Aurora Theatre Company, a beloved institution in Berkeley’s theater district, is making a comeback after a period of uncertainty. The nonprofit theater, which vacated its longtime home on Addison Street last summer, has announced plans to return for the 2027-28 season with new leadership at the helm.
The theater’s journey to revival began with the appointment of Jennifer King as the new artistic director and Jenn Ruygt as the new managing director. Both bring a wealth of experience and a deep connection to Aurora’s mission. King, an actor and director familiar to Aurora audiences, expressed the company’s commitment to finding a sustainable path forward.
A New Chapter for Aurora Theatre Company
The 150-seat venue on Addison Street, which has been a hub for intimate performances, will not be part of Aurora’s future. King emphasized the need to explore other options to ensure the theater’s sustainability. The search for a new home is underway, with a focus on replicating the intimate experience that Aurora is known for.
King highlighted the unique relationship between artist and audience that defines Aurora’s performances. ‘What happens between artist and audience is up to the space that you are in and how you’re approaching those relationships,’ King said. ‘We’re really interested in cultivating that intimate experience, and that will inform what spaces we are in next.’
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
Aurora Theatre Company faced significant challenges in recent years, including a $500,000 budget deficit in 2026 and the cancellation of the 2026-26 season due to meager ticket sales post-pandemic. The theater’s struggles are part of a broader trend affecting arts and cultural institutions across the Bay Area and the country.
Despite these challenges, Aurora’s final two productions before closure were a great success. The final show, ‘The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe,’ directed by King, was the most attended post-pandemic. This success, along with nearly $1.5 million in assets, provided an ember of hope for the theater’s future.
‘Although things seemed dire, there seemed to be an ember of hope,’ King said. ‘It seemed, given the pandemic, that it could be just a matter of timing. Momentum seemed to be ramping up as the theater was ramping down.’
The Road to Revival
The revival of Aurora Theatre Company began at a farewell party last fall, where King and Ruygt, referred to as ‘the Jenns’ by Tom Ross, Aurora’s former artistic director, discussed the possibility of starting a new theater company. What started as a joke quickly turned into a serious plan, leading to their pitch to Aurora’s board.
A feasibility study was completed, highlighting the unique characteristics that stakeholders valued in Aurora. These included the hiring of local actors and designers and the intimate connection with the audience. With seed money from the previous chapter and funding from local supporters, the Aurora team is rebuilding the infrastructure of the company.
Tom Ross, who initially hired King and worked with Ruygt, has been advising them throughout the process. The board has seen some changes, with new members added and some stepping down due to post-pandemic fatigue. Daria Hepps is the current board chair, leading the way forward.
As Aurora Theatre Company plans its return, the focus remains on sustainability and preserving the spirit of intimacy that has defined its performances. With new leadership and a clear vision, the theater is poised to write a new chapter in its storied history.
