjoy it and learn lots.

An "up-and-coming" improvisational comedy theater aimed at bringing all sections of RVA together…read morethrough laughter. Improvisors from the entire area (state, country, world) are welcome to submit themselves and/or teams to play in the creative space(s) carefully vetted by this non--profit organization. Community outreach, education and support for the improvisational community are paramount. Check it out and watch as they grow

Red Vein was a lot of fun, and this was a great first time experience!…read more While I have done a number of the haunts local to the Richmond area, this was my first time at Red Vein. I had heard it was one of the better ones and they certainly delivered. A bit under $25 gets you a bit over an hour's scare-ntertainment, which is a lot per hour but it's a jam-packed hour so it works. When you arrive, there are employees directly traffic to parking, which are unmarked grass spaces. Front workers were nice and a handful of scarers were walking around to psyche folks up for the experience. You end up waiting in a few lines here and there: ticket purchase, front gate, and then a line for each of the four experiences, all tied together with a sort of loose cult/corporate storyline. Each one is a lot of fun and there are plenty of clever layouts and props to keep you guessing about where the next scare will come from. One of the toughest things to do at these places is pace lines, since if folks get squished together the scarers can't reset effectively. Unfortunately we happened to be behind the slowest group known to man and in front of a group of scared teens who could not wait to be done with the whole thing. This took away from the experience a bit but I chock it up to bad luck rather than Red Vein. Ultimately this turned out to be an awesome place to commemorate spooky season and I would absolutely do it again next year! Overall: 4.5 stars ---- Pros: - Great staff, both the front workers and the scare crew. - Fun experience with a lot of variety and creativity. - Great logical flow to the setup to try to pace things better. - Lots of parking. Cons: - Sometimes bad luck in group placement will hinder your experience, and while that happened to us, hopefully it won't to you. - Price isn't terrible but it is a lot for a brief experience. - Making a more permanent parking setup (or at least spraying some lines in the grass) would go a long way to making entrance and exit better.

Live music, corn pit for kids, vendors selling handmade jewelry, tshirts, and spoopy swag. Food…read moretrucks. Fire pits to stay warm while watching bands. We were there for the music, but loads of people were enjoying the scary features of the location and came dressed up to the venue.