288 S Second St, San Jose, CA

Downtown San Jose Open Mic Nights

Returning Soon*

Returning soon, our downtown San Jose theater will be filled with the sound of musical theatre…or pop, country, and rock ‘n roll…or opera…or side-splitting laughter.

Open Mic Nights are a win/win since the guests get a great night of free entertainment and the performers get a safe space to try out new material, build a following, and get those ever-present butterflies out of their system before heading to their next audition or big-time show.

Singers of all levels of experience will have the opportunity to try out new material or polish their favorite pieces before a live audience of supportive fans-in-the-making.

Open Mic Night

For all Open Mic Nights, there is a $15 cafe minimum but admission is free. However, you do need to reserve a spot in advance since seating is limited.

How It Works

Arrive at 6:00pm to enjoy a few drinks with friends and have something to eat while we pipe in an awesome playlist through the lobby sound system to get you in the mood. This is also when performers will check in with Event Staff to sign up for a slot and go over sheet music with the accompanist (for music open mic nights.)

At 6:30pm our host will introduce each performer for a great line-up of songs and comedy sets. Throughout the evening during transition time, the host will interview the performers, let the accompanist riff for a bit, and even give away prizes for correct answers to trivia questions.

Things To Know

For music-based Open Mic Nights, an accompanist who sight-reads will be at the piano. Unless you’re planning to sing a cappella, bring sheet music in your key, marked as you want it played with any cuts or other indications. Please tape your sheet music back-to-back and use a 3-ring binder to secure the pages. During the first half hour of the evening, performers will have a few minutes to show the accompanist the song(s) to be sung. Pre-recorded backing tracks are also welcome. These must be emailed in advance (info in sign-up form.)

All performers are encouraged to write a few bits of information about themselves on an index card or piece of paper so the host can do a proper introduction. This could include name, age, number of years performing, hopes and goals for the future, where you can be seen next, etc.

*Join our e-list so you can be among the first learn when Open Mic Nights resume.