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San Francisco, California / Theaters and music

ODC Theater

A flagship home for the arts in San Francisco, ODC Theater is a historic 170-seat venue dedicated to empowering innovative artists through contemporary dance and performing arts.

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What is ODC Theater known for?

ODC Theater is a dance and performing arts venue in San Francisco that serves as a flagship home for the arts. It is notable for being the first modern dance company in the United States to own its own home facility.

What are the hours for the box office?

The box office opens one hour before showtimes. Additionally, the box office phone line is staffed on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00pm to 2:00pm.

Is it accessible?

Yes, ODC Theater is ADA accessible and features all-gender restrooms.

How many performances does the theater host?

ODC Theater hosts over 150 performances a year for both local and touring artists.

Are there discounts or subsidies for tickets?

Yes, ODC offers an Arts Access program that provides a limited number of subsidies for performance tickets and classes for those where price is a barrier.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

ODC Theater serves as a premier dance and performing arts venue in San Francisco, California. Originally founded in 1971 in Oberlin, Ohio, by Brenda Way, the organization relocated to San Francisco in 1976. By 1979, ODC achieved a national milestone by becoming the first modern dance company in the United States to build and own its own home facility. The theater is a hub of creative activity, hosting over 150 performances annually for both local and touring artists. With a capacity of 170 seats, the venue focuses on empowering innovative artists through a combination of presenting, commissioning, mentorship, and providing essential space access. Beyond the main theater, the organization operates a two-building campus. In 2005, this site expanded to include the ODC Dance Commons. This addition houses the ODC School, the ODC/Dance company, a Pilates studio, and a Healthy Dancers' Clinic, cementing the campus as a comprehensive center for the arts. Visitors to the theater will find a welcoming environment with all-gender restrooms and ADA accessible facilities. To ensure the arts remain inclusive, ODC manages an Arts Access program that provides limited subsidies for classes and performance tickets for those facing financial barriers.

Visitor tips

  • Check the ODC calendar page online to see upcoming performances before your visit.
  • If you need tickets, the box office opens exactly one hour before showtimes.
  • For phone inquiries, call only on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12:00pm and 2:00pm.
  • Look into the Arts Access program if ticket prices are a barrier to attendance.

Nearby context

ODC Theater is a cornerstone of the San Francisco arts scene, operating a specialized two-building campus that blends performance space with educational facilities like the ODC School.

Sources

Evidence and links