The original company was founded in 1947 and initially performed at the La Jolla High School auditorium before moving to the UCSD campus.
It is one of the few regional theaters in the United States to have been honored with a Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.
The Playhouse has collaborated extensively with the La Jolla Music Society and the UCSD Department of Theatre and Dance.
The institution hosts an annual 'Without Walls' (WOW) festival that features site-specific and immersive performances across San Diego.
Over 100 plays and musicals premiered at the Playhouse have gone on to be produced at other theaters globally.
La Jolla Playhouse is a Tony Award-winning regional theater founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, and Mel Ferrer. Located on the campus of the University of California, San Diego, the venue has served as the launchpad for over 30 productions that transferred to Broadway, including 'Jersey Boys' and 'Memphis'. The theater complex comprises three distinct stages: the Mandell Weiss Theatre, the Mandell Weiss Forum, and the Theodore and Adele Shank Theatre. It produces a mix of world premieres, new plays, and avant-garde musicals within its annual season. The institution is recognized for its commitment to developing new works and fostering artistic risk-taking. It remains a key cultural hub in Southern California for contemporary performing arts.
The main entrance signage and architectural marquee of the Mandell Weiss Theatre complex.
Arrive early to explore the lobby displays, which often feature historical artifacts from previous productions.
Consider attending a post-show talkback session, which are frequently held following select performances to discuss the production with cast and crew.
Check the 'Without Walls' (WOW) series schedule, as these performances often take place in unconventional, off-site locations.
Do not wait until the night of the show to purchase tickets, as popular premieres frequently sell out in advance.
The theater operates on a seasonal basis, typically running productions from spring through late autumn, with dark periods in the winter months.
Business casual is standard, though there is no strictly enforced dress code; please refrain from using recording devices during performances.
