The SF Performing Arts Scene is Not Dead

The Big Three: SF Symphony, SF Opera, and SF Ballet

My first exposure to performing arts in San Francisco was actually the SF Opera. They make up one of the three major classical performing arts institutions, so once I went to one of their performances, it was only a matter of time before I became curious about the SF Ballet, and then finally, the SF Symphony. I played classical music for a few years back in grade school, but I hadn’t really gotten back in touch with music until I started to attend The Big Three. 

Frankenstein at the SF Ballet

Although there’s no official dress code for attending these institutions, I always felt the need to dress up, something fun and rare to do in San Francisco where the dress code is generally pretty lax in most social functions. I could finally dust my old blazer, shine my hidden dress shoes, and, on occasion, relearn how to tie a tie. 

I love each one for different reasons: SF Opera for their incredible vocal ability to tell a story, SF Ballet for their classical and contemporary dances, and the SF Symphony for their world-class conductors. Each of the Big Three offers a unique experience depending on the performance, but they aren’t the only sources of performing arts.

Other Notable Performing Arts Venues to Visit

For jazz fans, SFJAZZ is the largest nonprofit jazz presenter in the world, with two huge performance centers, hosting both local and international jazz musicians. However, you can still find smaller bands performing in spaces like Keys Jazz Bistro and Mr. Tipple’s Recording Studio. That said, if you’re looking for some jazz while you dine at a restaurant, John’s Grill and Ti Piachera are some iconic ones. 

For theatre lovers who prefer a performance over a live orchestra, BroadwaySF is one of my favorites to attend. I’m especially excited for Mama Mia! coming out later this spring. And don’t forget local theaters like American Conservatory Theater (ACT) and the San Francisco Playhouse for more plays and musicals. I recently saw Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG Play at the SF Playhouse and I loved the comedy, acting, and costumes! 

There are some venues that host touring companies, like the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA). I love going to the Blue Shield Theater at the YBCA whenever the Smuin Ballet hosts a contemporary ballet performance there. 

Performing Arts that Push Boundaries

Nikola Printz: March Madness at the Chan Center 

Beyond classical performing arts, some performances are so creative that they redefine what performing arts can look and sound like. I recently attended Nikola Printz: March Madness at the Chan National Queer Arts Center and it was such a creative display of queer artists that blended opera, punk rock, broadway, and more. It’s part of their Q-Lab series, which highlights queer voices through powerful, yet transcendent performances in a variety of styles. 

There are even some performing arts events that blend different audiences together, such as the Mercury Soul shows, which bring in classical music with visual designs and eclectic DJ mixes to bring in the newer generations. They host these events at the coolest venues, such as Saint Joseph’s Arts Society, The Mint, Grace Cathedral, and The Hibernia. 

So is the SF Performing Arts Scene Dead?

Not in the least. It’s alive and well all throughout the city; you just need to find it. Whether it be a pop up at a local restaurant, a lively event at a DJ space, or a classical performance at a concert hall (Shout out to the SF Philharmonic for their last concert at Herbst Theatre!). I post my weekly SF Events list on my website, which includes performing art events, but if you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all things performing arts in the city and in other cities you travel to, I recommend checking out Red Curtain Addict.