Celebrating 10 Years of TeenHQ: From Zoom Theater to TeenHQ Theater

When the pandemic forced TeenHQ to close its doors in March 2020, TeenHQ, a space built on in-person connection, had to invent new ways to reach teens. In March 2021, Teen Zoom Theater, a virtual stage for teens, became part of that path, giving teens a way to stay connected to TeenHQ and each other from home while also returning lost opportunities to perform or explore theater in a safe environment.

With over 100 rehearsals, 17 performances, and nearly 1,700 show attendees, the once-only virtual program has evolved and changed its moniker to TeenHQ Theater, as it now stages more in-person productions in our TeenHQ space than virtual ones. TeenHQ’s first official in-person performance, Murder on the Menu (July 2023) by Bill Hand, which was a fusion of in-person teen actors and virtual teen actors who Zoomed in and were displayed via a large screen on stage, set our first high attendance record with a general audience of over 75 community members.  

TeenHQ Theater has become one of TeenHQ’s unique staple programs, serving our community’s need for free theater experiences for homeschooled teens, those at institutions with no theater program, or anyone who wants a taste of the stage in a safe environment.  

In a special collaboration between SJPL and San José State University for Banned Books Week in October 2025, Teen Zoom Theater, now known as TeenHQ Theater, staged its first intergenerational production of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, adapted by Edward Mast. This wildly successful live show, which involved r the participation of SJSU librarians and staff alongside TeenHQ and KPRR librarians, was performed in one of King Library’s joint program rooms before a diverse audience of teens, children, families, SJSU and SJPL staff, and university students. This production set a new attendance record, with over 140 seats taken. 

TeenHQ Theater took the stage again in August 2026 for the TeenHQ 10th Anniversary kickoff, performing Beowulf and the Bard, a comedic rendition of the old classic, by Vidas Bardukas and Christopher R. Bartlett. It was a full-circle moment for a program that started as a way to stay connected during closure and grew into a TeenHQ tradition.  

Rehearsals for the next production are already underway. On Saturday, November 21st at 3:00 pm, TeenHQ Theater performs Mitch Brian's Maul of the Dead. Join us as our teen actors, with help from teen volunteers, transform TeenHQ into a zombie-infested department store. Entrance is free and open to ages 10+ (parental guidance strongly advised) for a gory, good time. Hope to see you there!  

If you are interested in touring TeenHQ’s theater evolution, view our past virtual performances on SJPL’s YouTube Channel.