Shotgun Players

An amazing theatre company, totally professional, dedicated and AWESOME! Love you guys!

One of my favorite Bay Area theater companies. Fairly priced for all audiences, innovative performances of new and classic works with all-​star casts that give opportunities to lesser-​known artists as well.
The theater makes great work on a lean budget, but not in a cheap-​looking way; they just make smart choices and let the plays/​cast speak for themselves without the glitz and glam you see at an SHN production– not that there’s anything wrong with that– just different. I don’t love every Shotgun show (sometimes the newer work gets a bit too esoteric for me) but I can always appreciate the production value and cast.
Other pluses:
–solar powered theater. One of (or the?) first theaters of its kind in the country!
–adapted church space = fun acoustics!
–across the street from BART!
–bring your concessions to your seat (if anything because the lobby is too small)!
Bummers:
–Ashby Bart station _​is_​across the street, BUT the parking lot is kinda sketchy if you’re walking alone at night. It’s also not a direct train back to SF, which is rough at the end of longer shows when trains are 20 mins apart and you’re just going one stop to transfer :(
–Lobby is practically impossibly small. I wish they could set up tables or benches on the sidewalk to encourage people to spread out with their drinks outside. As it is I usually step out and hope no one notices that it’s probably not legal to do that :/​
–their policy on re-​selling unused tickets is really unclear. In the old days, you could just ask someone who was waiting for a ticket to buy yours– recently I asked the staff if anyone had inquired about tickets so I could sell them the extra seat we had from a friend who fell ill. They told me they don’t do that anymore, and that I could donate the ticket and get a tax receipt if it re-​sold. Well… it re-​sold (the show was very sold out, as they often seem to be), but I never heard anything about a donation receipt or credit of any kind (my name was printed on the ticket, so they should’ve been able to track me down). $ 30 lost wasn’t a big deal, but I was a little peeved they made double the money on that seat without any followup!
All that said, this place is absolutely worth a look-​see. Come with an open mind & heart and you just might leave feeling a little better about the world with Shotgun in it.

Came here last Thursday to watch Our Town. And they have executed that play so well. The Staff was super friendly and they were all smiles. The theatre was small and intimate with seating on both sides. I would definitely come back here to watch future plays.

Saw the play Our Town here. Very friendly staff and a very intimate theater. I would recommend this play and theater to friends. Also would return again. Only problem is that the showing I went to had a lot of high school classes coming to see the play as well and they were loud during intermission and very rude when going in and out of the theater. Other than that, great experience and very entertaining.

I came here to see Enda Walsh’s 2008 play «The New Electric Ballroom» directed by Barbara Damashek and it was an extremely enjoyable and entertaining theater experience. I can see myself returning for future plays. The price and location were just right.

We just saw (7÷16÷14) one of the best hands down performances of Twelfth Night with this company. Wow, née, WOW! The performance was unique, vibrant, and solid. Neither of us had been to this venue before and were pleasantly surprised on all fronts. Shakespeare performed in the same vein as Jesus Christ Superstar, awesome. Shakespearean purists may find it an abomination but this Anglophile found it to be a refreshing twist. We enjoyed it so much we would go back and see it again!!! We look forward to more performances by this company, truly an excellent find!

I just saw the most amazing production at this theater. I’m amazed I’ve lived in the East Bay for so long and this is my first time here, given that the quality of the production was so spectacular. I saw Twelth Night, Shakespeare with a rock-​n-​roll twist. The music itself was so good that I looked in the prgram, thinking it had to be from a well known composer. But no! This troupe also composed the amazing music as well. I will definately return and encourage anyone who is wondering whether to attend, GO! You will be amazed.

The best theatre company in the bay area — period!
I have been a subscriber for over a decade, and they just keep getting better. They are willing to try new plays and commission new works. They find clever ways to stage shows with large casts without being bloated (many small companies limit themselves to 2 – 4 people plays for budget reasons). And they have a very friendly pricing structure (affordable theatre!). Every now and then one particular play isn’t my cup of tea, but even then I am challenged and intrigued. In general I find their work hugely exciting.

We’ve seen some cuckoo shows here… or should I say «avant garde.» tiny theater– not a bad seat in the house. tickets are reasonable priced. you can bring food & booze into the theater, which is nice :)
SUPPORT LOCAL THEATER!

I won’t review the plays here (which, based on my experience, would still be 5 stars — one piece in particular last season just blew my mind) but the theater itself.
It is amazing. ‘Nuff said.
Seriously, why are there not more young folks sitting next to me? Because it’s thea-​tah? Because it’s Berkeley? Last time I went the aged gentleman next to me – in the FRONT row (I am so sorry, actors) — fell asleep and started snoring 3 minutes into the play.
This venue chooses edgy, awesome plays (picture Tom Waits, cloned babies, and carnivals — not in the same play, but that’d be incredible), serves tasty cheap cocktails, and has great deals. And it is right by BART. Just try it. C’mon.

Just saw Josh Kornbluth’s Sea of Reeds. Amazing show, well written and it has quite an impact on me.
The theater is wonderful. Answered the phone right away to make reservations. Patiently explained the seating available. The theater is small enough that all seats are good. They let you bring drinks into the theater and they have cups with water pitchers for our convenience. Look forward to more shows here.

