About The Hammer

The Hammer Theatre, named after former San José Mayor Susan Hammer and her husband Phil Hammer, a San José Rep Board Trustee, was completed in 1997 via a collaboration between the San José Redevelopment Agency and San José Repertory Theatre Company. This distinctive theatre offered theatrical productions for over seven years for San José and Bay Area patrons and to national acclaim.

In March 2016, San José State University reopened the Hammer Theatre as a modern performance venue in the heart of downtown San José. The theatre serves San José’s community and the university through programming that features student, local, and international talent. The Hammer’s mission is to serve the community through works that illustrate the unique culture of creativity, diversity, and innovation in Silicon Valley.

Event Categories

  • SJSU @ Hammer Logo  Premiere San José State University music, theatre, dance, and guest speaker events.
  • Theatre Logo Live theatre and off-Broadway theatrical productions.
  • Music Music from all around the world, including jazz, blues, reggae, country, and world music.
  • Art Tech Logo Performances that connect arts, technology, and/or multi-media.
  • Hammer Speaks Logo National Geographic Live, Sundance Film Institute, and other educational lectures.
  • Holidays @ Hammer Logo Music, dance, and theatrical events related to the holiday season.
  • Film Logo Screening such as National Theatre Live, Stratford Festival, Westend Events.
  • Dance Logo Various forms of dance performance.

Performance & Entertainment Venues

Sobrato Auditorium

 

Main theatre with 532 seats and excellent sightlines

  • Three seating sections
    1) Orchestra: 158 seats + 4 wheelchair
    2) Paterre: 201 seats
    3) Balcony: 157 seats + 2 wheelchair
  • Large state, including orchestra pit with 41′ Proscenium opening and 34′ Stage depth
  • Orchestra pit can add 12′ depth at center 6′ at sides when used as thrust/apron
  • State-of-the-art acoustic system, Constellation virtual audio shell, and up-to-date stage lighting

Hammer 4

Black box performance space with up to 120 seats

  • Meeting and reception space
  • Available as rehearsal studio

Curtain Call Cafe Lounge

Ground floor space with a bar for special gathering

Mercury News Lounge

Second floor lounge with a bar for private parties

Rooftop Terrace

A versatile outdoor space with breathtaking sunset reception and parties

Other Facilities

  • Dressing rooms
  • Bar/concessions area
  • 2nd floor lobby
  • Outside balconies.

Location

Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113 Located between 2nd and 3rd St. in downtown San Jose.

Parking

Convenient parking available @ 2nd & San Carlos Garage $5 flat fee after 6 PM

Public Transit

Accessible by BART and VTA (2nd & Paseo De San Antonio exit is in front of the Hammer Theatre)