I attended a New Years Eve circus and burlesque show produced by Smoke and Mirrors Menagerie, and can say this is certainly a charming little theater. And I mean LITTLE! For an event space, it's probably not the most ideal, but they made it work for a small, intimate crowd this past Saturday night. It's just really cozy, if you're comfortable with that. Plus it's confusing to find. The location seems really isolated, and you need to get buzzed in to what seems like an industrial building, then find the studio entrance down the hall on the 2nd floor. The lighting and decor inside are amazing, and looking upon the photos on the wall, and the props all around, I can tell they have the ability/potential to do really great photography and events here. They even have a vertical pole right at the front center of the stage, and plenty of equipment hung from the ceiling on stage to do aerial performances. The staff for the event we attended was friendly for sure, but seemed a little less professional, and things didn't seem as organized as I would expect. But it wasn't a problem for us, just an observation. It was almost like organized chaos. Exposed and jumbled cables and wires along the ceiling and walls, a sound system that's less than ideal, a substandard concessions bar for event guests, just a quirky vibe overall. But a successful show, enjoyable for guests... it's like things are meant to be imperfect and perhaps a little "messy". And since Little Boxes Theater hosts a number of workshops and productions in the creative arts, perhaps that's what makes it unique. read more

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If you are looking for a space to hold an event, a class, or any sort of performance, I would encourage you to consider Little Boxes Theater here in San Francisco. We have been holding flagging events at Little Boxes for over a year, and the owners Kitty and Aaron have been a pleasure to work with! We have had a number of odd requests, and they always listen carefully and do their best to cheerfully accommodate us (or explain why they can't - very rare!) They say on their website that they "...encourage inclusivity & nourish diversity of race, class, cultural heritage, artistic expression, ability, age, gender identity, sexual orientation and everyone exactly how they are and choose to be as they move through life." My experience is that this is not just words to them - they actually walk the walk. If you would like to see how our event looked, I have footage here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fitpsf/permalink/8280377325328146/ read more

I cannot recommend Little Boxes Theater enough! I rented the space for a night to produce a proof of concept for an investor and I could not have found a better location or staff. Kitty and Aaron were so helpful, flexible with the unforseen changes we had to make to our original plan, and just generally fun people to work with. The space was perfect for our needs and I would love to do a full production there someday. I will definitely be back! read more

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An incredible spot, really unique and different. We've seen several captivating, intimate circus shows here and have also participated in their art shoots, as well as hosting events over the years. Whether you're an aerial performer or an admirer of the performing arts, they cater to both performers and spectators with genuine warmth and inclusivity. A wonderful space filled with talent and camaraderie. Highly recommend! read more

Little Boxes Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I've been to Little Boxes Theater a few times now and I've never been disappointed :). It's an awesome, unassuming venue that's perfect for shows, photoshoots, classes, etc. - basically anything creative! Some slight issues (but not really): - Once you arrive at the building, the theater can be a little tricky to find since signage is limited (I guess I should have read the website better lol), but it's basically upstairs (2nd floor) and to the right. - On a similar note (and in agreement with another review I read), it can be confusing for first-timers since even after you're inside the venue, it's not totally clear what areas are in and out of bounds. Besides that, I can't really think of anything else, so all good. I did my first photoshoot here and the photos turned out amazinggg. I would highly recommend it and I'm seriously considering doing another one soon. read more

Little Boxes Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Just an open use space. A multi purpose room you can make anyway you like. We saw a dance production there of a family member. Nothing to write home about. read more

I had an incredible shoot in the rain room setup yesterday and cannot thank Little Boxes enough! They were amazing at explaining the process, making recommendations, and guiding the process the whole time. I came away with a portfolio of images in hand (no waiting!!!!) that are so beautiful they don't need any edits (they have this available but you won't need it). The lighting and setup options were very flexible and I felt so comfortable, even while soaking wet and spinning in an aerial hoop. They worked with such a true love of their art and it truly shows in the end result. Please go here for a life changing photo shoot! read more

