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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Click a link to jump to a section below:

Transportation
Tickets
Dining
The Theatre Experience

Transportation

You can find the answers to most of your parking questions here, on our “Parking” page.

Where are you?

Magic Theatre is located on the third floor of Building D of Fort Mason Center at the intersection of Marina Blvd. and Buchanan Street. You can find driving directions here.

How must does parking cost?

There is a free lot just outside the Fort Mason Center gate, but it closes at 10pm. Free street parking is usually available within a few blocks of the theater, and there is a gated lot directly in front of the theater. Rates are as follows:

Do you validate parking?

Sorry, no. However, there is ample free street parking within a short walk of the theater, and the paid lot only costs about $2.00 for the average performance.

Will I get towed if I park in the free lot?

According to the posted signs, the free lot just closes at 10pm for all vehicles except those belonging to customers of the yacht harbor. Magic Theatre does not advise parking in the lot after 10pm and does not assume any responsibility for cars that have been towed.

Are you accessible by public transportation?

Yes! You can find directions from BART and MUNI by clicking here.

Tickets

You can find the answers to many of your ticket questions here, in our “Ticketing” section.

Where are the best seats?

Magic Theatre has a thrust stage (see a seating map here), which means that audience members can sit on three sides of the stage to watch the action from several angles. Our productions are designed with the thrust stage in mind, so although each vantage point provides a different experience, no seat is better than another. Try them all and pick your own favorite!

Is the theatre accessible to those with disabilities?

Absolutely. We reserve several seats in the front rows for those with vision and hearing difficulties, and we have wheelchair-accessible seating available as well. The theater and lounge are fully equipped with ramps and elevators for those with mobility challenges. To reserve an accessible seat for someone with a disability, please call our box office at (415) 441-8822.

How much are tickets?

Tickets range from $15-60 depending on seating section, date, discount eligibility, and more. You can find a complete breakdown of prices right here.

What are these Vendini fees added to my ticket price?

When you buy a ticket online or in person, your order goes through a company called Vendini to reserve your tickets and process your payment. The fees on your receipt are Vendini’s fees; Magic Theatre doesn’t keep any of it. Although most theatres choose to add on their own additional fees, we try to keep our prices as low and fair as possible. The Vendini fees are based on the price of the ticket, but they are never more than $3.50 per ticket–that’s one of the lowest surcharges in the industry!

What are the benefits of subscribing?

In addition to the guarantee of not missing a single show in our incredible season, subscribers receive:

• The best seats for every show, and you can keep them throughout the season
• Free ticket exchanges
• Guaranteed seating for every subscription show, so you never again hear the words “sold out”
• A personal copy of dramaturgy, director interviews, and notes sent to you via email in advance of every show

You can learn more about subscribing by clicking here.

Do I qualify for the senior discount?

We go by the guidelines established by the state of California, so we consider a senior to be anyone 62 or older.

Do you offer rush tickets?

Yes! The new 15/15 deal lets you buy a $15 rush ticket 15 minutes before curtain on Tuesday nights and Saturday matinees. These tickets are subject to availability, and there is no guarantee that you’ll be seated if the show sells out.

Is there a discount for Equity members?

Yes! We offer $5 off preview performances and $10 off regular performances with proof of Equity membership. These tickets cannot be purchased online, so please call our box office to purchase your tickets: (415) 441-8822.

Dining

Are there any good places to eat nearby?

The Marina is renowned for its wonderful restaurants. We’ve compiled a list of our favorites here.

Do you serve food in the lounge?

At all regular performances, we offer light snack and beverage options for sale in the lounge. We proudly serve coffee and tea from Peet’s Coffee and Tea as well as cookies, chips, soda (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite), bottled water, wine, and beer (Anchor Steam, Heineken). Additionally, during special events (opening nights, benefits, etc.), we provide light dinner fare and hors d’oeuvres. Please be advised that we do not offer meals for sale during regular performances, and we invite you to sample the wide variety of Marina restaurants before attending a performance.

The Theatre Experience

Is there a dress code?

For opening night performances and special events, we ask you to dress nicely (business casual/semi-formal–there’s no need for tuxedos, but a tie would be appropriate). No dress code is enforced for regular performances, although many people find it enjoyable to look sharp for their night out on the town!

A note about weather: As all San Franciscans know, it is important to dress in layers. This is especially true for our intimate, historic theatre. On warm days, please dress for comfort.

What are pre-show talks? Why would I want to come?

Pre-show talks (sometimes called “docent talks”) are conversations led by Magic staff members who have special insights into the production, such as the crew or the dramaturg. They help orient you to the world of the play and highlight elements of the production to look for while you’re in the audience. Pre-show talks are included in the price of your ticket and are held every Thursday at 7pm (not including preview week).

What’s a TalkBACK? How is it different from the pre-show talk?

One difference is timing: Pre-show talks take place on Thursdays before the show, and TalkBACKs occur on Fridays after the performance (excluding preview week). Whereas pre-show talks are led by the Magic staff, the post-show TalkBACKs put the audience in the driver’s seat–you get to ask the questions! Actors, designers, and often the playwright join the audience for these TalkBACKs, so you’ll have the unique opportunity to ask the playwright what she meant by a particular line just minutes after you saw it performed. And since the artistic crew is different each week, you’re encouraged to come multiple times and hear different takes on the production. Just like pre-show talks, admission is included in the price of your ticket. So stick around!