Curtains Close for 3Below
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Winston Chu May 20, 2026
In the intersection of Second and San Carlos Street in Downtown San Jose stands a towering three-floor parking garage. This is no ordinary car garage, however. Its ground floor was home to a venue of film showings, live theater and musical productions that brought liveliness and happiness to countless theatergoers.
Established in 2018 by Scott and Shannon Guggenheim, a husband and wife duo who has been producing live entertainment in California for decades, 3Below Theaters boasted a variety of programs for all audiences. The Playhouse enacted four to six musicals and plays per year, as well as open mic and karaoke nights. The Arthouse broadcasted feature films, international films and even their own independent films. Youth were able to visit the Clubhouse to participate in mini-musicals, and everyone could enroll in theater classes at the Schoolhouse.
Susan Gundunas, a cast member and featured vocalist at 3Below, shares how she found herself at the venue. After graduating from Homestead High School and attending Santa Clara University to study theater, she went on to perform as an actress at San Jose Repertory Theater and then as an opera singer at Opera San Jose. Since then, she has starred in 10 shows at 3Below, with her favorite being playing Raisel and Bubbie in The People in the Picture.
“I have so many great memories from my experience at 3Below, but my greatest memories will always be working with my great friend and colleague Steve, whom I have known since we were in the opera workshop at San Jose State University and subsequently were Principal Resident Artists at Opera San Jose,” Gundunas said.
However, after eight years of bringing joy to countless bay area theater fans, 3Below officially announced its
closure on March 17. After its last show on April 26, the company vacated the space.
A major factor that led to the closure was disputes with the landlord, who had installed a large six-story tall board on the exterior of the building. This detracted from the theater’s sign and ultimately impacted the theater’s “visibility, wayfinding and audience awareness,” according to Scott Guggenheim in a statement with the SF Chronicle.
Additionally, the pandemic heavily affected operations and revenue. After shutting down for few months in 2020, the theater revamped its layout to have the theater perform outdoors on the top floor of the parking garage, in what became known as “3Below up on the roof.” Yet, even after investing in new equipment for rooftop screenings, they were unable to attract enough audience members to make steady revenue. Even after the theater had shifted back down to the ground floor, 3Below was unable to make enough money to continue operations.
“Although I never watched one of the shows at 3Below, it is a shame that they had to close. The venue would have continued to unite theatergoers through unforgettable shows, while also providing opportunities for those interested in theater to learn from talented teachers and advance their acting skills,” Senior Isabel Wright said.
Likewise, Gundunas wishes 3Below to be remembered as a “unique and beloved venue for live theater and music, art house movies and community based classes for adults and children.” Despite the closure—like many others in the theater business—she plans to perfect her singing, acting and dancing to be ready to audition and be ready for the next big project. Additionally, she is preparing her voice students for the annual Susan Gundunas Vocal Studio Recital on June 7 in Berkeley.
Although its final curtains have closed, the theater’s legacy shines on. The venue has united all theater lovers to enjoy a good production and opened opportunities for them to star in their own someday
About the Contributors
Ryan Park
Artist
Ryan Park is a junior at Leland High School who is an artist for The Charger Account. When he is not residing at the gym, he likes to mess with his cats and read manga.
Winston Chu
Staff Writer
Winston Chu is a senior at Leland High School and the Managing Editor for The Charger Account. Over the summer, he went abroad to teach English to elementary school students in Taiwan. His hobbies include skiing and speaking, and he hopes to get better at playing pool.
