Theatre is usually stuffy. You sit in a velvet chair, the lights go down, and you’re terrified to cough for two hours. It’s a whole thing. But then you’ve got Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company, which basically exists to blow that entire vibe apart. They aren’t interested in being a museum. They want to be a visceral, "in-your-face" experience that feels more like a conversation than a lecture.
Small. Gritty. Intense.
That’s their whole deal. Founded by Francis Gercke, Jessica John, and Anthony Schmidt back in 2015, this troupe didn't start with a massive endowment or a flashy building. They started with a specific philosophy: focus on the storytelling and the acting, and the rest will follow. They’re a resident company at the Tenth Avenue Arts Center in downtown San Diego, which, if you’ve ever been there, isn’t exactly the La Jolla Playhouse. It’s raw. It’s got character. It’s the perfect place for a company that calls itself "Backyard Renaissance" because it feels like something created with passion in a literal backyard, even though the talent is world-class.
The Raw Power of Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company
What most people get wrong about "small" theater is assuming it’s amateur. It's not. Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company is a professional outfit that pulls in some of the heaviest hitters in the San Diego acting scene. We’re talking about people who regularly work at the Old Globe or North Coast Rep but come here because they want to do the "hard" stuff. The stuff that doesn’t always sell out a 600-seat house but leaves a 50-person audience breathless.
They don't do fluff.
Take a look at their past seasons. You see plays like The Flick by Annie Baker or The Motherf**ker with the Hat by Stephen Adly Guirgis. These aren't easy "night out with grandma" shows. They are deeply human, often uncomfortable, and incredibly intimate. When you’re sitting three feet away from an actor who is having a genuine emotional breakdown, you don't just watch it. You feel the air in the room change. Honestly, it’s kinda terrifying in the best way possible.
Why the "Backyard" Vibe Actually Works
The name isn't just a quirky branding choice. It’s a mission statement.
🔗 Read more: Shamea Morton and the Real Housewives of Atlanta: What Really Happened to Her Peach
In a world where everything is digital and polished to a mirror finish, there is something deeply rebellious about live performance. Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company leans into that. They keep the production design focused. You won’t see $50,000 rotating sets here. Instead, you get lighting that sets a mood and acting that carries the weight of the world. It’s about the "renaissance" of the individual artist.
It’s personal.
Think about the way we consume stories now—mostly through a glass screen on our phones. We’re disconnected. This company forces a reconnection. Because the space is so small, there is no "fourth wall" in the traditional sense. You are part of the scenery. If an actor looks out into the crowd, they are looking at you. It’s an accountability that you just don't get at a massive touring Broadway show.
Defining the "Un-Blockbuster" Experience
Most theater companies spend half their time worrying about season tickets and donor dinners. While Backyard Renaissance obviously needs to keep the lights on, they seem much more concerned with the "artistic itch." They pick scripts that other people are too scared to touch.
- Risk-taking: They prioritize plays with complex dialogue and moral ambiguity.
- The Actor's Theatre: Because the founders are actors and directors themselves, the focus is always on the performance.
- Community: They’ve built a revolving door of San Diego’s best talent, making it a "hub" for the local creative class.
Let’s talk about Francis Gercke for a second. The guy is a powerhouse in the local scene. His involvement alone gives the company a level of prestige that belies their "backyard" name. When he directs or acts, there’s a certain precision he brings—a lack of ego that allows the play to breathe. It’s why they’ve racked up San Diego Critics Circle awards despite being the "little guy" on the block.
Breaking Down the Misconceptions
People think "independent theater" means "low quality."
💡 You might also like: Who is Really in the Enola Holmes 2 Cast? A Look at the Faces Behind the Mystery
Wrong.
Actually, it’s often the opposite. In a large house, an actor has to project to the back row, which can lead to "theatrics" rather than "acting." At Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company, the camera is essentially always on "close-up." Every twitch of a lip, every tear, every micro-expression is visible. There is nowhere to hide. If a performer isn't being honest, the audience knows it instantly. That’s a high-wire act.
Another misconception? That you have to be a "theater person" to enjoy it.
Honestly, if you hate "theater," you’ll probably love Backyard Renaissance. It feels more like a gritty HBO drama than a musical. It’s conversational. It’s loud. It’s messy. It’s basically life, just edited for the stage.
The Logistics: Seeing a Show Without the Headache
The Tenth Avenue Arts Center is located at 930 10th Ave. It’s in a part of downtown that’s still a bit "real," which honestly fits the company’s brand perfectly. Parking can be a pain—it’s downtown San Diego, after all—so you’ve gotta plan for that. But once you’re inside, the atmosphere is electric.
They’ve done some incredible work with their "World Premiere" series too. It’s one thing to produce a proven hit from New York; it’s another thing entirely to shepherd a new script from page to stage. That takes guts. It takes a belief that local voices matter.
📖 Related: Priyanka Chopra Latest Movies: Why Her 2026 Slate Is Riskier Than You Think
Real Impact on the San Diego Scene
We have to acknowledge the limitations. This isn't a company with a massive marketing budget. You won't see their faces on every bus stop in the city. They rely on word of mouth. They rely on people like you telling your friends, "Hey, I saw this crazy play in a basement and it changed my life."
That’s how art survives.
Critics have consistently pointed out that Backyard Renaissance fills a gap left by the larger institutions. While the Old Globe is doing Shakespeare (which is great, don't get me wrong), Backyard is doing the play that was written three years ago about a guy working in a movie theater who can’t pay his rent. It’s relevant. It’s now.
How to Support Local Theatre (The Right Way)
If you're tired of the same old "dinner and a movie" routine, you need to check these guys out. But don't just show up; engage with it.
- Check the Calendar: Their seasons aren't as long as the major houses. Shows often run for a few weeks and then they’re gone. If you see something that looks interesting, grab a ticket immediately.
- Follow the People: Keep an eye on names like Jessica John or Francis Gercke. If they are attached to a project, it’s almost guaranteed to be worth your time.
- Donate Directly: Small companies live and die by small donations. A $20 bill to a company like this goes a lot further than it does to a multi-million dollar nonprofit.
- The Social Factor: Because the venue is intimate, go with a friend who likes to talk. You’re going to want to grab a drink afterward and deconstruct what you just saw.
Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company represents the heart of what makes San Diego’s art scene vibrant. It’s not just about the big shiny buildings on the coast. It’s about the creators in the trenches, making art because they literally have to. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s exactly what theater should be.
Next time you're looking for something to do, skip the cineplex. Go find the Tenth Avenue Arts Center. Walk up those stairs. Sit in a chair that might be a little squeaky. And let some of the best actors in the city move you. You won’t regret it.
Actionable Insights for Theater-Goers
To get the most out of an evening with Backyard Renaissance, follow these steps:
- Book early: With only 50-60 seats per show, "sold out" happens faster than you think.
- Arrive early: Use the extra 15 minutes to soak in the atmosphere of the Tenth Avenue Arts Center; it’s a historic building with a lot of soul.
- Read the playbill: They often include notes on why they chose a specific script, which adds a lot of context to the performance.
- Sign up for the newsletter: Since they don't have a massive advertising budget, their email list is the only way to stay in the loop on pop-up performances or staged readings.
- Explore the neighborhood: There are plenty of local bars and eateries nearby to discuss the heavy themes of the play afterward—don't just head straight to your car.