Hammer Theatre

Hammer Theatre Center
The main entrance to the Hammer Theatre Center
The main entrance to the Hammer Theatre Center
Former names
(1997-2014)
Address101 Paseo de San Antonio
San Jose, California
USA
LocationDowntown San Jose
Coordinates37°20′02″N 121°53′12″W / 37.33375°N 121.88653°W / 37.33375; -121.88653
Public transitPaseo de San Antonio station
OwnerCity of San Jose
Operator
Construction
Opened1997
ReopenedMarch 2016
Website
hammertheatre.com

The Susan and Phil Hammer Theatre Center (a.k.a. Hammer Theatre or Hammer Theatre Center) is a performance venue in Downtown San José. Located on the Paseo de San Antonio, the theatre is operated by San José State University.

History

The Hammer Theatre Center began as a home for the San José Repertory Theatre Company, which was founded in 1980. The company became known during its early years as the fastest-growing professional theater company in the U.S. To have a theatrical home, the company collaborated with the San José Redevelopment Agency to build the Hammer Theatre in downtown San Jose.[1] The Hammer Theatre, named after former mayor Susan Hammer and her husband, Phil Hammer, was completed in 1997.[2]

In June 2014, the San José Repertory Company declared bankruptcy and the building that is now the Hammer Theatre Center was shuttered.[3][4]

Efforts to reopen the venue resulted in a partnership between San José State University and the city of San José.[5] The Hammer Theatre reopened in March 2016.[6]

Facilities

  • Sobrato Auditorium, a theatrical auditorium space that seats up to 520.
  • Hammer 4(sometimes stylized as Hammer4), a black box performance space that can fit up to 120 seats.
  • Curtain Call Café, a ground floor space with a bar for special gatherings
  • Mercury News Lounge, a second floor loungs with a bar for private parties.
  • Rooftop Terrace attached to the Hammer4 studio
  • Dressing rooms located in the basement for performers
  • Bar/concessions area located near the front entrance in the lobby
  • 2nd floor lobby, home to the Hammer2 Gallery that features a rotating display of artwork by San José State University alumni.[7]
  • Outside balconies[8][9]

Event types

The Hammer Theatre hosts the following seven categories of entertainment:

  • SJSU@Hammer -- San Jose State University music, theater, dance and guest speaker events
  • Lights & Action -- Live theater and off-Broadway theatrical productions
  • Music w/o Borders -- Musical performances from around the world
  • ArtTech -- Arts, technology and/or multi-media performances
  • Hammer Speaks -- Educational lecture series, including National Geographic Live and the Sundance Film Institute
  • Holidays@Hammer -- Holiday-related musical, theater and dance performances
  • Dance -- Dance performances[10]

References

  1. ^ "San Jose Repertory Theatre Records". www.oac.cdlib.org. Retrieved 2018-05-11.
  2. ^ "City, San Jose State see Hammer as a theater of possibilities". The Mercury News. 2016-11-10. Retrieved 2018-05-11.
  3. ^ "San Jose Rep closes curtain after 34 years". SFGate. Retrieved 2018-05-11.
  4. ^ "The new Hammer Theatre — Here's SJSU's game plan to make it work". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2020-02-06.
  5. ^ "Hammer Theatre | San Jose State University | C2SV | Venue Opportunities | Silicon Valley | Metroactive". www.metroactive.com. Retrieved 2018-05-12.
  6. ^ "Can Hammer Theatre comeback turn around San Jose arts scene?". The Mercury News. 2016-11-16. Retrieved 2018-05-11.
  7. ^ "H2 Gallery - Hammer Theatre Center". hammertheatre.com. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
  8. ^ "Hammer Theatre Center". www.sjsu.edu. Retrieved 2018-05-11.
  9. ^ "Hammer Theatre Center - Bay Area Performing Arts Spaces (Wayback Machine)". Archived from the original on 6 February 2020. Retrieved 2025-02-10.
  10. ^ "About – Hammer Theatre Center". Retrieved 2020-02-06.
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