ACT's 'Paranormal Activity' Breaks Weekly Box Office Record

The horror play inspired by the hit movie franchise grossed $362,000 last week, surpassing the previous record.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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American Conservatory Theater's production of 'Paranormal Activity,' inspired by the popular horror movie franchise, has broken the theater's weekly box office record. The show grossed $362,000 last week, surpassing the previous record of $267,535 held by 'Hippest Trip — The Soul Train Musical.' In response to high demand, ACT added an extra performance before the scheduled closing on March 22.

Why it matters

The success of 'Paranormal Activity' comes at a challenging time for Bay Area theater, with several companies having shuttered in recent years. The play's record-breaking box office performance demonstrates the continued appeal of genre pieces and the ability of well-known IPs to draw audiences, even for institutional theaters.

The details

The horror play, which opened on February 24, is an adaptation of the 'Paranormal Activity' movie franchise. It features faux-found footage elements similar to the films. The production is a collaborative effort involving several outside partners, including Paramount Pictures, Melting Pot, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Center Theatre Group, and Shakespeare Theatre Company.

  • The play opened on February 24, 2026.
  • It broke the weekly box office record the week of March 2, 2026.
  • An additional performance was added on March 17, 2026, before the scheduled closing on March 22, 2026.

The players

Pam MacKinnon

The Artistic Director of American Conservatory Theater, who is stepping down at the end of the current season.

Levi Holloway

The playwright who wrote the stage adaptation of 'Paranormal Activity.'

Felix Barrett

The director of the 'Paranormal Activity' production at American Conservatory Theater.

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What they’re saying

“We've learned that our audience has really turned out for genre pieces.”

— Pam MacKinnon, Artistic Director, American Conservatory Theater (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.