The Improvisation Theater, Inc.

149 Powell St. | map |

Opening: November 1972. Thanks to Jack Tillmany for sharing the photo of this architecturally stunning entrance that was taken by Tom Gray.  It was in the middle of the block on the west side of the street between Ellis and O'Farrell.

 

Jack notes that this second-floor theatre space had been Lindahl's Academy of Hair Styling from 1964 to 1967. In 1969 had become the Walt Baptiste Yoga Institute.

 

This article about the Berkeley-based troupe's new San Francisco location appeared in the October 31, 1972 edition of the Examiner. Thanks to Jack Tillmany for locating it. The company was headed by Cindy Kamler and Carl Yorke.

 

A November 7, 1972 article from the Chronicle. Thanks to Jack Tillmany for locating it.

Closing: 1977. Jack comments: "After five years of what was apparently a successful and well supported operation, they faded into history in December 1977. In 1984 the site segued into the home of the San Francisco Health Club, later known as the Union Square Heath Club."

Status: The building survives but it's all now a Walgreens store. Until at least 2011 the upstairs had been Lori's Diner, using the 149 Powell address. 

 

 

The building in 2009. Photo: Google Maps

 

The building in 2019. The window in the center of the image with seismic bracing behind it was once the doorway immortalized by Tom Gray. Photo: Google Maps

More information: Jack Tillmany's Arcadia Publishing book "Theatres of San Francisco" can be previewed on Google Books. It's available from Amazon or your local bookseller.  

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