Looking for plays in San Diego? The county’s theatre calendar includes touring Broadway productions, new plays, classic dramas, Shakespeare, intimate comedies and outdoor musicals.
The easiest way to choose a performance is to start with the type of show you want, then select a venue that regularly presents that style. Current productions can be found in the live theatre in San Diego listings.
Quick Guide to San Diego Theatre
| Theatre Experience | Venues to Check | Best For |
| Touring Broadway musicals | San Diego Civic Theatre and Broadway San Diego | Large productions and national tours |
| Shakespeare and classic plays | The Old Globe | Classics, summer theatre and major regional productions |
| New plays and world-premiere musicals | La Jolla Playhouse | Audiences interested in new American theatre |
| Intimate professional theatre | North Coast Repertory Theatre | Comedies, dramas and close-up performances |
| Outdoor musicals | Moonlight Amphitheatre | Broadway-style productions under the stars |
| Contemporary regional theatre | Cygnet Theatre, New Village Arts, Diversionary Theatre | Smaller productions and distinctive local programming |
San Diego’s theatre community includes major regional institutions, a Broadway touring series and numerous smaller companies across the county. The Old Globe and La Jolla Playhouse have both received national recognition for regional theatre, while the Civic Theatre hosts major touring productions downtown.
Major Places to See Plays in San Diego
The Old Globe
The Old Globe is located in Balboa Park and operates three performance spaces within the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.
Its seasons combine classic plays, contemporary productions, world premieres and outdoor summer performances. The 2026 season includes new works, modern classics and a Summer Shakespeare Festival featuring Measure for Measure and Much Ado About Nothing.
The Old Globe is a strong choice when you want:
- Shakespeare or another classic play
- A major regional production
- A world premiere
- An outdoor summer theatre experience
- A performance combined with a visit to Balboa Park
La Jolla Playhouse
La Jolla Playhouse is located on the University of California San Diego campus. It is particularly well known for developing new plays and musicals.
Its 2026-2027 season includes three world-premiere musicals and three plays, making it a strong destination for audiences who want to see new work rather than only familiar touring productions.
The Playhouse also produces performances and experiences outside conventional theatre formats through its Without Walls programming.
Best for: New musicals, experimental theatre, world premieres and contemporary plays.
San Diego Civic Theatre
The San Diego Civic Theatre is one of the principal venues for touring Broadway productions in the city. Broadway San Diego presents its larger musicals here, alongside concerts, dance, opera and other touring performances.
Confirmed 2026 productions include Water for Elephants, The Phantom of the Opera, Oh, Mary! and The Outsiders.
The theatre is located at 1100 Third Avenue downtown. SanDiegoTheatres.org and Ticketmaster are identified as the authorized ticket sources for Civic Theatre and Balboa Theatre events.
Best for: Broadway tours, large musicals and major theatrical productions.
Balboa Theatre
Balboa Theatre is located at 868 Fourth Avenue in downtown San Diego. Its calendar is broader than traditional plays and musicals, with comedy, music, film presentations and touring stage performances also appearing throughout the year.
Because Balboa Theatre and Civic Theatre are both downtown, they can be convenient for visitors staying near the Gaslamp Quarter or planning dinner before the performance.
Best for: Touring performances, comedy, special presentations and selected theatre events.
North Coast Repertory Theatre
North Coast Repertory Theatre is located in Solana Beach and specializes in intimate professional theatre.
The company presents a year-round main-stage season that includes comedies, dramas, classics, premieres and musicals. Its smaller theatre places the audience close to the performers, creating a different experience from a large touring production at the Civic Theatre.
Its 2026 schedule includes Scapin, Eleanor and Good Night, Oscar, followed by a seven-production 2026-2027 main-stage season.
Best for: Intimate plays, professional regional theatre and North County audiences.
Moonlight Amphitheatre
Moonlight Amphitheatre is an outdoor performing arts venue in Brengle Terrace Park in Vista. It presents a summer season of Broadway musicals along with concerts and special events.
The 2026 Broadway season includes Mean Girls, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Guys and Dolls and Come From Away.
For a current production example, see current San Diego musical and theatre listings for Guys and Dolls, scheduled at Moonlight Amphitheatre from August 12 to 29, 2026.
Best for: Outdoor musicals, summer date nights and Broadway-style productions in North County.
Cygnet Theatre at The Joan
Cygnet Theatre now performs at the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center in Liberty Station. The venue opened as Cygnet’s permanent home in 2025 and includes a main proscenium theatre and a smaller flexible performance space.
Cygnet’s programming includes plays, musicals and contemporary regional productions.
Best for: Musicals and plays in a modern, mid-sized regional theatre.
