Co-Founders
BYRYAN NICOLE AUSTIN
BEAU LEWIS
ADESHA ADEFELA
Choreographed by Juel D. Lane
DIRECTED BY JAMIL JUDE
MAY 29–JULY 6, 2025
STRAND THEATER
Co-Founders
MAY 29–JULY 6, 2025
Witness the launch of the next great hip-hop musical, born in the heart of the Bay! Co-Founders is the story of an underrated young Oakland coder, Esata, who hacks her way into the most competitive startup accelerator in San Francisco. Determined to save her house as an influx of wealth threatens to push her community out, Esata forms an unlikely partnership with a prep-school dropout. In a field where the privileged make a killing while folks across the bridge grind to survive, can Esata win Silicon Valley’s game without leaving her community behind? Created by three extraordinary Bay Area voices, the piece features a deliciously catchy score that draws from the Bay’s rich hip-hop traditions, as well as soul, gospel, funk, jazz, R&B, and more. Employing visual technology entirely new to theater, Co-Founders is a sharply funny, deeply felt, exuberant celebration of the Bay and the dreamers, hustlers, and innovators that make it magical.
InterACT Events
Teacher Preview
Thu, June 5 at 7:30pmPost-show Conversations
Tue, June 17 at 6:30pm; Sun, June 22 at 1pm; Wed, July 2 at 2pmPride Night
Wed, June 18 at 7:30pmTasting Night
Tue, June 24 at 6:30pmPlaytime
Sat, June 28 at 2pmAll titles, schedules, and artists are subject to change. No refunds. Tickets are for personal use and not for resale.
COVID-19 Safety Policy
American Conservatory Theater is happy to welcome you to our home. Our COVID-19 policy is in accordance with guidelines provided by the State of California and City of San Francisco. At this time this means that masking is encouraged but not required. It also means that vaccination checks are no longer required to see a performance. These policies will be updated if city guidelines change.
2024/25 Season
Upcoming Productions
A Whynot Christmas Carol
NOV 26–DEC 24, 2024
Nobody Loves You
FEB 28–MAR 30, 2025
Two Trains Running
APR 15–MAY 4, 2025
The Comedy of Errors
APR 22–MAY 3, 2025
Co-Founders
MAY 29–JULY 6, 2025
Kim’s Convenience
SEP 18–OCT 19, 2025
Previously
Noel Coward's Private Lives
SEP 12–OCT 6, 2024
All Hallows' Gala
OCT 25, 2024