TOP 20 Best Theater shows in Berkeley, California

Berkeley Repertory Theatre, located at 2025 Addison Street in Berkeley, California, is a renowned institution showcasing a diverse range of theatrical productions. Currently playing is Pulitzer Prize finalist Lloyd Suh's The Far Country, a poignant exploration of immigration, identity, and memory. The New York Times has praised it as "artful" and "an act of reclamation." Upcoming is a compelling production about Galileo Galilei, a maverick scientist who challenges the religious institution's understanding of the universe. This explosive musical collision of science and faith promises to be a thought-provoking experience. Join their email list to stay updated on shows, secure early tickets, and enjoy special offers.

Berkeley Playhouse is a vibrant and dynamic theater institution located at 2640 College Avenue in Berkeley, California. Known for its high-quality productions and commitment to arts education, Berkeley Playhouse offers a diverse range of performances that cater to audiences of all ages. From classic musicals to contemporary plays, the institution showcases a talented group of actors and creative team members who bring each production to life. With a mission to inspire, educate, and entertain through the power of live theater, Berkeley Playhouse is a beloved cultural hub in the heart of Berkeley.

The Julia Morgan Theater is a historic performing arts venue located at 2640 College Avenue in Berkeley, California. Designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan, the theater is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful interior. The theater hosts a variety of performances including plays, musicals, concerts, and dance recitals. With its rich history and dedication to showcasing the arts, the Julia Morgan Theater is a beloved institution in the Berkeley community.

The Berkeley Community Theater is a historic performing arts venue located at 1930 Allston Way in Berkeley, California. Known for its stunning architecture and excellent acoustics, the theater hosts a wide range of events including concerts, dance performances, lectures, and community gatherings. With a seating capacity of over 3,500, the Berkeley Community Theater is a beloved cultural hub for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're looking to experience world-class entertainment or simply enjoy a night out in a beautiful setting, this venue has something for everyone. Come and be a part of the vibrant arts scene in Berkeley at the Berkeley Community Theater.

Anton’s Well Theater Company is a vibrant institution located in Berkeley, California, known for its captivating and thought-provoking productions. The company is currently showcasing a series of beautiful and haunting plays at St. Alban’s Church in Albany, featuring a talented cast of local actors. One of their highlighted productions is the Bay Area premiere of Sam Shepard’s last play, "A PARTICLE OF DREAD: OEDIPUS VARIATIONS", which delves deep into the mysteries of family and fate with Shepard's signature rambunctious language and conflicted character encounters. Another upcoming production is the Bay Area Premiere of "KNIVES IN HENS" by David Harrower, a wondrous drama exploring the power of language and perception set in a rural time many centuries ago. With a dedicated team of directors, producers, and actors, Anton’s Well Theater Company continues to bring innovative and engaging theatrical experiences to local audiences. Tickets for their upcoming shows are available for purchase on their website, offering a unique opportunity to witness exceptional performances in a spiritual and historical setting.

Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, located at 2071 Addison Street in Berkeley, California, is a dynamic institution offering a wide range of classes and programs for all ages and skill levels. Registration is currently open for spring classes, which run through May 2024 and are taught by professional theatre artists. In addition to classes, Berkeley Rep offers In-School Residencies that can enrich school curriculums by developing communication, problem solving, collaboration, and creative expression skills through theatre-making techniques.

The Actors Ensemble of Berkeley is a renowned theater company located at 1301 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley, California. Founded in 1957, the ensemble is dedicated to producing high-quality theatrical productions that showcase the talents of local actors and artists. With a focus on classic and contemporary works, the Actors Ensemble of Berkeley offers a diverse range of performances that entertain and inspire audiences. The company also provides opportunities for community members to participate in workshops, classes, and other educational programs. Visit the Actors Ensemble of Berkeley to experience the magic of live theater in the heart of the Bay Area.

The Florence Schwimley Little Theater is a charming and intimate venue located on Allston Way in Berkeley, California. This historic theater has been a cultural hub in the community for decades, showcasing a wide range of performances including plays, musicals, dance recitals, and more. With its cozy atmosphere and top-notch acoustics, the Florence Schwimley Little Theater provides a truly immersive experience for audience members. Whether you're a theater enthusiast or simply looking for a fun night out, this venue is sure to delight and inspire. Come and experience the magic of live performance at the Florence Schwimley Little Theater.

