Theaters in San Francisco

MAINSTREAM THEATERS

Many residents of San Francisco show apparent disdain for the international commercial successes, which explains why theater has a lower profile here than in other large cities.

There are likely to be at least a couple of major shows, however, playing at the main Theater District spots; three of the largest theaters are the Golden Gate Theater, the Curran Theater and the Orpheum Theater, all part of the Best of Broadway performance series. Others include the New Conservatory Theatre Center and the Marines Memorial Theater. The Stage Door Theater has a reputation for serious productions, while musicals, and comedy are staged at The Marsh.

The most respected major company is the American Conservatory Theater (ACT). Its longtime home, the landmark Geary Theater, has now reopened after renovations following the 1989 earthquake. A variety of plays are performed during its October to May season.

ALTERNATIVE THEATER

With dozens of small theaters spread around the city, and many more in the Bay Area, San Francisco’s off-Broadway scene is alive and well, if hard to find. Fort Mason is the most obvious center, home to the nationally known Magic Theater and diverse other groups, as well as the Playwrights Festival each August.

The North Beach district is home to the Actors Theater of San Francisco, while the Mission District boasts the satirical Theater Rhinoceros and risk-taking Theater Artaud. The city’s best-loved production, the uniquely San Franciscan revue Beach Blanket Babylon, plays at North Beach’s Club Fugazi.

Other companies to look out for are Intersection for the Arts, the multimedia oriented Exit Theater, and the highly regarded Berkeley Repertory Theater in the East Bay.

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