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

I really appreciate this theatre. I gave it four stars, because this place is more of a presenter and venue than a performance company. As a result, the shows really vary in quality. That being said, I give it it ten stars for supporting local theatre companies. This theatre is one of the essential supporters of fringe theatre in San Francisco. Every September they produce the San Francisco Fringe Festival, a terrific and extremely affordable way to see a lot of theatre in a short period! There are four perfomances spaces under the Exit Theatre umbrella, so you need to check out their website and see what's playing and where. But if your looking to take a risk and see something new at an affordable ticket price, check it out! read more

Cool little black box theatre with a few different small performance spaces in it. The neighborhood is... the Tenderloin, but we were lucky enough to find some free street parking around the corner which you certainly don't get in many other neighborhoods. We'd come back for some more experimental theatre! read more

I watched "7 Sins" with two friends in February. The performance was surprisingly good for a theater that looked, well ... not so great. The EXIT is in a shady part of town so be careful. We definitely cabbed it there and back and I would recommend that. The theater itself is tiny and there are some seats in the front reserved for "VIPs" or people who paid twice as much to watch the same show as you from 5 feet closer than where you are sitting. We got the next row behind the VIP seating and we didn't miss a thing. The theater is such a hidden gem and it's worth supporting. read more

I attended the Zombie! A New Musical. The actors had amazing voices to go along with their acting skills. I definitely admired their versatile talents. The rooms were "intimate", to be put it nicely. Actually, it was really cramped where I was sitting. EXIT Theatre gives you the alternative theatre experience and would go back. Don't walk in and out of that area alone! read more

What a cool little theater / 3 theaters... I loved the show we saw, and liked the cozy family style presentation of the overall venue. I loved being able to buy ice-cream cookies and beers out of a cart... read more

Saw "Jurassic Ark" here on Friday night. I'm from the East Bay, so I never really get to see too much in the way of performing arts. This place was pretty cozy and inviting! I would certainly recommend coming here if you get the chance. read more

I had the privelage of performing at The Exit in December. I'm a fan of black box theatres and this a great little one. There are 3 theatres in there, The Exit, Exit Stage Left, and Exit Cafe (I think thats the name). I performed in The Exit and loved the intimate setting and caberet like setting. You can order drinks before the show and sip while you watch, which is a rare. The Exit hosts a lot of new or experimental shows which is great for newcomers and playwrights getting off the ground. You can find some really great shows here. I definitely recommend checking it out. read more

The theatre is intimate, accessible, and convenient to public transportation. On 11/10/07 I saw the closing performance of "Mathew 33:06" and found the show engaging, thought provoking and the acting powerful and believable. This the the quality that deserves to be seen on Broadway and a real gem for our city. I will definitely be going back to the Exit Theatre in future. Theatre is alive and well in San Francisco. read more

My date and I went to see the EXIT Theatre's version of Proof last night. I wasn't sure what to expect, but all four actors were AMAZING. Proof itself already had so many different levels to it, but the actors playing the roles definitely gave it more depth and drew you into the characters themselves- so much so that we left emotionally exhausted, yet satisfied. The actual theatre was clean and had a small food offering if hunger showed up. The staff were friendly and we got lollipops =) Yay! Great experience-- they show more than one play at a time, so I'm already planning my next trip back! read more

Any venue that allows the space for creativity and art to be created and/or performed I will always support.

I love the EXIT. It's in my neighborhood and there's always a ton of stuff going on there. They've breathed life into the Fringe Festival for such a long time, and I just wanted to write something in appreciation. The Exit Theatre is a great San Francisco institution now. read more

Exit Theatre hosts the 2007 San Francisco Fringe Festival with 38 productions! Theater goers have been enjoying this fun and eccentric production ranging from musical theater with high doses of crazy , uncensored antics to comical shows spanning a zany universe! What makes this even more interesting is the intimate set of the small theaters incorporating the audience into full participation through their reactions and laughter. What makes it even more unconventional is the ability for you to bring food and drinks during the show- tables abound to set those plates and glasses. SO how do you know if the person you are dating is completely into you or not? Sure they call you and ask you how you are doing, go out to dinner movies etc... but how do they really feel about you? Here's a spin- don't wait till next year- find a play that speaks volumes of what you've been wanting to KNOW- for instance- "IF the world gets swallowed up by a black hole tomorrow, What would you do in those remaining hours? This was the premise of the play I saw last night- with my date in tow. Given this venue to finally ask what I've been wanting to know- the play answered it through many paradigms- that covered the importance of those few hours, what they truly mean and with whom you would cherish to spend it with. Without having to dispel the content of the play-, I'm sure you can come up with a few thoughts on own- my favorite one was the reporter arduously at work- STILL presenting the news (ala Cooper Anderson)- finally giving up the stoic heroic antics for "I love u's" to his family- ON LIVE TV (which I'm sure would have been a top rated youtube video clip)! I'm not sure whether the play ended on a happy note or not- but I did get to pose that very same question last night- I won't say what he said- but it did put a really big smile on my face. That was the happy ending to the play! PS- Find the answer to your question tonight- here are some of those plays to choose from: (Please note that some plays may not be at the Exit- check posting for location) Company/Performer ---------- Show Title Victoria Doggett -- Kiss My Booth Live Evil -- Heavy Metal Playground Homeboy Liquors Productions -- The Stetson Manefesto Deep Sea Divers -- You Go First Stevie Lee Saxon -- Korean Badass Kim Harmon -- parts is parts: Comedy on the Square -- Frisco Fred's Cabaret! The Drama Mamas -- Low Hanging Fruit Kurt Bodden -- Class Notes UpMarket Productions -- RM3 Dona Budd -- Terrible Voice mugwumpin -- Tesla's White Pigeon tba* -- 1 Quandary Place Terri Tate -- Shopping as a Spiritual Path Amy Tobin -- Organic Boxed Chicken Stock U.S. Theatre Companies inFluxdance -- Found and Lost: Goals for 2002 AHOLE-TV -- TeleMongol The Nonsense Company -- Great Hymn of Thanksgiving / Conversation Storm Wild Child Presents -- Her Kind: The Life & Poetry of Anne Sexton Yellow Taxi Productions/Steven Henegar -- A Strange Black Passion Truth & Lies Prods -- Embarrassment & Death Courtney McLean -- Super Glossy! Rick Huddle -- Border Crossings Cody Daigle -- Abundance Noel Williams -- Party of One International Theatre Companies The Chaos Factory and The Quickening Theatre -- The Children's Museum Silk Purse Productions -- The Falls of Vincent Millay Matt Panesh -- Monkey Poet Stand-Up! Emily Morwen -- Spotless Robert Hawke -- Fuck You Cancer Non-Traditional Venues Steven Karwoski -- Adventures of a Substitute Teacher RIPE Theatre -- & billions more Rising Phoenix Theatre Co. -- Barroom Philosophers SF Buffoons -- The Hashheesh Eater Soft Shell Cab Prods. -- i hate my friends Banana Bag & Bodice -- The Sewers foolsFURY Theater -- Turn of the Screw H. R. Britton -- Jesus Rant read more

i had the distinct pleasure of seeing chemical imbalance at exit theatre last night, and feel compelled to give the place five stars for the following reasons: -the theatre in which we saw chemical imbalance (they have two of them, as many have already noted), is small enough to feel intimate, but not so small as to feel claustraphobic, or as though i was watching a play in someone's basement. -you can bring food and beverages into the theater. which means that you can drink a beer and stuff your face while enjoying the show. be careful, however, that you don't spray beer out of your mouth while laughing, because chemical imbalance was one funny play, and nobody likes beer spraying from the mouth of the person sitting next to them. especially while out at the theatre. -the cafe had a variety of food and drink at exceedingly reasonable prices. they have a variety of beer ($3-4), some wine ($3.50), and a lovely selection of food for $5 or under. i had the brie, bread & fruit plate, and they were NOT stingy with the cheese, let me tell you. -the people running the place were quite pleasant and seemed to enjoy what they were doing. -if chemical imbalance is any indicator, their repertoire is certainly of a high, and unique, caliber. i'm definitely interested in checking out their other plays in the future. the only drawback was the neighborhood, as others have mentioned. it was a bit of a crackhead gauntlet from the corner of mason & eddy to the theater, but the place isn't so deep in the 'loin that you wouldn't be able to run to safety from a rampaging crackie if you needed to.., read more

This is for the Stage Left venue, specifically: I've seen several shows in this cute little space, and I'm a definite fan. It's an intimate black box, which already scores points with me. The decor is cozy and simple, and the variety of content that goes up here is wonderful. Keep doin' what you're doin', Exit! read more

Burlesque show... AMAZING, FUN, worth seeing again. Great entertainment. Cute theatre. Can't wait to go again.

