Fantastic venue for one-man shows. I attended Dan Hoyle's "Takes All Kinds." The performance was transformative. Two issues: - Arrive 1/2 hour before the showtime for good seating. Some seat are way off to the side; I got stuck there, and visiblity is bad, because the performers don't always turn to face the sides of the audience. There are a few seats behind a pillar; I assume those seats are for blind people. - It's small and crowded, with bad ventilation. Wear a mask during cold/flu season. read more

The Marsh - Seating. - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Had an excellent time at The Marsh seeing Dan Hoyle's It takes All Kinds. The venue is excellent - intimate with comfortable seating that allows for engagement and good views. Dan Hoyle's It Takes All Kinds is superb. A one man play that explores the complexities of our socio-political views, relationships around divisive topics while maintaining a sense of surprise, engagement and hope. The playwright, actor and "journalist of hanging out" uniquely captures the essence of the people he represents and honors their stories - the acting, voice control, and physical embodiment of the stories he is telling is truly transformative. read more

First visit here for Brian Copeland's The Waiting period- clean comfy chairs & small intimate theater set up. Staff were all super helpful & friendly. Lighting & sound was good- not a bad seat in the house! Great prices for great talents. Will be back. Easy walk from BART & we got great coffee & food in the area afterwards. read more

The Marsh - Waiting for showtime interior - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Don't let the smaller kind of off-off Broadway-styled / sized theater fool you; here you get big performances, riveting character studies, engaging monologues and and transformative experiences here that can supercharge your empathy-batteries. Every time I've been there, I've been more than pleasantly surprised by the talent and generosity of the actors. read more

I have been to two of Brian Copeland's excellent solo shows here including the current show, Grandma and Me. It's a cozy intimate space with old school seating that provides great views no matter which row. Due to COVID protocols, the bar is not open to sell food or drinks so if you're coming for an evening show, make sure to grab a bite. It's a short walk from 24th and Mission BART. read more

Very much open, and very much worth your time. The speciality is solo performance. National reputation for a reason! read more

Does anyone in S.F. remember this place as being Laura's Cocktail Lounge in the late 60's and into the late 70's at 1062 Valencia St. in S.F.? A publication was written about the bar and restaurant back then, which I'm searching for, that used to be my Aunt Laura's Bar, serving lunches M-F, and having a great clientele of regular customers who enjoyed her wonderful Italian lunches. read more

Just saw another great show from Dan Hoyle: Talk to Your People. Why anyone would do anything else with their night when they could come to the Marsh and see Dan's genius is impossible to understand. It's just a Must See all around. Go for yourself or go to support an amazing Oakland artist and a wonderful SF theater for live performance. read more

We went to see Dan Hoyle's "Talk To Your People" last night at the Marsh. I highly recommend taking in this experience! I saw Dan's "The Real Americans" over a decade ago in a small theater in Chicago and was blown away by the mastery he conjured - with only himself and a handful of props, I felt like I had watched a movie, visually rich and full of colorful, complex characters. Imagine my delight when I realized this was the same guy and now here in the Bay! "Talk to Your People" is a timely foray into the heart of the issues of our time. Thank you Art for having the capacity to venture into the unsaid, and thank you Dan for your creative genius, bravery, and bringing that 40-something Dad with a bad back onto the stage. Love that guy. read more

Ditto to all the other positive reviews of Dan Hoyle's "Talk To Your People". Mr. Hoyle is a master of impersonations, capturing the vibe of the moment, thoughtful dialogue, etc. I'll be going back to see "Talk To Your People" a 2nd time for sure. Will I end up seeing it as many times as I saw "Real Americans" (5 times) and "Each and Every Thing" (3 times)? Only time will tell..... read more

Even if I still complain about the seats in the main theater (there are 2 theaters) The Marsh has completely won me over as one of those places that can only exist in a world-class city like San Francisco. You can see my earlier reviews to learn more about their workshops and what they do, but at this moment all you really need to know is that YOU HAVE GOT TO GO SEE Marga Gomez in her solo show "NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER". You'll laugh for 90 minutes straight. Go now. What are you waiting for? read more

