Francis Gercke

The new year is almost upon us and so it seems this is the best time to reflect on some of the theatrical experiences over 2023 that made a lasting impact.

PROOF from Backyard Renaissance ponders how love, family, and mathematics can bind people inextricably together and make them strangers to each other at the same time.  Math might be hard, but interpersonal relationships and emotions might be an unsolvable mystery. PROOF is playing at the 10th Avenue Arts Center through December 9th.

AUGUST: OSGAE COUNTY by Backyard Renaissance, which is playing through September 16th offers some breathtaking performances in this comedy-drama about the strong-willed Weston family who have all chosen paths away from each other until a family crisis brings them all back. 

Backyard Renaissance pulls no punches with their current production of GOD OF CARNAGE- where two couples have come together to resolve a fight between their children, but it quickly devolves from polite pretense to a delightfully chaotic and comedic confrontation as the gloves start to come off.  GOD OF CARNAGE from Backyard Renaissance is playing at 10th Avenue Arts Center through March 25th.

In 2015, Backyard Renaissance's (BYR) first production out-of-the-gate was very much a couple-thing. Helmed by Director Lisa Berger and starring her husband Mike Sears, BYR founders, husband-and-wife team Francis Gercke and Jessica John, produced and co-starred in the production of Jez Butterworth's Parlour Song.

THE OCTOBER NIGHT OF JOHNNY ZERO at Backyard Renaissance is a play that has a lot of mystery and secrets woven into the plot - which makes it difficult to write about without spoiling.  What can be said is that it brings some excellent performances to the stage as the dramatic tensions raises, but may leave you with more questions than are answered when you leave. THE OCTOBER NIGHT OF JOHNNY ZERO is playing through December 10th at 10th Avenue Theatre.

Over the last seven years, Backyard Renaissance (BYR) has proudly accepted the monikers 'edgy,' 'scrappy,' and 'gutsy,' all bequeathed by local media. Creative playing spaces, purposefully bad B-movie readings, a La Jolla Playhouse Residency, teeny-tiny musicals, a 5-camera filmed production and several world premieres have all been part of BYR's short but lively history.

ABIGAIL’S PARTY now playing at 10th Avenue Theatre by Backyard Renaissance through March 19th offers you a chance to have some drinks and nibbles in a blast from the past play from across the pond.

DRY POWDER by Backyard Renaissance and streaming through May 2nd is a fast-paced and cutting play about a private equity firm, acquiring a luggage company - it's not as dry as it may sound and offers a few fireworks along the way. 

Backyard Renaissance offers multiple theatre offering for your weekend enjoyment with THE DAZZLE and TARRYTOWN

This production of AMERICAN BUFFALO is meticulous in its details and it pays off in this powerful portrayal of betrayal for profit.

For the Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company, participating in this years Without Wall's Festival by La Jolla Playhouse, was an easy decision. Artistic Director Francis Gercke had a moment to chat about the how they became a part of the festival and also what to expect during this arts packed weekend in Liberty Station.

 AN EXPERIMENT WITH AN AIR PUMP, now playing through August 25th by Backyard Renaissance is an intriguing and thought provoking exploration on scientific discovery, the cost in the pursuit of that knowledge, and a mystery to solve.

Scripps Ranch Theatre wraps up its 40th Anniversary Season with Move Over, Mrs. Markham - previewing May 31st and running through June 30th on the campus of Alliant International University. Performances are Fridays and Saturday at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm.

Scripps Ranch Theatre wraps up its 40th Anniversary Season with Move Over, Mrs. Markham - previewing May 31st and running through June 30th on the campus of Alliant International University. Performances are Fridays and Saturday at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm.

Some couples spend time together playing a sport, traveling, or watching a favorite show. For MR.AND MRS. FITCH, the title characters of the play presented by Backyard Renaissance they find their connection in being the snarky, society gossips that bring the hottest news to the public to devour.

SMOKEFALL, by Backyard Renaissance and playing through September 16th is a dark comedy that is looking to explore some weighty topics.

La Jolla Playhouse is proud to announce Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company as its 2018/2019 Resident Theatre.

Sometimes, the very best show to watch in a theater is the one that happens when there is no audience around. NOISES OFF, now playing at Coronado's Lambs Player's through May 200th, proves this true in the farce that pokes fun while also simultaneously being a loving homage to the art of the theatre.

TARRYTOWN, a world premier musical shows that you never know what will cause you to lose your head, in this clever and entertaining musical about love, friendship, and relationships. Presented by the Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company is playing through Sunday, December 17th at the Diversionary Black Box Theatre.