The Magic Theater is located at Fort Mason on the 3rd floor of Building D. Intimate space with a small number of seats; there's definitely a sense of being personally connected to the interactions on stage. In February, I caught the premier of "Cuckoo Edible Magic," a show that playwright Reed Flores calls "a love letter to being a brown kid in the Bay Area." To me, a brown kid who grew up in SF, the story of family bonds & trauma feels familiar, heartbreaking, even. Love the shout-out to BART & specific neighborhoods. Appreciated the handful of Asian & Pacific Island languages & accents spoken on stage. And while I didn't grow up with a love for Sailor Moon or video games, I know those references resonated with so many in the audience. An obvious & loud five stars for the production. Wonderful staff. Ticket prices are so reasonable, you'll have a few extra dollars to donate to the theater. Unique programming. And the picturesque location (with parking & eateries at your fingertips) is pretty hard to beat. Can't wait to see my next show here. read more

Magic Theatre - Cuckoo Edible Magic stage 2/2025 - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The performance of Macbeth was extraordinary, as is every production of the Magic Theatre in recent years. I have only missed one or two. This theater company continues to evolve creatively and meet high standards that should impress any theater audience in New York or London! It's an asset to the Bay Area and deserves support. read more

I saw my niece's high school's production of James and the Giant Peach here. The show was excellent, including the cool set pieces my niece helped make. It's definitely an intimate theater, with the main seating where you'd expect it and some additional risers to the left and right of the "stage" (really just the ground in front of all the seats). We sat on the right, and while it was very cool to see the action from the side, it didn't feel like theater in the round. And it seemed like if anyone sitting in our section had needed to leave, they would have had to walk across the stage to do so. Very strange setup. There are multiple small vestibules that don't lend themselves being useful space. The "dressing rooms" seemed to be the area beneath the main seating, which opens out into the vestibule where the concessions were set up. Again, it just feels really cramped for how many seat they have. It would be a cool theater to see comedy or a small musical act in. And maybe magic. But plays and musicals don't really work here, or at least they have to do a lot to use the space properly. read more

Cute, cute, cute, little community theater tucked into a multi purpose building, surrounded by galleries, locally owned shops, etc. The staff was incredibly nice and patient. My friends and I are not from SF where the Covid mandates are different and I've been on the receiving end of unkind reminders/rules from staff. The staff took the time to explain the mask rule, direct towards masks, the bathroom, water, just a very pleasant, welcoming experience with the staff. Once we reached the foyer leading into the theater, the walls were adorned with beautiful, cultural, vibrant works of art. The theater reminded me of some of the community theaters in Berkeley. There's a unique element when enjoying the arts in a community sized theater. read more

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Amazing show. This is a must see. Jay does it all and it's such a great show. Definite don't miss this one.

Small, personal and quaint theater. Little concession area with snacks and drinks. Staff was so nice and just the entire experience was well...magical. Paid parking on the premises. read more

Saw Terminus this week and it was like no other production I have seen. It was dark, gore was painted with words, and subjects which are not normally brought to light were addressed. The acting was superb. I personally didn't care for the dark message, but it was well told read more

I give the theatre 4 stars, grudgingly- we'll get to that. The show, "What we're up against", gets 5+ stars and a Hip Hip Hooray!! Everybody should go see this show. This week only! Things to watch out for: 1. They emailed to warn us we might have trouble with parking, so we parked far away and it made us late. Seeing lots of empty spaces on our way in just rubbed salt in the wound. We weren't sure where we were going, either - Building D is in the far back on the right. Even the guy at the gate wasn't sure where Magic Theatre was. Hint: put a MAP on your website. 2. They made us wait in the wings instead of seating us on the side back row, which was empty and would have been easily accessible without disturbing anybody. Then, after making us wait, they sat us there. Why did we wait? Then we moved at intermission to our real seats, which were more expensive. Why were they more expensive? I don't know. Next time I will get the cheaper tickets. There are no bad seats here. Also, they didn't give us a program until we went out at intermission and asked. Even getting there late, this is lame. 3. Points for allowing wine in the theatre, but the wine they had was terrible, especially for $5. Sorry, but I can tell the difference now. Can't you? You can get good cheap wine around here and still make a profit! 4. I'm just sorry this show wasn't packed full. Great show, great sets, great cast, very professional production all around, I hope it goes to Broadway. I don't know if they needed better advertising or what - why did I see this in the NY Times but not in the SF Chronicle? read more

