6 Best Performing Arts Venues in Berkeley, The Bay Area

One of the region's most highly respected and innovative repertory theaters, Berkeley Rep performs the work of classic and contemporary playwrights. Well-known pieces mix with world premieres and edgier fare. The theater's complex, which includes the 400-seat Peet's Theatre and the just-under-600-seat Roda Theatre, is in the heart of downtown Berkeley's arts district, near BART's Downtown Berkeley station.

Known for critically acclaimed productions like David Mamet's American Buffalo and Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye and frequently launching Northern California or world premieres of new plays, the Aurora is at the heart of Berkeley storytelling and community engagement. The theater's Alafi Auditorium seats 150 on three sides of the stage for premium viewing, and the smaller Harry's UpStage offers a more intimate experience for 49.

Based out of U.C. Berkeley, this longtime autumn and spring series runs from September/October through May/June. It features a varied bill of internationally acclaimed artists for roughly 80 performances a season ranging from classical soloists to the latest jazz, world-music, theater, and dance ensembles.

What started as a music education program in 1977, offering classes with the Bay Area's best jazz players, has become one of the top regional concert destinations for the freshest sounds in jazz from around the world. Two 100-seat performance venues across the street from each other, Hardymon Hall ( 2087 Addison St.) and Rendon Hall ( 2040 Addison St.), offer intimate viewing of the fun performances. Classes and workshops continue to serve as the foundation of the conservatory, with regular, affordably priced concerts a few times a month for the public.

One of Berkeley's oldest theaters opened its doors in 1917 as a first-run movie house with seating for 1,400 filmgoers. For years it served as a famous venue for foreign and domestic classics, closing in 2001. The theater's programming is now run by the nonprofit Berkeley Music Group, dedicated to bringing local, national, and international talent to Berkeley's arts district. A limited but perfectly acceptable food and drink menu is available at the theater's bar.

Fresh interpretations of classical works are a focus of this prominent orchestra, but commissioned new music and traditional pieces are also performed. BSO plays a handful of concerts each year, in Zellerbach Hall and other locations.