Vision for a Mid-Market Multiplex of Off-B’way

Theaters

Presented by: Coalition for a MiMa Theater District (CMMTD) c/o Bill Schwartz, 21 Columbus Ave., #233, SF94111

415-291-8655, billschwartz@idiom.com

“Mid-Market Stages”**Hub of a New Theater District**

**Catalyst for a Rejuvenated SF Theater Scene**

**Catalyst for a Renewed Market St.**

A 21st Century VisionProposed Multiplex Establishes New SF Theater

District on Market Bet. 5-8th Sts.

• Five off-Broadway-style quality theaters • Housed in one complex (or adjacent) on

mid-Market Street 99 Seats (2) 199 Seats (2) 299 Seats (1)

21st Century Paradigm: Multiplex Managed by Nonprofit Organization

• Master Tenant (20-35,000 sq.ft.)• Artistic-Business approach (Self-Sustaining)• Greater stability than individual leases• Maximize utilization of spaces• Maximize community benefit• Coordinate marketing & promotion, etc.• Relieves theater company from facility mgmt.• Acts as collaborative catalyst

Power of Multiplex– New facilities attract (e.g. AT&T Park) – Critical mass changes public perceptions– Community pride builds excitement & attendance– Cross pollination of attending audiences– Supports casual, spontaneous theatergoing– Shared resources: backstage, lobby,restrms– Concentrated energy vs. diffused

Market St.--The Ideal Spot

• Mid-Market St.: accessible main drag is ideal• Area tax revenues to city would soar from increased

economic activity• Two B’way houses & Warfield already there• Performing groups’ offices can locate nearby• Creates link between Civic Center and Westfield Mall• Area on the rise: Trinity, SF Mart renovation, new gov’t bldgs, 6th

St. Redev, more upside for developer.

• Street people issues being addressed

A Tried & True Approach

• Multiplex Not a New Idea: New World Stages, 37 Arts, 59E59 Stages, 42nd St., NYC

• Many cities redevelop with arts/culture• SF demographics support arts’ ventures• Multiplex has huge impact in a small district!

Tipping Point to safer, attractive boulevard• New District acts as “Change Agent”

e.g. Alice Waters, Chez Panisse, changes food

All SF Theaters Benefit• San Francisco gains new theater district• City becomes destination for theater arts• Theater groups benefit from new interest in small

theater and expanded audience• Ecology. Mid-range theater: a missing stepping

stone between off-off & LORT• Improves actor pool and directors, designers… • Other cultural arts benefit from new perceptions New District Re-Energizes Live Theater in SF

New Homes for Theaters

• 300 theater groups in the Bay Area• New HOME for resident companies (match

show to space and ability to move show)• Others can time-share spaces, extend runs• Many Hi-Quality & Emerging Candidates: Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, Magic Theatre, 42nd Street Moon,

Lamplighters, A.C.T. 2nd Stage, Pocket Opera, Fools Fury, Cutting Ball, Crowded Fire, San Francisco Playhouse, Playground, Comedy on the Square, Woman’s Will, Z-Space, Word for Word, Killing My Lobster, many others.

*bold font indicates preliminary interest

Additional Theater Usage

• Independent productions• Provides space to move a hit show from

Berkeley Rep, San Jose Rep, Theaterworks, Marin Theatre Company…

• Other special events: youth poetry slams, musical performances, standup comedy, lectures, presentations, chamber music, dance, corporate events,etc.

Community Youth Benefits

• Theater programs for Tenderloin & SoMa youth

• Youth internships in theater-tech

• Rehab programs using improv theater

• Performances FOR & BY school children (accessibility by

public transportation makes it ideal)

• Ripple effect on theater arts in San Francisco

Many Examples of Urban Development Using Cultural Facilities

• Berkeley• Oakland• Houston• Seattle• Philadelphia• West Palm Beach

• Minneapolis• New York• Fort Worth• Newark• Salt Lake City

Next Step

• Commission Feasibility Study to examine viability of concept

The Coalition has gathered 22 SF theater company endorsements for the study.

Presented by: Coalition for a MiMa Theater District (CMMTD)c/o Bill Schwartz, 21 Columbus Ave., #233, SF94111

415-291-8655

Summary• Developer gains tangible financial benefits• Mid-Market upgraded, moves City forward &

generates tax revenues• Community benefits from cultural enhancement• City becomes theater destination, taps theater

creativity, attracts theater artists• Funders gains recognition and community

appreciation

Presented by: Coalition for a MiMa Theater District (CMMTD)c/o Bill Schwartz, 21 Columbus Ave., #233, SF94111

415-291-8655