I witnessed a comedy show, a rock show, and I also experienced a meditation all in the same show. The word interesting definitely describes this place. This is a pretty intimate sorta place. This is a place that got caught me by surprise of its uniqueness. It's a pretty amazing scene. It's like no matter where you sit you're seeing everything. My date loved it, hell we didn't know how the night was gonna go because my check engine light came on but I just had to experience this place. I actually had parking right across the street too. read more

This review is about the Marsh philosophy as evidenced by their main show director -- David Ford, and in general the Marsh productions themselves. I signed up for Mr. Ford's spring class (he was recommended by two performers I knew) on developing a solo show. I have a show already written but needed help in performance, and in getting back into performing since I'd been sidelined by medical issues. After paying $500 for the 8 week workshop, I found that Mr. Ford had some videos on YouTube. I watched the relevant one. There was obvious PC "virtue signaling" by David -- how he can't watch Woody Allen's "Manhattan" any more, and how the Palestinians are just innocent victims of the aggressive Israelis. My show, "God, Hitler, and Life-Extension," is deep, humanistic, cutting-edge, and intense. Members of a random audience typically love it or are shocked by it. I describe it as -- "Some of the show is politically incorrect, and some of it is just plain incorrect." It's not for the faint of heart. I've done it at the Oakland Lakeshore, main Albany and Berkeley library meeting rooms, to much acclaim. I felt there might be conflict between some of my material and Ford's Politically Correct ideology. I make fun of organized religion as one example. I called the Marsh office and spoke to an administrator, Lauren. I recited the most potentially controversial material to her. Lauren assured me that the Marsh "does not censor people," and that though some of my jokes were edgy, they were not that much more hard-hitting than what some other comedians offer. She added, "Maybe that's the kind of show we should be doing around here." So assured and, in fact, enthused, I attended the first class. Mr. Ford told a Liberian student, her story-telling show about life there, not to use the term "medicine man" (even though that's the term Liberians used) when relating experiences. He said it was "euro-centric," and instead she had to use the word "shaman." Another story involved a fellow's first sexual experience with a Mexican prostitute when he was thirteen. There was superfluous stuff first about him sitting around with some cousins or such. I suggested he get to the essential story. Mr. Ford said it might make the audience uncomfortable, and a buffer was needed first. Since he was a serial attendee he'd likely been told that before; that's why the needless buffer was there. This counts as pedophilia? I realized at that point that David Ford was a total PC ideological dogmatist. The stuff I did was the beginning of my show which is about aging and biotech, and not edgy. After I did fifteen minutes, he strongly complimented my ability to create jokes, and asked me if I wanted to do more stuff. I said I did but had to pee. He replied that I should continue nevertheless as (he chuckled) it would "give me a sense of urgency." I did the best I could under the circumstances. At home, I emailed David, quoting specific examples of my potentially controversial material. I told him we might not be compatible and wanted his decision on whether I should continue in the class. He didn't answer me despite a second email. At the second class, he kept giving me a hard time, first indicating my single suggestion about another student's story was worthless, and that she would have "gotten to it" anyway. Absurd. I did the same stuff as the previous week since I needed advice on a character, and wanted to perform it while comfortable. Invalid, harsh criticisms about the same material as the week before suddenly appeared. He finally announced that I did not need the class, that I should go out there "and do it." I said I needed help with the performing and characters. He added he could arrange for a refund. I agreed. Later he asked me if I wanted to think about it, and email him. I told him we might as well split. Some choice. The same crap would obviously continue. So, an ideologue exhibited a total lack of personal integrity and simple morality. He didn't have the decency to admit he couldn't deal with some of my material, so let me attend and then forced me out. The fact that the week before he wouldn't accommodate my need to pee (the bathroom was only a few feet away), was mean as well. The Marsh produces some good stuff, and some is mediocre. But it's all Politically Correct (or totally "safe" ). If you want to support a place whose philosophy helped create the backlash that, in many ways, was responsible for the election of a nitwit like Donald Trump, then go there. Marsh people typically think they're already wonderful because they want, for example, everyone to say, "Native American," instead of "American Indian." Thus, they often don't put enough energy into personally becoming evolved humans. Which is why, at times, they are not. Consider not helping support a dogma and, too often, the kind of resultant poor or foolish behavior that's helping seriously divide this country. There are other entertainment choices. read more