I really didn't know about this theatre at all until I saw it on Gilt City and I'm glad to have discovered it. Kelli was super helpful in sorting out my ticket confusion that I caused myself by ordering under the wrong name/account. I like how it's in a quieter area of SF. I love SF but sometimes it's nice to be transported away from the downtown area into a more mellow side of SF. The theatre was small and charming. I definitely would come back. read more

Had the incredibly good fortune to visit Magic Theatre to see a phenomenally outstanding Play "OR," A comedy about Aphra Behn getting out of the spy game and into showbiz With only 3 actors playing multiple parts, they were completely into their roles, funny, poignant & the costume changes between entrances was absolutely unbelievable & one might even say, Magic..... it was like they had a teleporter.... or Hermione's time turner Theatre itself is set in the magical Fort Mason Seats were super comfy, no view obstruction, sound was great, staff was laid back Food & drinkys are allowed in the theatre - cafe right beside the box office Plenty of parking..... I could gush forever read more

Breathtaking. Gripping. Profound. Disturbing. Thrilling. And we'll throw in Heartbreaking and Haunting, because they appear in the Magic Theatre's official description of The Brothers Size, part 2 in the Brother/Sister Plays by Tarell Alvin McCraney. Driving home after tonight's production, I thought about how we bandy those "movie poster" words about, and have rendered them meaningless, without substance. Joshua Elijah Reese, Alex Ubokudom and Tobie Windham, under the direction of Octavio Solis, channeling the written word of Mr. McCraney, (and we know, dear reader, from having spent many hours backstage, the support of a fine crew) have brought a piece to the stage that absolutely took our breath away, every last audience member. They took us on a gripping, profound and disturbing and thrilling journey of pure raw human emotion that is theater at it's best. It is what keeps us going back, even if the train only leaves the station for an orbit run every 20 years. This is it. This is Magic. It is unlikely that you will get a chance to take this ride with this exceptionally fine crew as there remain 4 shows. Part 1 at the Marin Theatre Company was very, very good. I am looking forward to part 3, Marcus, at ACT, which opens soon. But I think it is quite possible that in another 20 years of theater going, it is not likely I will see anything like The Brothers Size, tonight, at The Magic Theatre. read more

The Magic Theater at Fort Mason has the kind of intimate environment in which I think theater is best enjoyed. It is a small theater in Bldg D, up 3 flights of stairs, and the layout feels a little bit like a screening room in a movie theater with a compact stage. When you view a production there, I don't think there is one seat that would not give you a personal experience with the actors on stage. You can see every nuance, every facial expression. And their gestures and makeup do not have to be exaggerated in order to reach the people up in the high balconies, like at one of the big theaters such as the Geary. I was lucky enough to experience this wonderful theater through Yelp and the show "Killer Joe". I enjoyed the show very much, and was moved by the risks taken in the subject matter, the acting, and the direction. Moved and disturbed, I should say. I love to go to a show that makes me feel, whether that feeling is unpleasant or not. You could feel the tension throughout the audience, and it seemed like everyone was thoroughly engaged. This was even more evident when we were able to stay afterwards and ask questions of the actors, producer & director. The concession stand was decent and I liked their home-made sign offering a "White Trash combo" of a beer & Cheetos - a nod to the play's setting in a trailer. I look forward to future performances at this theater, and am so happy to have this venue on my list of places to visit. Thank you Yelp, for making this introduction. read more

I'm not a regular theater-goer, so I didn't really know what to expect when my date surprised me with tickets to see Oedipus El Rey. Lets just say that I was completely blown away. I loved this retelling of the classic Greek drama. Read the glowing SF Chronicle review, here: http://articles.sfgate.com/2010-02-05/entertainment/17847527_1_oedipus-el-rey-luis-alfaro-sophocles-oedipus Unfortunately for you, we caught one of the last shows in the run, but I highly recommend checking out other productions here. It was a great, intimate space, and I'm definitely looking forward to my next experience. read more

Come see Rust, now playing at the Magic!! Part of the series Hot House 2007, this unique play about racial stereotypes and football will knock your socks off. http://www.magictheatre.org/season0607/rust.shtml. Playwright Kirsten Greenidge and Director Raelle Myrick-Hodges do an amazing job of interweaving slavery-era archetypes and modern-day sports hero worship in a way that will make you see the world differently. The facility itself is ideal for experiencing local theater--good seating, good sound, and love that you can finish your wine from intermission while watching the second half! read more

