Welcome!
Help us start this new chapter with a bang! This new leadership triad brings diverse and cutting edge experience and initiatives!
Welcome New Leadership Team!
The Magic Theatre is thrilled to announce its new Executive Leadership Team: Sarah Nina Hayon as Artistic Director, Daniel Duque-Estrada as Producing Director, and Joan Osato as Director of Sustainability and Growth. Building on the legacy of departing Lead Director Sean San José, the team will champion bold new work, strengthen artist partnerships, and lead The Magic into an exciting new chapter as a vibrant home for groundbreaking theatre.
What inspires you artistically?
Honesty, clarity, and commitment.
What is your favorite San Francisco local spot?
Vesuvio's, after a trip to City Lights Books
What’s your favorite moody song?
"Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star
What is one of your favorite plays?
"The Travelers" by Luis Alfaro
One word that describes The Magic?
Insistent
What inspires you artistically?
I'm continuously inspired by the deep roster of artists around me. Collaboration is key to good relations, and challenging each other - to reach an artistic goal that could not be achieved by a single person. Great theater is a group effort, and everything matters.
What is your favorite San Francisco local spot?
My rent controlled apartment. Folx who know, know... It's got little space, drafty windows, no heat and no air-conditioning. I live there with my husband and 200 Lbs of D.O.G. What could be more loved by a local?!?!
What’s your favorite moody song?
I'll take it waaaaay back [to quote a Denis Johnson line.."back in the day..."] - Portishead, THE RIP of course...
What is one of your favorite plays?
SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM!!!!! and I'm biased - anything and everything from Luis Alfaro, Bamuthi, Lauren Yee, Chinaka Hodge, Ashley Smiley, STAR FINCH!, Dahlak Brathwaite. I could go on...
One word that describes The Magic?
extraordinary
What inspires you artistically? Some of the most meaningful artistic experiences in my own life have reminded me how essential storytelling is—not just as entertainment, but as a way to make sense of the world, find connection, tap into our empathy and humanity, and imagine new possibilities. It allows us to see ourselves reflected, sometimes in ways we may not like or that surprise us. I'm drawn to artists who take risks by being totally vulnerable and authentic, who tell the truth with courage, and who remind us that theater has the power not only to entertain, but to transform how we see ourselves and the world.
What is your favorite San Francisco local spot?
Impossible to answer but I love the classics- Zuni of course. Oysters, fries, chicken, martini. NEVER FAILS! Original Joe’s in North Beach. I feel transported. And of course Tadich! I love sitting at the bar. And even though I’m allergic to crab I always ask for their bib! It’s a classic. I guess- give this girl a white tablecloth!
What’s your favorite moody song?
Obviously“Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star but Danny beat me to it. So I will add-Apocalypse by Cigarettes After Sex. I love running to that song at sunset over the Bay. Major mood.
What is one of your favorite plays?
Why do we always make it just one?!? It’s impossible. A Streetcar Named Desire- I mean.. Williams. Ooff. Macbeth! A Bright New Boise by Sam Hunter, We Are Here by Melissa Ross, Top Dog/Underdog Suzan-Lori Parks, Jesus Hopped The A Train by Guirgis, English by Sanaz, Oedipus El Rey by Luis Alfaro. The Christians by Lucas Hnath. Yeah. impossible to choose one. Thank G-d for theater.
One word that describes The Magic?
Audacious