Shockingly unprofessional. TL;DR: a group of us booked a day of photoshoots at this space back in May, and have been flaked on THREE times over the course of several months. Two of those times, the owners did not bother to even inform us that they needed to cancel. In more detail, the photoshoot day was originally scheduled for a date in May. The night before, the owners notify us that they have to postpone the shoot because one of them (the photographer) had injured his hand, so we reschedule to a Sunday in June. Fair enough, they at least notified us this time. On the Friday before our new date in June, I email the owners to check that the photoshoots were still on for Sunday, and they confirm. So on Sunday, my friend and I put on makeup and costumes, and drive up to SF from South Bay. Less than an hour before our 1pm time slot, I hear from one of the other (aspiring!) clients that the owners were thinking about cancelling. I email the owners to ask whether they were cancelling, and receive no reply. So to sum up what's happened so far, I email them directly a couple of days beforehand to confirm, they confirm, then on the day of the photoshoot, they decide they want to cancel and do not bother sending me another email to let me know they want to cancel (which might have saved us the hours of getting ready and driving up...). On top of that, they don't even reply when I ask them (en route to the theater!) what was going on. No communication at all from them on the day of the scheduled photoshoots. The following day, I finally receive a reply to my email, saying that they weren't feeling very well that day since they had thrown an all-nighter fundraiser event the night before. Even assuming it wasn't irresponsible to schedule five photoshoots the afternoon after an all-nighter, I feel like this doesn't excuse the absolute lack of communication. After this, some members in our group gave up, while the rest of us rescheduled to late August. ~10 days before the date, we message the owners to confirm, and they reply that they are actually planning to go to Burning Man so need to reschedule (for the third time!). What floors me is that once again, they did not bother to tell us they were planning to cancel. Charging $200/hour, you'd think they would at least respect our time and offer this minimal level of basic courtesy -- especially after already having cancelled on us last-minute twice before. Based on these experiences -- the sheer frustration of being strung along for several months, the amount of time I and several others have wasted, I'd highly recommend booking photoshoots (or other events) elsewhere. read more

As a photographer I have worked at Little Boxes Theater several times. This past weekend I booked a three hour block on time for their "Rain" setup and brought three models who were a little unsure of the whole concept, but wanted to do it. Kitty handled all of our pre-booking questions pleasantly and professionally. Aaron greeted us, and went over all of the safety precautions in place, water and electricity don't go well together! The three models took turns "in the rain" and Aaron was a huge help in offering posing ideas and even helped a couple of them pose on the Lyra hoop, again, with lots of safety talk. Everything about the experience was A+++, the models said this was the best thing they have done and are anxious to do it again in the future. Between the Rain and Powder shoots they put on, I will be a long time customer! read more

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3/31/2020 A review of sorts, to whoever might be interested in performance, creativity or live theatre.... Anyone who has searched for a performance space in San Francisco will tell you that it is a monumental endeavor not be take on by the faint of heart! Depending on your project, your artistic vision, your personal stamina and, not least, your budget, you will eventually come to the conclusion that, regardless of its reputation for open-mindedness and creativity, it is practically impossible to find a place in the windy city that is truly workable. I, though I am notably stubborn in certain regards, had, after searching for and visiting a multitude of possible locations for just about half a year, come to the conclusion that what I was looking for did not, in fact, exist. I had just one more theatre to look at before completely giving up....Thank goodness I had not, because the minute I stepped into Little Boxes Theatre, I knew I had finally arrived at the place I was looking for!!! There is an air about the place that is very hard to describe. Located in a warehouse near 3rd St., there is no exterior indication that would lead you to believe how warm, welcoming and compelling the place will feel once you get inside. High ceilings, tiered comfortable seating, a large open performance area, one senses an artistic openness, spatial malleability and a naturally inclusive intelligence to the space the minute you walk in the door. The same characteristics with which I would describe the folks who are the heart and soul of this theater - Aaron and Christina! Dancers, models, photographers, producers, entrepreneurs, set design/builders, directors, creative collaborators, Aaron and Kitty (Christina) can make almost anything happen in that space. And we did! Though an opera had never been produced at Little Boxes before our production, with the help of Aaron, Kitty and a host of others, we produced a chamber version of Verdi's Macbeth that was unlike any other! Though there were challenges, of course, the theater proved to be an amazing place to bring that provocative musical story to life. Little Boxes Theater is an extraordinary, completely unique place. Anything you can imagine can be created there. As long as Aaron and Kitty are there, Teatro Mistral will be located there too! Vismaya Lhi - Artistic Director Teatro Mistral read more

