SF's Boxcar Theatre Opens Second Performance Space

As their third year in the Boxcar Theatre Playhouse comes to an end, Boxcar Theatre announces that in addition to renewing their lease at 505 Natoma Street for another four years, they have also taken a three year lease in the Tenderloin. The new space, officially called Boxcar Theatre Studios, is located at 125A Hyde Street at Golden Gate.

3600 sq feet of raw commercial space is rapidly becoming a multi-disciplinary arts space and gallery with the ability to support offices for multiple organizations. Generously supported by Grants for the Arts/San Francisco Hotel Tax with a $20,000 grant, the space is being transformed into office, gallery, and performance space. Current Company-In-Residence at The Playhouse, Crowded Fire, are among the first tenants to take occupancy. In addition, Peter Liu, a local photographer (mcpetephoto.com) and Greg Frisbee (frisbeeshow.com) a worldwide entertainer will also take up office space. The gallery space will host monthly showings and receptions for painters, photographers, and other visual artists.

Upcoming and established San Francisco artists are in need of affordable space

Offering below market value rates have already guaranteed multiple performance rentals. Killing My Lobster is slated to present their writing class' performances in the Studios as well as newcomer Troy Trenton-Dangerfield performing his solo show in late August. Jerica Productions is also in negotiations for a 4-week run in October. The Studios can be booked out for $150 Mon-Thurs and $175 Fri-Sun for performances or $17 hourly.

From workshop to rehearsal to performance, the new Boxcar Theatre Studios will help cultivate budding talent and rising companies by offering affordable rental rates and becoming a centerpiece in the local arts community. Situated a few blocks from The Exit Theatre, the Asian Art Museum, The San Francisco Public Library, and City Hall, the Studios offer accessibility to both artists and patrons alike.

The success and expansion of Boxcar Theatre comes as the company performs three Tennessee Williams plays in Repertory. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, A Streetcar Named Desire, and The Glass Menagerie run in repertory until the end of August. The company was also recently selected as Best of the Bay for "Best Black Box Season" by the editors of the San Francisco Bay Guardian. The company will be making their official 2010/2011-season announcement next week.

More information on current and upcoming programming can be found at www.boxcartheatre.org