ENCORE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER
Sharing the Impact of the Encore Society with Others
As cherished members of the Encore Society, you are true leaders in the LGBTQ+ giving community. Your support does more than sustain high-quality theatre for the Queer & Allied community it helps create the world we want to live in. Together we can grow the Encore Society, sustain high-quality theater, and inspire lasting change for future generations to evolve, thrive and benefit.
Conversation Starters for Potential Encore Society Members and their Legacy
In addition to great theater our upcoming shows are opportunities to celebrate the importance of leaving a legacy that will enrich the lives of so many in the LGBTQ+ community. Joining the Encore Society is one of the most meaningful ways to make a lasting impact, supporting NCTC’s high-quality mainstage productions and transformative educational scholarships that truly benefit members of the Queer &Allied community and how they experience life.
Wild with Happy by Coleman Domingo follows protagonist Gil as he navigates the death of a loved one and gets to the heart of lasting legacy with warmth, humor and love for him to unpack.
In NCTC’s World Premiere of Simple Mexican Pleasures by Eric Reyes Loo, a Mexican-American man uncovers the legacy his family left for him and the ways they shaped his journey revealing how the legacies we leave behind are often rooted in our connection to art.
Why the Encore Society Matters So Much
March 7 –April 6, 2025, Previews: March 7 – 14
Opening Night: March 15
Post-Show Discussion: Sunday, March 23
April 4 – May 11, 2025 Previews: April 4 – 11
Opening Night:April 12
Post-Show Discussion: Sunday,April 20
When you join the Encore Society, you’re investing in a future where stories like and Wild with Happy & Simple Mexican Pleasures continue to be told, inspiring future generations of LGBTQ+ artists and audiences. Your planned gift supports NCTC’s mission to sustain a safe & vibrant home for Queer & Allied audiences and artists.
Why You Need to See Francis Grey and the Case of His Dead Boyfriend –
(February 6 – 16)
There’s a new theatrical experience coming to New Conservatory Theatre Center (NCTC) that promises to leave you laughing, thinking, and eagerly talking about it for days to come. Francis Grey and the Case of His Dead Boyfriend, written and performed by Nathan Tylutki, is a topsy-turvy one-man whodunit that will take you on a wild ride of mystery, humor, and suspense. Running from February 6 to February 16, this West Coast world premiere is a rare opportunity to witness an original show that’s as audacious as it is hilarious.
The show follows Francis Grey, whose boyfriend is murdered just before his birthday. In a search for answers, Francis opens an unofficial investigation that leads him into a world of suspicious family members, unexpected twists, and a truly cheeky take on the classic detective genre. Tylutki’s remarkable talent and wit shine as he brings all the characters to life, leaving the audience in stitches while keeping them on the edge of their seats.
How far will Francis go to get justice? Anything could happen. Everyone is a suspect.
Don’t wait tickets for this limited run are already in high demand. The show is only available from February 6 to February 16, and with performances on Thursdays through Sundays, you’ll want to secure your spot before they’re gone.
Opening night on February 7 promises to be a special evening, filled with excitement and energy. Plus, for those looking to get an insider’s perspective, post-show discussions will be held on February 8, 9, 15, and 16, offering a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the making of the show and hear from the mind behind the magic.
Whether you’re a fan of murder mysteries, a lover of sharp comedy, or simply someone who enjoys fresh, engaging theater, Francis Grey and the Case of His Dead Boyfriend is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Get your tickets now at nctcsf.org or by calling the box office at (415) 861-8972. Don’t miss your chance to see this one-of-a-kind show bring your friends, enjoy the laughter, which is the joy of the NCTC family this February!
UPNEXT!
COLMAN DOMINGO, WILD WITH HAPPY MARCH 7 –APRIL6, 2025
As New Conservatory Theatre Center continues its tradition of engaging and thought-provoking productions, we are honored to present Colman Domingo's Wild with Happy, running from March 7 to April 6, 2025, in the Decker Theatre.
