Magic Theatre is solely dedicated to the development and production of new plays by both emerging and established writers. The company was founded in 1967 at the Steppenwolf Bar in Berkeley; its name derives from the novel Steppenwolf by Herman Hesse, in which the central character is invited to attend an “Anarchist Evening at the Magic Theatre. For Madmen Only. Price of Admission: Your Mind.” Over the decades, the company has presented premieres of more than 200 new works by such writers as Sam Shepard (playwright in residence 1975-83), David Mamet, Michael McClure, Nilo Cruz, Rebecca Gilman, Charles Mee, John Robin Baitz, Joseph Chaikin, Maria Irene Fornes, and Jose Rivera.

Magic Theatre Information

• Public Transportation: Good (Muni buses)
• Handicapped Accessibility: Good
• Performances/Programs: Performance schedule is Wednesday–Sunday
• Ticket Prices: Tickets are $20–$45; students, seniors, educators, and people with disabilities get $5 off regular-priced tickets; $10 Rush tickets available for students, seniors, educators, and anyone under 30; $5–$25 tickets available on Sliding-Scale Wednesdays. Discounts available for groups of six or more
• Subscriptions: Six-Play $120–$450, Flex Six-Ticket pass $144–$240, and Under-30 subscription $30. Benefits include free ticket exchanges and unlimited free repeat viewings of shows you have already seen.