Intersection's recent move, from Valencia Street to downtown's Chronicle building, finds them becoming "Intersection 5M", a collaboration of groups in nearby spaces, all working to create social change. Or something like that. I recently attended the new Intersection for the culmination of a storytelling class where each student was showcased on stage for their 10 minutes of fame. Lots of fun for both the students and the audience in this comfortably informal environment. Intersection feels like the red-headed stepchild of "Yerba Buena Center for the Arts" and "The Marsh". Their programming is YBCA-lite, offering simlar artsy fare on a smaller scale and budget. They move into Marsh territory by sprinkling in a few classes and providing a venue that still gives you no reason to dress up for your big night out. I've enjoyed the events I've attended at Intersection but, like YBCA, I infrequently find anything amongst their programming that compels me to attend. Lucky for them, that doesn't seem to matter. They've been around for more than 40 years now, even weathering the recent economic woes which laid to rest many other well-established arts organizations. If there's an offering that appeals, keep 'em around for another 40+, and go check out Intersection. read more

Last night I went to Intersection for the Arts' annual auction to see if I could score any pieces by big shot local artists. There were some amazing deals on art by folks like Matt Gonzalez and Andrew Shoultz, and Intersection doesn't attract a huge bidding crowd, so it's the place to be once a year. It turns my friend is a compulsive bidder, as in, I need to send him to Bidders Anonymous. I may not though, just because it was so much fun following someone around who will throw down a few hundos for cool pieces. The live auction part was my fave -- he almost got a piece by Binh Danh for a steal! I've only been to Intersection for the Arts a couple of times, but the place has a distinct chill vibe with absolutely no pretension. They seem to be really devoted to addressing the issues of their neighborhood too. I went to see a play there through their Prison Project, and while not amazing, it was admirable. With a black box theater and a gallery space upstairs, rotating plays and art shows, it's a place I'll return to again, fo shizzle. read more

Went there again for "In My Corner", a one man show by Joe Orrach. Got a good seat this time with my girl Danielle S., who actually got to see the entire show this time. She missed the first half of Fuku Americanas last time b/c she was looking for parking. Solution? Simple. We parked on Market at Guerrero and cabbed it over there for $7. Totally worth missing the headache of finding parking in this mission. Joe literally ripped his coming of age story out and threw it down right there on the grey cement painted floor, narrating the story of his Puerto Rican upbringing and boxing days and then later his move onto the stage as a tap dancer and performer. Watch out for the show in New York and LA soon. They're taking it on the road. Another masterpiece from the talented artists and performers associated with Intersection. I'm never disappointed. read more

What an awesome place! I have lived in SF for almost 20 years and am always pleasantly surprised to stumble upon yet another great local theater and arts space. Again, just awesome. A friend of our took us to see Jessica Hagedorn's Fe in the Desert and it was just wonderful. The vibe, community projects and top-notch offerings make this a great San Francisco community organization. So, get off your butts and support the local arts scene! read more

They've been around for more than 40 years which is like a voodoo magic sleeping with jesus miracle for a non-profit arts org. & here's the cool part: i mean, it's an old organization, they've been around, but every thing they do feels NEW (new like i don't even know what this is cause i've never seen anything like it but goddamn i like it new, you know?) This place is amazing: if you want some art--& i mean any kind of art--go here cause they're doing it. Gallery, literary, jazz, dance, hybrid--& one of the best theater companies performing new work around (campo santo). read more

Intersection is more than just the best arts space I've ever been in. It's more than a community of brilliant multi-disciplinary artists. It really is a family. I'm not always comfortable with what I see there, but I'm always inspired to be a better part of my community, and inspired to bring more people to see what Intersection is all about. And always be sure to show up early for shows (and get tickets ahead of time when possible) as shows almost always sell out, and the doors will close when the show starts! read more

