Conveniently located at our theater in central Alameda, the Altarena Playhouse Summer Theater Camp, Led by professional instructor and Altarena Director of Education Richard Robert Bunker, offers young people of all skill levels the opportunity to study acting, monologues, improvisation, movement, and commercial technique. Camp alumni often go on to act in both Altarena and other local and regional productions.

Click Read More for dates, details and enrollment materials.

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Music and Book by James Valcq
Lyrics and Book by Fred Alley
Directed by Frederick L. Chacon

July 10 – August 16, 2009

The Spitfire Grill is one of the most heartfelt and uplifting musicals to come along in recent years. When a young woman is released from prison and decides to start a new life in a small midwestern town, she finds a place for herself working at the Spitfire Grill. But she – and the town – have old wounds that need healing, and it takes an unusual contest to begin pulling everyone together. A tuneful and stirring tribute to small town life, The Spitfire Grill is homespun, honest, and hard to resist.

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The Altarena Playhouse will be holding open auditions for its upcoming production of the musical THE SPITFIRE GRILL. (Dir: Frederick Chacon). Auditions will be held May 10 and 11 at 7:00 pm with callbacks on May 17 at 7:00 pm. Rehearsals begin May 25. Performances July 10 through August 16. Auditions by appointment only. More info…

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A Play by Tennessee Williams
Directed by Sue Trigg

May 8 – June 7, 2009

Tennessee Williams’ steamy and sensual A Streetcar named Desire is best known as the landmark American drama that introduced Marlon Brando to the world. But there’s so much more to this vivid story of Blanche DuBois and her tragic struggle with fantasy and reality. Rediscover Streetcar’s smoldering poetry and shocking intensity in our intimate, ‘in-the-round’ production. Notably, this is the very first production of a full-length Tennessee Williams play in the Altarena’s history. [May not be suitable for children under 13.]

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Directed & Choreographed by Christina Lazo
Music Direction by Armando Fox

February 27 – April 5, 2009

Gypsy is one of Broadway’s most popular and enduring musicals, often cited by critics as one of the all-time greatest. Inspired by the life of burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee, it’s the story of the ultimate showbiz stage mother trying to raise two young daughters on the Vaudeville circuit while struggling to make it to the ‘big time.’ Gypsy is brimming with memorable characters, great songs, and plenty of heart. Directed and choreographed by Chicago director Christina Lazo, Gypsy at the Altarena is sure to be the hottest ticket in town.

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Auditions for our upcoming production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” (Tennessee Williams; dir Sue Trigg) will be held at the Altarena on Sunday, March 8 and Monday, March 9 at 7:00 PM. Callbacks: Monday, March 16, 7:00 PM. We’re looking for 6-8 men ages 30-60 and 6 women ages 25-60. All ethnicities STRONGLY encouraged to [...]

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The Altarena Playhouse will be holding open auditions for non-AEA performers for its upcoming production of GYPSY (Dir/Chor: Christina Lazo; Music Dir: Armando Fox). The story is based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee. All roles are open, including children. Please [...]

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Bat Boy, The Musical opened at the Altarena last weekend to sold-out crowds and standing ovations. So we had a pretty good idea that there’s a lot of love for for our pointy-eared hero, but it’s always nice to see that the local critics [...]

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The Altarena Playhouse announces open auditions for Rick Lewis’ musical “A Taffeta Christmas.” A tribute to the girl groups of the 1950’s, “A Taffeta Christmas” celebrates the sounds of The McGuire Sisters, The Fontane Sisters and The Chordettes… with a holiday twist.

Director: Frederick L. Chacon
Musical Director: Rona Siddiqui
Choreographer: Christina Lazo

Audition Date:
Wednesday, September 17, [...]

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John Stenger with Rebecca Pingree in Urinetown (2007)

Members of the Bay Area theatre community are greatly saddened by news of the sudden passing of actor John Stenger this past week. John performed in countless shows all over the Bay Area during the last 25 years, [...]

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