Meet Chris Burrill, the Hammer’s New Director
The Hammer Theatre has a new (and first!) Executive Managing Director, Chris Burrill. Coming to us from Orange County where he previously directed the Irvine Barclay Theatre, Chris brings years of experience to oversee operations at the Hammer Theatre, using his previous successes as a model for moving the Hammer forward.
“The Hammer Theatre has enormous potential both as a performance space and as a community center,” he says. “Many times when you have a university in a city, there’s a virtual wall between students and residents, between the school and the city. A place like the Hammer tears down those walls, integrating the university within the larger community. Plus, it’s a spectacular building. 530 seats and not a bad view in the house.”
Chris has worked in the theater for most of his life, starting at Disneyland as a “blue polyester person.” “I did lighting design and was a stagehand for performances at the different stages around the park, like the river stage and the space stage. Our uniform was blue pants and blue polos, so we called ourselves the ‘blue polyester people.’ It was a great introduction into the industry.”
Chris continued working in the theater, eventually becoming director at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, where he worked for nearly 27 years. “With the Irvine Barclay Theatre,” he says, “I was there from the beginning—even in the construction stages. I appreciate coming to the Hammer where everything in the building is finished and ready to go. From the lighting, to the sound, to the stage dimensions, everything at the Hammer is top notch, which means I can focus all of my energy on bringing in performers and putting on great shows.”
So what are his plans as director? “Right now,” he says, “we’re focusing on staffing and finishing a few additional renovations. We’re starting with performances from the College of Humanities and the Arts, but we want all departments at SJSU to know that we’re ready to work with them, too.” Burrill is also coordinating productions with local and national arts groups, seeking to make the Hammer a premiere performance spot in Downtown San Jose. “We’ve got several big events coming up,” he says. “The goal now is to turn several into many. Success for me is making this place busy!”
Burrill also sees future success in the opportunities the Hammer provides for students. “This is a spot to train and mentor students from the production side of things—lighting, sound, performance management, or even the front of house or in the box office.” Students are also encouraged to stage their own events at the Hammer. “Each production is a tremendous learning experience for everyone involved,” he says.
“The Hammer Theatre is an open opportunity for anyone interested in getting involved at any level,” Chris says. “Seriously! Come and volunteer, come take a tour, come talk to us. We’re your theater.”
To volunteer, inquire about rental rates, or check out upcoming events, visit the Hammer website at http://www.sjsu.edu/hammertheatre/.
