i attended san f theater for over 40years during that time i experienced stage works written by nyc playwright larry myers which were the best ever bay area theater i believe myers won the firsrt usa fringe fests with his "sexual gravity" & "gene tierney move next door" or "keith haring s my idol" myers is "off broadways wittiest and most prolific playwright according to ny daily news " wayman wong he wrote so many i forget which awards were for which plays as he had other nominations. read more

Located close to the Powell st. BART, this was a convenient location. Came here for a show tonight that we pre-purchased at Brown Paper Tickets. Once we arrived, we learned that multiple plays are going on at the same time. We didn't need to print anything for our confirmation- they already had our names on a sheet of paper and checked us in. There is a little bar area where you can get refreshments. As far as the seating, it's pretty intimate. I think there were only 5 rows of chairs. So these plays or at least the one we saw are for smaller audiences. Overall, glad I got to check out a new place in the city and experience a bit of culture and the arts this weekend. read more

EXIT Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

While on a whirlwind 48-hour visit to San Francisco, my Beloved and I enjoyed an evening at EXIT Theatre, where we saw, "Desk Set". The play was well-acted, by which I mean the necessary suspension of disbelief took place. There are times, especially in small theatres, when actors shout their lines as though they're improv comics. This wasn't that. As important, the performance was very professionally staged, a necessary thing, as the space in which the actors worked and the seating for we in the audience were all very tight. Great use of light, props and stage direction gave us in the audience a sense of connection to the action. A note of caution: this venue is on Eddy St. in the Tenderloin. The approach to its entrance is urine-soaked and occasionally blocked by homeless people. If your stomach isn't strong or you are offended by the sight of vagrants, you may prefer other accommodations. read more

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Came to this theater last week, to see the "Talk Story" performance of Ed Wolf. The doors opened a little early and they had a beautiful Lounge. With books and nice seats. They sold coffee, sodas, and adult drinks. I could tell that there were more than one theater here, I'm guessing different sized ones. The Theater that Ed's performance was in was a nice mid sized room. Maybe 60 seats or so. They let us in early to pick our seats, and settle it. There was a great lighting guy operating the spot light. It did get a little warm at times , but it was a sold out show and we were kinda packed in. So I don't blame them for it. A really nice lady running the show. Loved my time there and I look forward to returning next time I go up north. read more

EXIT Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Came here to see my cousin's play. The inside of the theater had the 1940 feeling and ambience. This theater has several rooms so there are several plays performing each evening. There is a bar area or library in the front. read more

EXIT Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is a nice intimate theater. The place has a small kitchen and bar area where you can get snacks before the show. The theaters has about 30 seats in each theater. read more

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Went here for the Saturday Write Fever and had a blast with some friends. You choose to be a writer or an actor and then perform in front of a crowd. There was a good mix of people from all ages. It was probably about 25 people total. The greatest part about it is it's a free event which I really appreciate and is it cool thing for the acting community. The acoustics of the room or not great. There's a free café bar if your hungry or thirsty. The wall decorations are quite strange but it adds to the charm of the theater. I had such a good time and met great people while the writers wrote for 30 min read more

**Inner Conversation of Megs Brain*** "But I don't wanna see a play." "You've had the flu twice. You HAVE to do extra credit for playwriting class." "But I don't wanna go all the way downtown, it's cold." "Do you want to get a B? DO YOU?" "Fine miss bossy boots. Jeez, I'm effing going." So for extra credit I found myself enjoying several hours of incestual love and beef stroganoff (Better Homes and Ammo). Which I must say is one of the best play's I've ever seen. Exit, which is down a hall and through a restaurant, has two theater's. The one I was in was small, yet cozy, which worked for the play setting itself, but makes me wonder if it's ever claustrophobic for other play's not set in basements. I got my ticket off Tix Bay Area for half price so at 9 dollars it was a steal for a two hour presentation.The seats were comfy, the restroom was clean and a drinking fountain was around the corner. I would return, recommend and definitely bring friends. read more

What's still left of our old San Francidco: quirky, creative, fabulous, and inexpensive. Community talent at its best, and always a warm welcome. Just go. You won't expect what's in store for you. read more