I have now been to two events here and feel good enough about both of them that I want to give back a couple cents. If it wasn't for my close friend who is very connected to this organization, I probably wouldn't be as interested in going to events. Now that I've been to a couple that I have truly enjoyed, I will continue to explore what else they have going on. The Art Auction was fantastic. They were very organized in both the silent auction as well as the live auction. The live auction was entertaining and smooth. At the party downstairs, they had an unlimited variety of red and white wine (thanks for the Pino Grigio), whole bottles of water, good o'durves (they kept the serving plates and my tummy full). My only concerns would be the air circulation because I get dizzy when it's too warm and stuffy in small rooms. I also wish I had bid a little higher on that one piece of art last Friday. Thanks Intersection and thanks to my friend as well. read more

Great space for showing local talent with a mission statement that really makes this gallery part of the community. Staff is outstanding with insight about each artist they represent. Impressive talent is found here with realistic prices, some below what I would expected them to be sold for. I collect and will be back. read more

I hate to be harsh but damn. sometimes its gotta be done. I went to my first show at intersection, all pert and eager, even taking my mom in tow who was visiting from out of town. I recently moved to sf (having lived in nyc and oakland before) and had heard of intersection. So my mom and i walk up thinking we're there for a group reading that a friend told me about; turns out we're a night late, but there's a performance going on, a group show of singer songwriters. We shrug and say what they hey, were here, lets see us some music. Now before I go further let me tell you this cost us $15 a pop. Turns out we were WRONG thinking we were there for a performance. Turns out we walked into a recital. Like a personal class recital where your family and friends show up and give you an A for effort. Like we were the only people there not previously acquainted with these singersongwriters. Like they should not have been charging us $15; like they could have given us $ to sit there and look pleasant. Like there were actually a couple times I had to stare very hard at the program in my lap not to burst out giggling. This was, essentially, free coffee shop material. But this is *not* a review of the people performing that night - really. I give them props for pursuing their creative interests and trying to develop their work. I work on my own brand of art, so I know its hard work. This *is* a review of Intersection, though, which should be curating its space. When I show up at an arts space, and pay good $ to be allowed entrance, I expect in return some modicum of curation (that's not a word is it) and editorial voice as to what I'll be sitting through. It would have been ok if the quality was middling and just not my thing. But this wasn't even close. I would have asked for our $ back, if the person at the door were not part of the show. I'm sure I'll go again, and I want to love the place, but not without seriously vetting the program first. read more

Another one of the Mission's great spots. The Campo Santo (?) adaptation of Dave Egger's 'And You Shall Know Our Velocity' (a few years back) was hysterical, well-acted & faithful to the novel. was neat to see Eggers in attendance that evening. a recent poetry reading I checked out with Lady N. (her friend was one of the poets) featured several terrific readings, most notably by Genny Lim and Octavio Solis and one funny-ass Hooters anecdote told by Prince Gomovilas. i never knew spoken word could be so inspiring, humbling and entertaining. agreeing with the other reviewers--support this place! read more

Intersection never fails to please. I have seen s short-film project screening, an art exhibit opening and now a new play here and enjoyed each one tremendously. The space is small and intimate and the amount of new works they put out is amazing. Definitely check them out when you are itching for some good art or theater, I recommend getting on the email list so you find out about all they have to offer. read more

What a wonderful space. Seats for 60 or so and you realy feel like you are a part of the performance. I saw Hamlet: Blood in the Brain, and it was an excellent play. Bravo, Instersction, Bravo! read more

Intersection is fantastic - you want to go somewhere where you'll be guaranteed a visceral and powerful experience? Check it out. Campo Santo works with incredible writers and artists - the names of which you might find in multicultural theatre college texts - it's a place where creativity is burgeoning, and where you might not always feel comfortable, but you'll always leave with faith that the artists still have a voice. I haven't been for the jazz or gallery, but I hear that they are great too - and I'm going to have to check it out! read more

