Discover the Vibrant Theatre Scene in Los Angeles

Yes, there IS great live theatre in Los Angeles. As a once-upon-a-time theatre major and huge theatre fan, I was initially disappointed in the theatre scene upon moving to Los Angeles; however, things have dramatically improved over the past couple of decades. I’m pleased to report that legitimate theatre in Los Angeles is thriving. While there are still some underwhelming small theatre companies, there is a wealth of excellent live theatre in the area across both large professional stages and smaller 99-seat venues.

Broadway in LA

You can experience touring Broadway shows at several theaters throughout LA, featuring performances that could easily be seen in Cleveland or Dallas—which is not a bad thing at all. Many of these shows are outstanding. Pairing a Broadway production with a visit to a stunning historic venue like the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood guarantees a memorable evening (despite the sometimes excessive sound system volume).

Other notable venues hosting touring Broadway shows include the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

It’s important to note that enjoying a Broadway show in LA is not quite the same intimate experience as witnessing one on Broadway, as the theaters here are significantly larger. The balcony and mezzanine seats, which may still offer decent views on Broadway, feel much farther from the stage in LA’s grand venues.

Local Theatre Companies Offering Unique Productions

If you missed these shows during their initial tour, you can explore the rich home-grown LA theatre scene produced by local companies that deliver outstanding productions of classic plays, musicals, and new works making their world premiere.

Star Power: TV and Movie Celebrities on Stage

In a city filled with television and film actors, it’s no surprise that you can often find well-known celebrities performing in LA stage productions. Occasionally, this lead to a remarkable display of talent, showcasing the performer in a different light. Conversely, sometimes a well-known name may draw in a larger audience, yet the casting does not quite match the role, leaving the experience lacking. Regardless, it’s commendable for these screen actors to perform live without the luxury of a second take.

As a visitor, the Center Theatre Group should be your first check for theatre quality, accessibility, and the potential for celebrity casting. This group stages both popular and innovative new works at the Ahmanson Theatre and the Mark Taper Forum, as well as the Kirk Douglass Theatre in Culver City. The Music Center itself is also an attraction, serving as a great focal point for your Los Angeles getaway.

The Geffen Playhouse, located near UCLA, is another theatre that impresses with its willingness to embrace new work and bring intellectually stimulating performances to the city, alongside featuring talent from TV and film.

Small Spaces, Big Talent: LA Theatre Gems

Los Angeles hosts a myriad of small theatre companies that consistently produce excellent work in areas like the North Hollywood Theatre District, Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Long Beach. On any given weekend, dozens of plays and musicals are performed across greater Los Angeles.

The venues range from intimate storefronts with just 25 folding chairs to small 99-seat theaters and a few medium-sized spaces accommodating 200-300 audience members. Some notable venues include the Santa Monica Playhouse, Theatre of Note in Hollywood, El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, the International City Theatre in Long Beach, the Long Beach Playhouse, and A Noise Within in Glendale. Some companies may rent their spaces, making it important to focus more on the theatre company than the venue itself, as productions may change frequently.

A Bargain Performance: Live Theatre in LA

The average price for a movie ticket in LA is $10-$16. In contrast, the cost of live theatre tickets in the area generally ranges from $20-$30, with many shows priced as low as $10. Due to the oversupply of theatre seats, numerous half-price tickets are available for several productions, making it an even more appealing choice for entertainment. Given the option between a live performance or a film for the same price, I always choose to attend a live show—it’s an unbeatable experience.

Despite the higher-priced tickets for major musicals, when factoring in the number of performers involved in each production, it becomes evident that your $120 ticket supports a vast number of jobs in the theatre community. Therefore, I encourage you to purchase full-price tickets when you can, enjoying the opportunity to be a true patron of the arts.

Weekend Focus: Theatre in Los Angeles

Unlike New York, where shows often run six days a week, in LA, live theatre is primarily available on weekends, which can include any combination of two or more days between Thursday and Sunday. Should you wish to attend a show on a weeknight (as Mondays are typically dark), your best options will be the Center Theatre Group or the Geffen Playhouse.

Discounted Tickets for Theatre in Los Angeles

There are various outlets that offer discounted tickets for Los Angeles theatre productions. While some overlap exists, certain tickets may only be available at specific outlets which have different service charges; thus, it’s wise to compare all options before purchasing. Additionally, consider signing up for email alerts to stay informed of new shows.