Founded in 1980, the San Jose Repertory Theatre was the city’s first resident professional theater and has since gained a reputation for being one of the country’s pre-eminent regional houses. Part of the Rep’s mission is to produce works that speak to San Jose’s diverse community—and “diverse” perfectly describes this theater that recently offered a classic French play, a Reduced Shakespeare Company show, a political thriller, adaptations of both Jekyll & Hyde and It’s a Wonderful Life, and a quirky musical all in one season.

Young professionals under 40 who want to get the Rep experience, but would also like to make a full night of it, should join the Scene, a group of young theater lovers who get together for a great meal before the show, then meet at a hip joint afterwards for drinks and discussion (all planned by the Rep and offered for a reasonable fixed price).

San Jose Rep also has many educational initiatives, the most notable being its Red Ladder Theatre Company, an outreach program that uses performance techniques and creative expression to show at-risk youth and other disadvantaged or troubled individuals how they can better their lives through the arts.