So outside of the great art and theater that Intersection has to offer, I wanted to write a review from the angle of what an awesome coworking space it's been for me. I recently started using the space at IFTA for my work at a startup consulting firm, and I love it for a bunch of reasons. Really spacious, quiet enough to focus and concentrate, interesting things going on, plus there's WiFi, outlets and coffee. Not to mention it's just a great locale for startups in general as you can mingle with a bunch of interesting orgs right across the hallway at the Impact HUB. Great space to be productive with lots of interesting things going on. There are definitely some cons, like when events are happening it shrinks the amount of space available to work in, and during non-event times it's almost too quiet in there, but I really can't complain because I love seeing the setup for events and I don't mind the quiet (especially considering the noise and distractions in many other coworking spaces). So I highly recommend it!! read more

Right. So, I'm biased. But who isn't? About anything? (OK, the "independent counsel" supposedly is, but I go back to my belief that we are all subjective creatures and that everything affects everything -- now back to my review). This is SF's oldest alternative art space, and is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary year. What are you interested in? Because chances are Intersection offers programming/events that will entice you, and hook you into coming back for more.... Intersection has a resident theater company, Campo Santo, a gallery, jazz series, and literary series. If you are into small nonprofit art organizations you should know about Intersection. Check it out: http://www.theintersection.org. read more

My Home away from home for 10 years. The Gallery, The Jazz, the Literary series, Theatre, Dance, Community. Part of the Heart and Soul of the city. read more

Intersection for the Arts is, hands down, one of the best arts spaces in the country. With activities in every corner of the building, almost every day of the week, the place never truly shuts down. Still, the caliber of artistry never falters. Great theater pieces, astounding work in the gallery, like that from up and coming visual artist Evan Bissell and an uncompromising dedication to young artists everywhere, make Intersection the Stellar organization we've loved in the Mission district for over 40 years. Don't just visit the space, donate and volunteer. read more

I saw a great play here a year ago and remember loving this space. I am just itching to go back now that I moved close by. No Mission local (or anyone living in the Bay ARea for that matter) should miss it -- They have jazz, art, and fantastic theater all at this venue on Valencia between 15th and 16th street. The space is intimate but not too intimate and they had an amazing run of Hamlet: Blood in the Brain earlier this month. Check check it out.... read more

A fantastic venue for the latest in theatre, visual arts and poetry happening under one roof. Also a great Jazz venue. There is always a deep wellspring of work happening in that joint! They are also at the vanguard of the most thrilling political theatre and art events. read more

Disappointing! I live in San Jose, so coming to "The City" is always an adventure and an ordeal. After the fun of driving to Fremont, taking two Bart trains, and arriving just a little bit late, I find a pair of locked doors and a sign saying "doors are locked at 8:00pm." Wonderful! I am not alone, there is another girl who is calling the phone number desperately to no avail. Surely I understand the respect that must be paid to performing artists, my father was one of them that night. I have seen many theaters that would wait for an appropriate time to accommodate guests, but never one that would outright bar them from entry and go out of their way to ignore them. So okay; fair enough. I decide to wait, perhaps for an intermission, a smoker getting some air, something. 90 minutes pass, night continues, hope decreases. All in all, I am down $17 for my "true value" ticket, $11 for my bart trip, $9 for comfort-food pupusas, along with gas and 6 hours of valuable Sunday time. For my $37, I got a 72-pt font sign made in Microsoft Word and delicious pupusas. While I admit, some fault is my own for not arriving earlier, the end result is sorely disappointed customer and supporter of the arts! There are many good reasons to brave journey to "The City" but Intersection sadly will never be one of mine. read more

Great performances. Just saw Angry Black White Boy -- awesome! So great!

