THE GREAT STAR THEATER
To thrive as the oldest Chinese theater in the United States by cultivating traditional Asian art forms, revitalizing the San Francisco Chinatown community, and nurturing emerging artists from diverse backgrounds to enrich the greater Bay Area theatrical scene.
About THE GREAT STAR THEATER
The Great Star Theater is a century-old, donor-facing 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts venue located at 636 Jackson Street in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Established in 1925, the organization preserves and presents traditional Asian art forms (including Cantonese opera and guzheng music) while programming contemporary performance, film, comedy, circus, and community events. Since reorganizing as a nonprofit and reopening in 2021, The Great Star has pursued a mission-driven mix of cultural preservation, community revitalization, and artist development — operating as an accessible neighborhood cultural hub that hosts year-round public programming, community engagement initiatives, and venue rentals that support Chinatown’s economy and cultural life.
Notable achievements
100th Anniversary Celebration (April 5, 2025)
Marked its centennial with a widely attended, nearly sold‑out public celebration on April 5, 2025 that included traditional dragon and Cantonese opera performances, a mayoral proclamation recognizing “Great Star Theater Day,” and appearances by community leaders and Bay Area artists.
Reopened as a Nonprofit and Major Programming (2021–2022)
Reopened in 2021 under nonprofit management and quickly resumed robust programming, hosting hundreds of events including a three-month popular run in 2022 (a Star Wars–themed production reported to have attracted roughly 40,000 ticket buyers) and regular festival and film series appearances.
California Arts Council Grant (2025–26)
Received General Operating Support from the California Arts Council for the 2025–26 cycle (award announced for the 2025–26 grant year) to support a diverse season of performances and community access initiatives, including the planned distribution of 700 free tickets to low‑income families, seniors, and veterans.
At a glance
- Total assets
- $248K
- Annual revenue
- $756K
- Tax status
- 501(c)(3)Public charity
- EIN
- 32-0474467
- Location
- San Francisco, CA
- Website
- www.greatstartheater.org
- On Mahalo since
- April 2026
Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.
Recognition
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