If you want to see an old and pretty building with lots of history then I suggest you check this place out! I went to see Arron Lewis in concert here and the setup is perfect for acoustics even without the help of amps or speakers. There is only one bathroom however so keep that in mind if you will be going for a long show. But anywhere you sit gives you a great view. So go enjoy a show and enjoy being taken back in time.
Went here to see Get the Led Out, a cover band of Led Zeppelin, and had a blast! The facility was easy to find with a lot of parking closeby. The lobby area was spacious and accomodated most of the crowd waiting to enter. Even in the last row of the mezzanine, we had terrific sound quality and a great view! It was very affordable too! Cant wait for the next time these guys come to Reading! We definitely plan on being there!
This is a nice, old-style theatre with very good acoustics. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, and bathrooms were surprisingly very sizable. The only issue was that the show I went to was posted as being at the Santander Arena (blocks away) in many places, which could have caused issues had I not made certain I was going to the right place/building and subsequently told many others coming in for the show from out if town.
Very nice theater. The acoustics were good throughout. Had the dinner and show package. It was a nice set up and the food was decent. Probably not the fare a teen or child would enjoy, but they tell you the menu so you can choose to add dinner on if you wanted to or not. Otherwise, it is fairly easy to find. Parking wasnt bad - we parked in a garage within a 5 minute walk, but there is street parking out front.
This is a cool, older venue. We have been there 2 times over the last 2 years and have found it to be easy to get to with plenty of inexpensive parking available. It has a cozy feel about it that is lacking in larger places weve been. If you are looking to make an evening of it then do your homework. We found while walking from and to our car that there was little in the way of dining options immediately adjacent to Santander. Perhaps we missed something but my wife and I made that observation when there a few weeks ago.
I loved it until security said no video recording... mind you there were 100s of other people next to me with their cameras in the air. REALLY? If this is the case make it known in the beginning. I did not have my phone in the air or blocking anyones view. This is a concert!
Just saw Almost Queen. Great concert! Perfect venue and staff very welcoming.
This is a beautiful old theater that takes you back to the day when Craftsman built these places. Theres a main lower level and then elevated balcony levels pretty much every place in here is a great seat but I would actually prefer the upper levels because it gives you a better view of the stage. The entry area is great with lots of open space with food vendors tables and plenty of space to stretch out before reaching the sitting area. Lots of rest rooms available on each level. Parking can be a little tight as you end up looking for a garage, we actually parked a few blocks away across from the ice skating area.
Great old theatre, fantastic performance by Mannheim Steamroller.
I always enjoy seeing live events at this venue. This time in fact we had a dinner beforehand, actually upstairs before the show. The dinner was excellent and we enjoyed seeing the band Yes. I attend numerous events here throughout the year.
This theatre is gorgeous! We had a blast at the Adorable Deplorable Tour with Dennis Miller, Mark Steyn, & Rich Zeoli. I never knew the history (Abbott & Costello performed there!), so it was an honor. The employees were wonderful, everything was clean, we were allowed to bring our refreshments into the theatre, and best of all, there wasnt a bad seat in the house!
I went to Santander Performing Arts Center to see George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelics, the concert was fabulous definitely a 5-star concert!! I also paid to have a buffet pre-dinner before the show which turned into a plated meal due to not enough people purchased dinner. I was informed of this days before the show and was ok with it. Unfortunately, the plated meal was not that appealing, the food was cold, didn’t taste good to me and I couldn’t get past the appearance to eat the meal. The salad was good but I wasn’t sure how long it was on the table waiting for people to pick where they wanted to dine. The doors for dining opened at 4:30pm and we didn’t arrive until about 5:20pm. The peacan pie looked great and my husband said it was good. The cornbread was good!We were supposed to have an alcoholic beverage with our meal but did not because we were given a ticket a piece to get the drinks from the long line in the lobby at their make shift bar so we got it before entering the concert. There we a lot of people who attended the concert and there was only 1 bartender to serve a couple hundred people so the drink line was extremely long. The bartender wasn’t friendly and it’s probably because there was not another bartender with her. There were snacks available for purchase but I’m sure they were expensive because I brought 1 normal size soft pretzel for $8.00 and later another glass of wine for $8.00.I would definitely go back to this theater for a show but never for dinner. Parking was very convenient.