I wish there were more black box spaces like Intersection for the Arts in San Francisco. It's a small theater which hosts world-class entertainers. I recently say Joe Orrach's "In My Corner" there and was impressed, not only by his talent, but also by the venue and their ability to calmly seat a packed house. Since the space is sparce, the performers are given the unique opportunity to shine with their talents, free of distractions. It's pretty much the audience, the performer and the piece. We need more of this in an age where superficial elements play such a large part in an entertainer's merit. read more

I've only been to Intersection twice since I moved here, but both experiences have been fantastic. I second Jasmin's raves about Angry Black White Boy, which has now been extended through 11/23. The production is performed by an amazing team of actors/dancers/musicians/choreographers and is so far the best display of politically-charged (and poetic) hip-hop theatre that I've seen. Kudos to the cast and crew, and kudos to Intersection for their awesome artistic programs and venue organization. read more

Intersection for the Arts is an incredible organization. Not only does it produce consistently interesting productions, but it also supports and develops artists and new works. It's been around for a long time, yet it remains fresh and alive. That in itself is amazing. This place is one of the hidden artistic treasures of San Francisco. If you haven't been, then please check it out, you'll be glad you did!!! read more

If you love art, love seeing it, watching, being apart of it, come to this place! It's amazing because they always come out with something different for everyone! Enjoy a show and support this place! read more

I look forward every year to Intersections resident Theater Company Campo Santo. Their plays are an exploration of the human condition situated in tragic events. Plays such as Blood in the Brain by Naomi Iizuka and The Ballad of Poncho and Lucy by Octovio Solis have been extraordinary Theater, and will become legendary to Bay Area Theater. They are truly a gift to Bay Area cultural and should never be missed. read more

This place was horrific. I went there to watch a show, Angry Black White Boy which was recommended to me by the performer's sister. I bought tickets to the show way in advanced from Brown Paper Tickets. When I got there, the theater was oversold, all the seats were gone and the ticket person had the audacity to advise me to sit on the steps...ummmm, no. I guess the owner saw the disappointment on my face and pulled up 2 folding chairs to have us sit in back by the door. The view sucked as there were heads in the way. When I asked for my refund, the same girl who offered me to sit on the steps, actually gave me an attitude and said "well, it is first come first serve basis". As if it was my fault for not showing up earlier. You would think prepaid tickets would guarantee you a seat, but not at this place. read more

Update! AUGUST 2009 Joe Orrach is back with his entertaining and moving tale "In My Corner." He has updated the show and it is better than ever. Bursting with life and energy from this wonderful performer it is a one of a kind, not to be missed experience. He brilliantly pulls you into the story of his life as the child of an Italian Mom and Puerto Rican Dad and throws in the elements of boxing, dance and music. Many who see the show will be reminded a bit of their own experiences of asking the age old question "please your parents/family or yourself???" How do you get where you want to be and not lose some important values? Joe will take you down that road and shine a light at the end of the tunnel. Get there before it ends ...through August 16th, 2009. info at joeorrach.com My 5 BIG STARS are for the one man show "In My Corner" featuring Joe Orrach. Kudos to Intersection for the Arts for bringing this production to us. I saw it a few days ago and it still is in my mind. What a powerful performance by this brilliant actor, dancer, singer and writer as he presents his life story. Accompanied by an instrumental quartet Orrach takes us through his life beginning at the age of 8, when his family left the Bronx for Long Island, to age 22, when Orrach was kicked out of the Air Force and traded his boxing gloves for tap dance shoes. I was amazed by his many talents. He has danced with the best of them (Gregory Hines) and appeared in films (Woody Allen) and theatrical works (Teatro Zinzanni) just to name a few. But this show is all about family, feelings and the heart of this beautiful man who is now a part of San Francisco and we are so lucky to have him. BRAVO! The show ends on 9/14/2008, so get there, you will be thankful you did. read more

This place is wonderful!! Innovative, original works: I became a member just so that could see all the show with out worrying about being sold out and to have with excellent seating. I saw Angry White Black Boy and it was fantastic. If you are not a member, I suggest Reserve tickets! Seating is limited and they sometimes sell out. I've seen theater and music here. It's a good venue for both, as the audience sits close to the performers, with good views for all. The best part of this place is the programming. Good stuff! Names you've heard of and names unfamiliar ... they've all been good for me. read more