TheatreFirst

27/08/2023

TODAY IS THE DAY. It is your LAST CHANCE to see a TheatreFIRST show! It is the final performance of WMB, and then we are closing our doors.

Please come join us for the show, the talkback with T1 leadership, and then raise a glass at the reception!
TICKETS ARE ONLY $10 https://theatrefirst.com/wmb/
Sunday, August 27th, at 2PM
(Scheduled Talkback: T1 Leadership Panel)

Show up and show your support!
Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave Berkeley

25/08/2023

IT'S OPENING NIGHT!!!
Only THREE MORE CHANCES to catch a TheatreFIRST show!!!
TICKETS ARE ONLY $10 https://theatrefirst.com/wmb/

Friday, August 25th, at 8PM (Scheduled Talkback: Black Women Birthing Justice)
Saturday, August 26th, at 8PM
Sunday, August 27th, at 2PM (Scheduled Talkback: T1 Leadership Panel)

Show up and show your support!

22/08/2023

Only THREE MORE CHANCES to catch a TheatreFIRST show!!!
TICKETS ARE ONLY $10! https://theatrefirst.com/wmb/

Friday, August 25th, at 8PM (Scheduled Talkback: Black Women Birthing Justice)
Saturday, August 26th, at 8PM
Sunday, August 27th, at 2PM (Scheduled Talkback: T1 Leadership Panel)

A brief talkback and reception will follow each performance, so no matter which show you attend you will be able to raise a glass with us in thanks to all the outstanding actors, designers, writers, technicians, and producers whose artistry has graced the T1 stage over the years.

SUPPORT ARTISTS, SUPPORT LIVE THEATRE, SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY.

18/08/2023

It is with deep sadness that we inform you all that TheatreFIRST will be closing it’s doors and ceasing operations at the end of September. Thank you all for your support, particularly in these past couple of months. You inspired us to continue to explore multiple new business models, and search for different possible scenarios that would allow for the company to continue producing exciting, thought provoking work and paying our creatives a living wage. Unfortunately, in the current theatre climate where even large companies with multi-million annual budgets are asking for money to keep their doors open, we are unable to find a sustainable financial future for our small company.

To read the full statement go to:
https://theatrefirst.com/our-season/

17/08/2023

Come for the performance of WMB, and stay for the talkback! We are thrilled to announce our Community Spotlight Partner for the Friday, August 25th performance of WMB:

Black Women Birthing Justice
Our Guest Speaker is Executive Director and Co-Founder of BWBJ: Linda Jones

Each of our staged readings will be followed by a talkback hosted by one of our Community Spotlight Partners: local organizations whose work beautifully amplifies the messages of WMB. Plus, each talkback will be followed by a reception in the lobby, so no matter which show you attend you’ll be able to raise a glass with us!

WMB, August 25th - 27th, ONE WEEKEND ONLY!
TIX AND INFO: https://theatrefirst.com/wmb/

14/08/2023

This week's WMB Artist Spotlight is all about the dynamic Carla Gallardo!

The premiere reading of WMB runs for ONE WEEKEND ONLY, 8/25 - 8/27.

For tix information and to read the rest of the interviews:
https://theatrefirst.com/wmb/

08/08/2023

WMB, Artist Spotlight all about the incredible Carolina Morones!

WMB runs for one weekend only, 8/25 - 8/27.
$10 TIX available NOW!!

For tix information and to read the rest of Carolina's interview:
https://theatrefirst.com/wmb/

05/08/2023

The World Premier of WMB for ONE WEEKEND ONLY!
August 25 - 27th

$10 Tickets for the World Premiere reading of WMB, by playwright Marisela Treviño Orta, (The River Bride, Heart-Shaped Nebula,) are now available! https://theatrefirst.com/wmb/

TheatreFIRST is proud to present a weekend of readings of the exciting new thriller, WMB, by award-winning playwright Marisela Treviño Orta (PEN Center USA Literary Award in Drama, National Latino Playwriting Award co-winner, National Playwrights Conference semi-finalist, Chicano/Latino Literary Prize in Drama,) and directed by outstanding Bay Area latinx director and scholar, Karina Gutiérrez! Featuring our incredible cast: L. Duarte, Carla Gallardo, Michael Girts, and Carolina Morones.

Click here for more information!
https://theatrefirst.com/wmb/

01/08/2023

Next up on the Live Oak Theater Swift Stage!

Yiddish Theatre Ensemble presents:

Between Worlds
Based on the life and poetry of Irena Klepfisz
Conceived and written by Naomi Newman
Directed and Choreographed by Bruce Bierman

Tix and more info here:
https://www.cityboxoffice.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=2948

16/07/2023

Dear Supporters,
On July 14th we had our most recent lease negotiation with the City of Berkeley. The lease negotiation process may be a lengthy one, and in the spirit of full transparency, we will continue to post all relevant developments on our website as they happen.
Please click this link for our most recent update:
https://theatrefirst.com/our-season/

To make a donation: https://theatrefirst.com/about/donate/

Thank you for your continued support!

