Since 1982, City Lights Theater Company has been inspiring and challenging audiences with a host of plays and musicals, many of them fresh new works. The company’s downtown San Jose theater is a bustling space that attracts artists, educators, students, and playgoers alike. Follow the links below to find out more about what makes this place hum — and to learn how you can get involved.

Mission & History

City Lights Theater Company creates provocative live productions that engage, inspire, and challenge audiences and artists alike.

Staff & Board

“Best Board Ever” is a common email subject line around here, and our staff members aren’t half bad, either. We at City Lights are grateful for the creativity, passion and hard work of our entire team.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

City Lights is committed to dismantling white supremacy and oppression in all its forms, and stands in solidarity with all peoples working to eradicate inequity, injustice, and marginalization in society.

Land Acknowledgment

Our theater stands on the unceded land and territory of the Muwekma Ohlone people, who have lived here for thousands of years. The California Native Indians are a significant part of the fabric of today’s California.

Past Seasons

In 1982, City Lights’ first season included “Shifting Places” by Denis Marks — the father of CLTC director and actor Melinda Marks. Explore the many more titles and trivia in our past!

Associate Playwrights

Our associate playwrights are creative partners in uncompromising storytelling. We have great admiration for their work, and know that whenever we collaborate, the results will be truly exciting theater.