Always a great show here! Ushers are so friendly, food/snacks are always good and security does their job! Great atmosphere
Beautiful venue, not a bad seat in the house. Do not go thirsty or hungry though. A bottle of water is $3 and it goes up from there. Also, just be forewarned, the parking garage is about 3 blocks from the venue.
Amazing to see the ornate interior with deco to and on the ceiling and try to remember that this opulence had been the standard for many years. Were fortunate to have its preservation so far from that time.
Somewhat run down old theater which served as a venue for a classic rock band.
Just saw Jersey Boys at Santander Performing Arts. SPECTACULAR SHOW!! Could not have had a better time! The cast, the music, the costumes, everything was perfect. The venue was well prepared to accommodate a sold out show. The drink lines were not long, neither where the lines for concessions. I am 5 10, and, unlike other theaters, there was ample legroom. Inside, it was a beautiful theater that I look forward to attending again. Also, there was convenient parking in a covered garage within walking distance. And I absolutely will see Jersey Boys the next time it comes to the Philadelphia area!!
Beautiful theater, Derek Hough and his dancers did a fabulous show. Just be careful on your tickets or email. Make sure whether it says Santander arena or Santander performing arts center.
We saw KANSAS 11/15... entry efficient & confidence building.. some confusion 4us as 1st timers but we acclimated in the lobby & found our way to orchestra seating entry.. ushers moved the crowd fast.. our seats were comfortable though old.. the structure is a blast from the past... seating to the stage is quite intimate.. this is a REAL concert hall!.. HVAC moved the inside air to cooler just in the knick of time on several occasions .. it was quite warm near the stage.. ambient sound was excellent .. exit was easy and fast enough & the almost capacity crowd dispersed rapidly after the shows end.. didnt get to the restrooms to rate them.. will likely return for another show there after this visit. A-
Nice facility. Enjoyed seeing Get the Led Out. Awesome band!
Venue is super intimate. Seating was great! Just an awesome place to see a show!
Clean venue with a very helpful staff. Seats could use an upgrade, but they are fine for a couple of hours.
Show was great but seating was absolutely horrible. Im 54 and didnt have enough legroom as neither did anyone else. Literally six to eight inches between from the edge of your seat to the back of the one in front. People were being kneed in the back by the row behind them and if someone had to get up, the entire row had to empty or they had to climb over seats into an empty row. If you have leg or joint issues, youre gonna have a real bad time.Nearly half of the balcony seating was listed as sold out several months in advance, but rows upon rows were empty through the entire show, including the entire front center section. I tried to book front row balcony as one of my companions is physically disabled with serious joint issues in their legs, so it was quite special to sit suffering through the entire two hours next to that sold out empty front row...Nowhere was it posted or announced that photography was not allowed but ushers screamed in the faces of anyone daring to look at their phone EXCEPT those that paid the outlandish premium to be standing right at the stage. They apparently could openly film the entire performance without risk of being escorted out.Will never bother to see a show here again. Absolutely not worth it.
Beautiful Art center. I was amazed how they kept the old decor. The chairs can start to be uncomfortable if you sit for long periods of time.
We just saw Raiders of the Lost Ark while the RSO played the soundtrack. It was wonderful. The RSO performed flawlessly! Front and center balcony seats provided the perfect view.
The theater itself is alright. Its in need of some maintenance though, mens bathrooms are pathetic. They hung really large speakers and a large light truss which really destroys the beautiful aesthetics of the hall.
Nice venue, but can benefit from a sound system update based on my last 2 concerts.
We saw Eddie Money and the entire experience was awesome!! Were going other great acts are coming to Reading soon.
Seen a show there and was really impressed by the performers. It was my very first show in a place like that and when I get up that way will go again.
Beautiful old theater. Well preserved. Fantastic place to see a concert. Very intimate with fantastic acoustics.
Interesting place with great history. Layout is nice, and the acoustics were awesome.
Wonderful Auditorium for a Wonderful show. Seats were comfortable and the temperature was perfect. Had time to take pictures with family. People were very courteous.
Nice theatre. Not very organized at all, in fact this would be one star at best. Show itself was great.