This poignant and humorous play delves into themes of love, loss, and self-discovery through the experiences of Gil, an gay AfricanAmerican actor grappling with his mother's recent passing. Rejecting traditional rituals of grief, Gil embarks on an unconventional journey that blends reality with fantasy, inviting audiences to explore the complexities of identity and healing. As Gil navigates his emotions, the play sheds light on the universal struggle to find meaning through constant change with resilience and transformation.
Colman Domingo, an acclaimed actor, playwright, and director, brings a rich tapestry of personal and cultural experiences to his work. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Domingo grew up in a working-class household. His mother, Edith Bowles, was a homemaker and bank employee, and his stepfather, Clarence Bowles, worked sanding floors. Domingo's upbringing in this environment instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the arts. The play’s broader themes celebrate LGBTQ+ identity and African American culture, providing a richly layered portrayal of Gil’s life and relationships.
We invite you to join us for this San Francisco premiere, as we celebrate stories that uplift LGBTQ+ voices.
Thank you for supporting NCTC. Through your generosity of spirit, you are the movement that champions innovative storytelling and nurtures the next generation of Queer and Allied artists. Together, we can continue to transform lives and inspire change, one production at a time.
An Irreverent and Heartfelt Journey: Eric Reyes Loo Unveils Simple Mexican Pleasures at NCTC– (April 4 – May 11, 2025)
Eric Reyes Loo (he/him/his) is a celebrated playwright and television writer whose work boldly explores identity, family, and history with humor, heart, and irreverence. ThisApril, his newest play, Simple Mexican Pleasures, will have its world premiere at the New Conservatory Theatre Center (NCTC) in San Francisco. After a significant breakup, Eric’s character embarks on a journey to Mexico and unlocks a portal to his ancestors, revealing Mexico’s history and Eric’s connection to his family’s artistic, queer, and Chinese heritage. Told through the lens of a playwright stepping into his own story and all his passions and love of life through Mexico this irreverent and introspective play offers a unique perspective on self-discovery and diverse intergenerational connection.
Eric’s relationship with NCTC began when he contributed as a writer for the acclaimed podcast In Good Company, showcasing his knack for creating diverse and impactful stories. His previous works include This is Only a Test, produced in 2022 to critical acclaim by Broken Nose Theatre in Chicago, and Death and Cockroaches, a deeply personal play produced by Chalk Rep in Los Angeles in 2018.
Beyond the stage, Eric has made significant strides in television, writing for series such as Guidance (AwesomenessTV/Hulu) and A.J. and the Queen (Netflix). He also has several projects in development that center on Latinx stories, further amplifying underrepresented voices in entertainment.
Eric’s journey as a writer is rooted in his childhood experiences, including sixteen years of Catholic school education, where his mother hoped he would become a priest. Instead, those years of crafting the perfect comebacks gave him a wealth of material, fueling a career that has spanned theatre, television, and beyond. Eric earned his MFAfrom NYU’s Tisch School of theArts and continues to use his platform to create stories that resonate deeply with audiences.
With Simple Mexican Pleasures, Eric Reyes Loo invites audiences to laugh, reflect, and celebrate the richness of personal and shared histories.
Eric Reyes Loo, LA Based Playwright and TV writer
THANK YOU!
At NCTC, we pride ourselves on being more than just a theater we are a home, a family where everyone in our community feels comfortable, welcomed, and, above all, safe. It's the foundation that allows us to create bold, inclusive, and transformative art.
Our Pride Party was the perfect way to kick off our Welcome Home for the Holidays campaign, and with the incredible generosity of a supportive 2:1 match from the Robert R. Holgate Philanthropic Fund, we exceeded our $60,000 goal!
This incredible support sustains NCTC’s transformative work, fuels our mission, and empowers and sustains a vibrant home for transformative, inclusive theatre arts education for young artists in our Youth Conservatory. To all who contributed: thank you for leading by example and inspiring others to support the arts. Together, we’re creating a vibrant, inclusive future for all.
