Tucked away in Mill Valley, Marin Theatre Company gives you a shot at professional theater just a quick drive north of San Francisco. Right at 397 Miller Avenue, this spot sits across from Whole Foods and next to a commuter lot—easy to find, even if you’re not a local. You’ll find two performance spaces here: the 231-seat Boyer Theatre and a smaller second venue, both offering that up-close vibe for high-quality productions all year round.
If you’re mapping out a trip, the theater’s in a sweet spot between the Golden Gate Bridge and Mount Tamalpais. Honestly, it’s a great add-on if you’re out exploring Marin County’s natural beauty or checking out other local attractions. Since it’s right in Mill Valley, you can easily pair your show with dinner, some shopping, or a quick hike—pretty ideal for a full Marin experience.
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About Marin Theatre Company
Since 1966, Marin Theatre Company has been a cultural cornerstone in Marin County, serving up professional productions and growing from a humble community group into a respected, mid-sized theater for the North Bay.
History and Mission
Back in 1966, Marin Theatre Company started out as a nonprofit, aiming to bring the arts to Marin County. In those early days, the group put on everything from theater and film to poetry, dance, and music—classical, jazz, folk, you name it.
Over time, MTC became the Bay Area’s leading mid-sized theater and a real force in the North Bay. That growth really shows their commitment to both artistic quality and connecting with the community.
Their mission? Brave, carefully chosen professional theater and arts programming. They want to create meaningful experiences for audiences and support new ideas and voices, especially those tackling today’s issues.
Location and Facilities
You’ll find Marin Theatre at 397 Miller Avenue in Mill Valley, right next to a big commuter lot and across from Whole Foods. Couldn’t be much easier to spot.
Its Mill Valley location makes it super accessible for folks from all over Marin, San Francisco, or the wider Bay Area. It’s about 15 minutes from San Rafael and maybe half an hour from San Francisco, depending on traffic.
Inside, the main theater space hosts productions year-round. The setup’s intimate, so you’re never far from the action. There are also spaces for classes and community events—nice touch if you’re into that sort of thing.
Notable Productions and Collaborations
MTC puts on six shows each season, mixing contemporary plays, classics, and brand-new works. Their lineup often dives into current social topics and lifts up a variety of voices through thoughtful storytelling.
They’ve teamed up with other big Bay Area theaters like Berkeley Rep, which leads to some cool collaborations and keeps things fresh for Marin audiences.
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Over the years, MTC has tackled everything from “Waiting for Godot” to innovative Word for Word performances—where actors bring literary works to life, word-for-word, on stage.
Plus, they’re big on supporting new playwrights and original work, making MTC a bit of a launchpad for emerging talent in American theater.
Planning Your Visit
You’ll want to do a bit of planning before heading to Marin Theatre Company. Knowing the show times, how to snag tickets, and what else is nearby can really make your visit smoother.
Performance Schedule and Tickets
MTC’s season runs year-round, with shows usually Tuesday through Sunday. Evening performances kick off at 7:30 PM, and weekend matinees start at 2:00 PM.
Getting tickets is pretty straightforward:
- Online: Buy through Marin Theatre Company’s official website—best way to dodge those annoying third-party fees
- Phone: Call the box office at 415-388-5208
- In person: Swing by the box office between noon and 5:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday
Tickets run from $25-$70, depending on your seat and the day. Students, seniors, and military folks get discounts. If you’re planning to catch a few shows, a season subscription saves you some cash.
The box office opens an hour before showtime for will-call. Arriving about 30 minutes early lets you settle in and flip through the program—always a good move.
Getting There and Parking
You’ll find Marin Theatre Company at 397 Miller Avenue in Mill Valley, just north of San Francisco and about 15 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge.
Driving from San Francisco? Here’s the gist:
- Head over the Golden Gate Bridge
- Take Highway 101 North, then the Highway 1/Stinson Beach exit
- Follow Shoreline Highway to Miller Avenue
- Turn right on Miller
There’s free parking in the theater’s lot, but it can fill up fast on busy nights. You can usually find street parking on Miller Avenue. On weekends, the Mill Valley Middle School lot is also fair game after 4:00 PM.
For public transit, you’ve got:
- Golden Gate Transit buses from San Francisco
- Marin Transit local routes
- Rideshares like Uber or Lyft
Nearby Attractions and Dining
Mill Valley’s got plenty to offer before or after your show. Muir Woods National Monument is just 15 minutes away—perfect if you want to wander among redwoods before curtain time.
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Hungry? Check out these spots:
- Bungalow 44 – Upscale California fare, under 5 minutes’ walk
- Sol Food – Famous Puerto Rican eats, about 10 minutes away in San Rafael
- Playa – Modern Mexican with killer cocktails, 5-minute walk
- Mill Valley Beerworks – Relaxed brewpub, 7 minutes on foot
Lots of restaurants have pre-theater menus if you let them know you’re seeing a show. Reservations are smart, especially on weekends.
Downtown Mill Valley’s shops are fun to browse, especially if you’re catching a matinee. If you’re staying longer, think about heading up Mount Tamalpais or maybe taking a day trip out to Point Reyes National Seashore.
Experience at Marin Theatre Company
A night at Marin Theatre Company is more than just watching a play. The place blends professional performances with thoughtful design and community engagement.
Atmosphere and Audience
The theater’s got an intimate feel—less than 250 seats—so you’re never far from the stage. The crowd’s a mix: passionate regulars, curious visitors, folks who just love a good story.
Audiences here really pay attention, whether it’s a well-known classic or something experimental. Some people show up for every show in the season—impressive dedication.
Dress is mostly casual or business casual. You’ll see jeans, but you might spot a few folks dressed up, especially on opening night.
Before the show and during intermission, the lobby buzzes with conversation. People like to chat about what they’re about to see (or just saw).
Stagecraft and Design Elements
Marin Theatre Company gets creative with its sets—sometimes you’ll walk in and see an elaborate, multi-level design, other times it’s stripped down and minimalist. The tech crew really knows how to transform the space.
Lighting sets the mood and draws your eye right where it needs to be. Sound design’s dialed in, too, with original music for many productions.
Props and costumes show a lot of care—little details that pull you into the story. All these elements come together to build a world on stage, even in such an intimate space.
They’ve invested in solid equipment, so the staging stays inventive without losing that cozy, up-close feel that makes Marin Theatre Company stand out.
Community and Inclusivity
Marin Theatre Company really tries to connect with a wide range of people. Lately, they’ve put on shows that dive into topics like race, power, and all sorts of cultural viewpoints.
Sometimes after performances, there are post-show discussions where you can chat with the cast or creative team. These talks can give you a peek behind the curtain—sometimes more revealing than you’d expect.
Students from local schools get a chance to experience theatre, too. The company seems genuinely interested in sparking curiosity in young folks, hoping they’ll come back for more down the line.
They also team up with community groups to make theatre more accessible—think discounted tickets and performances designed for different needs. Honestly, it feels like they’re making a real effort to welcome everyone, no matter where you’re coming from or how much theatre you’ve seen before.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
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