Todd Lejeune's Don't Let Go of the Potato is a stunning display of creative genius; Blessed with both comedic relief, and glimpses into the heart of a man with extraordinary character, Lejeune's unshakable courage leaves audiences filled with hope (and gratitude that he was able to heed that still small voice - the voice that called him to realize his personal greatness and the telling of his story)....Don't Let Go of the Potato is not to be missed! "Todd is irresistable and very funny.It's a joy to be in the room when he's onstage."says Charlie Varon "Todd's show is like The Honeymooners with a zydeco beat.He is winning and physical, with a big open heart." says David Ford Coming February 1st thru March 10 2007, find out more at www.toddlejeune.com read more

The Marsh - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

The quintessential independent village theater, right down to the pay-what-you-can ticket prices. It's a tiny place, with under 100 seats that form a half-circle around a stage that is the perfect size for one-man shows. The idiosyncratic crowd here fell well outside the usual hipster-yuppie spectrum--no, they were clearly from another place. Maybe Berkeley. The show I came here for was Dan Hoyle's "Tings Dey Happen", and if you think that a one-man show can't be that interesting, or that a show about Nigeria must be utterly depressing, then you don't know what you're missing. This show has been selling out for 6 months now, which should give you an idea of its well-deserved popularity. At the risk of sounding like a lush, my one complaint is that their tiny bar is only soft drinks & cookies, no beer or wine. But all in all a great place, even greater for me because of its convenient (and somewhat unusual for a theater) Mission location. read more

The Marsh - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Small venue with great signage. The inside was a bit cozy but not uncomfortably so. I was not particularly impressed but didn't find anything to complain about either. read more

Came here to see Al Letson's Summer in Sanctuary (which is a total MUST-SEE!) LOVE this theater! The seating is awesome, there's movie-style flip-down wraparound theater seating about 4 rows deep on all 3 sides which makes for a nice intimate setting. Also there's a 2 for $3 concession area offering GREAT coffee, quality tea and yummy cookies. Staff was also super awesome, kind and helpful! Looking forward to watching more shows at this venue! read more

First time at The Marsh - to see 40 POUNDS IN 12 WEEKS: A LOVE STORY Nice venue for a Play. Super small & intimate & provides the feeling of really connecting w/ the actor in this 1-woman show So small there's no need for a sound system for the actors but there are a few speakers for the musical interludes between sets Drinkys allowed but they're super sneaky about it..... when you have what you think is your ticket, it's really not. It's a voucher that you have to redeem next door at their cafe. And oh, look a that! There are drinkys & yummy-looking snacks you can purchase..... Even though the Play was not what I was expecting & this was not a good thing, the actor gave her all & I was impressed w/ her talent. For the venue itself, I'd be willing to come back & check out other pieces. It was A-OK read more

We've been coming to The Marsh for years. It's a very cool theatre. We saw "Rush Limbaugh in Night School" in 1994 and "The People's Violin" in 2000, We saw "Not a Genuine Black Man" maybe 5 years ago. The space is small and intimate. The seats are not particularly comfortable but they serve their purpose. We drove over from Luna Park, found a parking space in the block beyond The Marsh and walked back to get in line. Not too long after that our friends arrived, having been equally surprised at finding Limon shuttered. They found another Limon location, where they'd had dinner. They were told the one we'd planned to meet at had had a kitchen fire. Whatever. They liked their dinner as we did ours. It would have been nice if we'd eaten together. Last night was the first preview performance of Charlie Varon's latest show, "Rabbi Sam". It was terrific, funny, touching and thought provoking. It runs through April 5th and I commend it to you. Here's his website: http://www.charlievaron.com/ read more