Saw Octopus here last night- it has been extended through June 21st (I believe that's the right date) and for good reason. One of the best acted, written, and designed plays I've seen in a long long time. It was emotional, funny, and surprising. Magical realism at its finest. Everyone likes to talk about the full nudity on stage, but that's such a tiny part of it. Go, instead, for the rapid-fire dialogue and passionate vulnerability of the characters. The space was lovely- not a bad seat in the house. And even though we were the last people in the door, the front of house staff was nothing but polite. And I know how annoying latecomers can be. I can't stop thinking about the set, and the sound and lighting design was right on point. Oh, who am I kidding. The four handsome naked men on stage didn't hurt :) read more

Whenever I come here, I always feel like I am in on a secret. It's probably the fact that the 2 plays that I saw here were world premieres (Expedition 6 and The Crowd You're in With)...and I believe all of the plays are. I've been in both theatres (North Side and Sam Shepard); they have their own quirks. Although you are assigned to your seat, it doesn't matter. I'm convinced that wherever you sit will have a good spot. read more

Tucked away in Fort Mason (boo to them for now charging a fee to parking in their lot), the Magic Theatre is home to some of the Bay Area's better emerging playwrights and actors. The programs always deliver, so even rough-around-the-edges works are worth seeing, if anything to support the vibrancy of local theater. The space is very intimate, and pretty much every seat gives you a nice view of center stage. read more

I've never been to the Magic Theater, and when I realized it was on the 3rd floor of Building D at Ft. Mason, I was wary of the space being too small for all of us Yelpers to fit. I was proven wrong - we did fit! Overall, the seats were comfy, the concession stand was very decent with a nice selection, the box office service was fast and friendly, and I enjoyed looking at the posters of Magic Theater productions of years past. I am looking forward to seeing upcoming productions by Magic Theater -- they are definitely into productions that push audiences and actors to the limit. I dig these blackbox theaters to the large houses! read more

I also just saw Killer Joe here and it was my first time at Magic Theatre. It seems to be a great venue. The seating was really quite comfortable, and I could see over those in front of me with no problem at all. Since it is on the small side, there doesn't appear to be a bad seat in the house. The production was definitely entertaining and the actors definitely professionals; AND the $1 Joseph Schmidt truffles ain't too shabby either! mm mm Oh yes, and how could I forget one of the best parts...you can bring your drinks in! :) read more

One of the best regional theaters in the Bay Area for new work. They present world premieres of work by both established and emerging playwrights. There are two stages, both fairly intimate. The new Artistic Director Chris Smith seems to be doing a great job with the new season. Over the years, I have rarely been disappointed by a production at the Magic. Most of their productions run for about three weeks, so you can't drag your feet... also, sometimes they rent out the space for other festivals that they don't produce, and these are generally very affordable. Go!!!! read more

Magic Theatre - Magic Theater 2005 Season - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

We just experienced the play "Every 5 Minutes" on Saturday. I love a story that challenges you and demands sharing. I started off a little confused, then the story revealed itself in a way that shocks you once you figure out what's going on. This is a play you need to see with at least one other person and discuss afterward in case you missed anything. Thanks Linda McLean and Loretta Greco! I will seek out more of Ms. McLean's work and know that I won't be condescended to by Ms Greco's direction. We live in Los Angeles and come up to The Magic because their shows are consistently brilliant and who doesn't love a little theater near the waters of San Francisco Bay? We purchased season tickets for next season! read more

More legerdemain than magic, but even so....an intimate and comfortable demesne for intimate and well-executed live theater. If you enjoy theater, come for a visit. If you enjoy the Marina, stop by Fort Mason and see what's playing. If you enjoy sitting in darkened rooms full of people enjoying themselves immensely, same answer. Don't expect magic --- just a wonderful and willing suspension of disbelief. Four prestidigitational stars! read more

The 2009 - 2010 season is absolutely first rate! I saw Mauritius in June; it was wonderful and got a lot of much-deserved critical acclaim. Loretta Greco directed and she did an outstanding job. The cast was superb. Ms. Greco has directed two plays by John Kolvenbach this fall. I've seen one already -- Goldfish -- and it is outstanding. Her work is wonderful, the cast (again) is superb. Go see the show -- you'll be bowled over by the performances of Rod Gnapp and Patricia Hodges especially. The set is also wonderful. Finally, I just have to take my hat off to Managing Director Scott Hawkins and the box office staff (Baruch Porras-Hernandez - Patron Services Manager). They have been so helpful, proactive, and customer-focused! They've restored my faith in customer service as a practice. We all have our horror stories about bad customer service experience. Well, this has been just the opposite for me. Mr. Hawkins and the box office genuinely appreciate subscribers and ticket holders. You will feel very much cared for when you call for tickets. read more

