Theatre Rhinoceros

Theatre Rhinoceros develops and produces theater that represents the diversity of LGBTQ+ communities. Theatre Rhinoceros produces LGBTQ+ stories that encourage and empower artists and audience members to fight for a more just and equitable world. In a typical year, the organization presents a season of fully staged plays, staged readings, and hybrid live and online performances for over 5,000 audience members. Support of Theatre Rhinoceros aligns with the Performing Arts Program’s Communities strategy.

Theatre Rhinoceros (the Rhino) is the oldest and longest running LGBT theater in the United States. Each year, the Rhino reaches 3,500 Bay Area residents with its four-show mainstage season, which includes reinterpretations of theater classics, revivals of rarely seen works, and newly written works. During the past grant period, the organization lost its performance space and was forced to reduce programming. Now an itinerant company, the Rhino is regrouping to determine its next steps.

Theatre Rhinoceros is the oldest and longest running LGBT theater in the United States. Each year, the Rhino reaches approximately 1,500 Bay Area residents with its three-show season, which includes reinterpretations of theater classics, revivals of rarely seen works, and newly written works. Having lost its performance space a few years ago, the organization has made strides in recalibrating its programs to match its resources. However, due to a lack of clarity about mission and artistic relevance, weak board and staff leadership, and an increasing disconnect from the audiences and community it seeks to serve, we are recommending a tie-off grant for this organization.