Photo © Jessica Palopoli 2023, courtesy of San Francisco Playhouse.
At San Francisco Playhouse, feedback from the box office helped shape VBO’s seating maps, price groups and seat labeling tools. Patron Services Manager Kyziah Shavers shares how those changes, along with training and support, helped her team.
A neighborhood theatre in San Francisco
Founded in 2003, San Francisco Playhouse has grown from a small startup theatre to one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most vibrant cultural institutions. Nestled in Union Square, the Playhouse produces six mainstage productions each season, offering audiences everything from fresh, contemporary works to beloved classics.
Their mission goes beyond entertainment as they aim to foster empathy, ignite imagination, and create a welcoming space where audiences and artists share in the transformative power of live theatre.
As the city’s “neighborhood theatre,” San Francisco Playhouse serves a diverse audience of locals, subscribers, and visiting patrons, and prides itself on its warm, personal connection with every guest.
Seating maps and pricing shaped by the box office
When San Francisco Playhouse first joined VBO Tickets, the platform was primarily designed for the live entertainment and performing arts sectors, but it hadn’t yet been tested and tailored for theatre specific needs at the scale SF Playhouse required. From the start, the Playhouse played a hands-on role in shaping VBO’s core performing arts features.
As Patron Services Manager, Kyziah Shavers has been instrumental in shaping how patrons experience San Francisco Playhouse online. One of her standout contributions was refining the box office map displays on the patron-facing site, making the ticket-buying process smooth, intuitive, and visually clear.
Drawing on her deep understanding of both customer needs and box office workflows, Kyziah also influenced the development of price grouping, a feature that now makes even the most complex pricing structures effortless to manage.
She further championed seat labeling tools that allow the Playhouse to efficiently handle VIP, press, and TodayTix allocations, ensuring every seat is optimally managed before showtime.
“Those changes were game changers for us,” Kyziah explains. “They make it easier to communicate internally and give patrons the best possible experience.”
A local partnership
Both San Francisco Playhouse and VBO Tickets call the Bay Area home, which means collaboration feels personal. “Even as staff have changed over the years, VBO has remained a constant,” says Kyziah. “They’ve grown alongside us, adding features that directly support our theatre. The platform is sleek, simple, and easy for new staff to learn, and the support team is amazing.”
Training that built confidence
Kyziah’s journey with VBO started when she was promoted to Patron Services Manager. “At first, I didn’t feel fully equipped to train my team or handle everything the role required,” she recalls. But after reaching out to VBO, she was met with a new level of support.
Courtney Files from VBO remembers that moment: “We said, ‘We’ve got you. We’ll give you all the tools you need.’” From there, VBO provided in-depth training, answered every question quickly, and even helped create clear onboarding steps for new box office staff.
“Now,” Kyziah says, “I feel confident sending in support tickets, knowing I’ll get a quick and thorough response. The difference is night and day.”
Feedback that shapes the platform
Kyziah appreciates that VBO takes feedback seriously. Many of her suggestions have already been implemented, and she’s currently compiling new ones for the upcoming season, especially features that make the experience more accessible for older patrons.
“I know VBO has a lot on their plate, but they’re always willing to listen,” she says. “That makes us feel valued as a client.”
What Kyziah wants to do next
San Francisco Playhouse is on track for growth. Kyziah envisions more departments using VBO, consolidating all patron data into one system.
She’s also interested in integrating VBO’s POS at the theatre’s bar to personalize the patron experience even further. “Imagine knowing a subscriber’s favorite drink before they walk in, that’s the level of service we strive for.”
The joy of theatre
When asked about her favorite productions, Kyziah lights up talking about musicals. “I’m a dancer and theatre lover, so seeing what we can fit on our small stage always amazes me.”
For her, the Playhouse is more than a job, it’s a creative home. And with VBO’s continued support, it’s a home ready to welcome more audiences than ever.
A supportive partnership
When asked to describe her relationship with VBO in one word, Kyziah doesn’t hesitate: “Supportive.”
“They’ve helped me grow into my role, listened to our needs, and made sure our box office can run at its best. I hope our feedback has helped VBO grow, too.”
At a glance
- Customized seating maps for better patron usability
- Flexible price groups for seamless adjustments
- VIP, press, and third-party seat labeling tools
- Fast, responsive support and training for box office staff
- Potential future integration of VBO POS for even deeper audience personalization
From the box office to the stage
San Francisco Playhouse and VBO Tickets are proving that the right ticketing tools can turn every show into a seamless, memorable experience. With custom seating maps, flexible price groups, and lightning-fast support, the Playhouse can focus on what matters—captivating audiences.
Your theatre deserves the spotlight, too. Learn more about VBO Tickets and make every night a showstopper.