The DMTC is a super cool little theater tucked away in east Davis! I had never been before and…read moreshowed up for an evening production of Little Shop of Horrors. Something that sets it apart from other community theaters is the setup of the stage and audience, which feels more intimate than most theaters do. I really enjoyed that they also have a live orchestra. The staff are all super friendly and helpful and the performances and drinks are affordable. I'll definitely be back!

Came to see Into the Woods for our first time attending a DMTC production. It was well done with…read moresome solid talent. Ticket prices can't be beat and the theater is cute! Not a bad seat in the house. Only complaint was the orchestra/pit. It's under the stage and the actors have to rely on a camera broadcasting to a TV behind the audience to keep an eye on the conductor. For a show with such a technically tricky score as Into the Woods, it proved difficult to keep the cast on key and tempo. Also, I think the musicians made some frequent errors whixh pulled me out of the magic and pushed me into "come on, you can do it" anxious mode. That was the only bummer, though.

I'll start with a disclaimer: the Mondavi Center typically hosts classical and jazz…read moreperformances--great quality, just not the genres I usually listen to. Because of that, even though I've lived nearby for more than 20 years, I never made it out to a show. I finally made an exception to see the legendary Herbie Hancock at Jackson Hall, the larger venue that seats about 1,800 people. Even from the upper section, the sound was phenomenal. The acoustics are honestly some of the best I've experienced. The one downside to sitting up there is the seating layout: the rows are tight, and unlike other sections, there are no aisles. If someone in the middle needs to step out, the entire row--around 20 people on each side--has to shuffle to make room. Not ideal, especially for long shows without an intermission. Parking is close, but even on a Sunday (when parking is usually free), the lot across from the venue charged $19. Drinks are allowed inside only if they have lids, and there are no cupholders at the seats. Minor things, but they add up. Jackson Hall is a beautiful venue, and it definitely carries a "posh" or "elite" reputation that seems fairly accurate--it feels geared toward a more academic crowd. I probably won't return soon based on the current lineup, but seeing Herbie Hancock there was absolutely worth it.

Attended the UC Davis Video Game Orchestra "Against All Odds" spring concert at Jackson Hall and…read moresat in the Orchestra Terrace (Right), very good seats for the mid-tier price point. I've seen the UCD VGO perform before, but either at off-campus venues or on-campus at Wright Hall main theatre -- this was my first time watching them at Mondavi, they've grown a bunch! What's especially neat is that all of their members are current students or alumni of UC Davis, and all of their pieces are arranged by their own members. Each quarter is a different theme for the concert that explores various genres of video game soundtracks. Some of their past performances can be found here if you're curious as to what kind of music they play: http://bit.ly/4gLwY54 Some songs that were played (with live vocalists too!) were from Clair Obscur, Deltarune, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Deemo II, Minecraft, Peak, League of Legends, Xenoblade Chronicles, Fire Emblem, Overcooked, Bloodborne, Lies of P, Persona, and more. Same ticket pricing whether you purchase online or in-person at the box office. 10% CAAA alumni discount only for Mondavi Center Presents events throughout the season. Staff get discounted parking via the app as well. There is the Gateway parking garage and Parking Lots #1 and #2 shared with the Manetti Shrem art museum, Mondavi Food & Wine Institute, Alumni Center. They did have some parking attendants providing directions before and after the event. Print-at-home or mobile ticketing. Restrooms clean, did not avail during intermission but they also had a merchandise counter setup. As for concessions, only drinks can be brought into the hall, food has to be eaten in the lobby, also no outside food. Ushers/Ticketers were very good directing people to the correct doors/rows/seats.

Totally impressed that this theater group is run entirely by students. They put on plays as well as…read moremusicals complete with a band. Not only are all the actors students, but the artistic staff are also comprised of students and recent alumni. I have seen their productions of the play 'Spring Awakening' as well as the rock opera musical 'Rent'. I was impressed by the caliber of acting talent in 'Spring Awakening' -- their performance evoked a lot of emotion in a very challenging play. Before seeing 'Rent' I was dubious that a student group would be able to pull off an intense rock musical, but they did a great job. The theater itself is very unique -- Wyatt Pavillion used to be a barn -- so the director has to be particularly creative with the space. The front half of the stage is surrounded by the audience, and there is a tall platform that actors can access from backstage or by employing a ladder. The blocking (staging, in actor speak) was well-done, especially in 'Rent', which demands several different spaces for all the stories going on in the show at once. The student group takes on the challenges of each show and owns them. Mad props! They will all be fantastic when they move beyond college theater into the world of professional theater. TIP: Good theater always makes for an awesome date night.