Was there to catch Christian Cagigal's "Now and at the Hour" mime/mind-reader/magician/storyteller show (http://christiancagigal.blogspot.com/), which I highly recommend because dude is good (also more fun than the normal bigger magic shows, since it's with a small crowd - but sit in the front rows to get the best views). Really liked the venue. Intimate setting to catch a show (Stage Left seats maybe 30-40 people max). Didn't get a chance to hang at the cafe or see the Exit Theater itself, but will return for other shows. Support the arts, ey? read more

This was definitely something interesting and out of my element. I attended Saturday Write Fever at the Exit Threatre this past weekend and was pleasantly surprised by this event. The event itself is free, and beer, wine and snacks here are fairly reasonably priced. There isn't really a sign because the Exit threatre hosts many other things so it just ends up being in a little room at the front. The event formally starts around 9ish, but getting there early assures you a seat and prime viewing. Several writers get chosen and actors get paired up with them. They get a random topic assigned to them via draw in a bucket, and off they go to write a creative piece that their actor will perform in 30 minutes. Hilarity ensues, and sometimes awkwardness. But for the most part this was fun! read more

The Exit is great. There are three venues in one: The Cafe, Exit Theater and Stage Left, and sometimes there's more than one show going on at a time. The cafe serves beer and wine, delicious sake cocktails and snacks. The Main Exit Theater is my favorite. It feels a bit like a cabaret with little tables to set your drinks and snacks on and a beautiful exposed brick wall. The only downfall is that the location feels a bit sketchy but it's super close to Powell Bart so it's easy to get there, but you'll feel safer if you have a friend to walk the two blocks with you! read more

EXIT Theatre - An Affair of Honor, DIVAFest 2009, PHOTO: Laurie Gallant - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Dark, twisted, exquisite and intense. The Exit Theater is a small theater house on the edge of Union Square and the Tenderloin. The seediness of the neighborhood plays into the details of debaucherous plots of death, dispair, conspiracy and murder. I saw "The Maids" on Saturday... This play was wrought with emotions of hatred and desire. Caught up in the drama.. it was definitely a play to be seen and to be subjected to the domination of pleasure and the submission of virtue. Fall in love with this house. It's edgy, it's intriguing. It has all the makings of a house for the slightly pshychologically disturbed. See you on the dark side.. read more

EXIT Theatre - The Maids - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Being so close to Halloween, we had ourselves a Zombie-filled weekend and Exit Theatre was a big part of our undead fun Friday nite, we visited Metreon for Zombieland ( & if you haven't seen it yet, DO! ) Sat nite, we had tix for Exit Theatre's ZOMBIE! A musical about 2 lovers from Colma who go to extreme measures to stay together. Very tongue-in-cheek & very funny! The Theatre is divided into 2 super-small venues. Exit & Exit Stage Left. We were in Exit & it holds maybe 50-60 people.....which means there's no bad seat in the house. 1st come 1st served Sound quality is great - didn't need earplugs & drinkys are allowed into the theatre - in fact, you can take in any Cafe item (woohoo!) and prices are awesomely CHEAP! Crowd totally into the show & looked like the actors were having a great time too. Would totally come back to see another Play Too bad I couldn't also fit in Zombie Town - which is also playing at this theatre - for my Zombie trifecta - hopefully they'll extend the show?? Only warning & kinda bummer - a homeless lady goes "Come Here" & grabbed Sis & me ( like literally laid hands upon us ) as we were entering the Theatre. We physically shook her off & at 1st thought it might be part of the show......it wasn't! read more

Classic tiny black box. It gets very hot in there if you are dancing. If I was an audience member, I imagine I would yawn from lack of oxygen, being used quickly by the dancers. The dressing room(s) are efficient and useful, perfect for 8 women to share the mirror, lights, and fix each others' hair and makeup, stretch, run in place, etc. The intimacy of the theatre is delicious. Will update soon. read more