I'll do anything once.* And most things twice. Except go to The Matrix, I won't try that twice. So I am often the recipient of invitations from friends who want to go to something a little less than mainstream. Sometimes it works in my favor, sometimes it doesn't. Both times I've been invited to The Marsh, it has worked in my favor. The first time I saw Brian Copeland's show entitled "Not a Genuine Black Man" and thought it was phenomenal. And yesterday I saw Dan Hoyle's "Tings Dey Happen" and was very pleased. (Caveat Emptor - if you saw Dan Hoyle's "Circumnavigator", there's a chance you will be disappointed. I didn't and therefore wasn't, but I heard some people grumbling about it outside). Dan's latest show is about oil politics in Nigeria and damn is that place fucked up! I thought it was a great show and raised a lot of questions (unfortunately I don't think anyone knows the answer to them). The theater is staffed by some wonderful people and always attracts a very pleasant and considerate crowd. Minus one star because the seats are really uncomfortable. *Things that I won't even try once include but are not limited to: heroin, meth, and sleeping with you. read more

I really wish that we could give half stars as well. This place is so close to 5 stars its crazy! They really have to upgrade those seats though, as well they need to have better signage outside! All in all, I love the size of the theatre, I don't like to go to places that are too crowded, and all thought every seat was full wiht Buns it was small enough in there that I didn't get that clostraphobic feeling. The show "East 14th: True Tales of a Reluctant Player" with Don Reed, was so good, I'm debating on going back to see it again. Now they have snacks that you can purchase inside the theatre as well they have a small Cafe next door and even Spork (The resturaunt) is on the corner. read more

When I was invited to join a group of friends to see Dan Hoyle's 90 minute one-man performance of "The Real Americans" at the Marsh (having never heard of either), I was not sure what to expect. Walking into the small friendly community theater in the Mission, I figured it would at least be memorable. I was quickly engrossed. With refined political satire and a definite liberal bias, Dan Hoyle, who is known for his previous shows "Circumnavigator" and "Tings Dey Happen", portrays a road trip he took to try to understand the political urban/ rural divide in America. With a range of accents, facial expressions, minor adjustments to his clothing, baseball cap, a guitar, and flavored with a bit of song, he pokes fun at both conservative and liberal perspectives highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. He even nicely creates sympathy for all the characters, which include a range of struggling vets, liberal elitists, religious fanatics, and himself. My friends and I quoted the play for days and I want to see it again to capture all of the hilarious one-liners that made us think about the different perspectives in this country (the goal of the play). As the show has been extended through the end of May, I continue to highly recommend it to those who enjoy politics, people, and theater. One of my friends, a professor of Sociology, actually was able to arrange a special performance for his class, as he valued the performance that much. Obviously, Dan Hoyle was very approachable afterwards in the low key setting of the Marsh. Of note, in going to the Marsh, it is important to get tickets ahead of time as the shows in the small theater sell out. The craziest thing about my experience was that after it became evident all my other friends would be coupled, I invited a date. I indicated to him to buy his ticket ahead of time, as recommended by my friend coordinating the outing, and understood that he had, until he was denied at the theater box. He profusely apologized but needless to say, I had no qualms watching it without him! For more information about Dan Hoyle or the show, see http://www.danhoyle.com/ read more

Ladies and Gentlemen, it was a triple header! The best of the Bay, no doubt about it. #1 - The Headliner, Don Reed's East 14th (true tales of a reluctant player). Don Reed starring as, Don Reed, his daddy, his brother Darryl, his brother Tony, his daddy the PIMP, His momma, step daddy Joe, Waddel and a host of others. Talk about exciting, interesting, enlightening and fun. Don kept the audience riveted to his many characters and his ability to make you forget that it was one man performing. If you don't see any other show this year, get over to the Marsh and see this one. I would definitely nominate it to become a great sitcom. There is enough material to get us through a couple of seasons. Extra special, you can stay after the show and Don will talk with you for a few minutes and take pictures. 2/ The Marsh - It could be confusing with 2 theatres, if it wasn't for the awesome staff the checks each line and makes sure that everyone is directed to the right location.. So what you are actually experiencing is 2 theatres with a cafe in the middle. It isn't enough that you can participate in some really great theatre that is extremely intimate, but the prices are so reasonable. In addition to snacks at the cafe that you can bring into the theatre, you can also get a little nosh in the theatre. I bought a cookie and a cup of Joe for $2. The only little drawback is that the chairs are a wee bit uncomfy. HOWEVER, you can bring some cush for your TUSH. Or if you have the LOOT, why not become a patron. Honor your Great Aunt Hortensia and buy a row of uber comfy theatre seats. Even if you don't have a trust fund, donate a few extra buck if you have it. You really didn't need that extra Designer Coffee before work, did you? 3/ Gold Star Events - I could have paid full price, $20 for a 100 minute extravaganza and it would have been a great deal. I went to Gold Star Events, found out about this show, read the reviews and was hooked and purchased my tickets for $13.50 each (including the surcharge). It went from a great deal to a STUPENDOUS deal. If you haven't done it already... sign up today. It's FREE. Learn about upcoming events at the MARSH and other venues, nationwide. https://www.goldstar.com/join?p=F535272RP read more

