For 66 years, the San Francisco Mime Troupe has delivered anti-establishment political musicals to audiences across the country, performing in parks, theaters, and school cafeterias—all free of charge.
However, this year marks the first time the troupe will need to scale back its summer tour due to significant funding challenges.
The troupe, like many other arts organizations in San Francisco, has lost federal grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) following President Donald Trump’s funding restrictions enacted earlier this year.
Last year, they received $98,549 in state and federal grants from the NEA, but cuts have left the troupe approximately $250,000 short of the minimum required to maintain its traditional 15-stop state tour.
Despite a successful fundraising campaign that generated around $200,000, the troupe still faces obstacles in securing the funds necessary for their summer performances.
Michael Sullivan, a long-time actor, director, and writer for the troupe, highlighted the ongoing struggle for funding, describing it as a “constant chase.”
The financial difficulties faced by the troupe are not isolated; several major Bay Area theaters have shut down, including CalShakes and Aurora Theatre after losing NEA funding.
Other organizations such as The New Conservatory Theater and the longstanding Magic Theatre have also experienced similar financial strain, jeopardizing the arts scene in the region.
In recent years, the Mime Troupe has encountered rising expenses and dwindling revenue. In 2023, they spent $668,762 for their summer and Christmas shows, while revenue fell significantly to $415,626.
With over $200,000 raised from private donors and $55,287 coming from a city arts grant, Sullivan states the troupe would still need at least another $50,000 to sustain free performances for an additional month.
Consequently, the troupe’s usual run from the Fourth of July through Labor Day will have to be significantly truncated.
Despite the challenges, Sullivan affirms that the show will go on. He explained that the troupe’s reliance on foundations affected by NEA support could complicate future funding applications.
If they were to apply for an NEA grant this year, the troupe would have to revise their application, eliminating mentions of diversity, equity, and inclusion—key themes central to their mission, which focuses on a diverse cast and addressing racism through their performances.
The troupe is resolute in maintaining its core values and will not accept corporate donations or sell tickets to their shows, fearing that such actions would compromise their artistic message.
Sullivan shared that the temptation to accept corporate sponsorships has arisen, but he firmly believes that doing so would lead to self-censorship regarding the troupe’s critical artistic voice.
He humorously recounted interactions with grant writers who suggested major corporations, emphasizing a collective unwillingness to sacrifice their integrity in exchange for funding.
Throughout its history, the Mime Troupe has created engaging musicals that tackle issues ranging from privatization of nonprofits to immigration policy, and police brutality.
This year’s show, titled “Disruptions,” will focus on the San Francisco city government. It portrays a tech mogul-turned-head of the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and her attempts to “clear the streets” ahead of the president’s upcoming city visit.
Sullivan insists that, particularly during turbulent times, the mission to perform this show is paramount—even if it leads to financial setbacks.
“Our goal is to speak truth to power,” said Sullivan, as he plans to draw connections between the actions of the Trump administration and local government.
He desires for the audience to experience inspiration, urging them to “rage against what’s going on in Washington,” while also keeping an eye on local issues.
The goal is to evoke laughter, emphasizing that humor serves as a pathway for audiences to connect with the serious subjects addressed in their performances.
“You have to find the humor so that the audience can relax and be open to what you’re saying,” Sullivan concluded, highlighting the balance of wit and critique in the troupe’s approach.
image source from：https://missionlocal.org/2025/06/san-francisco-mime-troupe-devastated-by-federal-cuts-plans-truncated-summer-tour/
