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Entertainment Commission approves Boxcar Theater’s immersive ‘Speakeasy’ with safety conditions
Summary
The Entertainment Commission approved Boxcar Theater’s place-of-entertainment permit at 644 Broadway for an immersive production called the Speakeasy, subject to existing safety plans, training for bar staff and two weeks of retained security-camera footage; planning still requires a conditional-use hearing for the bar.
The San Francisco Entertainment Commission on June 7 approved Boxcar Theater’s application to operate a 9,000-square-foot immersive performance venue at 644 Broadway, clearing the way for a production called the Speakeasy that the theater plans to open Aug. 12.
David Gluck, general manager of Boxcar Theater, told commissioners the Speakeasy is a multilevel, immersive show that ‘‘builds a theatrical environment’’ in which audience members frequently interact with actors. He said the run would include ‘‘35 actors’’ and ‘‘seven musicians’’ and that productions would run about three hours, with the primary performance scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. and a contemplated late show after 11 p.m. Ticket price was announced at $100; Gluck said tickets go on sale Monday following the meeting.
The commission’s approval covers the entertainment use only. Gluck said the venue’s bar component is awaiting a conditional-use authorization before the Planning Commission, with a hearing set for July 28. The deputy director and planning staff advised that planning has generally treated theater bars as accessory to theater uses but that this district requires the additional conditional-use authorization for alcohol sales.
Commissioners attached police-related conditions recommended by Central Station: maintaining the applicant’s existing safety plan, training bartenders and staff in responsible service procedures and retaining security-camera footage for at least two weeks. After brief discussion about those conditions, the commission moved, seconded and voted to approve the permit.
Gluck described the production’s logistics: a ‘‘false-front’’ entry experience, several staged storefront facades and an ‘‘Easter egg’’ room for one-on-one scripted audience interaction. He said Boxcar has a 10-year lease and expects a large-scale staffing need to produce the show. "Our plan—our primary use of the space is to remount our production of the Speakeasy," Gluck said.
The commission’s action approves the entertainment permit; the theater must still secure the conditional-use authorization for the bar accessory and any other required city permits before opening. The Planning Commission hearing is scheduled July 28; Boxcar plans its first performance on Aug. 12 and to begin ticket sales the following Monday.
Provenance: Topic introduced SEG 929; discussion and vote concluded SEG 1316.
