Lovely venue. Very intimate. When they say arrive early, do so. There is no need to get VIP. There…read moreis no bad seat in the house. However, I am all for supporting the Arts. So if you do wish to pay the higher ticket price, know it is going to a good cause. There is a parking garage. The entrance is on Kittredge st, you can exit the garage on Allston Way.

Great place to see top-rate solo performers! They have an intimate theater, as well as a…read morebar/cabaret space. Last night was the first time we saw a show in the bar space and it was very fun, ordered reasonably priced cocktails.

The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe is only on for 4 more performances- SEE…read moreIT! STREAM IT!! Marga Gomez is utterly astonishing in her talent performing this brilliant & iconic (Lily Tomlin) monologue of the 80s/90s (written by her wife Jane Wagner). It's a MUST SEE in the absolutely charming downtown Berkeley arts district theatre!

the SEARCH for SIGNS of INTELLIGENT LIFE in the UNIVERSE is fabulous. Marga Gomez does a fantastic…read morejob. It is on until August 10th. Don't miss it.

I could not disagree with the last reviewer more. Hamlet is a gorgeous, layered, fascinating play…read more I have seen it performed live many times, and Actors Ensemble put a daring twist on the lead role by having everyone in the cast play Hamlet for at least a few lines. I wasn't sure how I would like this treatment, but it turned out to be gracefully and interestingly done. The rest of the 2018 season was similarly enjoyable. I look forward to the 2019 season. The location in the park is gorgeous, and they made full use of the space. The price can't be beat, since it's free. They do ask for a donation, but are charming and friendly.

The best selection of plays in the bay area. These folks choose serious plays that are funny,…read moreinsightful, brilliant, and do not pander to the lowest common denominator. Back home in rural NY, I saw a similar local theater company cave in to such pandering. One season every single play was about cats and/or lonely older women pondering the meaning of life while struggling with their relationship with their children. But I digress. I nearly fell over when I looked at the history of plays they've put on at AE-of-B. Its of a higher quality than the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln center! Just what I'd hope for in a city as educated and erudite as Berkeley. ...So I give it 3 stars... That's 5 stars for the choice of plays, 4 for the venue, and 1 star for the acting. It may be unfair to blame Berkeley (or the Bay Area in general) for the fact that anyone truly pursuing acting will leave for LA, NY, or London. But I just cannot sit through a play when the actors haven't mastered the basics of acting. I've mentioned this before regarding other well-loved East Bay theater groups - one of them confuses yelling with acting, one of them uses the same set of characters no matter what the play is. My complaint about the actors' ensemble is that some of the cast had not mastered their diction. We were in a 24-seat theater and I still couldn't make out what was being said! As strong as the weakest link! Sigh.

I feel a smidge guilty for reviewing this place. Because I fully support the artsy little guys, I…read moreswear. And despite the 3 stars, I encourage you to support them as well. I just figured I'd give you a heads up before you do... The theater is a great size- smallish but not cramped and has good acoustics. Parking wasn't a problem for us. The actors were great. *Special shout out to Jay Kiecolt-Wahl. He was stellar in The True West. Now for the recommendations- wrap yourself in scarves, wool, mittens, beanies, long underwear, blankets and perhaps even a hot water bottle. Because this place is C-O-L-D. Bring an extra blanket or if you're from Berkeley, your yoga mat, because you'll bruise your poor little behind. The seats are like old-school movie theater seats but without ANY padding. That means your tushie is right up against some cold, hard wood. And not the kind of hard wood that you want your tushie to be up against. So puhleeze, go support the artsy little guys. Just be prepared.

I was in need of a good laugh so I headed for Berkeley in my Weekend Whip tuned to 98.1 Disco…read moreSaturday Night Jams. I rolled to the Live Oak Theater on Shattuck for the Live Oak Laughs Stand up Comedy Show . This show featured 5 Stand up Comedians - MC -Marc Abrigo, Sandy Stec, Jeff Applebaum,Chris Burns and Headliner Reggie Steel fresh from appearances on Americas Most Wanted and Trauma. The parking is all street so I parked a few blocks away and hiked in to the theater. The show is a Bargain in itself ,It was a Paltry $8 . The Live Oak Theater is a Small Intimate venue with theater seating and great acoustics. The Comedians where Funny as Hell . Topics ranged from Homeless People , White Guilt, Interracial Dating , In Breed Family's ,Dating and the Police. It was a very laughed filled evening . Great Show . After wards I headed to Triple Rock to get my drink on LOL.

I loved this spot. The picture is an art piece outside of the building. I've been coming here for…read moremany years and have seen them grow. I know many of the people who work here and I love their vibe. I like the programing too. And the Malcolm X Jazz Fest is always a fun event. Should I say that? I do wish them well.

