Brava! For Women in the Arts has bought the old York Theatre building in San Francisco for $650,000, and announced plans to convert it into a theatre and teaching complex. The $2.5 million Brava Theatre Center is scheduled to open in 1998. Brava! specializes in developing new plays by and about women of color. The theatre, located at 2789 24th Street in the Mission District, will be its first permanent home. The York was purchased through a coalition of government and private sources, including a $300,000 grant from the Community Development Investment Fund of the 24th Street Revitalization Committee.
Executive Artistic Director Ellen Gavin said the original orchestra section and stage of the 1927-vintage vaudeville theatre will be converted into a 300-seat mainstage. The balcony will be closed off and converted as a 100-seat training studio, and will be connected with classrooms, rehearsal space and offices.
Gavin said more than $1 million of the $2.5 million for the renovation has already been raised. Those wishing to help should contact Brava! at (415) 641-7687.