The Old Globe

Open since 1937, The Old Globe is California’s oldest professional theatre offering a year-round line up of fifteen plays and musicals on three stages.

Works include a very diverse range of classic, contemporary, pre-Broadway musicals and the Shakespeare Festival. In 1984, the Old Globe was the recipient of the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and has since been recognized for many other theatre and production awards in recognition for the Globe’s high standards and international attention for cultural arts.

The main stage, Old Globe Theatre is the venue’s oldest stage—built in 1935. It was modeled after Shakespeare’s Old Globe in London and was used to present Shakespeare’s plays. The Old Globe was later leased by a community theatre company and re-opened in 1937 with the premiere production of John Van Druten’s The Distaff Side.

Then, enjoy the outdoor stage, the Lowell Davis Festival Theatre; which was built in 1978. This stage offers a very different vibe under the eucalyptus trees. The summer festival operates from the outdoor theatre July-September each year. Be sure to dress warmly, as the evening hours can get very chilly in San Diego. The theatre has blankets and seat cushions available for rent, if needed.

Finally, the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre is the newest addition to the Old Globe venue list. This theatre offers superior acoustics and a great view of the stage from any seat—the farthest row being only five seats back. So, for a more intimate experience, the White Theatre is for you. 

Show tickets are available for purchase on line or at the box office. The complete line up for each year is posted on the website; there you can learn more about each production including the dates, history of the production and even some recommended materials to learn more.

Some of the 2010-2011 season productions include Robin and the 7 Hoods (July 14-August 22), The Last Romance (July 30-September 5), Death of a Salesman (Jan 22-Feb 22, 2011) and Rafta, Rafta… (March 19-April 24, 2011). The Old Globe Theatre offers more than 15 productions each year.

In addition to a packed year-round schedule of productions, the Old Globe Theatre is also highly dedicated to arts education and literacy. The Grinch Children’s Initiatives offers children a chance to earn free tickets to the annual production of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Children have to read six books within a specified time to earn the tickets.More than 10,000 discount tickets are also available to low-income families interested in attending this theatre event.

Then, with the Shakespeare Initiatives students can learn about the life and work of Shakespeare before attending theatre events. The Globe Theatre has partnered with the University of San Diego to offer a master’s program in dramatic arts, which has helped to launch the careers of many young actors. Finally, a variety of lifelong learning programs for adults and professional development opportunities are available through The Globe Theatre educational programs.

- by Jennifer Pruett, San Diego Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jennifer Pruett

A self proclaimed “queen of everything," Jennifer is a writer, planner and passionate lover of making exciting events extra special. As a creative mother of two she loves art, music, family, friends, exotic cuisine and exploring new areas of self improvement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma and has been writing restaurant and attraction reviews in the Phoenix Metro area since January, 2009.