A raucous, pop-rock-musical send-up of gender expectations and stereotypes... that takes it all off. Based on the cult hit film of the same name, THE FULL MONTY, a ten-time Tony Award nominee, is filled with honest affection, engaging melodies and the most highly anticipated closing number of any show. The powerhouse team of Terrence McNally (Ragtime) and David Yazbek (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) cooks up an aggressive crowd-pleaser that both entertains and grabs your heart.

While spying on their wives at a "Girls' Night Out," a group of unemployed steelworkers from Buffalo sees how much they enjoy watching male strippers. Jealous, out of work and feeling emasculated, the men come up with a bold and unclothed way to make some quick cash. In preparing, they find themselves extremely exposed; not merely physically but emotionally. As they conquer their fears, self-consciousness and prejudices, the men come to discover that they're stronger as a group, and the strength that they find in each other gives them the individual courage to "let it go."

The Empty Space opened its doors on January 2, 2003, and incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit the following year. Our theatre’s name is derived from the 1968 book written by Peter Brook, "The Empty Space: A Book About the Theatre: Deadly, Holy, Rough, Immediate", and specifically the first few lines of the book: "I can take any empty space and call it a bare stage. A man walks across this empty space whilst someone else is watching him, and this is all that is needed for an act of theatre to be engaged."

Our earliest vision for The Empty Space helped coin our tag line "Setting Theatre Free." We believe that people shouldn't have an excuse not to see live theatre, so patrons were admitted freely into the theatre and encouraged to donate after the show, if they saw fit. From there, the idea of setting theatre free evolved into setting theatre free from not only monetary affordability, but free from judgement, free from commercial expectations, free from traditional and antiquated views on what theatre should be.

Today, we stand by our commitment to make sure theatre is affordable to anyone who wants to see it. Our admission prices remain low, even after 18 years, and we personally reserve at least ten seats for every performance for pay-what-you-can patrons. The generosity of our patrons has allowed us to keep this number of free admissions, while still ensuring our production values remain high.

Since its founding, The Empty Space has mounted more than 300 productions and has had over 200 volunteer board members, actors, and technicians, and more than 50,000 patrons.  

Thank you for visiting us at The Empty Space. 

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS & MASKS REQUIRED

The Empty Space asks our audiences to join with us in providing the safest space possible for patrons, cast, crew, and staff as we reopen our doors. Our updated COVID-19 policy requires all patrons to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. "Fully vaccinated" means your performance is at least 14 days after your final vaccine dose. To enter the theatre, please bring a photo ID and proof of vaccination, either your physical vaccination card, a picture of your vaccination card, or a digital vaccination record. All California residents may request a digital vaccination record at MyVaccineRecord.cdph.ca.gov.

Guests who need a reasonable accommodation for medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs will be required to take a COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before entering the building and present their negative results at the door.

Masks are required for all patrons inside the building, regardless of vaccination status. Masks must be worn at all times, except when actively eating or drinking. Masks may be lowered during the physical act of eating or drinking but should be replaced in between bites and sips.

This vaccination policy is in effect for performances now through October 10, 2021, and will be re-assessed on an ongoing basis. A policy update for performances after October 10, 2021, will be posted at a later date. This policy is subject to change.

OUR ENHANCED HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS

• Request that guests and staff to stay home if they are feeling ill.
• Enhanced air filtration utilizing MERV 13 filters, Shark Air Purifier 4 True HEPA, and maximizing outside air.
• Touchless handwashing and sanitizing dispensers for guests and staff members.
• Training for all staff members on safe and clean procedures including frequent cleaning and monitoring of all high-touch areas before, during, and after show.