San
Diego Theatre - San Diego’s theatres
are just as diverse as the city itself. Whether it’s
a big budget production, an intimate dinner theatre,
or an independent show by local artists, there is
no shortage of entertainment choices.Theatre really
began to take root in San Diego in 1868 when Thomas
Whaley brought the first professional theatre production
to town.
He leased the 2nd floor of his house to Thomas Tanner
and allowed him to set up a stage. The Tanner Troupe,
a family singing and dancing revue presented the first
professional Shows in San Diego.
However, this wasn’t the first theatrical performance
the city had seen.
The United States soldiers of Company D, Third Artillery
had performed years earlier at the San Diego
Mission. The American Dramatic Club, as they
called themselves, also put on a premiere called “The
Smiths and the Browns of San Diego.” Company
D, along with their wives and other local talent played
various parts in this comedy and entertained residents
from April through June during 1858.
San Diego’s Theatre scene
has continued to prosper. Dozens of theatres are scattered
around town offering a wide range of genres. While
larger scale productions are the most popular, smaller
venues can be just as exciting.
Below are some of San Diego's Premiere Venues,
but again don’t be afraid to check out some
of the more obscure ones. The theatre scene is bursting
with talent and culture, so try something a little
different in the way of San Diego nightlife. You might
be surprised with what you find
Civic Theatre is San Diego’s
major cultural venue. It is the largest and most prestigious
performing arts theatre in San Diego with 3,000 seats.
The California Ballet, the San Diego Opera, and the
La Jolla Chamber Music Society all call it home.
@ The San Diego Concourse
202 C St.
San Diego, CA 92101
1-619-525-5000
San Diego Repertory Theatre is the
most prominent downtown theatre and the 3rd largest
in San Diego. It also has a fabulous underground gallery
featuring both local and world-renowned artists.
79 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92110
1-619-544-1000
The Coronado Playhouse is the oldest
community theatre in San Diego County. It was first
organized in 1946 as the Coronado Players. After four
successful seasons, the Players bought a building
and an adjacent Quonset hut from the U.S. Navy, where
shows are still performed today.
The Ferry Landing
1335 1st St.
Coronado, CA 92118
1-619-435-4856
Gregory Peck founded the La Jolla Playhouse
in 1947. It has earned more than 300 major honors,
including the 1993 Tony Award as America’s Outstanding
Regional Theatre. The Playhouse performs at the Weiss
Theatre on campus of the University of California
San Diego (UCSD).
P.O. Box 12039
La Jolla, CA 92039
1-858-550-1010
World renowned for its productions, The Old
Globe Theatre houses artists that build costumes,
sets, and even wigs for each of their shows. The theatre
is home to the annual Shakespeare festival, but hosts
much more than just the classics.
Balboa Park
P.O.Box 122171
San Diego, CA 92112
1-619-239-2255
