Grantee Database

THE GREAT STAR THEATER

Grant Year

2025-26

Grant Program

General Operating Support

Award Amount

$12,900.00

Project Description

With support from the California Arts Council, The Great Star Theater will continue to serve San Francisco Bay Area residents as the oldest Chinese American theater in the North America, just as it has for over a century. In 2026—the theater’s 101st year—we will present a diverse season of year-round performances including circus arts, comedy shows, magic shows, burlesque, Cantonese opera, and guzheng concerts that offer awe-inspiring cultural experiences. Additionally, CAC grant funds will enable us to distribute 700 free tickets to low-income families, seniors, and Bay Area veterans, expanding access to the arts and deepening our commitment to community engagement.

Organization Summary

1. Cinema Showings:
Cultural Film Series: Regular screenings of films from Asian and Asian American filmmakers, including classics, contemporary hits, and independent features that celebrate and explore Asian heritage and stories.
Community Movie Nights: Free or low-cost screenings open to the community, focusing on family-friendly content and films that resonate with local interests and values.
2. Live Performances:
Theater Productions: Staging of traditional and modern plays that reflect the cultural dynamics of the Chinatown community, including collaborations with local theater groups and schools.
Music and Dance: Concerts and performances showcasing traditional Asian music and contemporary genres, as well as dance performances ranging from classical styles to modern interpretations.
3. Educational Workshops:
Arts Education: Workshops and classes in various aspects of the performing arts, such as acting, dance, and filmmaking, tailored to different age groups and skill levels.
Cultural Workshops: Sessions that explore the rich cultural heritage of Asia through art, music, storytelling, and more, often led by respected members of the community or guest artists.
4. Festivals and Special Events:
Cultural Festivals: Annual or bi-annual festivals that celebrate significant cultural events or holidays with live performances, food, and craft stalls, such as Lunar New Year or Mid-Autumn Festival.
Film Festivals: Hosting or co-hosting film festivals that highlight Asian cinema, offering a platform for filmmakers and attracting a broader audience to the theater.

Through these core programs and services, the Great Star Theater aims to be a cornerstone of cultural, educational, and social life in Chinatown, making the arts accessible and engaging for a community of diverse backgrounds and ages.

Organization

The Great Star Theater

Address

636 JACKSON ST

SAN FRANCISCO

94133-5007

County

San Francisco

Region

Bay Area – San Francisco

Phone

(415) 735-4159

Congressional District

11th Congressional District

State Assembly District

19th Assembly District

State Senate District

11th Senate District

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