Be sure to check out our full 2025 Fall Arts Guide to live music, movies, art, theater, festivals and more in the Bay Area.

While the Bay Area’s theater ecosystem faces dire realities , companies this fall are providing an overflow of exceptional offerings. Regional world premieres, highly decorated plays, great experimental pieces and shows with proven track records mean the Bay is pulling out all the stops to lure patrons back to live performance.

Despite Bay Area theater’s challenges, if the momentum of what’s on stage this fall can be sustained, theatergoers are in for an unforgettable year. Here are 11 productions ready to make their presence felt.

After directing Lynn Nottage’s ‘Sweat’ at Palo Alto Players this past summer, director ShawnJ West (at right) takes on another Puli

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