La Jolla Playhouse is not just a community theater, it’s a nationally acclaimed, Tony Award-winning powerhouse that consistently shapes the landscape of American performing arts. Founded in 1947 by Hollywood legends Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, it has grown into one of the most respected regional theaters in the country.

Located on the UC San Diego campus, the Playhouse serves as a legendary incubator for Broadway. Massive hits like “Jersey Boys,” “Come From Away” and recently “The Outsiders” all made their world premieres right here on these stages before moving to New York.

When you book a ticket at La Jolla Playhouse, you’re often getting a first look at the next big phenomenon in American theater. The campus features multiple, state-of-the-art performance spaces, allowing for a diverse season that ranges from grand, sweeping musicals to intimate, provocative dramas.

The experience:

• The stages: The complex includes the Mandell Weiss Theatre, the Mandell Weiss Forum, the Potiker Theatre and the Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre. Each offers a distinct, immersive viewing experience with excellent acoustics and sightlines.
• Without Walls (WOW) Festival: The Playhouse also breaks out of traditional buildings to produce the WOW Festival. This highly anticipated event features immersive, site-specific performances in unexpected, often outdoor locations around UCSD.
• The vibe: Sophisticated yet approachable. This is the ultimate destination for a high-end date night or a cultural weekend outing.

Who it’s for:
Theater enthusiasts, couples seeking a memorable evening out and anyone looking for top-tier indoor activities in La Jolla.

Local’s tip:
Make an entire evening out of it. The theater district is beautiful at night, especially with the arrival of Dora Ristorante, just a few feet away with theater-themed dinners on show nights.

Good to know:

• Tickets: Productions featuring Broadway-bound casts sell out quickly. Book your tickets well in advance.
• Parking: The Playhouse operates within the UCSD campus parking system. Paid parking is available in the Theater District parking garage.
• Other performances: If you love live entertainment, check out the classical and jazz performances happening nearby at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center.