Studio 301 Productions is an incredibly talented, student-run theatre group on the UC Davis campus…read more In the past couple of years they have put on several big name plays and musicals, including The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Urinetown, The Pillowman, and Spring Awakening. It's definitely worth a visit to Davis to check them out. Their productions are top notch, with quality that far surpasses most other local theatres in the Sacramento area.

This rustic theater used to be a barn!…read more Nestled in the woodsy UC Davis campus, the grand trees surrounding the Wyatt Pavilion really make it picturesque. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wyatt-pavillion-davis?select=3bB22cpFBl0iPFGH40O97g#YBOoUGak_3Io_Q-WotRl8A) Parking is aplenty in the two lots just off Old Davis Drive. Inside, the theater grants a unique experience. The seats surround the stage on 3 sides, granting the audience a deeper perspective. This view seems to encourage the actors to take their performances to the next level, as they have to be conscious of their expressions and actions from all angles. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wyatt-pavillion-davis?select=3bB22cpFBl0iPFGH40O97g#c6SybqnrQ2TPjODc-sufdQ) This past weekend I had the pleasure of watching my good friend in the title role of Richard III, which was a product of the UC Davis Theatre Department's "Shakespeare on a Shoestring" project. The final battle scene is viewable from all seats in the audience. This photo captures the intensity of the play, which incorporated modern 'urban' costume elements and lots of rhythm. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wyatt-pavillion-davis?select=3bB22cpFBl0iPFGH40O97g#hjwRqQoFqbtJmTaquTCxdA) I have seen several productions done here by both the student-directed group 301 Productions and the UC Davis Theatre Department, and have been impressed by the choices the directors have made using the stage. They creatively utilized all spaces, including a raised platform about 10 feet high at the back of the stage and staircases that lead up to this platform and offstage. The only downsides: 1. The pillars of death, should you be so unlucky to sit behind them. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wyatt-pavillion-davis?select=3bB22cpFBl0iPFGH40O97g#s6SxsqV9uZjTEbufk-wzDg) 2. The horrible back-beating seats. The cushion doesn't quite reach the back of the chair, so you either have to slouch down so your butt lines up with the cushion, --OR-- force your butt into the crack at the back of the cushion. Which would you prefer? 3. There is no food within quick walking distance. If you're making a 2 - 2.5 hour commitment to watch a show, definitely bring some food! During intermission I inhaled a bag of chips like a voracious raccoon. Despite these setbacks, the shows have been incredible. Overall, Wyatt Pavilion creates an intimate theater experience that can't be missed!

We saw Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder last night at the Davis Shakespeare Theater. What a…read morefantastic show with pretty amazing talented performers. The singing is on par with any major Broadway production, costumes are authentic and the live orchestra makes this production feel like a Broadway show.

From the owner: High quality, professional theater.read more

Our home theater! We love this place and have been going here and participating for years! Keep…read moredoing what you do and we hope to get back soon

Came to support a friend and watch the production of The Little Mermaid…read more It was a great show and the opera house was nice. Looks historical and has a historical smell to it. Plenty of parking for and theirs businesses / restaurants around it.

This was my first time visiting here. I didn't know what to expect. Greeted by friendly hosts…read more Surprised how tiny the theatre was but it was PERFECT! Loved being so close. Seats were comfortable. I cannot wait to go back! We saw English. Wonderful story. And great actors! Brilliant.

We went here to see English which was a wonderful play. This is a small theater so tickets go…read morequickly. When we first came there, we were greeted by the friendliest and laid back staff! The stage lighting and sound was great and the guy we met in the front wearing I think a kimono did a wonderful job in that! He was cool and chill in his kimono! Everyone was very nice. They had a reasonably priced bar of snacks, drinks and beer, etc. Ot seemed to be a cozy theater and had a nice outdoor patio area to lounge around. Parking is ample as there is a parking lot across the street. I parked on the curb and my "special" spot was the only one missing a parking meter! The staff told me it is the lucky spot and you don't have to feed the meter( hole in the ground where they took it away I guess)! So that is my special tip for you- almost in front of the theater, but back a bit in front of a brick lawyer's building in front of a tree! Free parking! You're welcome! And just to confirm, I had a heart attack when the meter police came to check the cars and meters and he heard me say I better get to the car! He was right behind me following me, but left when he saw no meter- so SAFE to park without paying! Lol- I almost had a heart attack!

