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Renegade Theatre Experiment
Category: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Performing Arts [Edit]
Historic Hoover Theatre1635 Park Ave
San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 493-0783
- Good for Kids:
- No
8 reviews for Renegade Theatre Experiment
8 reviews in English
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Review from April D.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/17/2011
Discovered Renegade Theatre Experiment (RTE) about a year after we moved here. We had discovered several theaters that produced traditional plays, but were looking for a place that offered more cutting edge fare. We found it with RTE.
I can't recommend this theater enough! The tickets are relatively inexpensive for theater ($25 at the most, less if you get a season subscription. You can also come to the see a show twice, and get half priced tickets the second time).
The first production we saw was "Ouroboros" which was performed two ways. Some nights were with all the scenes in order as in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The other nights played the scenes in reverse order: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. It was really interesting to see both orders.
We just saw "Eat the Runt," which used a really interesting concept. The audience got to decide which actor played which role. Because of this, all actors had to learn all parts. Even without this device, the play was hilarious and was well worth seeing. We're excited to go back and see it a different night (for only $12.50 a ticket!!) with a different cast.
I also appreciate RTE's efforts to build ties with the audience. My husband and I were lucky enough to chat with the artistic director Sean C. Murphy at intermission. He was very down to earth and was happy to answer our questions. This interaction made the night even more fun!
Don't miss seeing future shows at this gem of a theater! -
Review from Nicole M.
9/22/2011
I just finished seeing my third production, "Eat the Runt" and I am happy to declare that Renegade is fun, fun, fun. The shows push the envelope a bit and are always built around a compelling premise. The suburban locale guarantees plenty of free parking. Ticket prices are reasonable, and they also offer free adult beverages preshow. Being in a middle school building can be a bit surreal, but it lends to the charm.
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Review from Tim N.
11/28/2010
I just saw "All This Intimacy," put on by the Renegade Theatre Experiment in San Jose. This was my first experience seeing an RTE show, and I was definitely impressed. For a small, non-profit theatre company, they have their act together and put on a very good show!
The Historic Hoover Theatre is a gem. It was renovated back in 2004, but the place still sparkles like it was spruced up yesterday. The theatre is spacious yet intimate, and very comfortable.
I also appreciated the ability to purchase tickets online - not always a luxury for some of the smaller theatre companies.
The production was high-quality and enjoyable, with a very talented and entertaining cast. And although I didn't partake this particular night, the complimentary alcoholic beverages were a very nice touch too.
Great job guys! Looking forward to the next show. -
Review from Lalita D.
Oakland, CA
9/4/2008
Perhaps my review may be considered somewhat biased, as I am a member of Renegade Theatre Experiment, but I chose this company out of all in the Bay Area with which to affiliate, because I could tell from my first interaction with them that this was a company dedicated to edgy and thought-provoking theatre, the kind of play that you go out for dinner afterwards and discuss for hours. The plays they choose are exceptional, the actors are genuine and quite impressive, the production values are high, and the overall experience (from both my side of the footlights as well as the audience's) is memorable.
I'm voting 'no' on "good for kids" because, while we have done children's shows in the past, the majority of the work is fairly edgy and could be both frightening and overwhelming for kids under about 13. The company utilizes a rating system (that the other rater mentioned) to give an idea of what age range would be appropriate. -
Review from Geri S.
Palo Alto, CA
9/12/2010
We just saw our first play, "Killer Joe."
It was excellent. The actors are truly very talented professionals.
We see a lot of theatre all over the world and especially here and in New York where my husband is from.
These folks were every bit as good as any place we have been.
Also, the managers and support folks are very nice and really know what they are doing.
We will definitly follow their schedules. -
Review from Stephen I.
San Jose, CA
3/24/2007 1 photo
I discovered the Renegade Theatre group when they moved into the historic Hoover Theater across the street from the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum (Park & Naglee).
Started by a group of local artists from nearby Santa Clara University this theatre group caters to a wide range of audiences. I really like their rating system they use to let you know what to expect from each play - it is a great way to introduce children and young adults to some of their tamer offerings.
I loved last season's take on Shakespeare (who has ever heard of Titus Andronicus) where they brought to life some of his early work. It's more Shakespeare Santa Cruz than Oregon Shakespeare, but just as much fun.
If you love supporting the arts and your local community theatre then you should be sure to check this out. -
Review from Joanne M.
Alameda, CA
11/15/2009
I just saw The Shape of Things by Neil Labute.
I was blown away by how all elements of this
production came together to create an intriguing
and compelling piece of theatre. Brilliantly acted
and directed, scene design was amazing and
flawlessly done, costumes were spot on for the
characters, the sound design was brilliant and the
lighting design was excellent. I can't wait to see
more great theatre on this level from Renegade
Theatre Experiment! -
Review from elaine g.
Santa Clara, CA
11/22/2008
just saw the recent showing of "mr. marmalade" which was tons of fun. the hoover theatre is such a little gem.. i was pleasantly surprised by it... it's not that big of a theatre but it's cute and intimate... actors do such a great job....i'm definitely looking forward to their next show!
