Now in its third year, Theatre Bay Area’s Free Night of Theater program is under way. More than 120 Bay Area theater companies are participating in the event, offering free tickets to about 145 performances. Tickets to available shows may be reserved at the TIX Booth in San Francisco’s Union Squareand online at TixBayArea.com.  

The event’s goal is to bring the live theater experience to new audience members.

“Free Night of Theater 2007 is both an invitation and a call to arms,” says Brad Erickson, executive director of Theatre Bay Area, a consortium of theater and dance groups, theater patrons and other individuals supporting live performance. “Come experience and enjoy the live arts, and then make it a part of your daily life. With over 1,000 new productions of all sizes and prices opening each year in the Bay Area, there are plenty of opportunities to do just that.”

Participating Bay Area companies include American Conservatory Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, San Jose Repertory Theatre, TheatreWorks, Magic Theatre and California Shakespeare Theater, along with many smaller companies.

Last year, more than 8,300 free tickets were given out in just days through TixBayArea.com and at the TIX Booth.