Hmm, I think I'm actually getting the hang of these fringe theaters--after having been to the Rhino, the quirky, winding hallways of Exit were downright familiar. Although the Exit is altogether a more sprawling operation, with 2 different theaters, and another around the corner. Plus it's got rough-streets cred that shames even 16th & Van Ness (or New Langton Arts' 8th & Folsom, for that matter). And the cafe area here would actually be enjoyable in its own right. While I've been here multiple times, I can't beat this review of the show from my first visit (somewhat indirectly on Yelp's dime, I might add): "I'm Yours" (or was it "Deranged By Love"?), a Don Quixote-meets-Midsummer Night's Dream love quadrangle that's a quintessential specimen of fringe-theater spunk, complete with puppets, songs, and spontaneous breakdown into interpretive dance. But in the end it lacked the balls-to-the-wall zaniness of, say, Pride & Succubus, and it frequently got bogged down in long stretches of dialogue, which were a far cry from Boston Wedding's bounce-a-quarter-off-it drawing-room wit-fests. At least Christian Gagigal, who plays the innkeeper, has a resonant voice and style that naturally enraptures you when the dialogue is good and and keeps you placated when it's not so good (I hear he also does a magic show). Hmm, I think I've got this theater critic thing down--now I just need to start working in words like "riveting" or "soporific"--oh, and speaking of that, it gets real hot in there; do NOT stuff yourself on buttery curry, naan and Rolling Horse beforehand, or even the best shows may feel excruciatingly, suffocatingly long. read more

There are two theaters (or three?) within one building (first time I have been in a drama-multiplex), each running different plays concurrently, and a cafe where you can get food and drink to take to your seat. The room where I saw Chemical Imbalance last night was a little black-box set up proscenium-style with about 70 seats and a slightly elevated stage. It was intimate without feeling crowded and there were no "bad seats" in the house. The ladies that run the cafe seem to call the shots, so be kind to them and they will take care of you. Drinks and snacks are reasonably priced and served with a smile, and self-serve pretzels were available free of charge. I'm not used to taking food and drinks into live theater, so I felt a little guilty every time I tipped back my bottle or put my hand into the pretzel bowl, but it enhanced the experience once I overcame my theater etiquette training. The neighborhood can be a little intimidating in that uniquely Tenderloin way upon leaving the show, so I wouldn't recommend walking home from the Exit alone to many theater goers. The box-office and the productions were run efficiently, and everyone I encountered was polite and helpful. Overall, it was a great experience, and I look forward to seeing more shows at the Exit Theater. read more

This review is fairly overdue. I came here with the always awesome and affable Bill B. for a viewing of their adaptation of Don Quixote. It wasn't called that but I can't remember what it was actually called. Overall it was a quality performance. I'm sorry I can't remember the details but it made me want to try and read Don Quixote again, I can tell you that much. As for the theater itself, yeah, it's cool. Have a beer and a nice snack in the theater. It's all good. So in the end it goes like this: Food? Check Drinks? Check Intimate setting? Check Quality performance? Check I think it would be excellent if they did No Exit at the EXIT. It is a small and black box enough theater that the urgency of the characters could be adequately felt and I think it would cool to say "I'm going to see No Exit at the EXIT." I'm corny like that. read more

Super small venue, young performers, but always better than you might expect! Go! Stay in' and watching TV is not near as much fun. Get off your butt and go live! read more

This is a difficult review for me and right now, the star rating is working. I'm mixed because my experience started off terribly then became really great. So...here's the low down, purchased tickets for the Fringe Festival to see a show a friend of ours from Oregon was in. Sent out a bunch of invites and just about sold out the place. Upon arrival to the venue, they can't find our name on the list for 4 tickets (2 purchased weeks before, 2 purchased the night before as we had 2 family members fly in from Oregon - impromptu). So, come to find out, we goofed. The 2 last-minute tickets were bought for the night before (after the showing had already occurred I might add). The ticket-taker was super sweet and totally understood the goof, the show was NOT sold out, but it's a tiny theater and it was filling up quickly. Then the manager comes along, I'll never forget her face or the way she spoke to us. It basically said, too bad so sad. In fact, she told us they have to take unpaid walk-up before giving us 2 tickets that we had already prepaid. She passed by several more times and confirmed this same notion, without a hint of care. I'm sorry, I know we goofed, but there were tickets and we had already paid why sweat us until 2 minutes before? Finally, we were given our tickets and my blood pressure went down. Once in the Theatre, it was cozy and comfy, very small and intimate. The play was incredible! The theater was packed with our friends and family, it was a good crowd. I won't go back to EXIT Theatre unless someone I know if performing there. read more

