The Theatre District Today:
From revivals to world premieres, the San Francisco theater scene is one of range and experimentation, of diversity and collaboration. If visiting the city, consider adding a theater show to your stay and experience a vibrant part of San Francisco, one with roots in the past, but an eye fixed on the future.
From revivals to world premieres, the San Francisco theater scene is one of range and experimentation, of diversity and collaboration. If visiting the city, consider adding a theater show to your stay and experience a vibrant part of San Francisco, one with roots in the past, but an eye fixed on the future.
Shorenstein Hays-Nederlander:
Together, Carole Shorenstein Hays and Robert Nederlander are SHN and thanks to them, Broadway can be enjoyed in San Francisco year-round. The "Best of Broadway" series, which plays at the Curran, Golden Gate and Orpheum Theatres, presents theatergoers with new works, national tours, and world premieres.
Together, Carole Shorenstein Hays and Robert Nederlander are SHN and thanks to them, Broadway can be enjoyed in San Francisco year-round. The "Best of Broadway" series, which plays at the Curran, Golden Gate and Orpheum Theatres, presents theatergoers with new works, national tours, and world premieres.
American Conservatory Theater:
Founded in 1965, with its first official season in 1967, the American Conservatory Theater is a theater company, a training ground for actors, and a learning institution (for actors and the community) all in one. Each year, it brings a mix of tradition and newness to the San Francisco theater scene.
Founded in 1965, with its first official season in 1967, the American Conservatory Theater is a theater company, a training ground for actors, and a learning institution (for actors and the community) all in one. Each year, it brings a mix of tradition and newness to the San Francisco theater scene.
Now, Where to Go:
Here's a brief list of San Francisco theaters, which offer a mix of drama, comedy, new hits, and old favorites revived for the stage.
Here's a brief list of San Francisco theaters, which offer a mix of drama, comedy, new hits, and old favorites revived for the stage.
Actors Theatre of San Francisco
533 Sutter Street, 415.296.9179
Founded in 1989, this repertory company focues on ensemble work and when started, gave itself no restrictions on style, content, or period.
American Conservatory Theater (Geary Theater)
415 Geary Street, 415.729.2ACT
Seating 1,000, the American Conservatory Theater was designed by the famed architectural firm Bliss and Faville and opened on January 10, 1910. Since that date, it has been a beacon for those in search of high drama, witty comedy, and a total theater experience. While you don't need to dress up for most other theaters, an evening here can definitely be a fancied-dress affair -- like back in the day. In 2006, the theater, formerly known as Geary Theater, was renamed to reflect the company that calls it home.
415 Geary Street, 415.729.2ACT
Seating 1,000, the American Conservatory Theater was designed by the famed architectural firm Bliss and Faville and opened on January 10, 1910. Since that date, it has been a beacon for those in search of high drama, witty comedy, and a total theater experience. While you don't need to dress up for most other theaters, an evening here can definitely be a fancied-dress affair -- like back in the day. In 2006, the theater, formerly known as Geary Theater, was renamed to reflect the company that calls it home.
The Curran Theatre
445 Geary Street, 415.551.2000
With the look of a Broadway theater, it's no wonder the Curran Theatre has staged so many national tours, such as the long-running Jersey Boys. With its 1920s history and fixed presence in San Francisco's theater district, the Curran proves an experience all its own.
445 Geary Street, 415.551.2000
With the look of a Broadway theater, it's no wonder the Curran Theatre has staged so many national tours, such as the long-running Jersey Boys. With its 1920s history and fixed presence in San Francisco's theater district, the Curran proves an experience all its own.
For discount theater tickets, go to Theatre Bay Area, where you can get half-price tickets for shows throughout the city. Order tickets online or at the Union Square box office. Tuesday - Sunday, the list is updated at 11 a.m., and tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. Also available: half-price tickets in advacne, as well as full-price tickets daily.
EXIT Theatre
156 Eddy Street, 415.931.1094
An experimental theater, home to the annual Fringe Festival.
156 Eddy Street, 415.931.1094
An experimental theater, home to the annual Fringe Festival.
The Golden Gate Theatre
1 Taylor Street, 415.551.2000
The Golden Gate Theatre has recently welcomed such Broadway hits as Mamma Mia!, Chicago, 42nd Street, Rent, and the world premiere of Legally Blonde (2007).
1 Taylor Street, 415.551.2000
The Golden Gate Theatre has recently welcomed such Broadway hits as Mamma Mia!, Chicago, 42nd Street, Rent, and the world premiere of Legally Blonde (2007).
Magic Theatre
Fort Mason Center, Building D, 3rd Floor, 415.441.8822
Founded in 1967 by John Lion, the Magic Theater has premiered more than 200 new works, including plays by Sam Shepard, David Mamet, Michael McClure, and John O'Keefe.
Fort Mason Center, Building D, 3rd Floor, 415.441.8822
Founded in 1967 by John Lion, the Magic Theater has premiered more than 200 new works, including plays by Sam Shepard, David Mamet, Michael McClure, and John O'Keefe.
The Orpheum Theatre
1192 Market Street, 415.551.2000
One of SHN's three theatrical palaces, the Orpheum Theatre today showcases a rotation of Broadway shows; in the past however, it played everything, from vaudeville to motion pictures.
Post Street Theatre
450 Post Street, 415.771.6900
Restored and open for 25+ years, the Post Street Theatre offers a diverse selection of shows. Chosen as the West Coast premiere venue for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in 2006.
