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Saratoga Today
By the People, for the People
3Below Theaters in San Jose to Close Later This Month
Owners Shannon and Scott Guggenheim announce the closure of the downtown theater venue after nearly a decade of operations.
Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:07am
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The 3Below cinema, cafe and theater venue in Downtown San Jose will close later this month, owners Shannon and Scott Guggenheim announced. The couple, who previously operated Saratoga's Retrodome Theater, transformed the former Camera 3 Cinemas into a home for musicals and live events in 2017. However, the business struggled to regain its footing after the pandemic disrupted its momentum, despite an inventive slate of productions and adding cinema to the mix.
Why it matters
3Below was one of the few arts organizations that survived the pandemic, but ultimately faced immense challenges and unresolved issues related to the facility that made it impossible to continue. The closure marks the end of a nearly decade-long effort to bring live theater, independent film, and community events to downtown San Jose.
The details
In their statement, the Guggenheims said they have 'explored every possible way to persevere' but the combination of challenges proved too much. They noted that tens of thousands of people gathered at 3Below over the years to 'laugh, learn, debate, celebrate, sing along, and experience stories together.' The final film event took place on March 8, and the last production, 'The Bardy Bunch,' will run from March 28 to April 26.
- 3Below Theaters will close later this month.
- The final film event took place on March 8, 2026.
- The last production, 'The Bardy Bunch,' will run from March 28 to April 26, 2026.
The players
Shannon and Scott Guggenheim
The owners of 3Below Theaters who previously operated Saratoga's Retrodome Theater.
3Below Theaters
A cinema, cafe and theater venue in Downtown San Jose that will be closing later this month.
What they’re saying
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the closure of 3Below Theaters following the final performances of 'The Bardy Bunch' in April 2026.”
— Shannon and Scott Guggenheim, Owners of 3Below Theaters
“While this chapter may be coming to a close, the spirit of creativity, curiosity, and community that filled this theater will continue to shape the cultural life of San José. The story of 3Below ultimately belongs to everyone who walked through its doors, and that story will continue wherever those people carry it next.”
— Shannon and Scott Guggenheim, Owners of 3Below Theaters
What’s next
The final production of 'The Bardy Bunch' at 3Below Theaters will run from March 28 to April 26, 2026.
The takeaway
The closure of 3Below Theaters marks the end of a nearly decade-long effort to bring live theater, independent film, and community events to downtown San Jose, despite the venue's efforts to adapt and innovate during challenging times. The Guggenheims' statement highlights the lasting impact the theater had on the local arts and cultural scene, and the community that it fostered.
