San Francisco Theater & Comedy

While it might not compare to New York’s unparalleled theater scene, people do come from far and wide to check out the unique and varied entertainment that San Francisco has to offer. From musicals, plays and stand-up comedy to one of the best ballet scenes in the country, SF is ARTSY. 

Musicals and Plays

San Francisco and the surrounding bay area is home to straight-from-Broadway hits, original Broadway casts and even some pre-Broadway premier shows. To catch these events, you’ll want to visit either the Golden Gate or Orpheum Theaters, the two historic venues in San Francisco.

Since both venues are located in the downtown area, you can grab dinner and drinks at one of the city’s unique eateries, and catch a show afterward.

San Francisco Venues

Aside from the Orpheum and Golden Gate theaters, you’ll definitely want to check out the off-Broadway options, as well. The New Conservatory Theater Center on Van Ness offers hands-on theater experiences for youth and works to bring important LGBT issues and culture to life for its audiences.

Beach Blanket Babylon is an SF historical institution that features pop-culture presentations that touch on politics, music, sports and more through music and humor. Also don’t miss the moving, dramatical productions offered at the Magic Theater in the Marina, or the Brava Theater’s incredible productions that give space and voice to marginalized and under-represented populations.

Stand-Up Comedy

San Francisco also has a lively stand-up comedy scene that can be enjoyed at its two comedy clubs (Cobb’s and the Punch Line), as well as independent rooms found in bars and basements citywide.

SF Sketchfest is a 3-week comedy festival held in venues across the city that hosts a combination of national headliners and local talent. If you want to laugh your pants off, go to this. 

Ballet

San Francisco’s ballet scene rivals that of NYC, and is housed in the War Memorial Opera House.

San Francisco Ballet was actually the first professional ballet company in the entire country (founded in 1933), and it provides over 100 stunning annual performances. 

So come to San Francisco and Be Entertained. Buy theater tickets or comedy show tickets on EvilTickets.