Berkeley Improv is a renowned institution located at 2149 Byron Street in Berkeley, California, United States. It is a hub for creativity and spontaneity, offering a variety of improv classes, workshops, and performances for individuals of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned performer looking to refine your skills or a beginner looking to try something new, Berkeley Improv has something for everyone. Join us and unleash your creativity in a supportive and fun environment.

Gayley Rd & Greek Theater is a bustling transit station located in the heart of Berkeley, California. Situated near the iconic Greek Theater, this station serves as a convenient hub for commuters and visitors alike. With easy access to public transportation options, including buses and shuttles, navigating the city and surrounding areas is a breeze. Whether you're catching a show at the theater or simply exploring the vibrant city of Berkeley, Gayley Rd & Greek Theater is the perfect starting point for your journey.

The Greek Theater: Gayley at University Drive is a transit station located in Berkeley, California, United States. This historic and iconic venue is known for hosting a variety of cultural events, concerts, and performances. With its picturesque setting nestled in the heart of the University of California, Berkeley campus, the Greek Theater offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're catching a show or simply passing through, this transit station is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Berkeley area.

Aurora Theatre Company, located at 2081 Addison Street in Berkeley, California, is a vibrant and thought-provoking institution that showcases the work of talented artists from the community. One of their recent productions, Blue Door by Tanya Barfield, explores the journey of a Black mathematics professor named Lewis as he grapples with his sense of self and cultural identity through conversations with his ancestors. The play delves into themes of joy, pain, resiliency, and the power of music and song in shaping the experiences of Black men in America from enslavement to Black Power. Aurora Theatre Company provides a space for audiences to engage in meaningful dialogue and reflection on contemporary black identity, offering a fearless and humane perspective on the complexities of the African American experience. Join us at Aurora Theatre Company for an unforgettable experience of shared imagination and storytelling that can only be found in this unique and dynamic community.

The Greek Theatre is a historic outdoor amphitheater located at 2001 Gayley Road in Berkeley, California. This iconic venue has been hosting live music performances, concerts, and cultural events since it first opened in 1903. Surrounded by beautiful trees and nestled in the hills of Berkeley, The Greek Theatre offers a unique and picturesque setting for audiences to enjoy world-class entertainment. With a seating capacity of over 8,500, this venue has hosted legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, and Adele. Whether you're a music lover, a fan of the arts, or simply looking for a memorable experience, The Greek Theatre is a must-visit destination in the United States.

Cal Performances is a renowned institution located at 101 Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley, California, United States. Known for its diverse and innovative programming, Cal Performances offers a wide range of performances spanning music, dance, theater, and more. One of the institution's upcoming events is "Le Nuove Musiche: The Baroque Revolution in Europe (1560–1660)," which promises to take audiences on a journey through the transformative period of Baroque music.

Zellerbach Playhouse is a renowned performing arts venue located at 2413 Bancroft Way in Berkeley, California. This historic theater in the heart of the UC Berkeley campus showcases a wide range of theatrical productions, dance performances, and music concerts throughout the year. With its intimate setting and state-of-the-art facilities, Zellerbach Playhouse provides a unique and immersive experience for audiences of all ages. Whether you're a fan of classic plays, contemporary dance, or experimental music, Zellerbach Playhouse offers something for everyone to enjoy. Come and experience the magic of live performance at this iconic institution in the vibrant arts scene of Berkeley, California.

Pleasantown Motion Picture Co is a charming movie theater located at 2966 College Avenue in Berkeley, California. This institution offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for moviegoers to enjoy the latest films on the big screen. With comfortable seating and state-of-the-art sound and projection systems, Pleasantown Motion Picture Co provides an immersive cinematic experience for all visitors. Whether you're looking for a fun night out with friends or a relaxing solo movie night, this theater is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the magic of the movies.

Upswing Aerial Dance Company is a dynamic and innovative institution located at 2525 Eighth Street in Berkeley, California. Our team of talented and experienced dancers specialize in aerial dance, combining elements of acrobatics, dance, and theater to create breathtaking performances. With a focus on creativity, athleticism, and artistry, Upswing Aerial Dance Company pushes the boundaries of traditional dance and offers audiences a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Join us for classes, workshops, and performances that will inspire and amaze you.