Current San Diego Theatre Examples for August and September 2026
The following examples show the variety of theatre available across the county. Dates and availability should be confirmed before purchasing.
| Production | Venue | Confirmed Dates |
| Scapin | North Coast Repertory Theatre | Through August 23, 2026 |
| Guys and Dolls | Moonlight Amphitheatre | August 12 to 29, 2026 |
| Water for Elephants | San Diego Civic Theatre | August 18 to 23, 2026 |
| The Phantom of the Opera | San Diego Civic Theatre | September 2 to 13, 2026 |
| Come From Away | Moonlight Amphitheatre | September 9 to 26, 2026 |
| Good Night, Oscar | North Coast Repertory Theatre | September 16 to October 11, 2026 |
These dates are supported by the official venue and production calendars.
How to Choose Between Plays, Musicals and Live Theatre
Choose a Musical for a Larger Production Experience
Musicals combine dialogue, songs, choreography and larger production design. Touring Broadway shows at the Civic Theatre and outdoor productions at Moonlight Amphitheatre are good starting points.
Choose a Play for Character-Driven Storytelling
Plays generally place greater emphasis on dialogue, performance and story. The Old Globe, North Coast Rep, La Jolla Playhouse and smaller regional companies regularly present dramas and comedies without the scale of a touring musical.
Choose a World Premiere to See Something New
La Jolla Playhouse and The Old Globe frequently develop new work. A world premiere gives audiences the chance to see a production before it appears in other cities or reaches a larger commercial stage.
Choose an Outdoor Performance for a Summer Night Out
Moonlight Amphitheatre and The Old Globe’s outdoor stage offer seasonal performances in open-air settings. Bring an extra layer because temperatures can feel cooler after sunset, even following a warm day.
Choose an Intimate Theatre for a Closer View
North Coast Rep and smaller regional companies place the audience closer to the stage. These venues can be especially effective for comedies, dialogue-heavy plays and character-focused performances.
San Diego Theatre by Area
Downtown San Diego
Choose downtown for Broadway tours and major performances at the Civic Theatre or Balboa Theatre. These venues are close to the Gaslamp Quarter, hotels and numerous restaurants.
Balboa Park
The Old Globe is the principal theatre destination within Balboa Park. A performance can be combined with museums, gardens or dinner nearby.
La Jolla and UC San Diego
La Jolla Playhouse is the leading choice for new work and contemporary theatre in the La Jolla area.
Solana Beach
North Coast Repertory Theatre offers professional theatre in a smaller North County setting.
Vista
Moonlight Amphitheatre is the primary destination for outdoor Broadway musicals and summer entertainment in Vista.
Liberty Station
Cygnet Theatre at The Joan brings plays and musicals to Liberty Station, where audiences can also find restaurants, galleries and public spaces.
Tips for Buying San Diego Theatre Tickets
Use the Authorized Seller
Purchase through the theatre, production company or authorized ticketing partner. Broadway San Diego specifically identifies its own website and Ticketmaster as its authorized sources.
Compare Performance Dates
Weekday performances, previews and matinees may offer better availability than Friday or Saturday evenings.
Check the Production’s Age Guidance
A theatre may present both family productions and adult material within the same season. Read the content advisory and recommended age for the individual show.
Review the Running Time
Some plays run without an intermission, while larger musicals may last more than two hours. The production page usually lists the expected running time and intermission details.
Confirm Parking Before Leaving
Parking arrangements differ significantly between downtown theatres, Balboa Park, UC San Diego, Solana Beach and Vista. Review the venue’s parking instructions instead of relying entirely on a general map application.
Arrive Before the Performance Begins
Late seating may be delayed until an appropriate break in the production. Arriving approximately 30 minutes before showtime provides time for parking, ticket scanning and finding your seat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plays in San Diego
Where do Broadway shows play in San Diego?
Most major Broadway San Diego touring productions are presented at the San Diego Civic Theatre downtown.
Where can I find what is playing in San Diego now?
Check the San Diego event calendar and the Live Theatre category. Production schedules can change, so confirm the final date and showtime with the venue.
Which San Diego theatre is best for new plays?
La Jolla Playhouse and The Old Globe regularly present world premieres and newly developed work. Their seasons also include established plays and musicals.
Where can I see outdoor musicals in San Diego County?
Moonlight Amphitheatre in Vista presents professional outdoor musicals during its summer season. The Old Globe also uses its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre for seasonal productions.
Are there theatres in North County San Diego?
Yes. North Coast Repertory Theatre is in Solana Beach, Moonlight Amphitheatre is in Vista and New Village Arts is in Carlsbad.
Are San Diego theatre performances family-friendly?
Some are, but not every production is suitable for children. Check the production’s age recommendation and content advisory before buying tickets.
What should I wear to a San Diego theatre?
Most San Diego theatres do not require formal clothing. Comfortable smart-casual clothing is appropriate for most performances. Outdoor venues may require an additional layer after sunset.
Find Your Next San Diego Theatre Show
San Diego audiences can choose between Broadway tours, new American theatre, Shakespeare, intimate regional productions and musicals performed under the stars.
Start with the kind of experience you want, compare the venues that specialize in that format and then confirm the current schedule before purchasing.
