The Marsh Arts Center

The Marsh Arts Center is a community performing arts theater with locations in Berkeley (2120 Allston Way) and San Francisco (1062 Valencia Street), founded in 1989 by Stephanie Weisman as a venue for writers and performers to develop their work. The Marsh is known for solo performance, storytelling, and new work development, with two venue configurations in Berkeley (a 75-120 seat main area and a 60-seat cabaret area with bar) and programming that includes recurring weekly and monthly events, community classes for children and adults, and an international arts festival. Founded in 1989, The Marsh purchased its San Francisco home at 1062 Valencia in 1996, a 12,000 square foot building that now includes two theaters, a comedy club, a cafe, and a youth theater; the Berkeley location followed later as part of an expansion into the Bay Area. The Marsh operates venues in Berkeley and San Francisco, with productions also presented at partner venues including the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa, the Dance Palace in Point Reyes, and the Sonoma Community Center. Reviewers consistently highlight the intimate atmosphere, the close proximity of seating to the stage, and the welcoming community feel of the space.