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Little Boxes is the most versatile and injenuative creative studio in San Francisco. From flour shoots, sparks, water, giant bubbles, sets... they can do what other photography studios can't. I recently had the pleasure to do a bodypaint milk bath shoot in their vintage clawfoot bathtub. I loved how they came out! We had everything we needed to achieve our concept. Lots of working space, a sink, power cords, etc. Aaron and Kitty are excellent hosts. As artists themselves they really understand what people need. They are very nice and professional. I'm so glad that they have been able to continue to keep the space open and safe. And their grant program to help support artist projects is such a blessing. I highly recommend anyone book the space for ANYTHING, and/or donate to their non-profit! read more

Okay you all if you are doing an event no matter what it is (dance show, circus, theatre, photo shoot, bdsm party, pony show, reptile convention, etc) this is the place you want to go. Aaron and Christina (Kitty) are like an old school comedy team kind of like if Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez got gene spliced with Archie and Edith Bunker then injected with modern day California woke-ness. They make your event shine and sparkle, or in my case they helped transform their entire venue into a side show in a detritus filled dump. Their space has literally any possibility. A long black box theater with capability to move the lights and seating around. Kitty will welcome you in and might crack some jokes about death which will make Aaron (who is basically the accomplished ballet dancer love child of Popeye and Marlon Brando) to get a little nervous. Then they will both help you achieve your vision. The atmosphere of this venue is hip! There's sexy photos all over the walls from very artsy photo shoots that have been done at the venue. and water tanks and contraptions (many from the old Kink studios at the Armory that are art pieces in of themselves). Great atmosphere. Sexy hosts. There's also a bar here and Kitty does a great job making drinks that fit the theme of your occasion. In our case the drinks were "Melting Iceberg" and "Nuclear Mud." And contrary to the titles they were delicious! THIS PLACE IS A SAN FRANCISCO GEM! Seriously not many places left like this in SF for events. They were so accommodating and the work we developed there (which currently is nominated for SIX Theatre Bay Area Awards) could not have reached the place it did without their help and investment. GO THERE AND BOOK YOUR EVENT! You won't regret it. It is an authentic SF experience to work with these dedicated art curators. read more

Little Boxes Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

What an amazing experience! I model on occasion and have been truly impressed by the images I've seen created at Little Boxes - so when I got the chance to model with them, I jumped at the chance and am SO glad I did. They were very inclusive, open to our ideas and able to clearly and kindly say no when necessary communicating why, and made the experience fun. Aaron was in charge of this powder shoot and a great leader - kept things flowing smoothly and safely. I'll jump at any additional chances I get to work with them and now am looking at renting the space for a group of friends to have a shoot - their space and equipment is amazing! read more

Awesome creative space for local (and not-local) artists! I've done two shoots at Little Boxes this year, and both times everyone was so gracious and helpful! I very recently signed up to do one of their powder photoshoots and had so much fun! Even after an entire day of shooting, everyone at the theater was still so enthusiastic and wonderful to work with. For the powder photoshoot, they provided photographers, guidance, and help with throwing flour in order to get the best shots. I brought a memory card and was immediately able to bring all of the RAW images home with me. I highly recommend checking out their lovely space and participating in one of their shoots! I will most certainly return for more future projects. Thank you guys! read more

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Little Boxes is, without a doubt, the best rehearsal and performance space in San Francisco. Kitty and Aaron run a space that is truly meant for artists. I have performed and rehearsed at LB several times and each time has been exceptional. It truly feels like a third space where artistic visions can develop. Kitty and Aaron's generosity and kindness, and professionalism is incredible. Artists themselves, their expertise in production and willingness to accommodate their artists creates an inclusive atmosphere and incredibly creative environment. Please support this artist owned space. Kitty and Aaron are true artists who have created a place for their fellow creatives to grow and develop and showcase their work. read more

