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    The Empty Space Theatre

    4.6 (27 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 pm - 11:30 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Sandra P.

    First time here at the Empty Space Theatre! And ohhhh wow, did they knock my socks off! I was fortunate enough to catch the Full Monty Musical. It was an amazing show! The cast was incredible! Full on singing, dancing, humor and just spectacular talent! The staff was kind and friendly. Must be vaccinated and show proof (love that!) and yes you wear a mask during the show (not a big deal at all). Must protect guests as much as possible. They serve local beers and even some hard seltzer's. I can't wait to see what's in store in future shows! I'll be back.

    Sam S.

    Okay, I'm a little biased because I used to be on the artistic board at The Empty Space... but they consistently put on some of the best theatre in Bakersfield. And even if it's not the best theatre, TES dares to produce works that no other local theatres will touch. It's an intimate little blackbox with an attached art gallery, and it was my second home for a good two years. Once considered the "edgy" theatre in town, TES has inspired other theatres to begin offering more thought-provoking and avant-garde material -- and any Bakersfield artist will tell you how important that is. The theatre has branched out to include Shakespeare classics, professional puppet shows, late-night sketch comedy, family-friendly works, black comedies, experimental new plays, traditional musicals, unconventional musicals, music festivals, poetry, film and documentary screenings, gallery exhibits, stand-up comedy, karaoke nights, improvisational theatre, fairs, fundraisers, and more. Though the "TES community" has gone through dozens of transformations, the artists are generally good people who try to make do with a very small budget, rough space, and few resources. The theatre has its faults, of course, but I know firsthand how hard it is to run the place, so I have to extend kudos to everyone involved. I've also had some of my best show experiences at this place, and now that I'm no longer there, I understand how many truly fantastic opportunities I had and how unique the theatre really is... even living in SF, there are few theatres quite like TES.

    Plays and art !! Just watched ( wait until dark ) what a great show... 1. It's donation based (free) SO DON'T BE CHEAP EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS 2. the artist are good at what they do 3. It's clean small but plenty of seating (you can make reservations) 4. They have a snack bar 5. The bathrooms are clean women and men share (they have the soft toilet paper ) 6. Friendly staff and you can meet the actors after the show..

    Can't wait to see our kiddos perform...
    Maria M.

    I've mostly watched their children's productions when my kids or their friends perform after a workshop session. Cute little theater... very intimate & interactive theater experience. There aren't any bad seat in the house! Most shows are free and ask for a donation to come watch. Also watched V-Day here. This theater totally support a lot of good cause. I have yet to come see their Rocky Horror Picture Show when they have them again! Heard it's so much fun! They also host art shows supporting local artists. Definitely a great place to go if you are looking for some night of entertainment!

    My First Time. ThisSeptember at the Empty Space.

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    5 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    11 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    15 years ago

    Intimate and full of creativity. The Empty Space is everything a theatre should be.

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    16 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Wow--the actors do an amazing job in a small space. Really a great experience. We saw Arsenic and Old Leave, and LOVED it!!

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

    A must-enjoy place! Recently, Quality of life made my hubby and I shed tears.

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    14 years ago

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    The concession stand is reasonably priced with a good selection of snacks and drinks.

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    The Center For Improv Advancement

    The Center For Improv Advancement

    5.0(2 reviews)
    5.3 mi

    I love the people here. There is a great sense of support and an environment to learn. The space…read moreis wonderful for an improv show - lights, stage, AC, sound, etc. It's a great place to enjoy a show!

    I stumbled upon the Center for Improv Advancement at a workshop put on by a local art gallery a…read morecouple years back. I had no idea this town had that kind of talent, and I started seeing their shows in the back of a restaurant way across town. They would totally involve their audience in the process, and every show was completely different from the last. With everything made up right on the spot like in "Who's Line is it Anyway?" only better. Then they got their own venue and started putting on classes. I signed up for the first one, and took that series of classes and then the intermediate classes that came after that. I can't even begin to tell you how fun that was or how much I learned. I even got invited to take part in an improv competition which was an absolute BLAST. Some shows are family friendly and some are not, so if that's important to you, look carefully at what they're offering the night/time you want to go (www.ciacomedy.com). If you have a medical condition or have had a surgery and laughing would cause you harm, then wait until you heal up a bit, because trust me--you're going to laugh. At $5.00 per show, it is, in my opinion, the most fun you can have in Bakersfield without someone calling the cops.

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    The Empty Space Theatre - theater - Updated May 2026

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