Thank you for making NCTC the BayArea’s home for high-quality Queer andAllied theatre productions.
With “Welcome Home for the Holidays” as our holiday campaign theme, we hoped to convey the spirit of belonging and togetherness, inviting audiences, artists, and supporters to recognize NCTC as their home away from home during the festive season. Our goal was to celebrate the joy of gathering, the magic of live theatre, and the sense of community we strive to cultivate.
It is our heartfelt wish that this theme reminded our beloved community how deeply they are treasured for the shared moments they bring to NCTC, the joy of creating memories together, and the importance of a space where all, celebrating the Queer & Allied community feel welcomed and uplifted.
Please share NCTC’s success and history in San Francisco with friends and invite them to attend and learn more about estate planning at NCTC on Tue, Feb 4, 2025.
Anthony Rollins-Mullens, J. Conrad Frank as Katya Smirnoff , and Catalina Kuminski performing to a full Decker Theatre audience at NCTC’s Pride Party on Tue, Nov. 12, 2024.
New Board Member Roosevelt Callahan is interviewed about his love of NCTC with past Board President J. Frank Conrad as Katya Smirnoff
Welcome Home for the Holiday’s NCTC’s 2024-2025 Holiday Campaign Art
Celebrating Encore Society Member
Ed Mireault Season Producer
This year, we joyfully honor Ed Mireault as a Season Producer, celebrating his unwavering dedication to NCTC’s mission of creating community, promoting social justice, and amplifying LGBTQ+ voices through theatre. For Ed, theatre was more than art it was love, connection, and a celebration of humanity. His humor, kindness, and generosity left a lasting and joyful impact on the NCTC family and its mission.
In memory of their 29 years together, Robert Morgan celebrated Ed’s life by Executive Producing Deep Inside Tonight in Ed’s memory and dedicating a chair in their honor at the Decker Theatre. Ed’s legacy stands as a profound testament to the life-changing impact of love, art, and community. He helped shape a future where dignity, belonging, and purpose thrive, reminding us all of the transformative power of giving.
Because of your legacy gifts through NCTC’s Encore Society, the heart of our mission creating bold, inclusive theatre and transformative theatre education will continue to thrive for generations to come. Your generosity ensures that stories celebrating creativity and diversity will flourish, inspiring future Queer and Allied artists and audiences. Thank you for this extraordinary commitment. Your belief in our work leaves a lasting impact, shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Robert Morgan & Ed Mireault (1941-2023)
LASTING TRIBUTE
Name a Seat in the Decker Theatre
Seats in Rows H, J & K NowAvailable
Leave a Lasting Tribute: Name a Chair in the Decker Theatre
Make your imprint on the Decker Theatre with a gift of $2,500 and secure a personalized name plate on a theater chair. While this does not reserve your specific seat for performances, your dedication will live on for the lifetime of the theater.
Your Name, Your Dedication
When you name a chair, you’re supporting the transformative power of the performing arts and ensuring that Queer & Allied theatre continues to thrive for generations to come.
Celebrate Your Contribution
Your gift will forever be part of the Decker Theatre’s story, honoring the passion and vision that made San Francisco a home for bold and innovative theater.
Limited Availability – Reserve Your Chair Today!
Only a few chairs remain in Rows H, J, and K once these are claimed, this opportunity will be gone.
To dedicate a seat, contact our Manager of Individual Giving marybeth@nctcsf.org | 415-654-6194
ANDREW NANCE: AChampion of Theatre, Mindfulness, and Community Empowerment
On December 10, 2024,Andrew Nance was honored with a special commendation and Certificate of Honor at San Francisco City Hall for his decades of service to NCTC and the San Francisco Education Fund. Supervisor Raphael Mandelman delivered a heartfelt speech, highlightingAndrew’s incredible impact, whileAndrew, ever the gracious and witty speaker, had the crowd laughing as he reflected on his journey with gratitude.
