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
Aparna Nancherla

Music, Magic, Circus, Comedy, and More

Upcoming Shows & Event Calendar

Featured Upcoming Shows

Depths of Wikipedia Live

Depths of Wikipedia Live October 7, 2023

Second show added!Join Depths of Wikipedia creator Annie Rauwerda on a journey through Wikipedia’s most interesting corners.
 Dark Kabaret

Dark Kabaret November 17 - 25, 2023

Discover something new. Dark Kabaret is a decadent evening at the sweet nexus of magic, comedy, music, and erotic entertainment.

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.

COVID-19 Policy

As of July 6, 2022

Most productions are no longer requiring proof of vaccination or masks, including the Empire Strips Back.

By purchasing tickets to an event, you agree to comply with any restrictions which may end up being in place. Refunds are available if you if you have tested positive for Covid-19. Thank you for your understanding as we do our best to keep everyone healthy while also providing the best possible experience to all.