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The LBT is one of the best places I have ever done a photoshoot in! The owners are so kind and professional. They have created a space unlike any place I have been a part of. There are multiple areas in the space for different concepts ( from their gorgeous bathtub to their stage to their pole and ariel work) and the space truly is magical! It's located in a warehouse near third st in San Francisco and although on the outside you aren't sure what space it will be, on the inside it is warm, artistic, creative, and magical. The ceilings are high, there is gorgeous and comfortable seating, there is plenty of places to dance, perform, photograph, and create art in. This place is for you! Whether you are an opera singer, a director, a dancer, a model, a photographer....look no further than this beautiful space. Aaron and Christina are the kindest and most generous owners I have ever worked with and they will be so helpful and accomodating to you. They are truly one of a kind, as is Little Boxes Theater. You will not regret booking a slot here for your artistic endeavor! -Yuliya Eydelnant - Model read more

I paid $600 for a four hour photo shoot which included indoor rain. However, the models and I waited nearly one hour into hour initial booking time and Aaron apologized for the delay and claimed "we are not one of those studios that demand payment for a few minutes over the original time slot". However, 3.5 hours into the shoot, Aaron (one of the owners) claimed that my time was up even though the shoot started nearly one hour late due to his lack of preparation. Nevertheless, while it was a four hour photo shoot, the rain was ONLY available for about 25 minutes since Aaron suggested that we turn it off. This becomes quite time consuming turning on and off the water. Nonetheless, when it came to payment time, it was handled well when I paid with an American Express card. As a result, my card was charged multiple times creating a $1,200 hold versus the initial $600 charge. I decided to pay them in cash to simplify things but it's been almost one week and my $1,200 is still on hold because the Little Boxes Theater has not cooperated in reversing the charges despite my multiple attempts. read more

Little Boxes Theater is a resource that every studio photographer in the Bay Area should know about. Their rates are reasonable. They have lots of lights and equipment that you can use. They can provide assistance and guidance as needed. But what really sets them apart is that they are constantly creating innovative scenarios that you can't do anywhere else. I recently did an indoors "rain" shoot that was amazing. In the past I have done flour shoots that create ghostly smoke trails that are wondrous. I have done trampoline shoots with professional dancers able to hang in the sky. And of course, I have done my own shoots where I just setup lights and do my own things. The space is enormous, allowing for shots with running, jumping, dancing that may not be possible in smaller studios. The ceilings are high and equipped for circus arts shoots (silks, hanging rings, etc). Little Boxes provide a number of possible backdrops, including black velvet curtains across the entire space, mirrors, and seamless paper... or bring your own. Kitty and Aaron love doing innovative stuff, and will help you achieve your vision. Little Boxes Theater is amazing. read more

I've done multiple photo shoots with Aaron and Kitty and have always had a positive, fun experience with them. They're upfront about what they provide and what to expect. Aaron and Kitty create fun, unique environments for photo shoots that you don't really see much of elsewhere (flour, rain machine, bubbles, and metal sparks to name a few). They work well with dancers, aerialists and other physical artists. They are responsive to messages, provide a supportive environment and I would 100% work with them again. read more

If you are searching for studio space for rehearsal, Little Boxes Theater is an awesome space for it. I found this gem through Bay Area Performing Arts Spaces website and I continue to rehearse my company there whenever I need a space. Christina is one of the owner there. She is very welcoming and efficient if you have any queries. The theater offers shows and performances to the publics as well. It is an intimate theater with a cool eclectic vibe. I highly recommend this theater space! read more

To Whom This May Concern, I am writing this letter of recommendation on behalf of Little Boxes Theater, a theater company that I had the pleasure of working with in September of 2019. I am the Managing Director of House of Usher Productions, and I was able to arrange the use of Little Boxes' space in order to perform our production of GHOST QUARTET, a show that we were touring across California at the time. Little Boxes ended up being the perfect venue for us to play while in the San Francisco area. Their team offered endless creative opportunities in designing our show for their space, had an open and welcoming mindset to our company as we came into their space, and, significantly, offered us an affordable rate for using their space. Without the amazing financial flexibility that they offered, it would've been difficult to perform in the San Francisco Area otherwise. Their collective of artists and community provided us with an engaging and exciting audience to perform with, making our shows in San Francisco some of the most memorable that we played. We have since been following the other shows that Little Boxes has put on in their space since we were there, and the work that they have been doing is beautiful, unique, and very exciting. Please consider giving Little Boxes Theater emergency grants and funds during this time of financial insecurity due to COVID-19. The virus is preventing gatherings of any kind, therefore keeping theaters inactive as organizations. And with the timidness around gatherings, it seems that theaters may be some of the last organizations to come alive again once this virus' spread/damage has slowed down. Now more than ever is the time to give funds to these organizations to help them survive this critical time, particularly smaller organizations like Little Boxes that may not have the funds to stand but offer equally exciting (or even greater) creative opportunities than larger arts organizations. It is for these reasons that I recommend you give any funds you can to Little Boxes Theater during this pandemic crisis. If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Best, Mark Metzger Managing Director, House of Usher Productions (925) 381-7183, ghostquartetuci@gmail.com read more

