The San Diego theater and arts community is a strong and innovative element within San Diego society. From the small, up-and-coming playhouses in El Cajon, North Park, and North County to the large, established theaters in La Jolla and Downtown, and the creative niche theaters and opera houses in Balboa Park – the entertainment offering of theater and arts in San Diego is abundant.
Prominent theaters in San Diego, such as La Jolla Playhouse and Civic Theater, have sent several new plays straight to Broadway. Although San Diego may seems worlds away from the snow-filled parks and raw, bold culture of New York – these two cities are forever connected through the magic of the stage.
The La Jolla Playhouse has brought the following plays to Broadway fame: Jersey Boys, Dracula, The Musical, I Am My Own Wife, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Dangerous Games, and more. It is a thrill to see a performance open on a San Diego stage, and then see the same production live onstage at Broadway months later. I always make sure to plan a trip to New York and buy Broadway tickets to these native San Diego shows.
San Diego is also well known for its array of opera houses. From the large San Diego Opera organization to the quaint San Diego Small Opera, locals that love dynamic opera performances are in luck in San Diego. From large to small, San Diego operas are full of excitement and intrigue.
The San Diego entertainment community finds great success in all areas of San Diego County. No matter where you live, you’re bound to be close to one of the fantastic playhouses or grand theaters in San Diego.



