Theatre in San Francisco
It's raining in San Francisco, which leads many of us to seek out indoor diversions as the skies empty themselves onto the streets. Especially in the evenings, when walking along the streets taking in the life of the city is normally an appealing past time: none of us are particularly interested in being drenched and shivering. Fortunately, San Francisco plays host to a multitude of things to do in the evening, including going to the theatre. San Francisco has a massive collection of theatre companies putting on everything from traditional Broadway musicals to radical performance art, and with a bit of searching, you can certainly find something fun and interesting to do on a rainy evening in San Francisco.
The San Francisco Opera is famous, and often hosts talented visiting singers, directors, musicians, and others. War Memorial Opera House is also a grand and thrilling place to watch a theatrical performance, with a collection of lavish decorations, giant pillars, and marble floors. In addition to watching a wide variety of shows (this year's season includes Lucia di Lammermoor, the Magic Flute, and La Rondine, among others), you can also see some of San Francisco's leading citizens enjoying the music.
San Francisco also hosts the American Conservatory Theatre, colloquially known as ACT. ACT hosts visiting artists and puts on a wide range of traditional stage theatre: Hedda Gabler is playing right now, for example. In addition to paid performances, ACT hosts shows which are free to the public, and trains the next generation of talented West Coast actors. A trip to ACT often yields delightful surprises, and has for 40 years.
San Francisco has a large Asian-American community, with its own theatre company focusing on Asian-American plays and issues. Offerings range from comedies which skewer traditional Asian values to shows about more serious issues, like the clash of Asian and American culture, and Vietnam. You could make an Asian adventure of it by going out for some excellent dim sum before attending an evening performance.
If you are interested in more experimental and avant garde performance, the Black Box Theatre usually has something intriguing on offer. They specialize in performances of unusual works, which often integrate electronics and audience participation. Resident artists perform interesting, thrilling, and provocative pieces in an intimate and unusual space.
The San Francisco Mime Troupe is internationally famous, and can be found performing all over the city. Track them down...if you dare, and prepare for an evening of immense fun. The performers engage in classic lampooning performance, and nothing (and no one) is sacred when the Mime Troupe hits the stage.
