Category: Improv Comedy Group (24 listings)
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The Berubians Theater Company started many moons ago under former Development Exec. Chris Berube, who dreamed of an evolving performance space that actually focused on the performers. He still hangs out at the theaters, directing shows at both locations and leading the O.C. improv workshop.Being in the Berubians is about learning and challenging yourself to pursue your dreams -- for most of us, it's becoming working actors.
Through workshops and the opportunity to act in, write, produce, and direct our own shows, we have a place where we belong -- it's ours.
The improv classes are free, give great experience, and the teacher, Chris Berube, is a good guy who genuinely wants only to see the folks associated with his theater grow and do well.
The pros are that if you're an aspiring actor, director, or playwright, you will not get better experience for your time or money. You will also be welcomed with open arms. If you're somebody who enjoys seeing shows, you can absolutely take heart knowing that you are supporting fantastic up and comers who are both talented and generally good-hearted.
The cons are few, and they are a general complaint for all LA-based theaters: tough to find parking, and it's a tough location in general. However, on the same lot you can find Mashti Malone's (a brilliant ice cream shop), a convenience store, and a bar which is in a constant state of changing hands. In short, just by going to the Berubians Theater, you can have a full night of entertainment in one stop.
I hope you have the opportunity to frequently enjoy this unique place, as I did for nearly 3 years.
~ StW
Amazing!!!!
They are extremely funny and a pleasure to watch. A great way to spend an evening!!
I've worked with this venue and had a serious great experience! i would highly recommend it. Chris allows the actors so much freedom to explore then at the last minute tightens it up to give you the guidance you need.. its a rare incredible balance
Berubians Theatre is FREE for all levels of performers to practice their craft. Talent is free to come & go as they please in this FREE workshop. If cast in a performance piece, performers have an opportunity to experience professionalism. What’s the beef? One must consider the source if complaints are voiced.
Joie Magidow
I'd heard good things about this theater (including its proximity to the Woods bar and Mashti Malone's ice cream store!) but had never attended a performance until last week. Have I been missing out! My husband and I saw "The Wind Up Puppet Show," which was every
bit as entertaining as we'd hoped, and we were also pleased with the emotional content and theme. I can't wait to see another Berubians show there - if you haven't been, go.
Hey, if you're from out of town and want something to do that won't cost a week's salary, meet some really cool and - many cute - actors, looking for a place to perform and grow with other actors, looking for really reasonable theater rental space, or needing to work on your alcohol problem then The Next Stage in Hollywood is just that place. And you don't need to be an out-of-towner to appreciate what this theater has to offer. Okay, the seating is not as plush and cushy as the Geffen or Taper. But neither are the tickets and parking! And once you've paid to see a show you're invited back, complimentary, to see it again duing it's run. Where else you gonna get that?
I have had the wondrful opportunity to be a part of a theatre company that has an excellent line up of entertaining as well as inspiring shows, that are timeless and creative. I was asked nothing in return but to be there and be the best I could be. I'm performing in my second run of a show Chris has wonderfully perfected. This just what I was looking for, although I would like to try to make some kind of a living or monetary compensation for doing what I love, that of course was not my goal here, but that could come in time when I can actually put on a show of my own; another thing I've been looking to do, and Chris Berube has supplied the perfect place for that to happen. The Improve night has been extremely uplifting as well, just show up and get ready to use your imagination... It's alot of fun.
I love rehearsing and performing at the Next Stage Theatre. the environment is so friendly and supportive and Chris is so entertaining as he directs and even coaches us on how to make a stellar performance. He's very supportive in helping you correct your mistakes and gives insightful feedback. And what's so helpful and so financially relieving, especially in a city like LA, is his generosity. He doesn't charge any of his actors to audition. He's provided a haven for struggling actors to perform, which is our life's blood. Working at his theatre has been one of the most rewarding experience as a thespian getting back into acting.
This wonderful space allowed me to produce my first original work on stage with no real budget, and a ton of heart. Chris is always around to answer questions, offer advice, and lend a helping hand if he can. He has a wealth of knowledge and knows how to make a show work. The heart and passion he has for the stage is apparent the moment you meet him and he is a genuine and honest person, a refreshing find in LA. The space is not The Pantages, but it's intimacy is one that can definitely be taken advantage of, and let's face it, when you're watching a really good show, you forget where you are anyway! I am forever greatful that this space is here, giving theater people young and old the chance to do what they love, without having to save up for a year to do it!
I've worked with Chris Berube at The Next Stage and I have nothing but good memories of the experience. I'd work with him again if the right project came up - and I think that is the best recommendation that anyone can give =)
I think the next stage is wonderful and holds close to their heart, something that many companies usually miss. Big Ups!/CHris W
The Berubians Theatre Company is truly a unique place. I'm not aware of another theater in LA that would allow you to rehearse and put on show for free. If you're an actor, you should take advantage of the FREE Improv Workshop that takes place every Monday night, where you can learn the basics and practice your craft. There you can also get a heads-up for the coming-up shows and auditions at The Next Stage. If you're a writer/director/producer, you are welcome to put on your own show/play at this theater (for free).