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How can you not adore little independent theatres like the Marsh? They run on little funding, showcase fantastic plays and shows you'd never otherwise have the opportunity to see, AND keep our fair city culturally literate. We saw Tings Dey Happen here. White boy can pretty much do every accent on earth and really represented the complexities and intricacies of the oil trade ("development") in Nigeria well. Other shows on the calendar look equally appealing -- check it out. read more

3 stars for the venue but 5 stars for the currently playing Rick Reynold's one-man monologue "Happiness". It's funny, heartwarming and inspirational. Please go check it out! If you've seen it then you'll know what I mean about the hilarious skit on creeps and assholes and his fetish for panties ;) I'm ready to join the Church of Rick! http://www.churchofrick.com/ read more

This is an itty-bitty theatre where you wouldn't think a theatre should be. I went to watch a friend perform an act he'd been working on for several months. He wasn't a professional by any means. Yet his performance was sincere and moving. There was one other performer, too, and I enjoyed watching her as well. It cost $7 to attend. There are just a few seats, so there's not a bad seat in the house. I looove little theatres like this. My only complaint (I know, I know...) is the parking; it's on the street. I think there's a garage nearby, though, that's quite useful. read more

This was my first visit to the Marsh and I will definitely return. A special kudos to the staff for being so accommodating to my friend in a wheelchair. (In an exceptional stroke of luck, we found a vacant disabled parking spot just around the corner -- unheard of for a Friday night in the city!) Intimate seating provided the ideal experience to see Brian Copeland's "The Waiting Period." The solo performance, which details Copeland's deeply personal (and often hilarious) struggles with depression, is best served by a theater of this size. The seating is close enough to the stage to allow the viewer to see tears in Copeland's eyes when he discusses the depths of his illness and to witness the gleam return when he presents its lighter side. Great venue, great show. Make sure to give the Marsh a visit soon. read more

Not normally one who goes to theatre events, I went to the Marsh with a friend to see Kike Adedeji's "Tolula" (the first act), and Todd LeJeune's "Don't Let Go of the Potato" (I hope I got that title right). I was absolutely floored by the talent displayed that night by both performers. Tolula is about someone moving to New Mexico from SF, and is both hilarious and touching. Kike's narrative was superb and her expressions are engaging and sublime. Don't Let Go of the Potato is a journey through Todd's years growing up in Louisiana, which made me laugh my ass off, and 3 times (I know, this is cheesy...) brought me to tears. I don't want to ruin either of these performances for you, because you should definitely see them for yourself---LeJeune is bringing his show back to the Marsh within the next week or so (?), and Kike has finished the 2nd Act of Tolula, and I am absolutely dying to see it. I don't know the times, and I'm sorry for that; but find out and GO!!! If these two performers are representative of the talent at the Marsh, then you are in for a treat whenever you go. Five very solid stars!! read more

Had a great experience here with Don Reed's East 14th. Laughed my arse off; you know it's good when you cant control when you laugh or how it sounds. Anyhow, fantastic performance. The venue was very intimate and friendly. The "reserved" seats are not necessary unless you are planning on arriving at the last minute. Otherwise, buy the regular tickets and arrive 30 min early. There is something special about the seats, and you'll realize it when you sit down, then attempt to lean back, and realize that the seat under your butt actually slide forward to give you an extra leaning. Never had theater seats like this before. Will be back for more! read more

I saw Dan Hoyle's Border People at The Marsh last week. Brilliant! This guy is so talented. I highly recommend this play and the Marsh Theater. read more

