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San Francisco, CA

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Shelton Theater

4.1 (129 reviews)
Closed • 7:00 pm - 9:30 PM

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Angela F. W.

First time at the Shelton Theater and was low key impressed. Came here for a Cheaper than Therapy standup comedy show and had a great time. I've been to Cobbs and the Punchline many times so I was surprised that I had not heard of this place. We got tickets for the wrong day and the show was sold out the night we came. I managed to charm the ticket lady and the manager to let us in. Good customer service right there. The inside has different levels with cool historic vibes. There were also two bars. The lineup of the night was pretty great. I enjoyed all the comedians especially this Asian guy from Hawaii. Highly recommend coming here for a show!

Cheaper Than Therapy entrance
Annabelle R.

I was pleasantly surprised by this theater, which hosts Secret Improv Society (comedic improvisation) and Cheaper Than Therapy (stand up comedy) regularly, as well as a few other events it looks like. I was initially confused about where to go for  our particular show (Secret Improv Society) as we were given very little instructions when we entered. There are small signs, but also multiple levels and multiple doors in this venue, and the signs are easy to miss. They had two bars serving drinks on a Saturday night, a nice selection of delicious specialty cocktails on the menu (I especially liked When Life Gives You Lemons, with the starburst- infused vodka). The lower level, where the auditoriums are, has an awesome lounge space as the waiting area, with a lot of character, quirky decor and seating, cool art, and even a piano. And of course the bar in the middle, with friendly bar staff (even if they're not the fastest). Doors to the auditoriums open around the same time, near showtime, and it's open seating. Facing the bar, the door to the right (Main Stage) is the entrance to Cheaper Than Therapy, the door to the left (Cabaret Stage) is the entrance to Secret Improv Society. I only attended the latter, but it was an amazing show, with great audience participation. There was even a kid (possibly a tween) who went on stage for one of the bits, so I guess they don't have an age limit here. The performers for the show were very entertaining, and the staff at this venue were overall helpful if you have any questions. The auditoriums are small and simple, not meant to hold large crowds, but just perfect for a fun intimate event.

the main bathroom

Dirty, run down, neglected interiors with absolutely disgusting bathrooms (with no trash cans, only giant recycling cans...so unsanitary for ladies), rude box office staff, and bartenders who don't ID *anyone*. Scary upstairs with unmarked bathrooms that they ask you not to lock behind you (how unsafe and scary for women). Bad vibes only from the space and staff.

Annie Warbucks
Michael T.

This was my fist time at this theater and I had a good time. My wife coworker was preforming in the play so that made it extra special. I saw Annie Warbucks and I thought they put on a really good play. One of the lead actors (I don't remember her name unfortunately) was amazing! The venue itself is a small privately owned theater. It's not modern in any way but its a cute little theater. They has a small concession stand with snacks and drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). The bathrooms were clean. All the employees were friendly and helpful. I would come back.

Noemi M.

Amazing spot!!! Great little theater very intimate loved the Adams family, comfy seats they also have a vending area with candy, candy bars, freshly made popcorn and cans of variety of sodas and drinks. It's on the second floor the stairs are high however they have an elevator. Two bathrooms on the first floor very clean and there is a beautiful bar on the first floor also. We had a blasted great night.

Porsche C.

I never knew this place existed!! The Shelton Theater is a non-profit organization and has been a part of the San Francisco theater scene since 1993. The theater is an extension of the Shelton Studios which has been creating, supporting, and nurturing artists in the Bay Area since 1961. I came to watch the Fou Fou HA! Whoa-Man! A Musical on November 20th, 2015 from 8-930.I bought tickets from Groupon FOR $22.50 which was much cheaper than buying them from http://www.eventbrite.com where tickets were $35.00. SEATING: Stage left has 74 seats and stage right has 60 seats. The stage is very close up and intimate but fills up VERY quickly so get there early if you want good seating. PARKING: The Sutter/Stockton garage is close and reasonable. Street parking is free after 6pm. Pay close attention to all signs on the street. I was able to find parking near Union Square. BARS: There are two full bars located on eat of the floors. They have a list of drinks on the wall as well as pricing that makes it really convenient. ABOUT THE SHOW: Fou Fou Ha is an ensemble of animated performers who thrill audiences with over the top shows filled with Circus antics, jaw-dropping dance numbers to high-energy music and audience interactive playfulness. They are a family of enticing, colorful, sexy performers, each owning a unique character and color that celebrates individuality and unabashed human expression. The musical "Whoa-Man" is a satirical look at the lives of four women and the tortures in trying to find "perfection" in a modern world. A story only clowns could tell. Whoa-Man enters the lives of 4 women living in present day, each one searching for love via online dating mishaps and grappling with sexuality, power, body image and self-worth. The show, filled with sexy dance numbers and live singing, will riff off of current pop-culture frameworks such as 50-Shades of Grey and Lean-In and take a clown's perspective on the unrealistic expectations that we set on women. This show definitely left me wanting more. I laughed and sang at Fou Fou Ha's "Whoa-Man: A Musical" the whole 1hr and half of the show. The cast includes Jasper Patterson of the New Eccentrics, Bobby Barnaby of SF Boylesque, Allegra Misonznick-Davidson, Amelia Van Brunt, Courtney Cavagnero, Janelle La Riza, Lucas Reshi and Dyon Lain. Conceived, choreographed and directed by Maya Lane, with original acts and costume design by the cast.

