Castro Theatre FAQs
Castro Theatre FAQs

- For every dollar spent on tickets, $ 12 in revenue is generated for local bars, restaurants and shops. This is according to the 2019 “Arts in the Loop” impact study. https://loopchicago.com/assets/f4fdbc1e00/Arts-in-the-Loop-Study.pdf
- Architect / Designer: Timothy L. Pflueger
- Building Builder & Owner: Bay Properties / The Nasser Family
- Date theatre opened: The historic Castro Theatre in San Francisco opened at 429 Castro St. on June 22, 1922, featuring an invitation-only screening of Across the Continentwith Mayor James Rolph in attendance. Designed by architect Timothy L. Pflueger for the Nasser brothers, this Spanish Baroque-style venue opened to the public the following day.
- The murals flanking the audience are “sgraffito”: a decorative technique involving scratching through a surface layer of slip, glaze, or plaster (in this instance clay) to expose a contrasting color underneath, derived from the Italian sgraffiare (“to scratch”).
- Current Castro Management, Programming & Operations: Another Planet Entertainment who have an exclusive longterm lease.
- Date Another Planet took over management in January 2022.
- Last pre-renovation performance: “Victor / Victoria” February 4, 2024
- Ribbon Cutting post renovation: February 6, 2026
- First public event: “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” benefit screening for nonprofit Castro Community Benefit District February 6, 2026
- First musical artist: Sam Smith, 20 performance residency February 10 – March 14, 2026
- March 17, 2026 new Castro organ debuts: the largest digital theatre organ in the world, designed to the specifications of longtime Castro organist David Hegarty.
- Venue capacity: 1385 / 1150 seated
- Number of onsite staff: 20 – 30 depending upon event type
- Fresh popcorn will be popped onsite
- Two concessions will provide lite snacks (peanuts, candies, etc) and alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
- The theatre orchestra level. stage & backstage are fully ADA accessible.
- Due to historic preservation requirements, the balcony level is only accessible by stairs.
- Venue will host events of all types including concerts, podcasts, comedy, special events, private functions and its traditional schedule of films including Frameline, the International LGBTQ Film Festival, SF Film Festival, Berlin & Beyond, Silent Film Festival, movie sing-a-alongs, and neighborhood and LGBTQ community events.
- www.TheCastro.com
Film & AV:
Film:
Digital Projector:
NEC NC2043ML 4k Phosphor Laser Projector
Film Projectors:
- 2 Century JJ projectors, capable of both 35mm and 70mm projection.
- Screen: 25’ x 36’ Strongview Vista Motorized Projection Screen
- Audio: Dolby 7.1 surround sound system
Restoration Details.
- Renovation Cost: $ 41 million paid by Another Planet
- Number of contractors who worked on the project: 400 +
- Restoration timeline: February 5, 2024 – February 6, 2026
Restoration Team:
- CAW Architects in collaboration w. preservation architects Page & Turnbull
- Alarcon Bohm (General Contractor)
- Evergreene Architectural Arts
- The Shalleck Collaborative
- MAR Structural Design
- Charles Salter Acousticians
- Meyers +
- Lightswitch
- Phoenix Day (original builders of, and restorers of, the iconic 1937 chandelier)
- Michelle Franzoia Interiors
- Neon Works
- BuildIT (world’s largest LGBTQ Industry Association) sub. Contractors: Axis Mechanical Inc., Anco Iron & Construction Inc. and Laner Electric Supply.