Little Boxes helped Chloë and I, Chlo & Co Dance, find our ground and discover what we want to do/create/provide. They approached us and gave us the opportunity to really make. The space is personal - like performing/creating in the living room of your dreams. We are still so thankful for the rehearsal space, technical support, and friendship we received there. Thank you Kitty & Aaron! Love - Chlo & Co read more

The Little Boxes Theater was an awesome location for Workin' The Tease's Masters of Seduction Burlesque Seminar!   We had never done an event in San Francisco before and this space served all of our needs.  We found The Little Boxes Theater fantastically located, Kitty and Aaron were extremely accommodating, and the vibe had the perfect amount of industrial bohemianism! Can't wait to work with them again sometime soon! read more

I have had the great privilege of performing at Little Boxes Theater three times and every time has been delightful, whimsical, professional and drama-free. My biggest adventure with Kitty and Aaron was the show we produced together called, 'Spaghetti Monologues,' wherein Kitty, myself and Amelia Van Brunt performed monologues and danced inside kiddie pools full of 60+ pounds of spaghetti and red sauce. To give you an idea of how special this show was, I need to note that I could not have done this feat at any other venue in the city without extreme hassle, permits, paperwork up my ass and lots of stupid looks. Christina Linksey and Aaron Simunovich made this process soooo easy; they were really open to me practicing in the space ahead of time, helping me set up and break down the tarps for a minimal mess product. Aaron and my boyfriend spent hours setting up the space. We all spent 3 hours cleaning it up and there were never any complaints. They helped me promote the show, got me a meal deal for our VIP guests from a local Italian restaurant and brought in a last minute musician to play beforehand for ambience. Everyone was so professional and kind. I couldn't ask for better support from these two. They are commendable on multiple levels. Not only are they gorgeous artists/models in their own right, but they care about the art scene in San Francisco and give everyone an opportunity to shine. Please support this space. I encourage you to choose it over many other venues because the space is gorgeous, well kept, huge, and serene in a way that only industrial areas can be. There's tons of parking near it and it's a block away from a MUNI train line. And if you haven't been to one of their monthly variety shows, you're missing out! read more

What an amazing space, and what an amazing team. Showed up for a photo shoot featuring powder, aerials, gowns... and the results were nothing short of epic. The process was quick, everyone knew exactly what to do to get the right result. The experience in the room was palpable. Can't wait to work here again. read more

Best venue EVER. Christina and Aaron are the best, super friendly, super hospitable. I've been here for events, photo shoots, have rented the space myself- they communicate so well, are so kind when we are there, and keep the place clean and perfect for shoots/events. The space itself is very versatile, lots of great angles for photos, videos, dark/light, etc. Any artist, photographer, event etc, should consider this special gem... just know that when you get there, you'll be welcomed like an old friend. :) Thank you for being so great! read more

This place is INCREDIBLE! Aaron and Kitty were wonderful to work with. And very kind and giving with their directions and time. Highly recommend booking a shoot or show here! read more

Self-Producing a play at Little Boxes was a fantastic experience. After discussing possibilities for work-trade with Aaron, I spent the next several months constructing sets, working the front door, cleaning house, and so on. Once I accumulated enough hours I set to work producing my show. Aaron and Kitty were helpful in every possible way. Not only did they help set up stage lights, they provided extra PR for the show. I wish there were more spaces like Little Boxes here in San Francisco. Luckily for Aaron and Kitty, they're unique in their accessibility and authenticity. read more