7 Sins was not very good but we liked the theatre. "Running the Gauntlet" is not much fun as you walk down the street to get to the theatre..oh well. read more

Be warned....the front row will get wet. They should have told us that when we sat in those prime seats in the front row of the theater. It was a very interactive experience when the blood splatter landed on my jeans. I wasn't bothered by this at all! I thought it was awesome....especially when during intermission they offered me a towel and cleaner to clean myself up. Beer and pretzels in the front row? Any day please! They have bread and brie and snacky food you can enjoy while watching the show. Its a cute little theater nestled into the heart of the Tenderloin. If you can, walk there with a gentleman in tow, you will feel safer walking in, and make him feel like the luckiest guy in the world. Only if its with me and my +1 of course. Thank you Yelp for this amazing opportunity to visit a theater I don't think i would have ever thought of visiting. Chemical Imbalance was a fantastic performance, a well written take on the Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde story, and a great way to spend my Thursday night. Being Elite has it's privileges for sure.... Edit: upon further review....why did i give it 4 stars? it was 5 star worthy for sure. sorry for the snap judgement...i wrote it half drunk. Cuz you served me beer!!! read more

Saw another great production at the EXIT Theatre last week: "I'm Yours, or Deranged by Love." LOVED IT and I highly recommend it to all. It's sort of a dramatic romantic comedy based loosely on Don Quixote (I know that concept may be difficult to grasp), but it comes together very well and the actors keep you entertained every minute. read more

a great little theater COMPLEX, multiple shows and sizes. A great little magic show on for another couple weeks, Obscura, by Christian Cagigal...not like anything you have seen before! Be there soon or miss ALL the fun with the cool kids! Not all shows are kid friendly, but they have good info on their site and some fun shows through the year. read more

Don't let its Tenderloin location fool you. The Exit theatre is a great place to perform and a great place to watch your favorite play or act. Having done my own sound for years, I appreciated the professional and helpful approach the staff took to helping us sell out our show there. Another theater I was looking at was not willing to put a link to our show on their website, but the Exit Theatre has a much more helpful attitude, and they were great to work with. If you are looking for a place put on your show, you won't go wrong with the Exit Theatre in San Francisco. read more

Thomas Pain (based on nothing), a Pulitzer Prize-nominated screenplay by Will Enos, was brilliantly performed by Jonathan Bock. Now Through April 5, 2009. You are taken on an incredible journey visiting all the emotions known to the human specimen. Joy laughter, jolting fear, tearful sadness, etc. WOW! Quite a roller coaster of thought-provoking contemplation. If you appreciate small intimate settings involving "start-up" theatre with top-notch performers, please do youself a BIG favor and go see this one-hour+ one-man show. Bravo, Jonathan. read more

Cool spot to perform in. Love the little cafe. The woman running it is a sweetie and made a fun Swiss miss based mocha for me that made me feel like I was in Tahoe. read more

I also attended the Elite Event showing of "Chemical Imbalance" and the experience was delightful. It was a nice intimate setting with comfy chairs and plenty of leg room. The only thing that made the experience a little uncomfortable was the lack of A/C or some sort of ventilation. It does get pretty stuff after a few minutes. I would surely consider coming back for another show here. read more

Gotta love the EXIT. They've been around forever and are a host to the SF Fringe which brings in companies from all over the country. They've got 4 different spaces, so if'you're seeing a show, know which theatre space it is - but if you don't know ask Richard, he's almost always there. And meet Christina - she's pretty much THE DIVA of SF, second in line would be Sean Owens. read more

Yes, I'm writing this review as a "theatre person" - whatever the hell that means. This place deserves its due. Yes, the neighborhood is grimy. You will always smell a combo of urine and fried chicken as you walk from the Powell BART down Eddy to get there. Yes, there's usually someone passed out on the street, someone else yelling to no one, and, if you're a woman, someone making a comment on your ass, even if you're dressed in a mumu. Yes, the theatre doesn't necessarily have air conditioning. But man, is this place a gift to every experimental or small or fringe or whatever you want to call it theatre artist that comes to San Francisco. Not only have Richard and Christina (the people who've been running this space for over 30 years) made the SF Fringe Fest possible and available to international, local, and upcoming artists alike, and not only have they nurtured great art and great audiences within their own community, but every small company in San Francisco has performed in at least one of their spaces (the Exit Theatre, the Exit Stage Left, and the Exit Cafe are all at 156 Eddy - if you go around the corner to Taylor, there's the Exit on Taylor). Many of these companies could not have survived without the support that these two amazing people provided (and continue to provide) and so many of us consider the Exit our artistic home - where there's room to try anything, be anything, and truly GROW as theatre makers. And yes, the ticket prices are always reasonable. The choices at each theatre are so varied and diverse and exciting. Besides the Fringe Fest., there's a DIVA Fest. in the spring (and occasionally, they'll still do an Absurdist Fest. - which is where it all began). And who can criticize a theatre where you can eat and drink while you watch the shows? The Exit is the heart and soul of the San Francisco theatre scene. If you haven't been, well, dammit, go! read more