03/07/2023

Your community support has already made a difference. Let's keep the momentum going! https://theatrefirst.com/about/donate/

30/06/2023

After months of discussion, TheatreFIRST is going dark. We want to thank you so much for your support so far, and we still need your support through this closure.

To find out more please visit: https://theatrefirst.com/our-season/

28/06/2023

Ready to see a show right now? Check out:
IN THE EVENING BY THE MOONLIGHT
a new play written by Traci Tolmaire and co-created & directed by Margo Hall!

Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, SF
https://www.lhtsf.org/moonlight-play

16/06/2023

ZUMBA with Brendan and Melanie!
When: Saturday, June 24th
Time: 11AM
Where: Live Oak Community Center at Live Oak Theater!
1301 Shattuck Ave.

12/06/2023

Our Children's Story Hour has been CANCELLED.
Check our website for other upcoming events!

www.theatrefirst.com
Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley

02/06/2023

Congratulations Jeffrey Lo on your nomination for Balikbayan Box!

15/05/2023

Announcing our 2023-2024 Season!
https://theatrefirst.com/our-season/

24/03/2023

TheatreFirst is excited to announce new Artistic Co-directors Victoria Evans Erville and Stephanie Prentice!

In 2020 TheatreFirst made the commitment to decentralize the role of leader and to create a pipeline for rising leaders of color. When Brendan Simon stepped into the role of Artistic Director he invited Stephanie Prentice and Victoria Evans Erville to join him as
a leadership triad. As the company moves towards its 2023- 2024 season the company will embrace the next iteration of that leadership model as Mr. Simon steps away from the Artistic triad, and Artistic Co-directors Ms. Prentice and Ms. Erville will become
the first 100% female identifying BIPOC leadership team for TheatreFirst.

Brendan returns to the board of directors having led the theatre through the Covid-19 pandemic and two seasons that have both entertained and educated. Mr. Simon said, “Serving as TheatreFirst’s Artistic Director has been a distinct honor and
such a pleasure. TheatreFirst will continue centering justice-driven, people-focused stories and initiatives with Victoria Erville and Stephanie Prentice at the helm. These two incredible women lead with heart, passion, vision, and care. TheatreFirst is ready for our next level of success in their most capable hands.”

While many theatre companies have embraced a shared leadership model, the idea of an Arts pipeline that trains and encourages new arts leaders has yet to be seen. The TheatreFirst plan is to continue to rotate leaders every three years. Stephanie and Victoria
bring a new set of creative eyes to the process as both women, mothers and artists. “I am energized and excited to have this opportunity to continue the work of presenting stories that represent our diverse community. It feels appropriate that the light has been passed to Stephanie and I during Women’s History month,” said Ms. Erville. Stephanie adds, “The Bay Area theatre community has always had a wealth of female-identifying BIPOC artists, and in recent years we’ve seen a few rise into
leadership positions. I am incredibly proud to join their ranks, and even more thrilled to be in a position to help raise up our next leaders.” Board President, Jamila Cobham, adds “This is an exciting time for TheatreFirst; this transition is a testimony to the power and efficacy of the co-leadership model. I have been and continue to be inspired by Victoria and Stephanie’s vision for the company and their plans for advancing TheatreFirst’s mission in our new
theatre ecosystem.”

Stay tuned for the 2023 - 2024 season announcement coming soon!

26/02/2023

“When the Lights Go Out” by Addie Ulrey is a bold new play about climate change as told through the eyes of a 14 year old and her biological and chosen family. This important story gets a dramatic reading on Monday night! Featuring Fontana Butterfield, No’eau Kahalekulu, Rebecca Pingree, Michelle Talgarow, and Miia Williams, and Directed by Adam L Sussman! Tickets: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35783/production/1152855

23/02/2023

“When the Lights Go Out” is coming to TheatreFIRST on Monday, February 27th @ 8pm! This dramatic reading of a new play by Addie Ulrey is a powerful exploration of climate change through the eyes of a teenager and her biological and chosen family. Directed by Adam L Sussman and featuring Fontana Butterfield, No’eau Kahalekulu, Rebecca Pingree, Michelle Talgarow, and Miia Williams.
TICKETS: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35783/production/1152855

22/02/2023

Join us on Monday, February 27th @ 8:00 pm as TheatreFIRST proudly presents a dramatic reading of "When the Lights Go Out", an important new play by Addie Ulrey that explores climate change from the perspective of a young person and her parents. You don't want to miss this timely piece or this incredible cast! $5 gets you in!

TICKETS: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35783/production/1152855

Thanks for supporting T1!

16/02/2023

Audiences and reviewers alike are in love with A MARRIAGE! Richard Mosqueda directs, closes on Sunday! Tickets: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35783/production/1130245

Millennial Notes Tom Swift Queries Q***r Love, Breaking Comic Boundaries by Kelly Mou “A Marriage” covers lots of territory: two gay lovers, forty-two years, and a hilarious gay nephew. Tom Swift’s touching comedy also challenges realistic theater: The three actors break the fourth wall and ta...