TL;DR summary: Founded in 1965, the Tony Award-winning American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) is San Francisco's premier non-profit theater company. Operating out of the historic Toni Rembe Theater in Union Square and the modern Strand Theater on Market Street, A.C.T. delivers bold new works and thrilling classics. With an attached acting school that has produced Hollywood stars, it is a cornerstone of the Bay Area arts scene. Here is how to experience it like a true local.
San Francisco has a deeply rooted appreciation for the performing arts, and no single institution has shaped that landscape quite like the American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.).
Founded by director William Ball in 1965, this Tony Award-winning non-profit company offers an incredible mix of classical and contemporary productions. For locals who relish San Francisco's elite cultural scene, securing tickets to an A.C.T. show is a quintessential city experience.
If you are looking to plan a spectacular night out, here is everything you need to know about navigating this performing arts icon.
Two Iconic Stages
Unlike many theater companies, A.C.T. operates out of two vastly different, yet equally spectacular, venues.
The primary home of the company is the Toni Rembe Theater (formerly known as the Geary Theater), located at 415 Geary Street. Built in 1910 in the Classical Revival and Late Victorian styles, the building is undoubtedly one of San Francisco's architectural masterpieces. If you are attending a show here, we highly recommend reading our ultimate guide to the Toni Rembe Theater to fully appreciate its history before the curtain rises.
A.C.T.'s second venue is the Strand Theater on Market Street. Originally a 1917 silent film venue, the space was beautifully renovated by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 2012 to include a 283-seat theater and an intimate 120-seat performance space. This stage is often used for educational workshops, cabaret performances, and specially commissioned new works. The Strand's location places it in excellent company alongside other historic venues like the Orpheum Theatre and the War Memorial Opera House.
A Legacy of Talent
A.C.T. is not just a theater; it is also a highly respected acting school. Through its renowned Young Conservatory and intensive adult training programs, the institution remains a major center for theater training in the Bay Area.
The alumni list reads like a Hollywood who's who, having trained stars such as Brie Larson, Winona Ryder, Zendaya, and Tony Award-winner Darren Criss. Whether they are starring in dramatic plays, belting out pop-powered celebrations at the Curran Theatre, or performing in events like SF Sketchfest, A.C.T. alumni constantly influence the global entertainment industry.
Planning Your Perfect Evening
When locals attend a performance, the evening rarely starts at the venue itself.
If you are catching a show at the Toni Rembe Theater, you are perfectly positioned right near the bustling retail core, giving you top reasons Union Square is worth visiting. Reserving a table for dinner and exploring the vibrant life of downtown San Francisco is the best way to kick off your night.
If your tickets are for the Strand Theater, you can easily pair the show with the fantastic South Beach dining scene or seek out other live music performances in the nearby Civic Center area.
Insider Logistics for Getting There
Driving into the theater district can be incredibly stressful, and parking in the nearby garages is often notoriously expensive.
Instead, review our San Francisco public transportation guide and take BART or Muni directly to the Powell Street or Civic Center stations, depending on your venue.
If having world-class theater right in your backyard sounds like a dream, be sure to browse our comprehensive San Francisco Bay Area neighborhood guide to discover which micro-neighborhood perfectly fits your lifestyle.
FAQ: American Conservatory Theater
What is the American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.)?
Founded in 1965, it is a major Tony Award-winning non-profit theater company and acting school based in San Francisco.
Where do they perform?
A.C.T. operates two primary venues: the Toni Rembe Theater (formerly the Geary Theater) at 415 Geary Street, and the Strand Theater near the Civic Center.
Are there acting classes for the public?
Yes! A.C.T. offers a variety of educational programs, including Studio A.C.T. for adults and the nationally recognized Young Conservatory for youth.
Have any famous actors trained there?
Yes, the acting school has an incredible roster of notable alumni, including Winona Ryder, Brie Larson, Zendaya, Milo Ventimiglia, and Darren Criss.