Flux Vertical Theatre is a cutting-edge performing arts institution located at 811 University Avenue in Berkeley, California. Known for its innovative and dynamic approach to vertical dance and aerial performance, Flux Vertical Theatre offers a unique and exhilarating experience for both performers and audiences alike. With a talented team of professional dancers and choreographers, Flux Vertical Theatre pushes the boundaries of traditional theatre by incorporating elements of acrobatics, aerial silks, and bungee choreography into its productions. Whether you are a seasoned theatre-goer or someone looking for a new and exciting form of artistic expression, Flux Vertical Theatre is sure to leave you in awe with its gravity-defying performances.

Theatre Lunatico, located at 1834 Euclid Avenue in Berkeley, California, is a collectively run ensemble physical theatre company dedicated to producing raw, intimate, and immediate theatre experiences. With the goal of forming a deep and memorable connection with audiences, our work is compelling, thoughtful, passionate, and innovative. Founded in 2004, Theatre Lunatico has been producing exciting and innovative theatre productions. This Spring, we are proud to present "The Revolutionists" by Lauren Gunderson.

The Marsh is a vibrant institution located in the heart of San Francisco, California. This multifaceted space houses a theater, studio, administrative offices, and the Marsh Youth Theater. With a focus on fostering creativity and providing a platform for artistic expression, The Marsh offers a variety of performances and programs for the community to enjoy. Additionally, The Marsh has a second location in Berkeley, featuring a cabaret and theater space for even more entertainment options. Whether you're looking to catch a show, participate in a workshop, or simply immerse yourself in the arts, The Marsh is the place to be. Contact the box office for more information on upcoming events and ticket availability.

GianniKellyCinema is a renowned institution located at 2024 Durant Avenue in Berkeley, California. Known for its dedication to showcasing a diverse range of films from all genres and eras, this cinema provides a unique and enriching experience for movie lovers. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to promoting film culture, GianniKellyCinema is a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about the art of cinema. Whether you're a casual moviegoer or a film aficionado, you're sure to find something to enjoy at this esteemed institution.

INFERNO THEATRE, located at 1802 Fairview Street in Berkeley, California, is a unique institution dedicated to exploring the roots of human relationships in space and time. The theatre offers thought-provoking performances that delve into the complexities of the human experience. The upcoming season in 2024, titled "Dreaming in America", promises to captivate audiences with its powerful storytelling and innovative productions. Don't miss the chance to witness these performances on Saturday, February 10th from 3:00-7:00 pm and Sunday, February 11th from 4:00-8:00 pm.

Located at 2009 Addison Street in Berkeley, California, Medak Center is a renowned institution showcasing thought-provoking and culturally rich performances. Currently, they are presenting Pulitzer Prize finalist Lloyd Suh's The Far Country, a powerful exploration of immigration, identity, and memory. This production has been praised by The New York Times as an act of reclamation. Additionally, Medak Center will soon be presenting a riveting musical about Galileo Galilei's battle with the religious institution in Rome. Don't miss out on these explosive and captivating performances - join their email list to stay updated on upcoming shows and special offers.

Hinkel Park Amphitheater is a charming outdoor performance venue located in the heart of Berkeley, California. Nestled within the lush greenery of Hinkel Park, this intimate amphitheater offers a unique setting for a variety of cultural events, including concerts, plays, and community gatherings. With seating for up to 200 guests, the amphitheater provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere for audiences to enjoy live performances. Whether you're looking to relax in the serene surroundings of the park or catch a show under the stars, Hinkel Park Amphitheater is the perfect destination for a memorable cultural experience in Berkeley.

The Shadow Puppet Workshop at 2226 Sacramento Street in Berkeley, California, offers a unique and interactive experience for both children and adults. Participants can learn the art of shadow puppetry from skilled instructors, creating their own intricate puppets and bringing them to life through captivating performances. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced puppeteer, this workshop provides a fun and creative environment to explore the ancient art of shadow puppetry. Join us at the Shadow Puppet Workshop and discover the magic of storytelling through shadows.