Terri N.

The Shelton Theater was a seriously cool find in SF, thanks to Goldstar! We got last minute half-price tickets to God of Carnage on a Friday night. The theater is an easy (though slightly uphill) walk from the Powell St. BART station, and is surrounded by endless restaurant choices for pre-show dining. Keep an eye out for the simple black and white awning - this is a seriously small and cozy theater, don't be hunting for epic neon. There are 2-3 theater spaces inside, our show was in the downstairs theater which I believe sat around 75 people. Our program was our ticket, and there is a SUPERCOOL bar space downstairs outside the theater door to wait for your door to open. Limited options but everyone will be happy. I had a decent Chardonnay, BF had an Anchor Steam beer, and I saw Mexican Coke on the menu as well - way cool! The entire bar area is dimly lit with small tables, and the walls are covered with beautiful paintings. It had a bit of a speakeasy feel, and was such a nice departure from the mayhem of bigger theater crowds and fussiness. This was just mellow and cool. Inside the theater, for being such a small space, I didn't feel cramped at all. We were allowed to bring our drinks into the theater, which was surprising and very appreciated as it was a bit warm. Red velvet lines the seats and walls, and there is no bad seat in this house. The play was wonderful, actors were top notch. It's foolishly easy to assume such a small space would produce an amateur production, but this was really spectacular! Now that the Shelton is on my radar, I will keep my eyes peeled for future shows and very much look forward to returning!

Great show I loved it

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We rent out this theater for work trainings. Matt Shelton is so accommodating and easy to work with.

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Ask the Community - Shelton Theater

Review Highlights - Shelton Theater

“My husband and I came here for 4 days and decided to spend our Saturday night at the theater watching Cheaper than Therapy.”

Mentioned in 9 reviews

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Purchased tickets with ease, was given the option to add to calendar with full info which I always…read morelove! I did two separate purchases with blind seating, we added a fourth person later, it was not possible to select seating purchasing blind. We were completely ok sitting separately. Day of when ticket email came and seats were viewable all seating had been placed together which was REALLLLLLLY appreciated and not expected!! The theater is old, and stunning all the details in the architecture. Due to its age the seating is not elevated which is NO current fault. However it did cause all spectators to move their heads around to see the production. The row above us was empty we ended up climbing up a row in order to see. When I book again I won't book blindly and will select my seats. The production was cast WELL!!!! Chemistry isn't always evident among theater cast, it was present here.. Very present!!! Choreo was on point, vocals were Spectacular, energy was high, not one person in the production skipped a beat!!! We all really thought Hairspray was PHENOMENAL!! Will I return: ABSOLUTELY!!!!!! Great customer service, easy purchasing, small details like grouping tickets purchased separately, PHENOMENAL SHOW......: I'll be back sooner than later!!!!! We used spot hero app to find parking at 520 Mason Street which was underground and secure!!!!! The plus was it was literally around the corner and a one minute walk to the theater!!!!!

I hadn't been to the SF Playhouse in ages, not since it was the Post Street Theater! It's a great…read moretheater with very good sightlines from every seat. I was there for "Dracula, A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really" and had a wonderful time. The sound system was pretty good; I heard most of everything that was said on stage, but whatever I missed can be blamed on my hearing, not their sound system! Seats were relatively comfortable and the legroom was at par with other theaters. The bathrooms, which were not separated for men and women, were clean with seat covers and plenty of toilet paper. It was a bit strange seeing men walk out of the stalls in the bathroom, but it didn't bother me. I would really prefer that the seat is returned to a downward position, though, and happy the floor was dry!

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Stage view

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Palace of Fine Arts after the show

Shelton Theater - theater - Updated November 2026

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