We are thrilled to celebrateAndrew Nance a true visionary and innovator in children’s theatre, mindfulness, and community-building. For over 30 years,Andrew has been an integral part of NCTC, wearing many hats as a teacher, actor, director, playwright, Board member, and Conservatory Director. His leadership has shaped NCTC into the vibrant creative home it is today a place where aspiring artists discover their voice and grow into their potential.
InAndrew’s classes and rehearsals, creativity flows, joy fills the room, and laughter bridges connections among students and families. His dedication to fostering kindness, curiosity, and empathy has left an indelible mark on every life he’s touched.
We congratulateAndrew Nance on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for making our community and future much brighter one mindful moment and one creative breakthrough at a time.
Mandelman, (left) presents Andrew Nance (right) with a Certificate of Honor. Supervisor Mandelman represents District 8 on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, which includes the Castro, Glen Park, Noe Valley, Diamond Heights, Mission Dolores, and Cole Valley. Supervisor Mandelman is one of the LGBTQ members of the Board of Supervisors, and throughout his first term, was one of the only LGBTQ Supervisors in Northern California.
When you donate to NCTC you are helping to create a more equitable future through the arts.
Supervisor
From Martin with Love this February
There is an unmistakable air of gratitude that fills 25 Van Ness. How fortunate am I to celebrate theatre with you, our devoted community, and 43 incredible years of NCTC live theatre in San Francisco. I could be anywhere else, but I am here right now and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Theatre is about being fully present. Each production is a moment of sacred alchemy ephemeral yet somehow everlasting. What unfolds on stage is the culmination of months of casting, set construction, line memorization, costume fittings, lighting design, and
countless trials and errors. It is collaboration in its purest form. And when you join us whether to enjoy, reflect, laugh, or be moved you empower our performers to shine.You create an energy exchange, a shared experience that connects us all. These are our stories, told together.
On our promotional postcards, there’s often a phrase: “In Association With,” which to me, that means you. You come to NCTC. We do what we do in association with you. Without you, there will always be something crucial missing in our theatres.
With you, we thrive.You are the reason we remain vital to San Francisco, and we are forever grateful to you and your presence in this journey.
New selections coming to Mason’s Bar and the Donor Lounge
New year, new wines! As we continue to recover from the restrictions of the pandemic’s state of emergency and to listen to your feedback, we’ll keep on enhancing NCTC’s food and beverage experience for all our patrons and guests in 2025. Already we’ve added new sweet and savory options to our concessions at Mason’s Bar. We now also feature a specialty mocktail with every production to be more inclusive of our sober friends. Whether you are vegan, keep kosher, or are off alcohol, we have something for you. When we resume performances, Donor Lounge VIPs will notice new wine selections carefully curated to offer “grape-ceptional” options to enjoy before or during one of our shows. Where we focused on consistency the last couple of years, we’ll be zeroing in on quality variety through the end of the season.
The Donor Lounge and Mason’s Bar open an hour before showtime. Come raise a glass and enjoy the perfect pairing of fine wine and transformative live Bay Area theatre!
Find Mason’s Bar Menu below ��
FRONT OFTHE HOUSE
Save the Date
Francis Grey and the Case of His Dead Boyfriend
February 6 – 16, 2025
Wild with Happy March 7 –April 6, 2025
2025/26 SeasonAnnouncement
April 15, 2025, 5:30 – 7:30pm
Simple Mexican Pleasures
April 4 – May 11, 2025
To My Girls
May 9 – June 8, 2025
Offers NCTC perks card holders 10% off admission and/or 10% off memberships
DID YOU KNOW?
Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Bar at 39 Fell Street offers 50% off their $12 cover charge for walk-ins with proof of NCTC performance ticket, (same night, post-show)
Ritual Coffee Roasters in Hayes Valley at 432b Octavia Street offers 20% off all drink purchases with NCTC’s perks card.