Clowns Onstage Fou Fou Ha credit to Robin Fadtke Big show onstage 2 Blunderland credit to Luc Asbury chinese opera performer Ribbon cutting ceremony with politicians and celebrities Daniel Wu interview onstage Performers onstage Dark Kabaret 007 Credit to Gregory Bartning Chinese moon festival performers Ballet22 credit to Robin Fadtke Chinese Guzheng credit to Robin Fadtke Rizo-performer-onstage-Credit-to-Robin-Fadtke-of-Zoart-Photography Lion Dance in Audience credit to Robin Fadtke Contortionists from side Chinese Dancer credit to Robin Fadtke
Great Star Theater during the Empire Strips Back

Music, Magic, Circus, Comedy, and More

Upcoming Shows & Event Calendar

Featured Upcoming Performances

Vertical.Show

Vertical.Show April 4 – 21, 2024

Prepare to be captivated by the award-winning Vertical.Show, where the boundaries of pole and aerial sports collide with the artistry of modern choreography.
The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody

The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody May - July, 2024

After a sold-out, critically acclaimed worldwide tour, The Empire Strips Back returns to San Francisco. Let us deliver you to the dark side!

And so much more!

We're back!

The historic Great Star Theater has undergone extensive renovations and cleaning and is now open. This has been a community-driven effort, and we welcome any help, donations, or volunteers. Want to perform in this beautifully refreshed venue? Find venue rental details here. Want to contribute to the cause? We launched a Patreon for donations as well as monthly memberships that have great perks like early access to show tickets or private screenings. We would also love to help take any old theater, sound, or lighting equipment off your hands as a tax-deductable donation.

Become a Patron!

This is an exciting new beginning and we hope you can join us to celebrate the end of the pandemic in style. Sign up to our email newsletter or follow us on Instagram or Facebook to keep up to date, and we hope to see you there!

Historic front of the Great Star Theater Historic view of the stage and seating A historic theatrical performance A historic theatrical performance Historic view of the proscenium stage A historic theatrical performance Backstage at the Chinese Opera 2001 Historic front of the Great Star Theater Historic view of the stage and seating A historic theatrical performance A historic theatrical performance Historic view of the proscenium stage A historic theatrical performance Backstage at the Chinese Opera 2001
A historic Chinese Opera Performance

The Great Star Theater is Magic

Built in 1925, the 500-seat Great Star Theater is the only remaining theater in San Francisco's Chinatown. Throughout the years it has hosted countless Chinese operas, Chinese movies, local artists, and amazing musical, circus, and variety performers from the world over.

We are working to preserve that monumental history while also bringing fresh life to this beloved venue. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community theater which strives to ensure local theater, cabaret, variety, and Chinese opera has a home in San Francisco. We are restoring and operating this historic venue as well as partnering with local artists to produce live shows and keep local arts alive amidst these unprecedented times.