Founded in 1947 by Hollywood legends Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, and Mel Ferrer, La Jolla Playhouse stands as one of America's most influential laboratories for new theatrical work. Revived in 1983 and now operating three distinctive venues on the UCSD campus, the Playhouse has earned its reputation as a premier incubator for innovative plays and musicals, many of which have gone on to Broadway success and Tony Award recognition. Its commitment to developing "what's new and next in American theater" makes it an essential destination for theatergoers seeking cutting-edge artistry and world-premiere productions.
Acoustics, seating, and what to expect
The intimate theaters feature excellent acoustics and lighting design, with audience feedback consistently praising the sound quality. The venues are engineered to provide clear, balanced audio throughout.
The Mandell Weiss Theatre's orchestra seating offers an intimate experience with no bad sightlines. Center sections provide optimal acoustic balance and proximity to the stage.
Smart Casual
Tickets, pricing, and getting there
Typical range · USD
UC San Diego Blue Line trolley (La Jolla Village Drive Station); MTS bus routes 30, 101
On-site parking available at UCSD campus lots. Golf cart service available to assist patrons with mobility needs from parking areas to venue entrances.
Plan your visit — dining, transit, and performer resources nearby
Plan Your Visit
Pre-show dining, bars & more for La Jolla Playhouse visitors.
Performer guide coming soon
Housing, coaches & studio spaces for this city
Architect
Antoine Predock (Mandell Weiss Forum, 1988-1991); Michael Rotondi/RoTo Architects and Fisher Merriman Sehgal Yanez Architects (Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center, 2006)
Architecture
Contemporary modernist with distinctive design elements; the Mandell Weiss Forum features a 270-foot mirrored foreground wall within a eucalyptus grove creating a ceremonial entrance experience. The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Center incorporates flexible black box theater design.
Resident Company
La Jolla Playhouse
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View Full DirectoryVerified gifts of $1.0M+ from La Jolla Playhouse's donors, and where else those donors give. Sourced from Form 990 Schedule M and named press releases.
Donor-network graphs map every $1M+ gift this institution has received and traces those donors to every other org they fund.
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