What a find. I love small, intimate theaters. I just saw the play East 14th, a one man show about growing up in Oakland. Looooved it! Don Reed is a great performer. He sang, danced, and made us all laugh hard while touching on many profound subjects. Super friendly and animated staff! read more

Cool venue because it gives a place to small, intimate shows that could never work in a big theater. I saw Randy Rutherford there last night. His play "This May Feel a Little Funny" was a great combination of humor, drama and music. He plays there until December 2 2006. Go see him, it'll be worth your time. read more

Who would have known that this secret hideaway behind strange mossy green plywood would open to a motivating interior which housed hidden talents and aspiring performers who simply love their craft? I was invited here because a friend of mine does theater as a hobby. The performance at the time was an improv using toilet paper. And I found it amusing and entertaining. Although, philosophically, there was some serious societal undertones associated with the skit. Who would have known such a message could be conveyed through tons of toilet paper becoming characters? If you are local, feel inspired to check out the Monday Marsh Series. These showcase local performers/artists/musicians/playwrights to practice their works. The Marsh also offers classes for aspiring actors.......or just have an interest? Great venue to pursue that secret dream of yours (^_^) read more

I liked this place. Comfortable venue and great show that I saw. The only thing is... when I went to buy a ticket, it turned out I was in the wrong place (the coffee shop beside the theatre), and I was directed to go across the street to an ATM. There actually wasn't an ATM where I was directed to go, so I had to search for one and then come back. I was then advised that the show I was seeing was in a theater next door (still part of the Marsh, apparently) but harder to find and a bit confusing. Okay, I'm saying all this, but I have nothing against the theatre or the people working here - they were very nice, actually. And I loved the experience and the environment, once I was inside. The seats were comfy and the lighting was good. read more

EXCEPTIONAL I have been to five shows at the Marsh and each time I am there, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for living near a place which has such good, affordable theater. Each show has been delivered with such talent. Thank you, Marsh! read more

I had not been to this theater in over 20 years. The solo show Black Virgins Should Not Date Hipsters got me here. LOL what a title. I enjoyed it although the reserved seating I purchased was confusing. I had only been in the downstairs performance space, this was my first time upstairs. I look forward to seeing more theater here in the future. read more

The Marsh - Outside the Marsh in line for tickets - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Another amazing storytelling session tonight--went to Seee Irma Herrera tonite. The content resonated with me as a minority in America. Her autobio story of her childhood and adult experiences was re-enacted well ...vivid ..thoroughly wnjoyed read more

My first time at this small local theatre. I was somewhat concerned since I usually only see Broadway type large productions. This one woman production by Echo Brown was simply Amazing. I've never seen a single performer own a stage and deliver so many emotions and characters during a solo performance. Her delivery had depth, passion and was an insightful social commentary on race relations in our high tech world. I was moved by the emotion and vulnerability she displayed. I was also impressed and proud to see an Ivy league woman create and deliver her own performance. This is well worth seeing - and the location - in the heart of the mission - makes it easy to grab a great dinner beforehand and hang out for a great time afterwards. Highly recommended. BTW: Tiny Theatre with only 50 seats - every seat in the house is a great seat - at worst you'll be 4 rows back!! As a side note: The theatre is apparently at risk of shutting down for financial reasons - so try to buy your ticket from the Box Office to support local theatre - rather than looking for a deal. Support local businesses... read more

I love Marsh theater, but this time was really special because I got to see Dan Hoyle, The Real American. It was really something to watch his amazing solo performance. He takes his talented acting to a whole different level. read more

The Marsh - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Aspasia really hit the highlights of the Marsh, where I too saw "Not A Genuine Black Man" before it went to New York (the book was just published-go read it!) A few more things about the Marsh-as the seating is first come, first serve, arrive early if you intend to sit with someone else. It would also be much easier to take BART than to fight for parking in this neck of the woods. I'm really impressed by Brown Bag tickets, which sells the tickets for the Marsh, as you select from a list of three charities where a portion of the proceeds of your tickets will go. The Marsh is one of the many venues that makes San Francisco so unique. Please support local theater. read more