They bring great performers and shows
Great venue for plays musicals kids shows and work events but if they provide snacks dont eat the popcorn. I am not sure if these kids shows come with their own concession stands but whoever is providing it is trying to kill our childrens liver. No ADULT could sit and eat this in comfort and they dont taste it or can change the consistency as it prepackaged??? Seriously how hard is to pop corn and add slight salt or butter? Be warned
We went to see Travis Tritt on 6-22-18. Beautiful small theater! Staff was friendly and helpful. Clean restrooms downstairs.Parking is at nearby garages and we paid $10 and walked 2 blocks to theater.
I found the venue to be extremely interesting. They maintained the charm of a old building and modernized it in a way that blended and made sense. I attended a William Shatner event on 1/19/20. Lets talk a little about the staff and my experience. Many people was trying to enter the event early. They served dinner before the event and you had to have tickets for it. Ticketmaster clearly stated that doors to the Shatner event would open 1 hr before the show. As people tried to enter early the staff respectfully and sternly informed them unless they had dinner tickets they could not enter till 6:00. The staff acted in a professional manner and stuck to the rules that was spelled out. People had a attitude with them telling them no. People have a hard time accepting No it seems. All my interactions with the staff was pleasant. All the interactions I seen with the staff and other customers was honest and helpful, stern when needed but never rude or out of line. I would gladly attend another event. It was a terrific night. The place was kept nice and clean. In terms of parking it had a few on street spots but multiple parking garages was close. We walked 5 min maximum to the parking garage to the Arts Center. Just something to consider our show was on a Sunday. All the non chain restaurants around the venue was closed on Sundays.
Nice venue, decent size but not huge. Great for comedians or any presentation where there is taking it audience interaction.
Saw Brit Floyd here on 11/14/17. What an awesome show, and the theater was outstanding. Beautiful architecture and features throughout!
First time at this Theater, large lobby, easy way finding and friendly staff to help you find your seat. Seats were comfortable and plenty of leg room for an older theater.
First time there..It was a kids event..great show..Dinosaur World..Nice experience..my 3yr grandson love it..
Nice venue. Bit hot on the balcony. Seemed to be a good view from any seat.
Very nice venue with a Cozy and Personal feel to it. Great sightlines from all areas of seating.
Its a small venue, but it was nice. We saw Bill Engvall perform there. The balcony seats feel far from the stage, but we would definitely go back.
Great theater. Beautiful architecture.
Being at Santander was a great experience. The theatre was clean. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. The show started on time, Ended in time. The acoustics were great. I would go again and I would highly recommend
Love this place. Oldie but a goodie. Glad they host Christian preformers. Nice little town to walk around in as well.
The sound is amazing not a bad seat wish they would book more acts
Great place to see a show!!! Beautiful theater and the food at the dinner they served beforehand was wonderful too
Nice venue, comfortable seats, in orchestra section. Clean bathrooms. Fast security. Lots of history in this building.
Nice small venue. Stage views from all sections.
Great venue. Good acoustics. Went to see Seinfeld there a couple of weeks ago. Fun time.
Womens restroom v. difficult to access, in lowest level of venue. We did the Dinner on the Mezz option before the show. It was pretty good catered buffet style food and bev. The main benefit was not having to deal with the crushing crowds when the doors opened.
Shore Brian Culbertson had dinner and the show trove two and a half hours to get there and it was definitely worth it Ill be back next year for the Berks jazz fest
Seinfeld was very funny and had the audience however he was only on stage 1 hour and the comedian who opened for him ( on only 10 minutes) was not very funny. I love the Arts Center but this was the second time Ive been there in hot weather and the A.C. did not seem to be working. It was hot and humid in there. Very uncomfortable.
NICE venue and good sound system, beautiful architecture!
Seats way too close and small. Im short and my feet hurts. It was if it was for elementary school kids
Nice place. Easy to get to.
No parking, we walked 3 blocks, smelled musty inside, seats built for school age kids!
Always enjoy going to the Santander Performing Arts Center. Not a bad seat in the house. I have seen bands, musicals, and speakers perform and always have a great time.
Old style venue.. enjoyed the evening
Great place to see a concert. Sound was amazing.
It is a very nice old theater and its being run very well..Was there to see Derek Hough
The place is a little long in the tooth. Concession Stand prices were too bad. The walk to and from parking can be interesting.
Beautiful theater and easy to access. Not a bad seat in the house.
Love this theater. Historical architecture and lighting so beautiful. Reading Symphony is wonderful and sounding is perfect. Ive seen musicals here too- great performances.Only pet peeve is parking for handicap people but parking garage is nearby.
There is never a bad seat in this venue. Its a beautiful old building with wonderful acoustics. A great place to see any show.
Great place to see a concert. My wife and I seen Derek Hough and it was awesome. Great sound system.
Great events going on in there for kids n adults.
The orchestra sounded great. We went to see the Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the timing and sound of the orchestra was spot on.
Seen Motown there loved the show.
Very nice venue. Not a bad seat in the house. Clean bathrooms and friendly staff.
It is a lovely historic theater in Downtown Reading that has been there way before my time, and I am sure way after I am gone. Every venue I have been there for has been wonderful.
Really more like 2.5. Howard Hewitt was good, Avery was excellent but not enough time was allowed. Will Downing was disappointing. He sung about 4 songs and said goodnight. Parking is horrible and several seats were broken. Berks Jazz festival overall is great just not this performance.
Great venue and loved seeing Zach Williams Band.
Well kept! Very aesthetically pleasing old opera house ambiance. The staff were very friendly and helpful
Super cool venue located in the heart of Reading.
Beautiful venue with a large stage. Great for performing.
The architecture is BEAUTIFUL here. It reminds me of the Fulton Opera house in Lancaster. Remember to bring cash because they dont take credit cards for food and drinks. The only thing that sucks is having to park a few blocks away, but it was easy to find.
Really cool Rudolf Valentino era venue. Seating perfect. Acoustics and Showtime tech top-notch. A little warmer than I like, but a lot of the older New Years Eve crowd probably appreciate it. Just a wee bit frayed but amazing for its age, almost adds to the charm. Probably built at the height of Reading prosperity. Parking nearby and reasonable. Yet to spawn a restaurant district but trying. Confiscated my pocket knife but I guess thats the age we live in now. (sigh)
I saw Charlie Browns Christmas here and loved it. This performance center has an old time feel to it when you walk in, like it takes you back to a Shakespeare play time, dark colors with tall pillars. Though the seats were kind of close to each other, the view is great from any angle. You can get snacks and souvenirs and the staff was very helpful. It was dark when I got there and they uses flashlights to help get to the seats.
Excellent smaller venue with superior acoustics coated particularly to large arena type venues. Best seats for view and acoustics are in balcony, front section. Get them if you can.
Friendly people and nice facilities.
The food was great for my first time eating here.
Great theatre to see the group, America.
Awesome ! Great place to see concerts small but not to small
Awsome Orchestra of Beatles music tonight
Beautiful inside. Great performances from the Opera, especially from Toni Palmertree
Great venue to see a concert! They have really good acoustics, great sight-lines to the stage, reasonable seating, and there is plenty of parking within a 5 minute walk.You are generally subject to a search and have to walk through metal detectors upon entry.Many events offer a sit-down buffet style dinner on the Mezzanine overlooking the lobby area.
Recently saw the Beach Boys perform at the Santander Performing Arts Center and I was pleased with the venue. It still has the old charm and architecture of the historic theater and is rather easy to navigate. The only negative I had was the neighborhood and parking situation, which is to be expected for where this venue is located. Overall, this place is a little gem to check out some smaller names and local acts at a moderately priced venue.
Very nice theater. Good acoustics
Great Venus for a concert. Saw Kansas 40th Anniversary tour here.
Attended America concert. My first experience at this venue. Very cozy and not a bad seat in the house. Ill be checking their calendar for upcoming shows that I might be interested in.
I have went to see performances before and after it became what it is now. 1st time was about 20-22 years ago and recently just last year. It is a beautiful building inside and out. It welcoming and the staff was amazing! Cannot wait to go back for a show.
Love the look, feel of the theater. Brings me back to a time, I ve seen on old black and white shows.
We attended the Reading Symphony Orchestra accompanyment of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Great time and wonderful performance!