I recently saw ANY GIVEN DAY by Linda McLean at the Magic Theatre and was blown away. It was an outstanding performance with tight acting and crisp direction. Each of the performances (of the four actors) was superb. I liked it so much, I went back and saw it again. As an added bonus, the Magic Theatre had the playwright in residence during much of the run, and she spoke after the show. What a treat! I'd give it five stars, except that I haven't seen anything else recently at the Magic, so I'll grant my stars judiciously until I see more productions. That said, I'm totally going to support the Magic Theatre in the future and expect to see all of their new shows. Some exciting stuff is going on in Fort Mason. Definitely worth a look. read more

I love this place for all the opportunities and support it gives independent playwrights, artists, directors, etc. I try to support all of their original productions--no regrets so far! Betty Shamieh's "The Black Eyed" and Carter Lewis's "Evie's Waltz" are some of my favorite ones! read more

The Magic Theatre is a great place to see new work professionally presented that's much more developed beyond the typical fringe style of theatre in San Francisco. It's a nice little theatre that's often hit or miss because they take chances on producing new work. Something that I wish more theatres would do! The company is what I call one of the "Off-Broadway theatres of San Francisco," similar to the Vineyard or York in NYC. I'd recommend researching what's playing before you go, to ovoid the "miss" part of the hit or miss. But most of the time you can't go wrong with this place. read more

Magic Theater's "Bruja" transports us from the myth of Medea to a presentt-day low-class neighborhood in SF Mission District and relates the struggles of a Mexican couple to stay intact with their two grgeous young children and a very feisty and all knowing vieja (who almost stole the show) while attempting to capture the reins a la Americana of greed and success at any cost. This time, Magic's great story selection and superb casting sends us eoionally over the top into a realm of magical terror and repeat of destiny. What a fabulous and spectacular treat! The many tasty food items offered by the more than 20 SF food trucks in the Ft. Mason parking area was a great way to start the evening before Magic's powerful drama began. read more

Jesus in India is a remarkable night of theatre! I am really impressed with the Magic's willingness to *take risks* - their commitment to innovative new work is their strength, and Jesus in India is a great example of the invigorating, mind-expanding work that can happen when talented people throw their shoulder behind the wheel of cutting-edge theatrical innovation. If you care about the future of live theatre - theatre that re-invents itself constantly in a deep commitment to renewal - then support the Magic, because they're doing NEW work, and they're doing it VERY well. Also, it is a seriously hip place to be. Jesus in India is essentially a story about crossing that malleable, elusive line between boyhood and manhood. We get to see Jesus as a terrified, angry, rebellious, self-absorbed teenager, gifted with tremendous power which he has no idea how to use, and burdened with tremendous responsibility, which he has no idea how he can ever face. And so he turns to punk rock. The music in this play is gorgeous, and integrated gracefully into the action. The set alone is worth a trip -I dare you to try to read everything on those pillars. No clunky set changes here - all the shifts in locale are done beautifully with light and acting. The pacing of this work is perfect - truly excellent directing. See it! You won't regret it. -Anna read more

The theater is intimate, clean and appealing compared to the older smaller houses in the area considering the location of the complex at an old military barracks but it gives a feeling of nostalgia and added history walking around and on the way to the hard to find location. We took the 30 bus just as the official website stated but I found taking the F and going to fisherman's wharf and taking the trek kinda easier and more familiar to me. Now about the show: Yesterday would have been the last day for Octopus at the Magic Theater ( http://www.magictheatre.org) but it got Extended till June 22 so you lovely people should see it now before it closes if you are already in the area or visiting in the next 2 weeks. http://SanFrancisco.BroadwayWorld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=28359 I have only watched a handful of plays compared to musicals but from my limited viewing experience, Octopus written by Steve Yockey and directed by Kate Warner is the most unique so far because of the incorporation of overflowing water onstage and a sea creature. The sexual energy in the opening scene was infectious in a way that it started with the anxiety of the young, sweet and inexperienced Blake about the impending foursome/orgy adventure initiated by the edgy and promiscuous Kevin with a longtime couple that the latter met at a bar and what follows is the inevitable sexy and fast paced sexual experiment and the repercussions involved afterwards. The play involves love, betrayal and redemption and the theme of facing one's fears of committment and death, not to mention the slimy and cunning giant monstrous Octopus! Cast includes: Andy: Brad Erikson Blake: * Patrick Alparone http://www.patrickalparone.com Kevin: Erik Kerr Max: * Liam Vincent Delivery Boy: * Rowan Brooks *AEA Other Credits: Jarrod Fischer : Light Designer Erik Flatmo : Set Designer Sara Huddlest : Sound Designer + Production Director Angela Nostrand : Stage Manager Alexae Visel : Costume Designer Harold Goldstein & Carol Streeter : Executive Producers Karen & Ron Rose : Producers Tickets are available online at the official website listed above and rush tickets are available 30 min before the show for students, educators and seniors for $10. Request front row seating to get immersed into the action :) read more

