This is Drama Masks, a Bay Area performing arts column from a born San Franciscan and longtime theatre artist in an N95 mask. I talk venue safety and dramatic substance, or the lack thereof.

Keep calm and carry on: It’s that weird time of year for Bay Area theatre folks. August is always a bit quiet, performance-wise. As schools begin new semesters and office-types return from holiday, August sees major summer productions wind down, season announcements begin ramp up, and certain local performers and designers prep for Burning Man (the appeal of which continues to elude me).

In regard to that second item, this rough year has produced fewer proper 2025-26 announcements than usual. I’ve seen more autumn notices of particular shows and tours. My inbox is full of nudges toward Halloween show

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