Seminar, the hit Broadway play by Theresa Rebeck

The Royal Underground Theatre Company proudly presents Theresa Rebeck’s Seminar, a sharp-witted comedy about power, ambition, and the price of success. Four young writers sign up for a private seminar with Leonard, a celebrated novelist whose unorthodox teaching style borders on brutal. As the sessions unfold, alliances form, secrets surface, and each student must decide how much they are willing to sacrifice to make it in the literary world.

Seminar was a critical success on Broadway, originally starring the late Alan Rickman as Leonard, with Jeff Goldblum later taking over the role and leading the show’s celebrated transfer to Los Angeles.

In 2025, Seminar feels more relevant than ever. In an era when creative careers are shaped as much by connections, politics, and personal branding as by talent, the play holds a mirror to today’s high-pressure, gig-driven world. It asks the same question every artist must face: Do you want to be told you are good, or do you want to actually be good?

The Royal Underground Theatre Company proudly presents Theresa Rebeck’s razor-sharp comedy Seminar, directed by Enrico Banson, featuring Harrison Alter as Leonard, Chika Okonkwo as Kate, David Patino as Martin, Kristy Aquino as Izzy and Michael Carlos as Douglas. Playing at the historic Live Oak Theater in Berkeley from September 12–28, 2025. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM.