35 Dongmianhua Hutong, off Nanluogu Hutong
10/6400-6452
HOURS: Café: daily 10 a.m.-midnight, Theater: daily 2:30-9:30 p.m.
METRO: Guloudajie (Line 2)
This small theater is a world away from Beijing’s large-scale performance venues. Situated in a converted courtyard complex behind the Central Academy of Drama, the Penghao Theater takes its name from a type of chrysanthemum that also symbolizes the “common people.”
Dedicated to nurturing young talent, it hosts the annual Beijing Youth Theater Festival, as well as the Beijing Actors’ Workshop and Beijing Improv Group. The 80-seat performance space is outfitted with professional sound and lighting equipment and is a community theater hub.
The rooftop bar and café are popular outside of performing hours.