Aurora Theatre Company Presents THE NAKED STAGE

Aurora Theatre Company presents Improv Playhouse of San Francisco and their off-the-cuff unscripted production, THE NAKED STAGE. THE NAKED STAGE plays for 10 performances only, October 5 through October 16, at the in Aurora Theatre Company's Second Stage performance space, Harry's UpStage, located in the Nell and Jules Dashow Wing in Berkeley. For tickets ($28-32) and information the public can call (510) 843-4822 or visit auroratheatre.org.

Combining San Francisco's tradition of narrative long-form improvisation with the demands and surprises of traditional theater, THE NAKED STAGE "traps" the actors on stage with just themselves, and a few suggestions from the audience. During each performance, actors create a fleshed-out three-act play (including intermission) on the fly. Without the usual exit options of lights, time and location jumps, and other scene-enders, they are left to fully confront the characters and situations they have created in the moment. Each performance is a totally unique play based upon suggestions from the audience.

Called "an improv supergroup" by the Contra Costa Times, the Improv Playhouse players are some of the top improvisers in the Bay Area, and are recognized across the country and abroad for their performances and innovations in the art of improvisation. Both individually and collectively, they have been a part of numerous celebrated, cutting-edge improvisational theater troupes in the Bay Area and beyond.

Aurora Thetare Company's 25th season continues in November on the main stage with the West Coast Premiere of Keith Josef Adkins'SAFE HOUSE, helmed by L. Peter Callender, followed by Tom Stoppard's THE REAL THING in January, directed by Timothy Near. Jon Tracy helms the Bay Area Premiere of Sarah Greenman's LENI in March. Steve Waters' TEMPLE makes its' U.S. Premiere at Aurora in April, directed by Artistic Director Tom Ross. Abi Morgan's SPLENDOUR, directed by Barbara Damashek, closes the season in June.

Located in the Dashow Wing at Aurora Theatre Company, Harry's UpStage is the company's Second Stage performance space. Longtime Aurora subscriber and supporter Harry Weininger passed away in May 2010; his family, who knew of his dedication to Aurora, wanted to honor him and made a generous donation to Aurora to outfit the Dashow with a new lighting package, curtains, a stage, and furniture. Harry's UpStage is used for live cabaret and Second Stage events at Aurora.

Voted Best Theater Company in 2012 by SF Weekly, Aurora Theatre Company continues to offer challenging, literate, intelligent stage works to the Bay Area, each year increasing its reputation for top-notch theater. Located in the heart of the Downtown Berkeley Arts District, Aurora Theatre Company, declared "one of the best regional theaters around" by 7x7 magazine, has been called "one of the most important regional theaters in the area" and "a must-see midsize company" by the San Francisco Chronicle, while The Wall Street Journal has "nothing but praise for the Aurora." The Contra Costa Times stated "perfection is probably an unattainable ideal in a medium as fluid as live performance, but the Aurora Theatre comes luminously close," while the San Jose Mercury News affirmed Aurora Theatre Company is "arguably the finest small theater in the Bay Area," and the Oakland Tribune stated "it's all about choices, and if you value good theater, choose the Aurora."

If you want to go:
Runs October 5, 2016 (also press opening) to October 16, 2016
Shows: Tuesday at 7pm (second week only); Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 2pm (second week only)
Harry's UpStage in the Nell and Jules Dashow Wing, 2081 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA
For tickets (General $28; VIP reserved seating $32; subscribers receive a $2 discount) and information, the public can call (510) 843-4822 or visit auroratheatre.org.

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