Aurora Theatre Company
An intimate Berkeley theatre known for its arty, intellectual independent dramatic performances and engaging audience experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the magic of live theater
Aurora Theatre Company
Best Time
Experience the magic of live theater
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An intimate Berkeley theatre known for its arty, intellectual independent dramatic performances and engaging audience experience.
"This is like your best friends house - casual, friendly and always entertaining."
🎯 Intimate Seating Advantage
No bad seats here! The semicircle thrust stage ensures you're always close to the actors. 💺
🎟️ Check for Discount Pricing
Look for student, senior, or returning ticket holder discounts on the aurora theatre website. :moneybag:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 119 reviews
Type
Performing Arts Theater
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intimate Stage Performances
Main Theatre
Experience powerful, independent dramatic performances up close in a cozy, semicircle setting.
The Color Purple Production
Main Theatre
Witness critically acclaimed productions like 'The Color Purple' with all-black casts.
The Wiz Live
Main Theatre
Enjoy vibrant productions of musicals like 'The Wiz,' praised for its performances.
Born With Teeth
Main Theatre
Catch superbly acted and incredibly written plays like 'Born With Teeth.'
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Intimacy
Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Intimate Seating Advantage
No bad seats here! The semicircle thrust stage ensures you're always close to the actors. 💺
🎟️ Check for Discount Pricing
Look for student, senior, or returning ticket holder discounts on the aurora theatre website. :moneybag:
🎶 Don't Miss Musicals
While known for drama, their musical productions like 'The Wiz' are highly praised. :musical_score:
🎭 Support Independent Theatre
Your attendance helps keep live, independent theatre thriving in downtown Berkeley. :performing_arts:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Intimate Seating Advantage
No bad seats here! The semicircle thrust stage ensures you're always close to the actors. 💺
🎟️ Check for Discount Pricing
Look for student, senior, or returning ticket holder discounts on the aurora theatre website. :moneybag:
🎶 Don't Miss Musicals
While known for drama, their musical productions like 'The Wiz' are highly praised. :musical_score:
🎭 Support Independent Theatre
Your attendance helps keep live, independent theatre thriving in downtown Berkeley. :performing_arts:
✨ Community Connections
Aurora Theatre Company often partners with local organizations for unique events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Aurora Theatre Company's intimate venue, calling it a 'gem' that offers a more engaging and personal theatrical experience than larger theaters. The quality of acting and directing is consistently praised, with many finding the performances to be deeply impactful and thought-provoking. While some productions might lean towards heavier themes, the overall consensus is that it's a must-visit for serious theatre patrons.
"This is like your best friends house - casual, friendly and always entertaining. The intimacy provides a much different, and in some ways better, experience than going into the City or even Broadway. If you are any type of patron of the arts, this is a must go. Also - loved Dry Powder."
Chris Nichols
"I went to see The Lifespan of a Fact 3 days after seeing Morher Road at the Berkeley Rep… right next door. Mother Road was like Theatre 2.0 while the Aurora Theatre performance was like Theatre 3.0…
theatre elevated!
Everything you want non-musical live theatre to be (btw Mother Road had a smattering of non memorable music)
But the contrast of the experience made it clear why I left Mother Road at intermission…. And was (in contrast) on the edge of my seat the entire “Lifespan of a Fact” performance
Despite the fact that often the audience is 3 feet from the actors on “stage” at the Aurora …the performances felt real …like you were a fly on the wall …and this was really happening
And like real life…the conflicts don’t get all buttoned up…there is no formula. There are life-like dilemmas with no clear answer… even from the final lines in the final scene
Will I go to a Berkeley rep show again? … prob…
to see a musical…
because there’s a time and place for a feel-good, predictable, formulaic show that teaches a clear inspirational lesson.
But if you want theatre that perks you up and offers a reframing of a society you THINK you understood… stick to the Aurora theatre…and by all means see The Lifespan of a Fact.
Directing, lighting, acting, overall cleverness, realism of script
…and humor under stress!
A+++"
Madelyn Clair
"What a treat it was to attend the Aurora Theater company's production of Hurricane Diane this past weekend the intimacy of the space is its strength with four rows of seats in a semicircle thrust pattern around the playing area the audience is never more than 10 or 12 feet from what's going on on stage. The production values of the theater company are first class scenery lighting costuming it's a little Jam in downtown Berkeley right next to Berkeley Rep on Addison making a little theater row for those of us in the East Bay the road theater company has got a number of discount pricings for their tickets depending on the group you may fit into students seniors teachers returning ticket holders friends of ticket holders you name it so if you plan to go which I highly encourage check out their website or talk to someone who has a ticket in that case $10 off but go help keep Live Theater thriving as it is in downtown Berkeley"
Richard Elliott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Aurora Theatre Company is located in downtown Berkeley, right next to the Berkeley Rep. It's easily accessible by public transportation, with BART stations nearby. Parking can be found in local garages.
Yes, there are parking garages available in downtown Berkeley. It's advisable to check local parking options and rates in advance, especially for evening performances.
Absolutely! The Aurora Theatre Company is conveniently located near BART stations, making it an easy commute via public transit for many Bay Area residents.
Many visitors opt for BART or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles. The theatre's central location makes it accessible from various parts of the Bay Area.
Yes, several AC Transit bus lines serve the downtown Berkeley area, providing convenient access to the Aurora Theatre Company for those who prefer bus travel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase aurora theatre tickets directly from their website, auroratheatre.org, or by contacting the aurora theatre box office. Booking in advance is recommended for popular aurora theatre shows.
Yes, the Aurora Theatre Company offers various discount pricing options for students, seniors, teachers, and returning ticket holders. Check their website for details.
The aurora theatre schedule features a diverse range of independent dramatic performances and musicals. You can find the most up-to-date aurora theatre schedule on their official website.
While promo codes aren't always available, keeping an eye on their social media and signing up for their newsletter might offer opportunities for special discounts on aurora theatre tickets.
The aurora theatre box office hours typically align with performance times, but it's best to check their website or call ahead for specific hours of operation.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The Aurora Theatre Company features a unique semicircle thrust stage, ensuring an intimate experience with no bad seats. Audiences are typically within 10-12 feet of the stage.
They specialize in independent dramatic performances with an arty, intellectual focus, often featuring thought-provoking scripts and strong acting.
While known for drama, productions like 'The Wiz' and 'The Color Purple' have received high praise, showcasing their versatility in musical theatre. +1
The atmosphere is often described as casual, friendly, and entertaining, akin to visiting a friend's house, offering a different experience than larger venues.
Aurora Theatre Company sometimes hosts community events and partnerships, so it's worth checking their website for any aurora theatre events happening around your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography and videography are not permitted during performances at the Aurora Theatre Company to avoid disrupting the show and other patrons.
While you can't photograph the performance, the intimate setting and the theatre's architecture might offer some interesting shots before or after the show.
Focus on capturing the feeling of the intimate space and the energy of the audience before or after the show. Share your experiences on social media using relevant hashtags.
It's always best to check the Aurora Theatre Company's official website or ask at the box office for their most current photography policy.
The Aurora Theatre Company's social media channels (like TikTok and Instagram) and their official website often feature professional photos and videos of their productions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit