About this venue
Julia Morgan Theater is a historic theater distinguished by its warm wooden architecture and characteristic details created by renowned architect Julia Morgan. The building was designed in 1908 as St. John’s Presbyterian Church, with its main space opening in 1910. Natural redwood paneling, exposed beams and visible structural elements give the interior a distinctive character, while the 328-seat capacity creates an intimate connection between the stage and the audience. Today, the theater is home to Berkeley Playhouse.
The interior retains much of its historic appearance while functioning as a contemporary venue for theatrical and musical productions. The compact auditorium offers clear views of the stage, while the extensive wood surfaces and exposed construction create a warm atmosphere very different from that of large modern theater halls.
The theater is located at 2640 College Ave, Berkeley, United States, at the intersection of College Avenue and Derby Street. Visitors arriving by car can use street parking in the surrounding area, while AC Transit buses run along College Avenue and stop at College Avenue and Derby Street, directly beside the venue. For broader information about transportation and getting around Berkeley, see the city guide below.
About the city
Berkeley, a lively city in the East Bay across from San Francisco, blends the energy of a university campus with a creative alternative scene, making it a natural choice for concerts and sports events. Here, crowds move easily from laid-back neighborhood spots to major venues where the experience truly lands. The city is known for openness and diversity, so the atmosphere before a show or a game always feels distinctive. At the same time, Berkeley is compact enough to plan your day without rushing, yet rich enough that every visit brings something new. Whether you’re looking for tickets to a standout performance or you want to feel the pulse of the stands, events here play out as part of a bigger city story.
A major advantage is transportation: BART quickly connects the city to the entire Bay Area, and Downtown Berkeley Station and North Berkeley Station make it easy to reach key zones. The AC Transit bus network further covers routes toward campus and nearby neighborhoods, so getting around is simple even without a car. If you’re arriving by train, Amtrak Berkeley Station (BKY) on the Capitol Corridor line is a convenient gateway for travelers from the wider region. For those flying in, Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) are close by, with a clear and well-signed onward journey into town. Thanks to this infrastructure, reaching venues such as California Memorial Stadium, Haas Pavilion, or Greek Theatre is typically quick and low-stress.
Before or after the event, it’s worth strolling along Telegraph Avenue to soak up the city’s signature student vibe. A walk through campus to the viewpoints near Sather Tower is often the best prelude to the night, especially if you enjoy urban panoramas. For a calmer break, Berkeley Marina and the shoreline of San Francisco Bay offer memorable views. If nature suits you more, Tilden Regional Park provides a short escape into greenery, ideal for a “reset” before slipping back into the city’s rhythm.
