About Shelton Theater
An arts community in downtown San Francisco.
The Shelton Theater, founded in 1993 by Matt Shelton, is a part of the historic Shelton Studios founded in 1961. We host and produce live performances of stand-up comedy, improv, and fine art installations. Additionally, we offer acting and improvisation classes. We provide artists with the creative respect they need and a venue at which audiences can appreciate their work. There are two intimate venues of 102 and 70 seats. Thousands of performing artists have created works in these theaters, and the Shelton family established 533 Sutter St as a cultural hub.
Our Mission
To tell stories from a diverse community of artists to illuminate the human condition; increasing empathy, imagination, and communication.
Who We Are
- Jon Allen, Producer
- Cedric Wentworth, Fine Artist
Our Alumni
In recognition of the prospective observer’s desire to ascertain the professional quality of this institution, particularly those who are new to the film and theater communities and unfamiliar with the Shelton Theater’s reputation, we have created the following list of artist alumni. We believe many of the finest artists who have attended this institution do not appear on this list and many of their names might not be recognized. This list is by no means complete.
Alumni have won Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Tony Awards, Obie Awards, and countless local awards.
- Jean Shelton, Actor/Director/Teacher
- Robert Elross, Actor/Director/Teacher
- Wendell Phillips, Actor/Director/Teacher
- Matt Shelton, Actor/Director
- Scott Paulin, Actor/Director
- Wendy Phillips, Actor
- Keith Phillips, Actor/Director
- Christian Phillips, Actor/Director
- Rob Epstein, Filmmaker
- Lisa Fruchtman, Editor
- Nancy Kelly, Filmmaker
- Kindrid Parker, Filmmaker
- Lourdes Portillio, Filmmaker
- Jeremy Larner, Author
- Richard Bratigan, Author
- Pierre Delattre, Author
- Danny Glover, Actor
- Bruce Mackey, Actor
- Bill Graham, Producer
- Will Marchetti, Actor/Director
- Bill English, Actor/Director
- Luis Oropeza, Actor/Director
- Catherine Castellanos, Actor/Director
- Luis Saguar, Actor/Director
- Howard Hesseman, Actor
- J.E. Freeman, Actor
- Anthony Cistaro, Actor
- John Callahan, Actor
- Laurie Walters, Actor
- Maurice Bernard, Actor
- Jeff Friedman, Filmmaker/Actor
- Jim Wilson, Producer
- Nancy Hayes, Casting Director
- Peter Tripp, Director
- Trevor Tuttle, Filmmaker
- Terry Zwigoff, Filmmaker
- Kenji Yamamoto, Editor
- Mike McGee, Editor
- Tommy Wiseau, Actor/Producer
