The Lab

The Lab is a nonprofit experimental art and performance space located in the Mission District of San Francisco.

FAQ

How do I reserve tickets?

We sell advance tickets through our website. When a show has not sold out we offer limited tickets for sale at the door (we accept Venmo, Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards). Please bring cash for any concessions purchases.

What time does the event start?

Events usually start 30 minutes to 1 hour after doors open. Please click through the event links to find specific start times, especially when programs occur on multiple days. 

What about accessibility?

The venue has a wheelchair accessible entrance through the center doors of the Redstone Building (2940 16th Street). Those doors are locked after 5pm – please call or text 415-864-8855 to have those doors opened for you when you arrive. We also offer 2 for 1 tickets for carers attending disabled visitors and are happy to reserve a seat or space for a wheelchair. We can support Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) through our mixing board. Please email thelabsf[at]thelab.org or call or text 415-864-8855 with accessibility concerns.

The website says X is sold out. Is that really true?

We release unoccupied seats 5 minutes before start time. If there are cancellations or no shows there is a chance that a few seats will become available. If you are interested in those seats please arrive early, form a queue, and wait for the will-call line to finish taking their seats before requesting tickets.

I can no longer attend a show. Can I get a refund?

We are happy to give refunds 24 hours in advance of the event. For weekend events, we need to be contacted by midday on Friday in order to process any refunds.

Is it okay to record/film/take pictures of a performance?

Generally, we ask that you consider the artist as well as your fellow audience members. Our artists need to make a living off of their work – please check with us first before filming or recording so that we can get artist approval. Usually a quick photo without flash is okay, if you think it won't distract from the experience of your fellow audience members. If you do post, please tag @thelabsf. Thank you!

How do I book a show at The Lab or apply for an exhibition/performance opportunity?

Our program is based on independent research and is curated 3–12 months in advance with a maximum of 3–4 events per month. Our very small staff cannot respond to unsolicited submissions, however we do listen to the recommendations of artists and advisors who have existing relationships with The Lab.

You say you pay artists a living wage. How does that work?

Unlike most larger or even mid-sized art spaces, the small size of The Lab ensures that 85% of staff time and all individual donations and membership fees go directly to paying and supporting artists rather than to covering administrative costs. Along with year-round multidisciplinary programs that pay artist fees that meet and often exceed W.A.G.E. standards, The Lab also commissions three major projects per year. These artists receive up to $150,000 each. As a result, The Lab gives more than $120K — over 1/3 of its annual budget — directly to working artists every year. 

What equipment / furniture do you have on site?

You can see an equipment and furniture list here.

What is your privacy policy for thelab.org?

You can find a PDF of our website privacy policy here.