Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to the landmark Castro Theatre (opened in 1922), Another Planet has renovated and currently manages historic venues such as the Fox Theater (Oakland, 1928); the Greek Theatre at UC Berkeley (Berkeley, 1903); and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (San Francisco, 1915).

As such, we are committed to restoring and preserving the irreplaceable architectural landmark Castro Theatre as designed by Timothy Pflueger to ensure its sustainability into the future.

Of course. As stated in our Mission Statement: The Castro Theatre and Another Planet Entertainment are committed to an eclectic program of film, music, comedy, private and community events and LGBTQ+ content that is affirming, diverse and always cognizant of the historic neighborhood in which it lives. Another Planet is committed to supporting the artistic freedom of expression of all of our diverse performers, but we are also committed to upholding the integrity of the Castro Theatre’s Code of Conduct that promotes equality and respect above all. Always reflected onstage, backstage, in the house and in our offices and interactions, the Castro Theatre and Another Planet Entertainment are fully committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. 

Yes, developed in collaboration with the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District the code of conduct is as follows: 

The Castro Theatre is in an internationally renowned LGBTQ+ neighborhood. By attending an event at the Castro Theatre, you agree to behave with respect for the LGBTQ+ residents, visitors and culture you will encounter when you visit the area. Ticket holders who violate this agreement may be excluded from acquiring tickets to future events at the Castro Theatre.

The code of conduct will be posted at the Theatre and on our website.

Another Planet Entertainment has joined the local Castro Merchants Association, the SF Chamber of Commerce, the Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association and the Golden Gate Business Association (the world’s first LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce) specifically to make sure that we engage with, promote, understand and provide vital economic stimulation to our neighborhood businesses, restaurants and bars. There is a neighborhood section of the website that features local businesses which will be regularly included in our newsletters to fans. 

The Castro Theatre wouldn’t be the Castro Theatre without an organ rising out of the pit. The organ will stay and continue to welcome fans to the Theatre before events. The current digital organ, which is owned by Castro Theatre Lead Organist, David Hegarty, will be replaced. A new customized organ has been designed and built by the Castro Organ Devotees Association (CODA) at a cost of approximately $1 million. It will be installed at the Castro Theatre during renovations. It will be the largest hybrid (pipe/digital) organ in the world, with seven keyboards and over 800 stops. It will retain the familiar Wurlitzer sound using wind-blown pipes, and the pipes will be supplemented with digitally sampled organ and orchestral sounds to create an instrument of unparalleled capability.

After renovations, patrons can look forward to this impressive custom-designed organ that will faithfully preserve the musical tradition of the Castro Wurlitzer and significantly expand it with 21st-century technology. David Hegarty has been playing at the Castro Theatre since 1983.

Yes, many of the longstanding film festivals will be included in our programming, such as the Frameline Film Festival.

Our film programming has never stopped and will continue to be a regular part of the Theatre. Events such as Sing Alongs and other such interactive, community events are a priority for Another Planet’s programming. 

Our plans include a modular and flexible concession stand/bar. For films & spoken word events the concession stand will remain in the lobby. Additionally, we will have a second concession stand located in the mezzanine lobby. For standing room shows, we will have the ability to move the concession frontage into the theater thus improving the bar experience for concerts.

As stated in our Mission Statement, the programming at the Castro Theatre will be affirming, diverse and always cognizant of the historic neighborhood in which it lives. Film, comedy, podcasts, drag shows, concerts, community fundraisers and meetings, and more will be featured year-round. With a more flexible floorplan, the possibilities will now be endless! And as for concerts, there’s a wide variety of genres and artists that will be a great fit for the Castro Theatre, most especially LGBTQ+ artists and comedians.

Once renovations are complete, the improved facilities at the Castro Theatre will complement the historic legacy of the venue and further enshrine it as a destination for queer artists, performers, and fans.

There would be no Castro Theatre without the LGBTQ+ community. That history and legacy is inextricably linked and we will preserve and enhance the sort of programming the queer community has come to expect. We continue to speak to our LGBTQ+ neighbors and allies on a regular basis for input and ideas.

At their core, venues are a reflection of their community. That is how the Castro Theatre has become the beacon of hope, inclusivity and queer culture throughout the world. Another Planet very much intends for the Castro Theatre to continue to be that community gathering space and a venue that the neighborhood can be proud of.

By tiering on top of the current floor we are able to achieve several goals. Our upgrades to the raked orchestra floor are 100% reversible in compliance with the Department of the Interior historic preservation standards.

• Programming
  • The tiers allow us to reconfigure the room and tailor the space to allow for a more diverse set of programming – seated events & film, standing room concerts, fundraisers, seated dinners and more. 
• Mechanical Systems
  • The tiers create a physical space to run ventilation into the building with minimal impact to the historic interior. Currently there is no circulation of fresh air in the building or cooling system of any kind. Post-renovation we will have a state of the art HVAC system, allowing us to achieve the Centers for Disease Control recommendation of six air changes per hour, as well as provide heating and air conditioning throughout the Theatre. 
• Accessibility
  • The new orchestra tiers allow for a plan of ADA lifts and ramps that meet current standards and allow equal access for all patrons. 

• Balcony 
  • There are approximately 600 seats in the balcony. Although we currently do not have any plans to change the balcony seating, we are always looking into possible ways to improve comfort.

The venue capacity of 1,407 will remain. However available seating on the orchestra level will be decreased to accommodate for an updated seat and to provide for ADA access. The amount of orchestra seating that will be available is pending the selection of our seating solution. 

The parking lot behind the Theatre is owned and managed by SFMTA.

The Theatre will have state of the art production in-house which will limit the need for outside equipment and loading needs for touring artists. 

The Theatre will be back in action in 2025

Another Planet has entered into a partnership with BuildOUT California for the Theatre’s renovation construction. BuildOUT California is the world’s first LGBT Industry Association dedicated to the sustainable growth of LGBT+ owned & certified businesses, and our allies, in the fields of Architecture, Engineering, Construction Services, Real Estate Development, and Related Industries.