My daughter is interested in singing and acting so we checked out Kim Cyrus with Sacramento…read morePerforming Arts on Tuesday. Kim's little homey cottage is located right next to the Sierra 2 Center in East Sacramento and there is street parking available. The class for my daughter's age group is on Tuesdays from 5-7pm with 1 hour being for singing/voice lessons and the other 1 hour being for dance lessons. There are 4 classes a month essentially for under $200. Kim was very professional and great with the kids! It was fun to see new and returning students in her class and to see who was comfortable and who was still coming out of their shell. My daughter had a great time at the trail class, but she currently does another activity on Tuesdays so the class for her age group isn't a good fit for us right now, but we hope to come back and join Kim's class in the future. Give them a call or visit if you or your kids are interested in Performing Arts - Kim has been around for 30+ years and you can tell how much she loves what she does!

Ms. Kim is one of the most talented, kind hearted, generous and downright more amazing music…read moreteacher there is. I've had several music teachers but honestly they got nothing on her. i only see her once a week and I have a busy schedule with social activities but i'd rather see her 3 days a week instead of one. She's worth it. She inspires me to become a better singer every week. I love working with her it's such and honor to be called her student.

I've been attending Broadway Sacramento (formerly known as Broadway Series) musicals here for the…read morepast decade, as well as the Music Circus. Basically these are the national/domestic/U.S. touring companies -- so not truly "community" theater as the venue name might suggest. My first show at CCT was Les Miserables, actually. In the Heights, West Side Story, Wicked, Avenue Q, Starlight Express, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Jersey Boys, Phantom of the Opera, Rent, and Spring Awakening...One of my favorite non-musical shows I've seen here was Kristen Chenoweth in concert (the original Glinda from Wicked, and Pushing Daisies, GCB, etc.). So awesome. ...anyway, I've sat in all the different seats: orchestra near the front, rear orchestra, balcony front row, balcony boxes, and second grand tier. If you can, splurge on seats in the orchestra level (middle to front) for the best acoustics and views. The rear orchestra is fine if you care more for listening to the show or focusing on the bigger picture/staging than seeing the particular actor's faces so much. The balconies aren't stacked on top of the orchestra as far forward as in other theaters, but the box seats are roomier for sure. Be aware that the front row of the balconies does have a bar/railing to help people walk across, but can hinder the view of the stage once you're actually sitting down. The staff is pretty friendly and helpful with finding seating, will call tickets aren't a problem, and tickets by phone are easy too. For all the ladies out there, here's a tip. Instead of waiting forever in the lines for women's restrooms inside the Community Center Theater, make sure to bring your show ticket with you, exit the rear of the building and use the bathrooms at the adjacent Sacramento Convention Center Complex. Parking-wise, I usually use the Capitol Garage at 10th and L Streets and it never exceeds $5. I really wish that they had a marquee at the entrance to the theater along L Street instead of just in front of the Convention Center along J Street. They've improvised with banners across the building, or the parking the tour busses/bigrig trucks in front of the theater, with a few posters in the glass display cases in the lobby. The newer format of the seasons (fewer shows, shorter runs) isn't ideal, and there have been a few technical difficulties (mics and set pieces) but I am still a faithful patron. Sacramento has a "little sister" stigma because what city can measure up to San Francisco? SF is an amazing (and amazingly expensive) place, and as a Sacramento resident and theatergoer, sure SF shows are great too (you know you're in a pricey seat when the teeny old theaters have renovation fees included in the price and legroom is on par with coach airline rows, and the balconies already cost $50 minimum) but only once in awhile for my wallet/budget's sake. Go see a show at the Community Center Theater, at least once. 2013-2014's lineup (November-June) includes Priscilla, Buddy, Flashdance, Blue Man Group, Sister Act, and Wicked.

This was my first year being a season holder to 5 great musicals and looking forward to the next 5…read more The musicals are a great way to enjoy with family and the performances are GRAND! Arrive early to find parking on the street or garage parking like 17&L $2 after 6apm. They sell beverages and specialty musical theme drinks , snacks and musical souvenirs. My favorite shows I've seen was RENT & Les Miserables