Kitty and Aaron were not the friendliest people. I paid to see an event at Little Boxes. I had no problem with that and the space was pretty cool. They do need to either add a restroom or have access to the rest of the building for larger events. They seemed a bit ill prepared. But, all in all it was a nice experience. Although I would probably not go to another large event here it is nice that someone is keeping the art scene alive. read more

The owner and her girlfriend Christine are nice and lovely people. Really friendly and humble people. They care about their art space. Good job. . Never had a problem with them. They are Always polite and fair with their customers. They had an event on New year eve. It was really nice. Everyone enjoyed it. There was a couple who were creating troubles and complain about everything for freebie, but Aaron handled it well. We noticed them outside and the male was urinating on the door and complaining about the place.unfortunately there are people like that around... The event on New Year's Eve had free champagne for everyone.I will go back. read more

As a photographer I have been part of many workshops at the studio, and I have also rented the studio to shoot with Aaron and Kitty as my models directly. There could not be two better models/people to work with then these two. Not to mention the cool workshops/events that they host with other models and artist. The studio is big and open and easy to setup for many different shoots. Check it out if you haven't already. read more

I have used LBT as a photographer - as a studio rental for my own shoot, and also when I was an attendee at a few workshops organized by Kitty and Aaron. The studio being spacious, there's a lot of scope for shooting wide and to accommodate expansive poses by 'physical' models. The large window makes silhouette-shots possible in the late-afternoon and evening. They have good lights, and strip-boxes and a softbox, and also gels. The lights can go very high on their stands. (You could bring your own lighting too.) The large space combines very nicely with Kitty and Aaron as models - for, it is possible to have sets and do the kind of shoots that aren't possible at most other studios and with most other models. The 'rain machine' and trampoline are great examples of special sets. (And there are a few more 'sets' available that I haven't used yet.) The shoot could be about capturing form and movement (and A-K are capable of, and willing for, some incredible stuff), and/or creating stories of drama/emotion. I have been able to do both. The images have been stellar images on my portfolio. Also to be mentioned are the numerous props available, the helpful attitude of the owners, and the reasonable rates. Kitty and Aaron are active members of the Bay Area's artistic community, and are wonderful collaborators in creating art and trying out ideas. And the Little Boxes Theater as their 'home field' is a significant collaborator in its own right. read more

I've used this space on multiple occasions for rehearsal for my dance group and Christina and Aaron are very easy to work with and extremely accommodating. They did a last minute save the first time i used the space; another studio space cancelled on me and they generously shifted their schedule so that my group would have a space. the environment is comfortable and homey with a unique flair. it's clean and situated in a very industrial area that is a part of SF not everyone sees. the natural light from the windows, especially at sundown, is spectacular. a very conducive space for being creative and making art. id highly recommend. read more

Aaron and Kitty are awesome! They always perform at 110%! I highly recommend working with them, or just go to one of the many events they host. I'm positive you will enjoy it :) read more

I have rented Little Boxes Theater as studio space for my photography work. I have also worked with Aaron and Kitty directly as my models as well. They have done such an excellent job on working with me to bring my vision to reality and have such an amazing space. They have clearly put a lot of love and thought into turning the space into a true art space, that allows for all different types of artistic projects. It is with their help that my own personal projects have grown by leaps and bounds over the past year. They are great collaborators, maintain a great space, and I think every artist in the Bay area community should get to know them and their space. Definitely consider it for any of your future artistic needs. read more

I LOVE this space. I've rented this space out twice for different photoshoots in addition to having come to a handful of other events here over the last couple of years. Great experiences all around. read more

I love this space. The creative, inclusive vibe that has been cultivated at Little Boxes is full of love and generosity. It is what I strive and search for as an artist, performer, curator. Excellent layout, amount of space, quality, comfort and professionalism. And, they're nice people!! read more

I love this studio. This is one of the biggest studios in the area. Spacious with huge windows, flooding the place with natural light. From time to time, the owners put together sets that I cannot posdibly build myself. read more

This is a great rehearsal space and the folks who run it are extremely helpful.

I had a great experience at this place.... I highly recommend it to everyone. Wonderful people, great direction, beautiful space, very welcoming. If you have the chance to work with them, don't hesitate, do it!! read more