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American Conservatory Theater: San Francisco's Theatrical Gem

Experience world-class theater at San Francisco's American Conservatory Theater, a landmark for performing arts and actor training since 1965.

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The American Conservatory Theater (ACT) in San Francisco, housed in the historic Toni Rembe Theater, is a leading non-profit theater company offering both classical and contemporary productions, as well as a renowned acting school. Founded in 1965, ACT has been a cultural cornerstone, training acclaimed actors and staging groundbreaking performances.

A brief summary to American Conservatory Theater

Local tips

  • Consider booking parking in advance through SpotHero to secure a spot and potentially save money.
  • Check the A.C.T. website for the most up-to-date performance schedule and special events.
  • Take advantage of the numerous restaurants in the Theater District before or after the show.
  • Arrive early to explore the historic Toni Rembe Theater, a landmark in itself.
  • Public transportation is a convenient option, with multiple bus lines and BART stations nearby.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Union Square, walk west along Geary Street. The Toni Rembe Theater will be on your right, about two blocks away. Several MUNI bus lines serve the area, including the 38, 38R, and others. A single ride costs $3.00 cash, or $2.50 with a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. Day passes are available for $5.70 via the MuniMobile app.

  • Walking

    From Union Square, walk west on Geary Street. The theater is located approximately two blocks away on the right-hand side. The walk is relatively flat and should take no more than 5-10 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Request a taxi or ride-share to 415 Geary Street, San Francisco. Be aware of potential traffic congestion in the Theater District, especially during peak hours. A short ride from Fisherman's Wharf or downtown should cost approximately $15-$25, depending on demand and traffic.

  • Parking

    Several parking garages are located near the American Conservatory Theater. The Mason O'Farrell Garage at 325 Mason St offers parking and is a short walk away. Rates vary, but you can expect to pay around $15 for up to five hours with validation from the theater. Booking in advance via SpotHero is recommended.

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Discover more about American Conservatory Theater

The American Conservatory Theater (ACT) stands as a beacon of performing arts in San Francisco, located at 415 Geary Street in the Theater District. Its primary home is the Toni Rembe Theater, formerly known as the Geary Theater, a Beaux Arts-style building dating back to 1910. ACT was founded in 1965 by William Ball in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and moved to San Francisco in 1967. ACT is a non-profit theater company that offers both classical and contemporary theater productions, and it also runs an acting school. The theater presents 35 weeks of performances each year and draws an audience of approximately 200,000. ACT's original acting company featured notable talents such as René Auberjonois and Michael Learned. Some of ACT's plays have even been shown on TV by PBS, including Shakespeare's *Taming of the Shrew*. The Toni Rembe Theater, a National Historic Landmark, was designed by Walter D. Bliss and William B. Faville. The theater suffered severe damage in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake but was later restored. ACT also has a Young Conservatory, a theater training program for young people up to 19 years old, founded in 1971. The Young Conservatory often performs new plays written especially for young people, and its students sometimes appear in ACT's main shows, such as *A Christmas Carol*. ACT's mission extends beyond performances to encompass education and community engagement. The conservatory ranks among the top graduate institutions in the United States for the study of drama. ACT offers a three-year Advanced Training Program and was the first independent theater in the U.S. to be fully accredited to grant a Master of Fine Arts degree.

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