www.lilatheatre.org
Lila Theatre
Founded in 2003 by Jill and Christopher Eickmann, Lila Theatre is fast becoming the Bay Area's premier home for long-form improvisational theatre. Lila Theatre also develops and performs original sketch theatre and cabaret. Our strong vision of truth, art, play, community, technique, support, trust, growth, and humanity continues to evolve as we deeply connect with the countless remarkable individuals that join the Lila Theatre community.
The Lila Theatre Training Center is dedicated to encouraging the student to discover their own voice through the development of each individual's true authentic self. Whether you're a professional artist looking for incredible long-form technique or an individual searching for a creative outlet, our classes give you a safe space to learn, play, and create in an open, joyful way.
Lila Theatre is conveniently located at the Off-Market Theater Complex in downtown San Francisco at 965 Mission Street, between 5th and 6th Streets. Our beautiful theater is just two blocks away from the corner of Powell and Market. Patrons have easy access to exceptional hotels, terrific restaurants, downtown shopping, MUNI/BART, and close parking (5th and Mission garage).
Lila Defined
"There is an old Sanskrit word, lila [lee´la], which means play. Richer than our word, it means divine play, the play of creation, destruction, and recreation, the folding and un-folding of the cosmos. Lila, free and deep, is both the delight and enjoyment of this moment... It also means love.
"Lila may be the simplest thing there is-spontaneous, childish, disarming. But as we grow and experience the complexities of life, it may also be the most difficult and hard-won achievement imaginable, and its coming to fruition is a kind of homecoming to our true selves."
-Stephen Nachmanovitch, Free Play
Mission Statement
Lila Theatre is a company of artists who create and develop the art of long-form improvisation, along with sketch theatre, and cabaret. Through truthful artistic play, we create new artistic works by taking innovative risks, while providing our audiences with compelling, high quality, low cost, accessible theatre and entertainment.
We seek to combine the professionalism of Broadway, the innovation of Off-Broadway, the roots of Chicago Improv, and the rawness of the Fringe.
As a company, we are committed to:
Developing the truth in every individual and exploring this truth on stage. We believe that the more honest and genuine we can be, the greater the chance for an empathic exchange in a theatrical community.
Helping every individual find and develop their creative voice by giving people a safe place to play, explore themselves, and develop their skills.
Providing complete developmental support to the lila theatre training center, including space for classes, workshops, and student shows.
Creating a supportive, non-judgmental, artistic culture where a community of improvisors/artists and audience members can engage in truthful work and innovative ideas.