Wish I could remember to go to the San FranFringe Festival one-person plays more often because it's really worth the creative energy flows and low cost to see something that may eventually be picked up for twice the price on off-off Broadway in New York...seriously folks...even if ya don't have the bucks...ask the FringeFest if you could even volunteer in exchange for some tix. Don't know why I miss the dates ...damn...work has got me too busy for the REAL life fun...or is it that SanFran is soo filled with transients that my acquaintences are moving away faster than you can say real estate bubble burst...rich bastards..AND fat bastard...like Austin Powers said...someone stole my mojo. read more

Visited Exit Theatre for the first time last Saturday....what a great place! No snooty Berkely Rep pretentious nonsense here-just in your face theatre. Walk in, get a beer (everything at completely reasonable prices!)...carry it in and sit down in your seat and spill it all over yourself if you like...no worries....the show goes on! The play we saw was um, ok.....too esoteric for our tastes ("Tutor-Enter The Exclave"), but the venue was fun, the acting was excellent, the bathroom nice (!!!) and hey.....my son did the lighting and designed/built the puppet....so it's all good. Will definitely be back....this is theatre reasonable....by the people, for the people, with the people....love it. And the neighborhood is a gas too. What's not to like for $20. a seat? read more

I came all the way from Oakland today for a show and because of a BART delay got to the theater three minutes after the show shart. They refused to seat us AND they refused to refund our money. BAD policy if they want return customers. I will never ever go to see anything there again. read more

Come for the absurdist sketch comedy and stay for the cheap beer in the cafe at intermission.

Caught the end of the Fringe Fest, a thoughtful and utterly strange play called "Tesla's White Pigeons". Mad shouts to any venue that brings in independent theater to town for affordable ticket prices. Places like the Exit foster true community. read more

Great place to see low-key, off-beat plays. rock on.

Great play to see--Zombie Town, debuting October 9th. I think it only plays for another week or so. It wasn't scary, just funny. Very unique. A handful of actors played multiple parts, which was unique. I loved the female actress the best. Without her, the play wouldn't have been nearly as good. She has talent! Friendly staff & set is very quaint, up close & personal. The food is unbelievably inexpensive. The only drawback of the place is that it is stuffy inside & very cramped. I went to the Exit Left Theatre. read more

Saw the Harold Improv group here- it was pretty great! The venue is quite small and intimate and the cafe was very reasonably priced. It's not so far in to the tenderloin as to be scary read more

I love this theatre! There are actually 3 different stages in one space, with one stage in the café area and the other two as 2 intimate theatre spaces. The food in the café was absolutely delicious and not something I would have ever considered, given its location in one of the scummiest parts of town), and incredible productions. Great wine, great theatre and very reasonable prices. My only reason for not giving it 5 stars is that it is in one of the THE diciest parts of town, and certainly would not go there without a large group of friends. read more

This is the best fringe theater in SF, bar none. They host a steady run of amazing work, as well as the annual non-juried San Francisco Fringe Festival. The Exit is well worth your time. read more

Walking into The Exit is like walking into the Land of Oz after the tornado. Brave the mayhem of the Tenderloin and Eddy street and find yourself in a beautifully decorated, magical realm full of amazing artwork, three sweet theaters, a staff that is off-the-chart helpful and kind. I have been there as a patron and as a performer and it is truly a safe haven where creativity flourishes. read more

Get tickets for the extended run of "Tenderloin" ASAP. This moving world-premier play about a neighborhood in San Francisco is not to be missed! You can travel to New York or London for fancier theaters, but you won't find better acting or directing anywhere. read more

mayhem, murder, good vs evil chemical imbalance at the exit support your local theatre! if there ever was a destination in the tenderloin, exit theatre just might be it. this is a nice little sweet theatre. i came here and watched chemical imbalance here recently. thanks, yelp! for my complete review on chemical imbalance, click this link http://www.yelp.com/biz/pV0oM1wRYujHbVy5S2N7dg?hrid=aWV-HNlzoeoxtOfa-_TWyw anyway, there's really not a bad seat in the house. i sat in the very last row and was able to watch and listen to everything. sweet! i like that about small theatres. finally, it appears that there are several plays going on at once. so perhaps you can buy one ticket and watch multiple shows? you know, like you did it in high school. come on. confess. i know some of you did it... um, actually, on second thought, don't do it. screwing hollywood and megaplex is one thing, but do not screw small local theatres. they are a treasure to our community. so support your local theatres! read more

We just saw The Laramie Project and it was extraordinary. Sell out crowd tonight, April 14. We drove up from Silicon Valley and it was well worth the trip. Stellar performances moved me to tears more than once. Standing O at the end well deserved. Don't miss it! read more