Another advantage of this theater is that you get to collaborate and network with many talented people who, like you, are working to find their voice in this highly competitive town. I warmly recommend this theater to anyone who wants to showcase their talents without the disadvantage of going bankrupt in the process.
Berubians Theater Company and The Next Stage are a self-selected community of people interested in putting on shows. They offer FREE weekly improv workshops, two stages to perform on, and are a great group of folks that volunteer their time and skills to make The Next Stage welcoming and productive. I've been working on shows there for nearly five years and I've never been charged a rehearsal, performance or class fee for the space or for Chris Berube's instruction. Where else in Los Angeles does that exist?
When I was new to town, Chris's free improv classes not only gave me valuable stage experience, but also introduced me to the world of sketch comedy and to my new best friends. Since my initial shows there (original sketch directed and in large part written by Chris,) I have returned regularly to work on original and legit pieces as an actor, a comic, a director and a producer. I come back because I know and trust Chris and because the talent and personalities are a wonder. I'm very grateful to have been involved at The Next Stage.
I would note that the theater is under nearly constant state of remodel and renovation (floor painting, door changing, equipment moving, etc.) that is not atypical of a shared space. If you're producing a show at The Next Stage, be prepared for the unexpected and get there early on show night to make allowances for the inevitable missing door or broken microphone. But, really, these little things are more a reflection on the users of the space and have actually endeared the theater to me and made me a more organic director and producer. I think it would behoove every actor to do at least one show at The Next Stage with the Berubians Theater Company, it is a wonderful experience. And I say this even after having seen Chris's naked bottom.
Important info: minimal lot parking (towing enforced), box office typically run by the management (NOT the individual shows), no late rehearsals or shows (AA meetings start daily at 11pm), industry comps available, recurring runs available, two stages share one dressing room, two shows in one night possible, open membership.
Chris Berube and his 'Next Stage' has been my saving grace in Hollywood. The FREE improv class is a giant size 'craft sharpener' for myself. A safe place to 'work' as Chris and sometimes actor Bradley Schneider dynamically teach 'confidence' by allowing actors to discover their mistakes and further enhance their creative apparatus. Courage is a hard skill to come by in this glamorous 'Tinseltown' but working with Mr. Berube over the past 4 months has sculpted me into an enthusiastic and excited actor eager to ride the enormous waves of creativity he sails us into every week! Chris Berube is an extraordinary value to Hollywood's Film Industry and some of her finest actors.
I'm not afraid to have my name Kristian Steel tied to Chris Berube and the Berubians. Chris gave me my first opportunity to direct, and my career has exploded with opportunity thanks to the many lessons I take away from his theatre. Now I help him manage the space and we work hard to accomodate all our acts, all our actors, and most of our patrons. We provide industry comps. returning customers can usually come for free (usually), and our shows sell out. Our actors keep coming back for more, and some move on to take on shows of their own. This place is a foundation for many talented people in Hollywood, and I'm committed to putting this theatre on the map. If UCB can be found across from Scientologists, then The Berubians can sit on the second floor of a Hollywood Shopping Center, besides who wouldn't want to share space with Mashti Malones!
Berubians actors do not have to pay to act. No dues, no membership fees, no up-fronts for use of the theater. And, this gives the talented actors in this small space the opportunity to perform they may not have in other theaters in L.A.
I recently worked on a show at Next Stage and found myself impressed. The Next Stage is one of the few theatres in LA where you don't have to pay to play (and what struggling actor can truly afford to pay to act?). The environment is nurturing and its nice if you get to hear Chris ruminate on his many random industry experiences. He's a wealth of information and his theatres are gems!
If you show up to the free Monday night improv on a consistent basis, there is a good chance that Chris or one of his directors will cast you in a show. I showed up after many years of theatre experience, and this has been a valuable tool in breaking some of my ingrown bad improv habits. Since it is a free workshop, it cost me nothing. At Groundlings, I paid $395 a session to work with some very inconsistent teachers (some excellent, some horrible).
I read the note from the "director" below, and I don't think they realize that everyone in town is a director or producer of some sort. If, like this person, you are in no position to give the actors in the show paying work, then you need to cough up $15 for admission.
One nice perk to doing an actual show at the Next Stage and the Tres Stage is that you do have a lot of real industry people show up. This always stuns me, as it is a strip mall theatre with no parking. However, the agents and casting directors will come to this place more often than some of the more comfortable theatres in town. I think it has something to do with the bar being in the same complex. There are also AA meetings at midnight in one of the theatres, so it is also handy for industry people on rehab.
I have to first admit that I am bios, as an Orange County Berubian who misses our stage in Anaheim. When I come into Hollywood to the Next Theatre for Monday Night Improv Classes, I find that I am interacting with some of the most talented people in the industry and some who have no clue. But everyone is encouraged to do better with positive comments. I guess what I am saying is that this is a safe place a positive environment to workout in for actors, also there are some really good productions happening here.
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