BareStage Productions

BareStage Productions is the oldest student-run theatre company at the University of California, Berkeley. BareStage provides a place for student actors, directors, writers, producers, technical designers, and musicians of all experience levels to practice and develop their craft in the context of a student supported environment. We pride ourselves on the pre-professional quality of our work, diversity of available opportunities, and supportive, inclusive environment.

The first iteration of BareStage began as Bear Stage Musical Theater in the 1980s^[1]. In 1995, the student organization was later rebranded to the company we know and love today—BareStage Productions—by Cal alum and founding Artistic Director Ben Rimalower^[2][3].

Today, BareStage produces two fully staged productions each semester, typically one play and one musical, for which auditions take place in the first few weeks of each semester. A student Board of Directors plans and facilitates the season. Auditions and Productions Team recruitment occur throughout the year for each production.

BareStage also provides additional performance opportunity with a lesser time commitment through the following subgroups:

•   BareTroupe   is a a musical theatre performance ensemble which rehearses once a week featuring a selection of musical numbers.

•   BarePage   is a student group that rehearses once weekly to stage and direct scenes, primarily focusing on student-written works. Writers, actors, directors, and anyone with a general interest in theater are welcome.

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1. Hodgson, Mark. Letter to the Editor: “‘BareStage’ Was First ‘Bear Stage.’” The Daily Californian, 9 June 2013. (link)
2. Pena, Jessica. Interview with Ben Rimalower: “BareStage founder returns to campus[…].” The Daily Californian, 22 March 2013. (link)
3. Sumner, Mark. “History of UC Choral Ensembles.” UC Choral Ensembles, 2001. (link)