The Exit Theatre hosts the San Francisco Fringe Festival each year. This year was the second time I've attended one of their unique offerings. The theatre itself is located in the Tenderloin just a block and a half away from Market Street and the BART/Muni underground. A block and a half isn't far unless you're walking alone in the Tenderloin but luckily it's close to Market and there's usually a pretty good representation of SF Police in the area. I like the Exit Theatre a lot. The people who work there are nice, they put on great local talent, and the prices for shows are very affordable. I saw the Fringe play Cruel and Unusual which is a commentary on the US government and their views about torture. When is it torture and when is it interrogation? Very intense play but well done. Needless to say I needed a stiff drink after! Check out what's happening at the Exit Theatre and get your local culture on! Yeah Exit! read more

Proprietors are Passionate! And been at it a long time. Hello Richard, Hello Christine. Currently: http://www.theexit.org/now.html#anchor5429 Soon: http://www.cuttingball.com/images/spring08banner.jpg Avant GardARAMA! an evening of short experimental plays by Cutting Ball Theatre. EXIT on Taylor 8pm JUL 18 - AUG 16 (Tickets go on Sale June 1st) Avant GardARAMA! showcases plays that radically experiment with theatrical form. And of course, the San Francisco Fringe Festival!!!! The 17th annual San Francisco Fringe Festival will be Sept 3-14th, 2008. WHAT IS FRINGE THEATRE ... ? IT'S Dangerous Theatre, where anything can happen ... Intense Drama, Comedy, Multimedia Performance, Clowns, Musicals, Eclectic Absurdism and yes, Undiscovered Treasurers! Volunteers needed: http://www.theexit.org/fringe08/volunteerfaq.html Home Page: http://www.theexit.org/index.html read more

Such a cosy and intimate theatre to watch a show, particularly entertaining Chemical Imbalance (Thanks to Yelp!). We sat on the high seats in the back and no worries, every seat in the theatre is a good view. We had the quiche for preshow, it was microwaved and unfortunately, the temperature wasn't very even on the entire quiche with the insides still a lil cold but overall it was edible. We also had a bowl of the free pretzels with us inside the theatre. The brie, cheese and bread plate did look good. Next time.... The show was very entertaining and great casts! Gabriel Diamond as Henry Jekyll/Mr Hyde was a cutie! He didn't look frightening at all. However, the surrounding areas of the theatre is indeed very sketchy and really really intimidating. Some of the folks on the streets looked like they consumed the potion from Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde!! read more

Tiny black box theater that creates initmacy between the audience and the performance/performers. They sell beer and snacks or you can bring them with you. Bring cash too. Why walk two blocks to the ATM in the TL at night if you don't have to? Costs about the same to see an original performance here as it does to see a mind-numbing, formulaic, Hollywood studio produced Brad Pitt flick. It's not the Old Vic, but it's community theater at it's finest! read more

Venues like the Exit Theater are one of the reasons I feel so lucky to live in the Bay Area. The productions are worth walking along Eddy Street to enjoy dedicated actors and writers producing eclectic work. The space is intimate, and the ticket prices reasonable. They do offer snacks and wine or beer, after tasting the wine, I would suggest the beer. read more

This is a very well named theatre. All you want to do once you're there is get the fuck out. An extra star for them providing booze to dull the pain of the otherwise unbearably dull theatre. read more

Go see "The Monk" currently showing at Exit Left. It's a satirical Shakespearean-style tragedy set in Gothic Spain. Romance collides with demons, witches and Catholicism. PLUSES: the you can take food and drinks from the Exit Cafe into the theater with you, and the PRICE of tickets is fantastic! read more

Thank you EXIT For the best experience. I haven't been to a theater or play in a very long time and came to see one of the Fringe Festival show's. I thought it was fantastic and the ambience of the EXIT just made it better. I hope to return soon. Play seen: Abracadabra and Other Stories by Linda Ayres-Frederick and Nancy Cooper Frank. read more

Went to a Show "The 13 Steps" performed by Christian Cagigal's @ EXIT Theater. To tell the truth, my first impression was, "woow, this place is so Ghetto!" The entrance was a bit smelly and the air conditioner didn't work functionally. Other than that........LOVED IT!! My first time experienced a "little" theater performance. A "U" shape of 30 seats surround the artists, close and cozy. You could drink and nibble on snacks as you're entertained. Sets range from dramatic to Spartan, but you can always count on an erudite, sassy performance. Ticket price ranges from $5~$20 or free with donation. read more

Saw Zombie Town here on one of it's last nights, and I am waiting as patiently as I can for the Stallion Show to make it's debut. Great alt theater venue. It will be linked forever in my mind with the term "Dildos and Daldas," obviously because both are available just outside the door. If you need such things. At night in the TL. Of course you do. read more

