Plays in San Diego

Immerse yourself in the amazing plays of America’s Finest City. From famous touring companies to the best in local talent - it’s all here in San Diego!
Amanda Rosa
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Plays in San Diego
San Diego's Art & Theater
Tickets & Admission
Remarkable Plays
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Highlights

Plays in San Diego
Things to Do
Getting There
Tips
Plays in San Diego
Things to Do
Getting There
Tips

San Diego’s Flourishing Arts & Theater Productions Continues to Wow Audiences - 150 Years Later

The First Theater at the La Jolla PlayhouseBox Office at the La Jolla Playhouse

The performing arts have a long, beloved history in San Diego - so it’s no surprise that live theater continues to be one of the best options for a great night out in the city.

San Diego’s performing art history began earlier than you probably realize. Performed by United States soldiers of Company D, aka The American Dramatic Club, the first ever recorded performance took place at the San Diego Mission in 1858.

They would perform six popular plays from the era, including a brand new comedy set in the Franklin House, “The Smiths and the Browns of San Diego.”

Entrance to the Balboa Theatre
Entrance to the Balboa Theatre

San Diego Theatre Today

The best part about the Theatre Community in San Diego is that it’s everywhere! No matter what type of play you’re hoping to see, San Diego is the place to be.

Scattered throughout the coastal city of San Diego are many venues where you can experience the artistic talents of the theatrical arts.

While there are dozens of places to see plays, here are a few that guarantee to provide an incredible experience:

San Diego Theatre Tickets and Admission: What You Need to Know

Entrance to the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse
Entrance to the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse

If you’re looking forward to seeing the latest, hottest show in town, there’s only one piece of advice and that’s purchasing your tickets as soon as they go on sale.

Remember to check directly with the theater for any last-minute tickets, updates, specials, or events.

Cygnet Theatre

The Cygnet offers varying prices based on the production and seating area. Prices currently begin at $35 for Section C seating. However, this can change without notice.

The Cygnet Theatre is the perfect place if you’re looking for year-round adventurous, high-quality, eye-capturing plays.

Mandell Weiss Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse
Mandell Weiss Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse

La Jolla Playhouse

Like the Cygnet, La Jolla’s pricing reflects both the show and seating. Stage front bench tickets start at $25, however, La Jolla Playhouse offers a variety of ways to save on their ticket prices.

They currently offer military, student, and rush discounts.

Entrance to the Old Globe Theatre
Entrance to the Old Globe Theatre

Old Globe Theatre

You can attend a lay at the beautiful Old Globe Theatre for varying prices depending on your seats and production.

Prices can range from $29 - $60 for students, military, and 62+ to $60 - $300 for full price.

Season packages and group discounts are also available.

The San Diego Civic Theater
The San Diego Civic Theater

San Diego Civic Theatre & Balboa Theatre

The San Diego Civic Theatre offers a wide range of productions, from live theater to concerts to stand-up and beyond and the tickets reflect that fact.

Tickets can begin at $48 - $76 depending on the show - we recommend going directly to the theater page for specific ticket info.

The 2024 2025 Season at the La Jolla Playhouse
The 2024 2025 Season at the La Jolla Playhouse

Upcoming Performances

For a full rundown of the plays scheduled for San Diego, checkout our article covering the 2024 season of performance events.

I’m personally looking forward to Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson–Apt. 2B performing live from July 27th to August 25th at the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre and Peter Pan playing July 30th to August 4th at The Civic Theatre.

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Remarkable Plays on Award-Winning Stages: Main Attractions

Balboa Park Towers from the Old Globe
Balboa Park Towers from the Old Globe

Since a part of the San Francisco Theatre community has expanded to San Diego, there is an array of plays you can see.

Examples Include:

  • Taming of the Shrew
  • Guilty Pleasure
  • Mean Girls
  • A variety of Broadway Musicals
  • And many more

Of course, you will have to check to see the showtimes and the locations of the play you prefer.

San Diego is home to dozens of award-winning stages, including La Jolla Playhouse and Old Globe Theatre.

Local Tips
Theatrically-rich City
There are over 150 stages in San Diego. With genres as diverse as the venues, on any night, you could choose between a rollicking musical, a thought-provoking drama. There's something for every visitor. Don't forget to use our Go San Diego Pass!

Enjoy One of the Four Locations Offered by La Jolla Playhouse!

La Jolla Playhouse has won 38 Tony Awards, including an award in 1993 for the Outstanding Regional Theatre.

This theatre has also sent over 33 plays to Broadway.

Also, it’s a recreational home to several Hollywood luminaries, including Vivian Vance, Groucho Marx, and the lovely Eve Arden.

La Jolla Playhouse operates four different venues:

  • Mandell Weiss Theatre
  • Mandell Weiss Forum
  • Potiker Theatre
  • Shank Theatre

With so many theatre locations, you’re most likely to catch a play here without the hassle of running into sold-out shows.

