When you think of San Diego, you probably immediately think of beaches and surfing and famous attractions like the San Diego Zoo. But do you think of a thriving arts and theater scene? If you don’t, then it’s time to start thinking of San Diego as the perfect place to experience the arts…especially at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park!
History of the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego
The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego is (unsurprisingly) modeled after Shakespeare’s Globe in London. This San Diego version was first built in 1935 and used throughout the years until an arson fire unfortunately destroyed it in 1978.
While the Globe was being rebuilt, the theater needed a space immediately so that they could put on the San Diego National Shakespeare Festival. This is when the nearby Festival Theatre was first constructed as an outdoor and temporary theater.
But the drama of the Old Globe continued, and while the new 580-seat Old Globe opened in 1982…the Festival Theatre burned down in another arson fire in 1984. Thankfully, enough people loved the outdoor theater by this time that in 1985 they constructed a new award-winning, 620-seat outdoor theater called the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.
That’s a lot of dates (and a lot of arson!) but suffice it to say that the Old Globe has fought through a lot of years and a lot of trials to continue to bring fantastic theater to San Diego. And besides the main theater and the Lowell Davies theater, there is also a small 250-seat in-the-round theater called the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre.
But across the years and the Old Globe’s history, there is one man who helped define the San Diego theater scene as we know it today: Craig Noel. Noel’s investment as an actor, then a director, and finally in a leadership position until his death in 2010 helped theater thrive here across the decades. He helped keep theater alive here even through World War II when all the buildings at Balboa Park were commandeered for Navy use, and was also the one who first launched the Globe’s iconic summer Shakespeare Festival in 1949…so we are forever indebted to him for giving us such excellent summer plays!
These days, the Globe puts on 15 productions throughout the year. Many of these are Shakespeare plays, while there are also lots of modern works (and of course the annual tradition of producing the musical How the Grinch Stole Christmas!). If you are interested in theater, then this is a place you will definitely want to add to your San Diego bucket list!
Choosing a Play to See at the Old Globe
Seeing a play at the Old Globe Theatre complex is definitely a treat while in San Diego! But before you book tickets, there are a few things you’ll want to consider.
First, you’ll want to consider what is playing while you are there. Because of course you want to see something you like! But secondly, you’ll want to consider if you want to see a play in a specific theater.
The Old Globe Theatre is a completely indoor theater that is more like what we expect when we go to theaters today. It is a large space with padded seats and has a cutesy Tudor-like exterior that reminds of the original Globe in London.
Meanwhile, the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre is a smaller space but is completely indoor and in the round…which means that the seats are on all sides of the stage rather than everyone facing the same direction. This gives a very different feeling to the play and production!
Lastly, the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre is the Globe’s outdoor theater space. There are walls built up all around the outside of the seats, but in the center there is a hole in the top where you can see the sky.
So when you make your decision to go watch a play here in Balboa Park, you may wish to make your decision also partially based on which theater space you wish to be in. Some people have a preference, while others merely care about the actual material of the play they will be watching!
Visiting the Old Globe, San Diego
On my most recent visit to the Globe, I went to see Shakespeare’s As You Like It in the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. (I have also been to see plays in the main Old Globe Theatre, but have not yet made it to the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre).
The As You Like It production was phenomenal! From the acting, to the scenery and props, to the scene changes…everything flowed smoothly and professionally and it was a delight to see!
One of the things I especially love about seeing plays in the outdoor theater is watching it change from light to dark throughout the play. And really, what could be better than watching Shakespeare under the stars?
If you’re worried about the theater being outside, here are a few things to note. They have an amazing sound system…so yes, sometimes airplanes fly overhead but because of this sound system it really won’t be a bother. Also, while you’re sitting inside and there’s walls all around you may forget you are outside for a while! But eventually it will get cold, as it usually does at night in San Diego, and then you won’t forget that you’re outside. I recommend bringing a sweatshirt/jacket or even a blanket with you to stay warm (or you can rent a blanket outside if you forget to bring yours or don’t have your own blanket to bring).
Purchasing Old Globe Theatre San Diego Tickets
You can purchase tickets for any current or upcoming production from the Old Globe website, by visiting the box office, or by calling (619)23-GLOBE (aka 619-234-5623) . Tickets range in price depending on the theater and whether you qualify for any discounts.
So are you looking for Old Globe Theatre discount tickets? I’m always on the hunt for a good discount, so here are some of the best ways to see theater in San Diego for less!
The Old Globe often offers a few tickets for $29 for many performances and productions, and these are available to anyone on a first-come first-served basis. If you want to try to book one of these, you will have to act fast as they are available as soon as tickets go on sale and always sell out quickly!
There are also some discounts available for senior citizens, students (with valid ID), as well as active duty military. And my favorite: if you are under 30 years old, there is also a discount for you! If you purchase tickets online, simply enter the promo code “under30” and a discount will be applied. The discount amount for all of these options ranges depending on which theater you’re going to, where you want to sit, and which discount you qualify for. Sometimes the discount is only $10 off the full ticket price, while other times I’ve purchased tickets with the student and under 30 discounts for more than half of the original price!
Another way to make visiting the Old Globe less expensive is to go with a group and get the group discount. You only need a group of 10 people to reach the first tier of group discounts, so I highly recommend this option especially if you don’t qualify for any of the discounts above! You can also combine a group with adult/student/other discounted prices (for a student trip, trip with families, etc.). Simply reach out to the Old Globe and they should be able to help you!
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