Here is the deal with All of the Exit Stages: They all just rock. I first met Christina when I came in town wanting to do a show. At that point it was .dot com hell and trying to rent a theater space in San Francisco was a year out affair, as there were very little options. She was more than accommodating to me, and she was more than incredible when the asshole that I was working with dropped out leaving me in the hole. She refunded half of the entire amount I put down. Something...most people would never do at such short notice and with extreme understanding that assholes reside in theater. I have done numerous shows with different ensembles on the various stages since that time, and have both performed and seen hundreds of Fringe Shows. I'm always continually impressed with the courtesy and professionalism of the Exit Theater Main stage, Studio, and The Exit on Taylor. This week, I get a call from a friend who is at The Exit on Taylor. He is going through the same situation the first time I ever rented the Exit. I was honored both him and Christina thought of me. And as I know there can be asses in theater, I'm proud to help out with this incredible venue with improvisation. Long live the Exit. Come and be see what is playing in this iconic space. You will never leave disappointed seeing theater there. read more

My friend won tickets to Christian Cagigal's magic show here. Apparently there are a bunch of theaters on the first floor of this building. We were in the cafe for his performance, so it was very small and not even much like a theater, which is perfect for his show, since it involves a lot of audience participation. In the cafe, they sell wine, beer, coffee, tea, some munchies (pretzels are free) and root beer floats(!). We rode public transportation (and ate at Naan 'n' Curry a couple of blocks away - yay) so I don't know what parking is like, but I would guess not great. Also, it's in the deepest darkest T-loin neighborhood, so put on your tough-guy or -girl facade and barrel your way in there! read more

Came here specifically to see my friend's magic/theater show. Its small and located in a not so great part of SF. Nonetheless, my friend and I wanted to see our friend's performance. I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised. They have a small cafe/bar in the front room area. They have several stages. We watched "Now and at the Hour" in the smaller stage. It was very intimate. It seated about 50 people max. It was an excellent proportion since the show was quite intimate also. Overall, this place is great for performing artists. I would suggest checking out "Now and at the Hour". Its a very unique magic/theater act. read more

Exit Theatre has some of the best black box space I have ever seen. It is small, intimate and feels like you are in a bar that happens to have a play going on 10 feet from your chair. "Chemical Imbalance" was a great show, with excellent stage fighting and bloody effects. To be able to fight and kill so convincingly while being in the lap of the front row of your audience takes serious skill. The beer and food being allowed in the theater is a unique treat, I definitely want to see more shows here. read more

We saw a great show here last night and the venue was great although I would not walk around here alone at night. I loved the fact that the theatre was intimate and the comedian was actually funny. Our last Cobb experience was not that great to say the least! It taught me that some times the less famous comedians actually want to make the audience laugh! We saw 7 Sins: James Judd's One-Man Show and couldn't stop laughing. He was brilliant. read more

Very friendly staff... The bar serves Martini's! I watched the show "Now and at the Hour" and it was amazing! EXIT Theatre was founded on Eddy Street in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood in 1983. The show I saw could accommodate about 30-35 people... it was small but cozy... read more

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Interesting place - went here for THE COLLECTION by Christian Cagigal - they have a few different shows going at once. It's inexpensive but clean and the people working there are nice. The neighborhood at night...questionable. But go in a group. read more

The contribution that Christina and Richard have made to the San Francisco theater scene can't be measured. I've had a love affair with this theatre - as a performer and audience member - since I saw a raucous fringe production called Mondo Andronicus some time ago. In terms of accessibility the location is great. In terms of vomit, urine, and crack smoke, it could be better. But in any case, it's my favorite theater in the city. Fringe Festival aside, the Exit has almost singlehandedly propped up small theater companies in SF. BRAVO!!!!! read more

This was my first time here to see a solo performance. After years of seeing the theater from across the street at Pandora, I finally got here. I did not know there were multiple small individual theaters and that there are multiple performances going on. I like it and will come back. I like how up close and intimate the performance was. read more

EXIT Theatre - This is a mural on the wall at Exit Theater.. - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

I saw Blues for Charles. It was so good I had to go back and see it a second time. A gripping tale about the Filmore, family, murder and reconciliation. Thank you Exit Theatre for providing such support for writers, performers and the theatre going public. read more