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Free SoloFest Horror Play “The Specimen” (SF)

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Saturday, January 24, 2026 - 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm | Cost: FREE*
*Tickets are free, suggested donation $10-$30, and streaming is available.

Potrero Stage | 1695 18th St, San Francisco, CA

Event Details

The Specimen follows Johnny, a gay paleozoologist who loses his job amid Trump-era science budget cuts. Outraged and unmoored, Johnny refuses to abandon his life’s work, continuing his research through increasingly dangerous—and darkly comedic—methods inside his apartment bathroom. Blending horror, satire, and political rage, The Specimen explores queer identity, institutional abandonment, and the costs of pursuing truth in a world that no longer funds it.

Content Warning: This production includes bloody imagery and nudity.

The production is written and performed by Schaeffer Nelson, whom The Los Angeles Times calls, “an intriguing new voice…who should be heard.” Directed by Bella Campos Hintzman, and stage managed by Jasmine Lew.

Remaining Performance Schedule:
Potrero Stage, 1695 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Saturday, January 24 at 4PM
Thursday, January 29 at 8:30 PM
Monday, February 2 at 7PM

Tix are free and available at the door; suggested donation $10-$30.

The Specimen is presented as part of SF Playground’s SoloFest, a festival celebrating innovative solo performance from Bay Area artists.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: FREE*
*Tickets are free, suggested donation $10-$30, and streaming is available.
Categories: *Top Pick*, Adults Only, Fairs & Festivals, In Person, Online, Theater & Performance
Address: 1695 18th St, San Francisco, CA