Magic Theatre

==Magic Theatre== Magic Theatre is a prominent cultural institution located in San Francisco, recognized for its dedication to the development and performance of new American plays. Founded in 1967 by John Lion, the theatre has established itself as a pivotal center for nurturing playwrights who are at the forefront of American theatre. ===History=== Since its inception, Magic Theatre has been instrumental in the careers of numerous influential playwrights. Notably, Sam Shepard premiered his Pulitzer Prize-winning play ''Buried Child'', as well as ''True West'' and ''Fool for Love'' during his residency at the theatre from 1974 to 1984, which had a significant impact on the landscape of American drama. The theatre's legacy includes associations with a host of distinguished artists such as Paula Vogel, Athol Fugard, Nilo Cruz, Octavio Solis, Jon Robin Baitz, Anne Bogart, and many others. Magic Theatre's productions have been recognized with various awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for ''Buried Child'', ten Obie Awards, the Kennedy Center Award, PEN-West Awards for Drama, Bay Area Critics' Circle Awards, Los Angeles Drama-Logue Awards, and the NAACP Image Award. ===Recent Developments=== In June 2021, Magic Theatre entered a new chapter with the appointment of Sean San José as the Artistic Director, marking the first time a person of color has led the organization in its over 50-year history. Under San José's leadership, the theatre has committed to inclusivity by centering Black, Indigenous, and people of color in its operations and creative output. The theatre has introduced a Residency Program, which includes partnerships with various entities such as Campo Santo, Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, and the Saint John Coltrane Church. The program also features a new Performances Program and collaborations with San Francisco Poet Laureate Tongo Eisen-Martin, among others. ===Visual Identity and Space=== In 2023, Magic Theatre unveiled a new visual identity, reflecting an energetic, artistic, and aesthetic shift. This transformation extends to the theatre's physical spaces, which now feature wall-sized murals by local artists and a collection of legendary Black art. The theatre aims to be a hub for community engagement and entertainment, embodying the spirit of bringing the city inside. ===Location=== Magic Theatre is situated on unceded Ohlone Land, specifically Yelamu, which belonged to the Ramaytush tribe. The organization acknowledges the Ramaytush tribe as the rightful living heirs of the land. [[Category:Theatres in San Francisco]] [[Category:American theatre]] [[Category:1967 establishments in California]]