«This story is mine!»
Not a full day has past, and the songs are still ringing merrily in my eardrums. I’m not usually the type for plays and musicals, but yesterday I was driven by the simple fact that one of the co-​writers and the composer for the musical «The Fourth Messenger» was Vienna Teng, a Bay Area native. I had the privilege to see her perform at Yoshi’s a few years ago, and instantly fell in love with her work. Look her up on iTunes or the web; you’ll love her music too.
Whence chance came that I could see her again, I commandeered The Commodore and swept him out to sea at the Shotgun Players. My gods, was this musical amazing! And we were lucky enough to squeeze in on the last day of production (so sorry for those who won’t get to see them perform). The acting, the singing, the story, the accompaniment… All 5 stars! The theatre itself was cozy and warm, the perfect backdrop for this wonderful musical feast; not too large and not too small. Their goldfish and sparkling water saved my life.
Even though the musical is no longer playing, I would still encourage you to check out the theatre for any of their shows. It’s a true gem in the neighbourhood. I may even be enticed to go back for another play one day.

Saw «The Fouth Messenger» here last week. It was amazing! I’m so glad I made it over to Berkeley to see this. The cast us amazing! Definitely a must see!

Incredible place.
Their acting is good. The work they pick is great. Everything is good.
If you’re thinking about seeing a show here, do it. I’ve see one bad production… but it really was just a shitty play (nothing bad about the acting or directing).
When I go to the Ashby Stage I feel welcome and excited.

Just saw Assassins and it was a wonderful show. Not a bad seat in the house in the theatre– very tight ensemble, strong pit, and everyone on staff was helpful, friendly, and welcoming.
They made me want to perform again– very inspiring!

Shotgun is that rare gift — the confluence brilliant directors, actors, playwrights = and profoundly accurate instincts for choosing and developing the best from the best. of the best.
Every play they do is unforgettable … we have been supporters and fans for 12 years, since we saw their outrageous, edgy, funny, violent, heartbreaking Medea in the cavernous UC Berkeley Theatre. Now they have a wonderful space of their own, and are reaching out to work with other theatre and dance companies in the area. I could go on and on about Patrick Dooley’s creativity, Joanie MacBrien’s community development (including pay what you can previews and work with local schools)… or Jonathon Kreuz, «the box office (genius) that loves you best»… but you must go, do, see for yourself.
Start with ASSASSINS! this month. A brilliant adaptation of Sondheim’s Tony award winner… you won’t believe the set, or the quality of the production, music, acting, etc.
I’ll shut up now. Just go. Add a Shotgun season to your calendar– you’ll find yourself getting involved, supporting this amazing company, and «joining the family» for years to come.

As an actress who performs in the Bay Area, and who has never performed here… I would be honored to be on this stage.
It’s beautiful, clean, great acoustics, awesome seating at an intimate 100 seats, stadium view –so there are NO bad seats all facing a proscenium stage.
Overall, a very professional showing of Mina Morita’s «The Great Divide». I want to be a part of next season to focus myself in on a company that knows exactly how to deliver.
They focus on new works and have pay what you can preview performances usually for the first two weeks of each show.
How glorious is that for a starving artist? And it’s right by Ashby BART station. Hello fabulous!
Check out a show sometime, because you might just be checking me out on stage next!!!

We love this little theater!
Shotgun puts on a wide variety of productions (we loved the comedy trilogy «The Norman Conquests», the emotionally intense magical realism of «Care of Trees», and the modern adaptation of the drama «Phaedra»).
The space is cozy and welcoming (there are no bad seats in the house), and there are tasty pastries (courtesy of Sweet Adeline’s Bakery up the street) and drinks (tea, coffee, mixed alcoholic drinks) that you can bring in to nosh on during the show. A raffle (with prizes creatively themed to the play) punctuates the end of every intermission.
This little neighborhood theater has the feel of a fun night in with friends, at the same time presenting fantastic and talent-​heavy productions.
First couple days of every show are «pay what you can» if you want a deal… or you can subscribe (there are discount subscriptions for the «young» [under 35y.o.] crowd).
Definitely check it out!

Beardo! He’s a hairy visionary.
That’s what’s playing right now. That’s what I did last night. I could not let 24 hours pass without sharing. It was that much fun.
Shotgun Players perform in a small space, capacity maybe 150 ish. Small, cozy, intimate — all these apply. Not a bad sightline in the house and some of the best acoustics I’ve sampled in a theater space. The chorus last night was so robust it sent little shivers up my spine.
Seating is on chairs or benches (ask for the pillow) or plush stools with backs in the back row (where I sat last night and where I’ll always try to sit from here on out). A beautiful and charming wine/​beer/​cookies or pie attendant will take a modest sum then invite you to bring your libation to your seat for the sipping. Price of admission is insanely reasonable.
City folk, the stage is right across the street from the Ashby Bart. The food choices in the neighborhood are a little limited, so mabes you’ll want to dine in town before heading over.
There ye be. Another fine night of thoughtful, mirthful entertainment, right here in our backyards. Stick with me, lovey, and you’ll never be bored.

Why they deserve 5 stars:
An eclectic line up of plays a mix of classic and new plays.
Some cutting productions; some work, some don’t, but they are never boring.
You can take the cookies and liquor or water you purchase from them to your seat
Friendly staff
Sliding rates for season tickets so that they are affordable.
A free production in the park in the summer
There is not bad seat in the house, uncomfortable yes, but a clear view from any of them
The minus points
There can be a long wait at the one women’s bathroom
Parking can be a problem