Among the best in the bay! Staff dedicated to helping you have best experience -- whether book…read morestore, art gallery or performance space

Stagebridge is truly a gem for seniors in the Bay Area who are passionate about the performing…read morearts! For decades, they have provided a vibrant, creative platform for adults 50 and older, offering classes in Singing, Acting, Storytelling, Musical Theatre, Improv, and so much more. I've had the privilege of witnessing their work firsthand in the church where I am employed, and I am continually inspired by the talent, dedication, and heart of everyone involved. The staff--past and present--are nothing short of incredible, nurturing both students and the art form itself. And the students! The Stagebridge community is full of amazing performers, several of whom I am honored to call friends. Their showcases are consistently inspiring, entertaining, and a testament to the skill and creativity cultivated here. Stagebridge doesn't just teach the arts; it empowers seniors to discover, develop, and shine in their gifts. Many students have gone on to remarkable achievements, headlining in the Storytelling circuit, local theater, and even roles in motion pictures! I only wish more seniors everywhere had access to such a wonderful program. If you are over 50 and drawn to the performing arts, I wholeheartedly encourage you to join Stagebridge--you will be challenged, inspired, and welcomed into a community that celebrates creativity at every age!

I found Stagebridge five years ago when my next-door neighbor invited me to go to summer camp. I…read morespent the most fun, intense, exhausting week of my adult life and have been hooked ever since. Stagebridge offers classes in the performing arts to adults over 50 (and their friends) Every day, and has recently added evening classes as well for those who still have to work ;-( Before finding Stagebridge I was an early retiree, relocated from across the Bay, and at a real loss for fulfilling activities and good friends. My life has been transformed in the most positive of ways since going to camp that first summer and then taking classes during the year. I got to fulfill a lifelong dream of performing West Side Story! I can't say enough good things about the wonderful people who teach at Stagebridge and the wonderful students who attend classes there. You could be one of them! Check out the website for upcoming classes soon to be available for the winter session.

Attended Slam Town's Ekpyrotica at the Continental Club this past weekend, and had an enjoyable…read moreexperience. The listed ticket time was 8:00 to 11-ish, but in reality it was more like 8:45-11:20pm (doors opened around 8:00pm, and the entry line went quick). The place wasn't too crowded, and though there was a bit of seating against the walls, it was mostly standing room for viewing of the show. Beware, the action takes place both inside and outside the ring, so be ready to move if you're on the first level and the wrestlers end up battling it out and rolling around on the floor or against the pillars, or on the merchandise table (like they did this past FrIday). We watched from upstairs, and didn't miss a thing... they had a large screen for closeup views of all the shenanigans happening in and around the ring, too. There were quite a few matches throughout the night, including characters like Cereal Man, Prisoner 420, and my bf's fave, Bart-Man, doing their thing. I was a big fan of the MonsterTown tag team, all of the creatures dressed in comical costumes and putting on even funnier moves against their rivals, especially the three-headed giraffe and mummy. Lots of props used throughout the show, including ladders, full-size doors (for the dramatic illusion of slamming opponents into these and breaking them), and fake weapons...... oh, but THIS IS REAL... and the dynamic chants from the crowd will remind you all night. Commentary by the "news anchor" host helped guide the storyline with a bit of humor, but I've experienced better and more entertaining announcers outside of Slam Town. Apparently this underground wrestling show is a lot tamer now (in April 2026) than it used to be, back when it was known primarily as "Hoodslam", but we still had a good time. The next Slam Town event is happening on May 22nd at Drake's in Oakland.

fun hyphy vibes in a quiet neighborhood AND hotboys for food?! it can't get better than this!read more

I unfortunately had a horrible encounter with Nadia Endara for one of the amazing UC Berkeley…read moreorchestra concerts. This review is solely representative of her extremely mean and condescending attitude, and not at all for the amazing quality of the performers and the event venue. :) I was late to the concert and told her I was very sorry and could wait until intermission to enter. Nadia's first words to me were "Well if you were a true friend, you would've come earlier". She then spent 5 minutes berating me for trying to scam her with a fake ticket (it was not fake) and still refused to let me into the venue despite showing her my confirmation and stealing my payment for the ticket. I was extremely patient with Nadia despite her disgusting demeanor. The most I told her off was something along the lines of "ok I understand, but I would appreciate if you would approach it in a nicer way". (she did not take that well at all) At the end of the day, Nadia's attitude was rude, off-putting, and downright mean. I was dumbfounded by how quickly she resorted to name-calling and berating a total stranger (and paying customer!). She could've just politely told me that it was too late to enter the venue, which I would've accepted, but she made snarky back-handed comments that were completely unnecessary. Nadia is a horrible representation of the UCBSO and Hertz Hall professional community!

Recently attended a touring Final Fantasy orchestra concert here (even if you don't play the video…read moregames I still recommend going to one of these concerts.....sure context helps but the musical pieces are still beautiful without it!!). Venue is alright. I agree with another reviewer in that the concert hall gets pretty humid. Had to take a breather (quite literally) during intermission and went outside for some fresh cool air. Also, not the biggest fan of the velvet chairs; might be a nit-pick as a material-texture thing, but with the room being a heat box I can't help but imagine how much sweat is embedded into the chairs here lol (sorry for the imagery). Ehh was leaning towards giving this place 3 stars but I'll give it 4 because of the great ease of finding parking that's within short walking distance (at least for evening shows). Not a venue that you should avoid at all costs, but there are still certain things that I want you to be mindful of!