San Francisco Playhouse
San Francisco Playhouse
5
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
About
San Francisco Playhouse is a nonprofit theatre company located on San Francisco's Union Square. Plays are staged daily, with performances Tuesday through Thursday at 7pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 3pm and 8pm.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown San Francisco
How to get there
- Powell St • 6 min walk
- Powell St • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,192 within 5 kms
Attractions
1,099 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Ronald Jason RSan Francisco, California7 contributionsSF Playhouse is a gem!SF Playhouse is truly one of SF's hidden gems. It's a venue of culture and talent merge into one. I really do hope more people would go to see one of the shows being offered in this theater house.Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 31 January 2024
- Kerry BSan Francisco, California1 contributionFabulous, small theater - excellent productions!Fantastic theater in the heart of Union Square. I've been toany shows here - productions are always top notch. The theater is located upstairs within a hotel, and it can be a little confusing the first time. Walk thru the hotel lobby, hop in the elevator, and hit the button for 'theater' - then enjoy!!Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 31 January 2024
- susan sSan Francisco, California1 contributionIntimate and exciting playhouseThe intimacy of the theater makes any production a wonderful experience. The fact that the playhouse showcases new work makes it exciting and the work often provides a lot of material for thought and discussion. The beauty of the building has the charm of history and feels quite comfortable yet elegant.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 February 2024
- PJKtooSan Francisco, California135 contributions39 Steps, Very cleverly done and funny show.We saw the 39 Steps. The show was very cleverly done. It was funny and we enjoyed it. We were in the 4th row, so nice to be up close to the actors. But the theatre is not large, so any seat is a good seat. We have seen several shows at SF Playhouse and have enjoyed them. They do a nice job with the sets.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 22 March 2024
- Dylan S10 contributionsEnjoy the magic of San Francisco at SF Playhouse!I became a subscriber at SF Playhouse in 2023 and every single show I have seen was delightfully unexpected, superb acting and a great way to be immersed in the arts of San Francisco. If you live here, subscribe! If you are visiting, take in a show - support the arts and get a taste of the magic of the city. I’ve gone to shows solo, with my partner and with friends - all great experiences in their own way. We just saw 39 Steps and have not laughed out loud that hard in a long time. Bravo SF Playhouse, can’t wait to renew my subscription!Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 11 April 2024
- Escape051684594302 contributionsGood PerformanceGlass Menagerie is a play I've seen many times before. This performance had excellent ensemble acting and was quite enjoyable, staying true to the playwright's intentions. It does not seem dated at all, in spite of its dated theme. I found the turntable staging a little distracting. Could've done without.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 8 May 2024
- Lily C2 contributionsOutstanding experience every time we goWe are a group of 6-8 seniors who love theater. The SF Playhouse is our favorite amongst Berkeley Rep, ACT, Marin Theater Co., & the San Jose Rep. SF Playhouse’s choice of plays, quality of actors, great location with easy parking & reasonable ticket prices make it 5-star experience for all ages snd incomes. We love you!Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 20 May 2024
- S V1 contributionLife-changing, top quality actingWe saw Tennessee Williams' Glass Menagerie. It was an epic experience!! The theater is located in an old hotel with authentic ambience, the theater staff was over the top connecting and loveable, the lighting, sound, and stage settings were perfectly fluid, and the acting was top notch. We left feeling that we had been part of a life-changing experience. Go see a play at the Playhouse!! You'll get what my words can't quite express.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 20 May 2024
- ElvisAndrusArlington, Texas978 contributionsFunWe saw a send up of 39 Steps and it was fun and funny. And implicitly if not explicitly local. But the venue is stately, historic and a bit like being on a movie set. Right in the Tenderloin, or near, so if that is an issue, take a ride.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 May 2024
- Amy SChino Valley, Arizona1 contributionGreat theater & production qualityLove this theater! It is a great mid-priced alternative to the very expensive theaters like Orpheum, and some tiny community theaters that don't offer as high a level of quality and experience. The productions, especially musicals, are of such a high caliber with the most talented casts of singers and dancers. Seats are comfortable with a decent amount of leg room. Productions start on time and snacks are fairly priced compared to other theaters.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 13 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
382 reviews
Excellent
316
Very good
51
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
2
Jasmine Apple
San Francisco, CA10 contributions
Feb 2020
Last night was the opening of Tiny Beautiful Things. The play is based on the book by Cheryl Strayed about her experiences as advice columnist Sugar, of Dear Sugar. The play was adapted by Nia Vardalos, who wrote & starred in My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this play, but it's one of the best that I've seen at SF Playhouse. It's a cast of 4, with Susi Damilano playing Sugar, and the other 3 paying the myriad of people who asked Dear Sugar questions.
The plays at SF Playhouse are consistently good, but this production really stands out.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this play, but it's one of the best that I've seen at SF Playhouse. It's a cast of 4, with Susi Damilano playing Sugar, and the other 3 paying the myriad of people who asked Dear Sugar questions.
The plays at SF Playhouse are consistently good, but this production really stands out.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA18,936 contributions
Dec 2019
We've attended several performances by this company and they use an excellent theater right downtown just off Union Square. Lots of restaurants and bars around. The theater is fairly intimate and you feel a part of the action. Very nice.
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sabrina C
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Couples
The play we saw "The Play that Goes Wrong", was fantastic. Better than the Broadway version my husband and I saw, for much less cost. The theater is small, so it there's not a bad seat in the house, and it feels more intimate. The stage is closer to you, which makes it more enjoyable and a fun experience. They have a bar area where you can get wine, tea, and snacks, with counter tables and chairs to enjoy connecting with others, including the actors, who happily come out and connect with people after the performances. My only complaint is that they sometimes don't mic their actors properly, making it hard to hear, however, they seem to be better at that now. Parking is a breeze at the Union Square, O'Farrel, or the Sutter Stockton garage. I highly recommend becoming a subscriber to SF Playhouse. My husband and I are subscribers and you get a great price for all the season plays, and if you invite others (making it a party of 10), the playhouse throws you a FREE wine/cheese party in the lobby. And the chacuterie board, snacks, fruit platter and choice of wines makes it a real fun event.
