This review is for the Parent & Me dance class for ages 18 months to 3 years old. I was initially…read moreexcited to enroll my 2-year-old daughter, who loves to dance. Unfortunately, the class quickly became a disappointment. The instructor, Janelle, offered minimal instruction and mostly ran through routines without engaging the children--only occasionally praising the same few students while ignoring the others. While I understand parents are there to support their child, other Parent & Me classes we've attended had instructors who were far more hands-on and encouraging. My daughter was also going through a phase of learning boundaries and keeping hands to herself. Instead of addressing the concerns with me directly, the teacher reported the issue to the front desk, and I received a text stating that my daughter's behavior was a problem. I offered to withdraw her from class as I didn't want her to be a problem or distraction for others, but was told I would not receive a refund for the class or recital. The receptionist Ms. Sophie said she would speak to the teacher, but essentially offered no real solution or options on how we could work together to address the issue. Recital picture day was also poorly organized. Multiple groups were assigned the same time slot, and everyone was crowded into a hot classroom with limited seating. Our group--despite having the youngest and most restless children--was scheduled second to last. As I was heavily pregnant, I alternated between sitting on the floor and standing for over an hour. When I went to the lobby to look for a seat, Ms. Sophie, immediately told us to return to the classroom. I calmly explained I was pregnant and needed a seat, but she showed no concern or professionalism and rudely dismissed me (she was generally always rude and curt with me for whatever reason, and it seemed like she seized this opportunity to be even more rude). She escalated tensions by raising her voice at my husband. Eventually, another teacher who was present reluctantly found me a chair. My daughter then came running out of the picture room (parents were not allowed in) stating that she was scared and that her teacher had yelled at her. Overall, the staff came across as young, unprofessional, and lacking in basic customer service. The teachers do not seem prepared or have the experience to run a classroom with toddlers. The only positive thing I could say was that my daughter was allowed to perform on recital day despite having a rough morning which caused her to arrive late and upset. Aside from that, our experience was overwhelmingly negative. I would not recommend this studio for Parent & Me classes; you're better off with city-run tot classes that offer a better value without the stress or high cost, and more importantly, treat families with more care and respect.

My granddaughter is just completing her first year as a part of Elite Dance Academy. We love the…read morewelcoming atmosphere, kind teachers and age appropriate classes. Today was her first recital and I was very impressed with the organization, commitment and again the kindness and caring of the entire staff. We are really looking forward to our summer dance camp and then being Season 13.

Such friendly staff and the show was amazing! My friend and…read moreI saw "Beautiful: Carole King Musical" and it was amazing! The staff were very accommodating and showed us to our seats! Will definitely go again:)

I took a friend of mine to see Sweeney Todd on 11 / 2 . The music backing up the vocals was way…read moretoo loud and made it well nigh impossible to hear and understand much of the dialog. I wouldn't give that performance one star. I just wasted $70.00 on a lot of unintelligible noise. Major disappointment.

I really enjoy the shows here! It's really the people that make this theater amazing! Especially…read morethe children's programs! I've also enjoyed several shows that aren't kid's shows. The theater has been there and long time and despite updates, it does show it's age with the seats being a bit tight and lacking elbow room also cooling system in the summer could be nicer! However I still love every show I've seen and look forward to many more!

My daughter and I enjoyed the 37th One Acts performances. We saw friends there as well as one of my…read moredaughter's friends in some of the One Act performances. We had a good time. More people need to discover the Bakersfield Community Theater.

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!

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!

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!

I love the people here. There is a great sense of support and an environment to learn. The space…read moreis wonderful for an improv show - lights, stage, AC, sound, etc. It's a great place to enjoy a show!

I stumbled upon the Center for Improv Advancement at a workshop put on by a local art gallery a…read morecouple years back. I had no idea this town had that kind of talent, and I started seeing their shows in the back of a restaurant way across town. They would totally involve their audience in the process, and every show was completely different from the last. With everything made up right on the spot like in "Who's Line is it Anyway?" only better. Then they got their own venue and started putting on classes. I signed up for the first one, and took that series of classes and then the intermediate classes that came after that. I can't even begin to tell you how fun that was or how much I learned. I even got invited to take part in an improv competition which was an absolute BLAST. Some shows are family friendly and some are not, so if that's important to you, look carefully at what they're offering the night/time you want to go (www.ciacomedy.com). If you have a medical condition or have had a surgery and laughing would cause you harm, then wait until you heal up a bit, because trust me--you're going to laugh. At $5.00 per show, it is, in my opinion, the most fun you can have in Bakersfield without someone calling the cops.