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The Old Globe: San Diego's Theatrical Heart

Experience world-class theatre at The Old Globe in Balboa Park, San Diego's premier performing arts destination with a rich history and diverse productions.

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The Old Globe, located in Balboa Park, is a Tony Award-winning regional theatre with a rich history dating back to 1935. Modeled after Shakespeare's Globe, it offers a year-round season of classic and contemporary plays across three unique stages.

A brief summary to The Old Globe

Local tips

  • Arrive at least one hour before curtain to secure parking, as Balboa Park is a popular destination.
  • Consider purchasing tickets in advance, as many productions sell out quickly.
  • Check the Old Globe's schedule for upcoming shows and special events.
  • Take advantage of the free Balboa Park Tram to easily access the theater from various parking lots.
  • Explore Balboa Park's other attractions, museums, and gardens to make the most of your visit.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Diego, the most convenient way to reach The Old Globe is via the MTS bus Route 7. Departing from various stops on Park Boulevard, this bus will take you directly to Balboa Park. A one-way fare costs $2.50. Get off at the Park Blvd & Village Pl stop, a short walk from the theater.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a direct route to The Old Globe. From downtown San Diego, a taxi ride typically costs between $9 and $19 and takes approximately 4-6 minutes, depending on traffic. Request to be dropped off near the Plaza de Panama for easy access to the theater. Keep in mind that prices may vary based on demand and time of day.

  • Walking

    For those staying in downtown San Diego, walking to Balboa Park is a viable option. The Old Globe is approximately a 35-minute walk from the city center. Head east on Laurel Street, which leads directly into the park via the Cabrillo Bridge. Once inside Balboa Park, follow the signs to the Old Globe.

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Discover more about The Old Globe

Located in the heart of Balboa Park, The Old Globe stands as San Diego's flagship arts institution and one of the country's leading regional theaters. Since its establishment in 1935 as part of the California Pacific International Exposition, it has grown into a cultural gem, attracting both locals and tourists with its outstanding performances and striking architecture. The Old Globe was initially designed by Richard Requa to mirror London's Globe Theatre, even featuring an open roof. It presented abridged versions of Shakespeare's plays during the exposition. Saved from demolition after the event, it was renovated and transformed into a permanent structure, becoming home to the San Diego Community Theatre. Today, The Old Globe produces around 15 plays and musicals annually, offering a diverse repertoire of classic, contemporary, and new works. The complex houses three distinct theaters: the Old Globe Theatre (a 580-seat indoor theater with the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage), the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre (a 250-seat theater in the round), and the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre (a 605-seat outdoor venue). The theater's history has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, including two arson fires that led to rebuilding efforts. Despite these setbacks, The Old Globe has consistently delivered exceptional theatrical experiences, earning a Tony Award and launching numerous productions to Broadway. Its legacy is intertwined with figures like Craig Noel, whose decades-long leadership shaped the Globe's artistic direction and national recognition.

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