Written 11 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina M
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
I love this theater! It's my favorite in the Bay Area. There's a warmth in the community of people who run it, perform in it, and attend it. It's reasonably priced, and the staff accommodates special needs like ours to have an aisle seat to allow more space for a problem leg.
Written 10 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anderwell2
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This small, easily accessible theater presents old favorites and new with talented cast members and early curtain times so when the play is appropriate, it's a great destination for families.
We recently saw Chorus Line - it was still thrilling nearly 50 years after it originally opened. Precision dancing, high kicks and talented singers. Check out whatever's playing and consider adding it to your to enjoy list.
We recently saw Chorus Line - it was still thrilling nearly 50 years after it originally opened. Precision dancing, high kicks and talented singers. Check out whatever's playing and consider adding it to your to enjoy list.
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan Y
San Francisco5 contributions
Jun 2022
My boyfriend and I saw The Paper Dreams of Harry Chin yesterday and we were both blown away by the funny, emotional and inventive story and moving performances. We regularly watch plays at the Berkeley Rep and Orpheum but this is one of the best I've seen.
The theater is inside the beautiful, historic Kensington Park Hotel, a 10 minute walk from Union Square, where you can see professional performances in a venue that's small enough that you don't have to hassle with getting through a crowd and every seat is a good one.
The theater is inside the beautiful, historic Kensington Park Hotel, a 10 minute walk from Union Square, where you can see professional performances in a venue that's small enough that you don't have to hassle with getting through a crowd and every seat is a good one.
Written 6 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oaklandmomcat
Oakland, CA61 contributions
Jul 2023
This hidden gem continues to entertain locals and visitors alike with classics and world premieres in a speakeasy-esque location. (Walk through The Kensington Park Hotel lobby to the elevator. Get off at the second floor and turn right.) From classics to world premieres, all plays/musicals are chosen to "share stories that uplift spirits, deepen self-awareness, and nurture compassionate community." No small order in these troubled times. With only 199 seats everyone is up close and personal with the cast. There are no bad seats, but since the performers are unmiked those with unaided hearing loss would be better off with a seat closer to the stage.
If you arrive early and are so inclined there are top-notch bartenders ready to prepare (or invent) a craft cocktail to your liking. Inside tip: cocktail prices are lower if you arrive before the theatre doors open. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are also available. There is a small assortment of packaged snacks but no actual food.
Should you choose to drive, I suggest reserving a spot at the nearby Sutter Stockton Garage. You’ll save a bit and be sure of a spot. Choose this garage only if steep hills and inclines don’t bother you, since the street and entrance can be daunting. At least you won’t have to go very far as there is valet parking.
If you arrive early and are so inclined there are top-notch bartenders ready to prepare (or invent) a craft cocktail to your liking. Inside tip: cocktail prices are lower if you arrive before the theatre doors open. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are also available. There is a small assortment of packaged snacks but no actual food.
Should you choose to drive, I suggest reserving a spot at the nearby Sutter Stockton Garage. You’ll save a bit and be sure of a spot. Choose this garage only if steep hills and inclines don’t bother you, since the street and entrance can be daunting. At least you won’t have to go very far as there is valet parking.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yuri K
San Francisco, CA324 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
Hold These Truths was excellent.
This is one actor playing few characters by changing a pose and voices.
He did two full hours without an intermission. He became Mr. Gordon Hirabayashi on the stage.
It was just amazing. I would highly recommend everyone to see this play.
This is one actor playing few characters by changing a pose and voices.
He did two full hours without an intermission. He became Mr. Gordon Hirabayashi on the stage.
It was just amazing. I would highly recommend everyone to see this play.
Written 27 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine B
3 contributions
Sept 2022
San Francisco Playhouse calls itself "The Empathy Gym" for a very good reason. Their plays are very good and inspiring, usually giving a viewpoint that is new, and relevant to today's world. Their productions are excellent. The theatre is fairly small, all the seats are good. We love attending live theater there. Be sure to check the schedule to see what's playing when.
Written 25 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire R
14 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
What an incredible production! I saw the musical Guys and Dolls at the San Francisco Playhouse and was absolutely blown away by the performance. In such an intimate theater, I got an up close view of the actors doing what they do best. The singing, dancing, and acting were all outstanding, and I loved this rendition of the classic musical. It was laugh-out-loud funny and yet poignant too. I highly recommend you check out a show at the San Francisco Playhouse, they put on consistently amazing shows!
Written 14 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A Chorus Line runs 2 hours with no intermission. I hope my answer isn't too late for you. I just got the message.
Written 22 July 2023
The seats that say partial view, what is the partial view of and does it affect the show view.
Written 18 December 2018
If you're buying partial view seats in the balcony, you'll miss some action at the very front and the very top of the stage. Most of the action takes place in the middle, but you may miss parts of some dance numbers or entrances/exits.
Written 20 December 2018
We are seeing Mary Poppins at 3pm on Saturday, wondering what time we should arrive?
Written 12 November 2018
Where did you sit,any ssuggestions
Written 25 October 2016
We don't like to have people sit behind us in the event that they talk during the performance, so we typically sit in the last row of the orchestra from which we can see perfectly well.. As stated, it's a small theater.
Written 25 October 2016
Showing results 1-5 of 5
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing