This company came together in 1991-92 around the development and production of a new play, Dorothy Bryant’s Dear Master. Following the success of that endeavor, its members committed themselves to continue to present plays “about something important; ideas mediated by language and people, which are assisted by other elements like sets, lights, and costumes,” not dominated by them.
Known for its intimate performance space in downtown Berkeley, Aurora is often referred to as a “chamber theatre.” The company features a high percentage of Equity actors in its productions of plays ranging from Clifford Odets’ Awake and Sing to Neil LaBute’s Fat Pig to Diana Son’s Satellites. Aurora’s outreach endeavors include an Education Program in collaboration with Bay Area public schools, a Family Theatre Initiative, and the Aurora Script Club.
Aurora Theatre Company Information
- Public Transportation: Very good (one block from downtown Berkeley BART station; also AC Transit buses)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Performances/Programs: 5 shows per season. Performance schedule is Wednesday–Sunday
- Ticket Prices: Single tickets are $28–$50, $20 Rush tickets sold to anybody a half-hour before curtain, half-price tickets for full-time students, $10 tickets for under-18-year-olds when accompanied by full-price-paying adult, $5 discount for anyone with a California Alumni Association membership, free preview performances for low-income students and seniors, discounts for groups of 20 or more
- Subscriptions: Season subscriptions $130–$210, discounts for full-time students, educators, and parents bringing underage children. Benefits include free ticket exchanges, guest ticket discounts, and dining discounts.
