Bucking the trend — led by the likes of Ashton Kutcher, Shaq, Lady Gaga — Vincent Kartheiser eschews social media. Facebook, he says, is like “a bunch of people on their soapbox in the park, screaming that they’re having a taco on Third Street.”

For arts organizations, Kickstarter could look like a massive megaphone. It can be a huge boost to marketing and budget relief efforts. But does it work?

Also newsworthy is the theater’s unique and innovative use of Kickstarter. SJ Rep hopes to raise $15,000 to help build sets for the play.

On stages like this, the actor’s craft is laid bare. This performance had nary a stick of scenery or stitch of costume, and only the most humble of light and sound design. Ross romanced his crowd for a solid 70 minutes, with only the briefest of water breaks.

As he did when he played Destry in Wirehead, Marin creates a character that’s a bit of a nebbish, the perennial loser whose efforts are charming in their sincerity. This role might be so effective because it goes to so many of us on our better days.

The “One-Man” Virtuoso Charles Ross tackles Tolkein’s epic trilogy in 70 Minutes.

Why are sports writers and political pundits able to stir up active online debate whereas their counterparts in theater cannot?

Playwright Anupama Chandrasekhar explores social, emotional, and cultural disconnections of call center life

Theaters with the largest growth in followers include SF Playhouse (23%) and Marin Theatre Company (53%).

One scene, that I won’t give away here, involves the destruction of some rare art history books on a coffee table. It’s one of the wildest (and stomach churning) gags in recent memory.