Founded in 2001, THE TABARD Theatre Company, the only theatre company based in South San Jose, is a public benefit corporation committed to making a difference in the community through the arts by presenting professional-quality shows that are suitable and appropriate for audiences of all ages. Tabard actors, stagecrew, and staff of all ages come from throughout the Bay Area as well as local South San Jose and Almaden. The company is also committed to making theatre affordable and accessible for all, a goal it meets through its various outreach programs. Additionally, Tabard donates a portion of its concession proceeds to non-profit organizations that are thematically related to the shows and often includes food or clothing drives during its productions. The company produces three mainstage productions each season and offers theatre workshops for adults and children.

'tab'ard : \'tab- ¥rd also -ärd\ n :

• An ancient London inn featured in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, from which pilgrims began their journey to Canterbury Cathedral and at which the innkeeper offered a free meal to the best storyteller
• A tunic worn by a knight over his armor and emblazoned with his sovereign’s arms
• The name appropriated by numerous contemporary collegiate literary fraternities
• A dynamic and imaginative theatre company in Silicon Valley, CA