Founded in 1976, Theatre Bay Area (TBA) is the largest theatre service organization of its kind, representing theatre companies and individual artists across the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 200 member companies and more than 3,000 individual artists, TBA offers advertising resources, network connections, and professional development that steward engagement with local theatre arts and the artists who make them.
We are so proud to serve this community of artists and art lovers in one of the most vibrant theatre regions in the world. Whether you've been here for 50 years or 5 minutes, thank you for being part of our community. Cheers to another half century of Theatre Bay Area!
Invest in the Future of Bay Area Theatre
For 50 years, Theatre Bay Area has been the cornerstone of the artistic excellence of the Bay Area theatre scene. Through innovative programs, a commitment to collaboration, and a drive for sustainable careers, TBA supports and uplifts our members as they create the groundbreaking art that this region is known for. We're raising $250,000 in Theatre Bay Area’s 50th anniversary year to invest in the future of Bay Area theatre. In a moment when the arts are more important than ever, join this legacy that says yes to the unique artistry of the Bay Area.
Our work is not possible without community support. Your support enables Theatre Bay Area to empower our theatre community for the next 50 years and beyond!
Recognizing 50 for 50 Years
In celebration of our 50th anniversary, we're shining a spotlight on the great community we serve. 50@50 is a special recognition program, inspired by TBA's past anniversary honorees. This year, we’re featuring 50 people and/or companies that make our Bay Area theatre scene one of the most vibrant and exciting in the world, and we need your help! Nominate a person or an organization for this honor by filling out the form below.
The deadline to submit is Monday September 14.
Who Can I Nominate?
- The person or organization must be primarily based within TBA’s Northern California service area OR have spent a meaningful portion of their theatre career (person) or history (organization) in TBA’s Northern California service area.
- The person or organization must have a history of creating, producing, or supporting theatre primarily within TBA’s Northern California service area.
How decisions are made
While anyone can nominate someone for 50@50, the decisions will be made by a peer panel. Panelists will review the nominations and help TBA create the final 50@50 cohort. 50@50 panelists must be available for the panel meeting on Monday, October 5 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. The panel will meet via Zoom. Panelist applications will be accepted from 9:00 AM on Monday, August 3 to 11:59 PM on Monday, September 14.
Interested in more information on how to become a 50@50 panelist? Check out the panelist information sheet and reach out to Programs Officer Melissa Hillman at melissa@theatrebayarea.org with any questions.
Share Your Bay Area Theatre Story!
As Theatre Bay Area celebrates our 50th year, we have been reflecting on five decades of service, what it means to be an organization “by and for theatremakers,” and the journeys we took to get where we are today. What we know beyond a doubt is that Theatre Bay Area could not be here without all of you!
As we think about our history and the history of this community, we know that you, the Bay Area theatre community, are the heart of who we are. And we want to hear your stories about Bay Area theatre. Lucky for us, as theatremakers you are magnificent storytellers with a wealth of history and knowledge. If you have a Bay Area theatre story big or small, from recent memory or from years gone by, we want to hear it!
Using the recording tab on the right side of this page, please share your response to one of the following prompts:
- What is your first memory of Theatre Bay Area?
- Shout out and celebrate a Bay Area theatremaker or theatre company who has influenced you in some way!
- What is your dream for Bay Area theatre 50 years from now?
50th Anniversary Store
Celebrate this 50th anniversary in style. Get shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles, and more with our new 50th anniversary logo designed by local theatremaker DC Scarpelli. The design features a hemicycle odeon (signaling the roots of theatre) whose stage encloses TBA's signature spotlight logo, with 50 gold orbs representing the audience, the community, and the half century of service to Bay Area artists.
News & Press
For all press inquiries, reach out to our Marketing and Communications Officer Hilary Buffum at hilary@theatrebayarea.org or call (415) 430-1140 x1012.