However, you do want to purchase tickets as soon as they’re on sale to secure your seat!

Walkway to the Old Globe Theatre
Walkway to the Old Globe Theatre

Old Globe Theatre

Just as the La Jolla Playhouse, the Old Globe Theatre has won 13 Tony awards, and sent over 20 productions to Broadway!

It is home to many Shakespeare fans! This San Diego location hosts one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the Nation.

The Old Globe operates three stages, including one that is outdoors. The unique outdoor theater allows you to take in a play while enjoying the fresh air and warm sunshine at the same time.

The Shakespeare Festival

While plays happen year-round, summer is an ideal time to come down for a fantastic Shakespeare Festival.

People come from all over the USA to enjoy the Shakespeare Festival at the Old Globe Theatre. This festival takes place from the middle of June to July.

The play will feature on one of the three stages.

Whether you are an indoor or outdoor person, you will have the option of which stage you want to attend.

However, these tickets sell fast. Check their website in March for ticket announcements.

Cygnet Theatre

If you are looking for a more intimate experience, this 246-seat theater may be just what you’re looking for.

Cygnet considers itself a friendly rival of the Old Globe Theatre, hence the name.

They strive to produce thought-provoking plays. They are also considered one of San Diego’s leading theater companies.

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Family Friendly Activities & Entertainment

The San Diego Junior Theater delivers quality family-friendly shows and, as it heads into its 77th season, it’s showing no signs of slowing down.

Inside the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse
Inside the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre at the La Jolla Playhouse

Tickets

Tickets for the current show range from $20 - $22, but that may change once the tickets for the 77th season, Dare to Leap, go on sale in September.

The theater offers special nights for each show, from pajama to sensory-friendly to an ASL interpreter.

Currently Playing & Coming Soon

  • Disney’s Finding Nemo, JR | June 28th to July 14th
  • The Addams Family | October 25th to November 10th
  • Churlish Chiding of Winter Winds: A Shakespeariment | January 10th to January 19th

Visitor Information

Cygnet Theatre

The Cygnet is in the Old Town State Historic Park and easily accessed via I-5 and I-8.

Free parking is available within walking distance to the theater. You can find several free parking lots across Old Town.

Public transportation is a breeze! The Old Town Transit Center is within walking distance as well.

Where to Eat

Old Town is known for its Mexican food, but there’s plenty of other options as well, no matter what you’re in the mood for.

Menu at the Jame Place Steakhouse at the La Jolla Playhouse
Menu at the Jame Place Steakhouse at the La Jolla Playhouse

La Jolla Playhouse

Free parking is available at the South Parking Structure via the Gilman Drive, Level 3 entrance.

The parking attendant can then guide you to the pedestrian walkway and shuttle access.

Please allow for time ahead of the performance to account for both parking and shuttle time.

Where to Eat

The Playhouse has on-site dining.

James’ Place is open for dinner and offers Asian fusion, sushi, steak, and coastal fare.

Old Globe Theatre

While it can be easily accessed via major freeways, traffic can be an issue.

The theater itself recommends patrons arrive an hour before showtime to ensure parking and on-time arrival.

Where to Eat

Like La Jolla, the Globe offers on-site dining.

Lady Carolyn’s Pub has soup, sandwiches, and a full bar. Plus, it offers a drink pre-ordering service for intermission!

Admiral Hornblower Harbor Cruise in Dock at San Diego Bay
Admiral Hornblower Harbor Cruise in Dock at San Diego Bay

Beyond the Theaters

I think adding a tour on the Pacific Ocean is a simple addition to take a great evening and turn it into a full day of memories.

The San Diego Harbor Cruise is definitely one of our favorite tours and there’s a reason it’s one of Go City San Diego’s most popular tours.

Enjoy leisurely Downtown views of the city and landmarks plus get a splendid view of the Midway Aircraft Carrier and other ships.

Beautiful Day at the Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown
Beautiful Day at the Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown

Where to Stay: The Carte Hotel

The Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown, Curio Collection By Hilton offers beautiful views, on-site dining that delivers sea to table options and luxury amenities like a heated saltwater pool, saunas, and steam rooms.

Central location, easy access to the San Diego Bay, and minutes away from popular attractions like The San Diego Convention Center, Balboa Park, and the USS Midway Museum, the hotel would be my choice for a great stay when wanting a place to stay before or after a play.

Tips for Your Trip to the Theater

View of the Stage from Orchestra Row 3 at the Balboa Theatre
View of the Stage from Orchestra Row 3 at the Balboa Theatre

Here are a few bonus tips to make your trip the best it can be!

  • Purchase tickets in advance
  • Arrive at least 1 hour before showtime
  • No food or drinks in the theaters
  • Silence your phone during performances
  • Each theater operates from noon until 6:00 PM
  • Always double check operating hours and ticket prices, as they are subject to change

And with that, be ready for a beautiful San Diego theatrical experience!

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