San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee officially opens A.C.T.'s new performance space - The Costume Shop

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American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) opened its new performance space, The Costume Shop recently. San Francisco’s Mayor Ed Lee, who helped usher in the momentous occasion, was surrounded by A.C.T.’s family of artists and supporters as well as representatives from the numerous arts organizations around the Bay Area.


A.C.T. Artistic Director Carey Perloff, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee,
and A.C.T. Executive Director Ellen Richard. Photo by Orange Photography.

The new space at 1117 Market Street (at 7th Street) is in the heart of San Francisco’s Mid-Market neighborhood in the space below A.C.T.'s longtime costume shop.

The venue is a 49-seat space dedicated to an eclectic lineup of professional and A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts Program productions. Solidifying A.C.T.’s presence in the rapidly developing and artistically vibrant Mid-Market neighborhood, the Costume Shop will enable A.C.T. to partner with exciting local artists and performing arts companies, propelling the creation of transformative new work for years to come.

The Costume Shop lobby during the opening celebration. Photo by Orange Photography.

"A.C.T.'s new Costume Shop performance space is a wonderful example of the spirit that has taken hold on Central Market to transform and infuse the area with art, performance, and gathering spaces," said Mayor Ed Lee. "I commend A.C.T. for creatively repurposing this space and creating local jobs, and I look forward to supporting their continued efforts to develop a larger presence on Central Market." A.C.T. General Manager Don-Scott Cooper added: "The launch of the new Costume Shop space has been a huge success for A.C.T. We've wanted for years to have a stronger presence in the Mid-Market neighborhood and to create a storefront theater space that allows us to be a part of that community will pay back in dividends for our artists and conservatory students. We are thrilled to be side by side with all of the amazing arts organizations that call this burgeoning neighborhood their home."

Check out the gallery from the opening night: The Costume Shop Press photos

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