San Francisco, CA

RAY OF LIGHT THEATRE

EIN 65-1173567

Arts, Culture & Heritage Performing Arts

Mission

To produce daring, artist-driven musical theatre in San Francisco that is affordable and accessible — operating on a volunteer model and guided by the belief that the best theater in the city shouldn’t require a Broadway budget or a mainstream mandate to exist.

IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity Contributions are tax-deductible

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About RAY OF LIGHT THEATRE

Ray of Light Theatre (founded 2001 by Shane Ray) is a volunteer-run, 501(c)(3) musical theatre company based in San Francisco that produces contemporary musicals and fresh reimaginings of classics. The company is known for bold programming, risk-taking casting and design choices, and for presenting West Coast and Bay Area premieres of challenging works. In recent seasons Ray of Light has drawn several thousand patrons annually (the organization cites roughly 10,000 patrons per year), mounted notable productions including Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (June 2024, a landmark non-replica American production), Legally Blonde (2024), and Next to Normal (May–June 2025), and announced a multi-year project to establish The Barbary Stage as its first permanent performance home in Jackson Square. The company markets itself as an entry point for emerging artists and an affordable, artist-first venue for Bay Area musical theatre audiences.

Notable achievements

25th Anniversary Season

Celebrated a 25th anniversary season (organizational milestone spanning 2025), highlighting sustained community presence and an expanded season of major musical productions.

American non-replica premiere — Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Presented the first non-replica American production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (premiered June 1, 2024 in San Francisco), demonstrating the company’s role in bringing contemporary and boundary-pushing musicals to local audiences.

Development of The Barbary Stage (permanent home)

Launched a capital and volunteer effort to renovate and open The Barbary Stage in Jackson Square as Ray of Light’s first permanent 200-seat venue, a strategic move to stabilize operations and provide an affordable producing space for Bay Area artists.

At a glance

Total assets: $35K
Annual revenue: $317K
Tax status: 501(c)(3)Public charity
EIN: 65-1173567
Location: San Francisco, CA
Website: www.rayoflighttheatre.com
On Mahalo since: April 2026

Financial figures from the IRS Business Master File, the IRS’s registry of tax-exempt organizations.

Recognition

Regularly described by local critics and community sources as an award‑winning, cutting-edge company for its adventurous programming and production values.

Recognized by the San Francisco Bay Area theatre community: Ray of Light and its productions have received nominations and awards from local critics’ organizations and the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle (SFBATCC) over multiple seasons.

Featured in regional theatre press and listings (coverage of seasons, premieres, and anniversary programming), reflecting a visible and active presence in the Bay Area performing-arts scene.

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