Aurora Theatre Company
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February 17, 2010
I have ushered at the Aurora Theatre Company in Berkeley, CA for about four years and I have NEVER seen a play I didn't like. The most recent, The First Grade, was also the first performance by a new author. It was active and insightful and very funny. The theatre itself is small and promotes an intimacy between the actors and audience which is more special. There are also play readings on Monday nights which are free to the public and introduce new writers and allow discussion. I feel enriched by this theatre and its management.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the quality and creativity of the plays.
Ways to make it better...
it weren't so difficult to find a sub or a swap for ushering.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
February 17, 2010
The Aurora is an intimate theatre, where you can always expect to see superb acting, important subjects discussed, and always bringing in new material and playwrites. Their excellent productions included The Best Man, The Devil's Disciple, and currently The First Grade. There have been instances when the scripts selected could have used a re-write, and every so often there is a production I could have lived without, but usually they are right on the mark. Trust the Aurora Theatre to provide consistent good theatre.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the opportunity to see excellent theatre in an intimate setting. They also consistently treat their volunteers with respect and caring.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
February 17, 2010
It's a delight to be in an intimate theatre setting with experienced, talented actors performing old or new plays. The Aurora productions are amazing, given the space restrictions for scenery and mobility. There is a felt intimacy as I watch a story unfold and great creativity in the sets and entrances and exits. I've seen almost every play for the past 10 yrs.or so, and have never felt that theproductions were not good. Most are wonderful.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
their creativity and their intimate theatre.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
exceptionally friendly and cooperative.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
pay more staff; increase the pay of existing staff, directors and actors; expand their backstage facilities; pay for plays that are too expensive for them to produce now.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
February 16, 2010
Bouquets and judos to Aurora Theatre for their current hit, The First Grade, and for their invaluable Global Age Project initiative that encourages playwrights and directors to explore life in the 21st century and beyond. The First Grade, by Joel Drake Johnson, is one of last year's finds in the Global Age Projects. This smart and witty play about a middle-aged teacher of first-grade who struggles to maintain her lifelong campaign against ignorance and incivility in the face of her own aging/health issues and the unique dysfuntionality of her family is beautifully rendered at the Aurora, with sharp direction and meticulous staging. The acting is a joy; there is not a weak performance in the very accomplished cast. The indisputable jewel of the production, though is Julia Brothers, whose hilarious, poignant portrayal of first grade teacher Sydney goes right to the heart, laughing all the way. This veteran actress, who recently appeared in Elaine May's George is Dead opposite Marlo Thomas and directed by Elaine May, delivers a boffo performance sizzling with sarcasm underscored with tenderness. The entire cast-- Warren David Keith, Rebecca Schweitzer, Paul Santiago, Tina Sanchez, and Adrian Anchondo are strong, energetic, and deliver the goods. First Grade continues at the Aurora Theatre in Berkeley until January 28th. If you are looking for an evening of intelligent theatre that examines contemporary issues in a robust, witty and compassionate manner, don't miss this one. Aurora Theatre Copany is located in the heart of the Berkeley Theatre District, at 2081 Addison Street. Box Office: 510-843-4822
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If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
would put off-Broadway to shame.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
February 16, 2010
As a former theater professional and chronic theater attendee, I usher throughout the bay area so that I can see all the interesting and sometimes ground-breaking productions we have locally. Aurora is hands-down my favorite theater company. The casts and direction are unfailingly top-notch and I have never seen anything I did not enjoy immensely and/or find provocative. The space is so intimate that you sometimes feel like you are on the stage. And the theatre is located on a lively block (close to BART)in Berkeley with other theater and music venues so it's always a fun evening.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the productions they choose to stage. Always done in an intelligent way.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The kindness and courtesy of those working at the theatre, especially the usher coordinators and box office staff, who treat us as part of the team in a highly respectful way
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
February 16, 2010
The Aurora Theatre is a small private arena to see wonderful plays. The acting is superb, the atmosphere is intimate and I felt almost like I was watching the show from the comfort of my livingroom. I loved it. The company is organized in that everything works like clockwork. The ushers get there and prepare for the patrons, everyone is seated in a timely fashion and the show starts on time.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
As a volunteer, the staff were friendly, helpful and accomodating.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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