LOVE LOVE LOVE The Empty Space. I've only started going this year (2025) and so far have not been…read moredisappointed. The location is easy to get to and parking is plentiful. The lobby is nice and cozy and the staff is always super nice! The concession stand is reasonably priced with a good selection of snacks and drinks. I enjoy the custom cocktails they serve. The theater seating is good with good views no matter where you sit. The cast is always great and super talented. I highly support local theater and have been recommending The Empty Space to all my friends and family.

The Empty Space is one of my favorite places to be in Bakersfield.. Scratch that. The Empty Space…read moreis one of my favorite places to be period. I've caught at least a dozen shows here since finding out about this local gem in high school. From musicals to plays, every show has been amazing. They can make me crack up laughing, want to boogie on down with them during a dance break, and maybe even shed a tear. I can confidently say I would go to any show they put on. A friend could ask me if I wanted to go to the Empty Space tonight, and without knowing what was playing I would say yes. Consistently very talented casts! Phenomenal stage design! Great directing! Fun choreography! Lighting and audio teams always do a great job! It is always clear the whole team are fully invested in the material and bringing out the best in each other. Top tier local talent all around. The Empty Space is more than a place to catch amazing local theater. They also showcase art from local artists in their art gallery which acts as their lobby. I recommend getting there early to enjoy the artwork and grab their super affordable snacks. After being away for a while, I was excited to attend my first show at their new location, Dracula: A Comedy Of Terrors. And a bust out loud comedy it was. Phenomenal show as usual. I'm not sure I could've gotten a better welcome back to The Empty Space. Thank you to the whole cast and crew who made that show happen. Their new location is super nice and spacious. The old location had its charm, but their new location is much larger and the seating has extra leg room, which is always appreciated. Many longtime fans of the Empty Space will recall how the old building immersed the audience was in the show due to the close proximity to the performers, and how many of their productions would utilize the space in creative ways for stand out moments. I'm glad to say they do a great job utilizing the new space in a similar manner. When you walk into the theater you actually walk onto the stage initially which provides an all encompassing immediate immersion into whatever world you're about to enjoy an awesome story in. For those thinking of auditioning to be a cast member, I actually had the pleasure of being in their 2016 production of "In The Heights" which took place in their previous location and highly recommend it. It was a super fun experience. They're very kind and welcoming.

My brother really enjoys the Melodrama and talked us into going to see their Christmas show. This…read moreis a really fun experience. It's a great way to get away from the hustle and stress of Christmas and just enjoy some live entertainment. The atmosphere is awesome. Everyone has a smile. The actors are fun and engaging. No one takes themselves too seriously, which is weird because melodrama is in the name. ;) They have a snack bar. We got free popcorn because my brother has season tickets. And, I must say, it's pretty darn good popcorn. This is a wonderful family experience, and if you can get tickets. I really recommend you try them out.

I've been going to the Melodrama in Bakersfield for over 40 years, and somehow they still manage to…read moresurprise me with every single show! With the gaslight melodrama within 2 miles of my house, I can't seem to stay away. The energy, the talent, and the sheer fun this place delivers never fades. The actors are incredible and always giving 110% and the staff is just as amazing, making every visit feel warm and welcoming. The skits are absolutely hilarious, the kind of humor that has you laughing long after the show ends. And the food? Always delicious and the perfect addition to a night of entertainment. After four decades of attending local shows, I can honestly say the Gaslight Melodrama continues to be one of my favorite places in Bakersfield. If you've never been, you're missing out on a true local treasure!

I am in love with this place, specifically the Latin dance scene in Bakersfield! If you want to…read morelearn salsa, Edgar's Monday night class is where it's at (7:15pm for beginners and 8:15pm for advanced)! His class can be fast paced, but you'll really have fun and learn a lot if you keep going. One of my favorite classes is Alex's Tuesday night bachata class (8pm for beginners and 9pm for advanced)! She's a lot of fun and great at breaking down the steps. The awesome classes socials at studio 9, will have you booty rolling and body rolling in no time!

Love coming here! The classes are fun and the instructor makes the class so much fun and insightfulread more

This theatre is a wonderful thing for kids that need a place to belong in some way. I've seen kids…read moreblossom here and do wonderful things. They build friendships, gain confidence, learn how to work together, learn responsibility and so much more... I've seen kids that have had behavioral problems change participating here. I've seen shy kids become bigger than life. I really can't describe how awesome this is. It may not be perfect as nothing is in life but it is a place that many need or love. Encourage your kids to try things they show interest in whatever they may be, they might shine! This theatre is about the kids

Our children have tremendously enjoyed being a part of AOTCB's theater "framly". They have grown in…read moreto their own little shells and have learned so much about theater and made so many friends in the process.

We did not eat dinner have ate here before and it is typical theater food…read more Service is good. We went to see man of La Mancha seating is excellent and I've probably seen over 20 shows here and never disappointed

We were given our playbill and salad immediately as we were seated. I was in the front row next to…read morethe yellow brick road, and I loved it! They traded my salad for a soup because I had also ordered a salad for dinner. I didn't think about it, they did, so thoughtful. I loved our seat mates, delightful couple. The show was outstanding. The actors were cast perfectly, and the singing and dancing made the show! I loved the lion, the tin man and wicked witch. They were always my favorites and even more so now. This is my second visit to the theater and even though we have to travel from Arizona I will definitely make more shows in the future. Highly recommend!

We went to celebrate a birthday. We saw Sam Morrison & his band, they were amazing. It was our…read morefirst time attending a concert at this venue & we loved it. (Bob Seger Tribute)

Ordering online from their site is very easy! They have lots of tribute bands and last nights,…read moreSteely Dan Dr. Wu was really good! Talented artist filled the stage. 12 member band left them little room to move but it looked like they had a blast performing. Ordering drinks and snacks is easy but come early if you want to eat. The sound and lighting is very good in this small venue and I especially like that they don't have it so loud your eardrums are going to rupture! Staff is very accommodating and knowledgeable. If you have an issue with anything just ask. Bartenders are quick and the drinks are good. Expect to pay premium prices. Don't forget to grab some popcorn before the show start. Oh yeah, the upstairs bar is Cash Only! You can purchase drinks with a card down stairs then take your receipt upstairs for a drink. Find a concert you'd like to see and give this place a try! I think you'll enjoy it!

My wife and I came to see a showing of Our Lady of the Tortilla, and we had a great experience. The…read moretheater was fairly small, but the performance felt very personal and was very enjoyable. The actors/actresses did a great job, the location was nice (being fairly close to our house) and the concession stands had a good amount of food and drinks to choose from (including mixed drinks, beer, and wine!!). We will definitely be back, and will definitely recommend!!

My husband and I came her to watch our friend perform in NUTS, a story about Claudia Draper. I had…read morenever been to this location of Stars. It's a small, quaint building for a performing arts theater. Upon arrival, we were greeted in a friendly manner and I was excited to see I could purchase tickets at the door, since it wasn't the main Stars Restaurant and Theater. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because the outdoor lighting wasnt very good and had I not been 100% sure that the showing was at this location I would have drove away and gone all the way downtown to their main location. Additionally, I am three weeks post op and there really wasnt parking and I arrived at 7 and had to walk quite a distance to get where I needed to go.