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 distinguished company offered theatrical productions for over seventeen 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
Premiere San José State University music, theatre, dance, and guest speaker events.
Live theatre and off-Broadway theatrical productions.
Music from all around the world, including jazz, blues, reggae, country, and world music.
Performances that connect arts, technology, and/or multi-media.
National Geographic Live, Sundance Film Institute, and other educational lectures.
Music, dance, and theatrical events related to the holiday season.
Screening such as National Theatre Live, Stratford Festival, Westend Events.
Various forms of dance performance.
Performance & Entertainment Venues
Sobrato Auditorium
Main theatre with 516 seats and excellent sightlines
- Three seating sections
1) Orchestra: 158 seats plus 4 wheelchair spaces (includes 12 ADA companion seats)
2) Parterre: 189 seats
3) Balcony: 163 seats plus (2 wheelchair spaces (includes 6 ADA companion seats) - Large stage, 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
Hammer4 Studio
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 gatherings for up to 40 people
Mercury News Lounge
Second floor lounge with a bar for private parties for up to 20 people
Rooftop Terrace
A versatile outdoor space with breathtaking views, best used for sunset receptions and parties for up to 120 people
Other Facilities
- Curtain Call Patio
- Dressing rooms
- Bar/concessions area
- 2nd floor lobby
- 2nd floor outside balconies
Box Office
SPRING SEMESTER BOX OFFICE HOURS
Jan 7 – May 30
Tuesday through Friday
1PM-5PM
Open one hour before most showtimes.
Phone: (408) 924-8512
Email: hammertheatre-tickets@sjsu.edu