San Jose Rep Venue To Live On With Help From SJSU, The Hammer?

Last June, San Jose Repertory Theatre filed for bankruptcy, auctioned off many of its assets, and closed its doors after 34 years in the Bay Area. But now San Jose State University and the Ad Hoc Committee on Hammer Theatre are trying to keep San Jose Rep's legacy going.

According to the San Jose Mercury News, San Jose State would use the 528-seat theater for student concerts and shows, with co-productions by the university and local professional theaters, as well as the opportunity for local groups to rent the space.

The Hammer would use the venue for a resident theatre company. Susan Hammer, who is part of the Ad Hoc Committee, served as mayor when the theater was first built in 1997. Her husband, Phil Hammer, told the News, "We don't have a professional resident theater in the city, and it is essential, just as a major museum and a symphony orchestra is essential."

Others have suggested merging the two proposals.

Either way, whoever takes over the building must be able to run operations within the city's limited $285,000 yearly fund for the venue. The advisory committee will officially pitch their recommendation on May 18, with a City Council vote hopeful for June.

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