Just saw Killer Joe here and was most impressed by both the production and the theater itself (I don't know which theater we were in - they have two!). The space was intimate without being claustrophobic and even hunched way down in my seat (it was that kind of play) I could see perfectly over the heads of the row in front of me. I will definitely be back for other performances! read more

Intimate and cosy little theatre with good performances each time. Since when did they start charging for parking! #$%#$%#!! Not cool. Watched Killer Joe which was an excellent performance and yes, the $1 truffle was divine.... read more

Great little progressive theater with interesting cutting edge productions.

Great intimate theatre, this venue is perfect for the in-your-face productions like Killer Joe. The sound, lighting and props and of course incredible acting made Killer Joe a killer show. I'll be back for more if this is an example of what's in store. read more

A great intimate theater. The productions here are very progressive. These guys aren't afraid to push the envelope into some serious theater. The plays here are non traditional yet highly professional. read more

Always exciting, challenging programming. New plays, emerging playwrights, the special Hot House series of 3 plays in rotation, an intimate theatre, and fun special events add up to one of the more ambitious and satisfying theatre companies around. read more

I found the theatre quaint, personal and unique. I enjoyed Fool for Love by Sam Shepherd. I would come back to this alternative theatre experience! read more

The seats are VERY comfortable. and you could bring drinks in...I thought that was cool. I'm interested in seeing another show there real soon. read more

"Goldfish" Magic Theatre Bldg. D, Ft. Mason, SF Oct. 7 - Nov. 8 My husband and I just saw "Goldfish" and we both thought it some of the finest acting we have seen in a long time. (And we just got back from Ashland, where we saw two plays, and have season tickets to ACT, Berkeley Rep and Aurora Theatres). (A man in the audience said at the "Talk Back" afterward that he had seen 52 plays this year and this one was "the best"!) This is a small theatre company and a small venue, a thrust stage. Maybe 35 people in the audience. And here came Rod Gnapp, whom you might know from ACT or from a couple of films. The man is absolutely amazing as Leo, the dissolute, conflicted but loving father of Albert, powerfully portrayed by Andrew Pastides, an East Coast actor new in town. Gnapp's role requires an array of subtle and intense emotions, and the man positively sets the stage afire with his range and absolute credibility. In John Kolvenbach's new play, full of smart, sensitive, and often fast-paced dialogue, Albert is a high school senior heading off to college on a budget he has managed to hoard over years of clever evasion of his dad's proclivities. We follow the ensuing few months of college, girlfriend, girlfriend's sardonic, witty mother (beautifully acted with a nice balance of parental love and cynicism by Patricia Hodges) (There's a sequel play called "Mrs. Whitney" about these two characters, also playing now.) and the entanglements of Albert's over-active sense of responsibility fostered in his lifelong caring for his deeply flawed father. The outcome is uncertain, and there was for me never a single moment when I was not totally caught up in the 90 minutes (no intermission) of emotionally complex and sometimes funny interplay of the characters. Only two stagehands and the props and backdrops just seem to miraculously split, roll, lift, disappear and reappear where we need them next. It's an excellent play. I recommend it to your attention. read more

Looking for a good play to see in the next week (closes April 22)...go see Any Given Day at the Magic Theater here in SF at Fort Mason...the tag line of the play is "A story about the moment when everything changes..." A haunting, riveting play! read more

I attended the opening of Terminus last night and I'm still processing this amazing play. Producing Artistic Director Loretta Greco said that she pursued rights for this show (only performed in Ireland up till now) for five years, and now I understand why she was so passionate about getting this. I guarantee you have not seen three people put so much of themselves into their roles... ever. This is an adult play - do NOT bring the kids, It has beautiful language, stunning performances and there is absolutely nothing predictable about this play - you WILL be moved by it! read more