Los Angeles

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Performing Arts

Details on theaters, concerts, and live performance venues in Los Angeles.

Sections

1. Major Performing Arts Venues in Los Angeles

Theaters

  • The Hollywood Pantages Theatre

    • Location: Hollywood
    • Specialty: Broadway productions, musicals, and touring shows.
    • Highlights: Known for hosting blockbuster Broadway hits like Hamilton, The Lion King, and Wicked.
    • Architecture: A stunning Art Deco landmark.

  • Ahmanson Theatre

    • Location: Downtown Los Angeles (part of The Music Center).
    • Specialty: Large-scale theatrical productions, including Broadway shows and original works.
    • Highlights: Frequently features pre-Broadway premieres and critically acclaimed plays.

  • Mark Taper Forum

    • Location: Downtown Los Angeles (also part of The Music Center).
    • Specialty: Intimate, thought-provoking plays and experimental theater.
    • Highlights: Focuses on contemporary and socially relevant works.

  • Geffen Playhouse

    • Location: Westwood.
    • Specialty: High-quality plays, often featuring Hollywood actors.
    • Highlights: Known for its intimate setting and innovative productions.

Concert Halls

  • Walt Disney Concert Hall

    • Location: Downtown Los Angeles.
    • Specialty: Home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic (LA Phil) and renowned for its acoustics.
    • Highlights: Hosts classical music concerts, contemporary performances, and special events.
    • Architecture: Designed by Frank Gehry, itโ€™s an iconic modern structure.

  • Hollywood Bowl

    • Location: Hollywood Hills.
    • Specialty: Outdoor amphitheater hosting concerts across genres, from classical to pop.
    • Highlights: Summer home of the LA Phil; features performances by world-famous artists and orchestras.
    • Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy before the show.

  • The Greek Theatre

    • Location: Griffith Park.
    • Specialty: Outdoor concerts in a scenic setting.
    • Highlights: Hosts a mix of rock, pop, and classical performances.

Dance

  • Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

    • Location: Downtown Los Angeles (part of The Music Center).
    • Specialty: Home to the Los Angeles Opera and hosts major ballet companies.
    • Highlights: Features performances by the American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and more.

  • The Broad Stage

    • Location: Santa Monica.
    • Specialty: Contemporary dance, chamber music, and theater.
    • Highlights: A smaller venue offering intimate performances.

Other Notable Venues

  • The Ford Theater: An outdoor venue offering diverse programming, including dance, theater, and music.
  • El Rey Theatre: A historic venue for live music and smaller performances.
  • The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts: Located in Beverly Hills, it features theater, dance, and music performances.

2. Popular Performances and Festivals

Theater

  • Broadway touring productions are a major draw at venues like the Pantages and Ahmanson.
  • Local theater companies, such as the Center Theatre Group, produce original and experimental works.

Music

  • The Los Angeles Philharmonic is internationally renowned for its innovative programming and world-class musicians.
  • The Hollywood Bowlโ€™s summer season features a mix of classical, jazz, and contemporary music.

Dance

  • The Music Center hosts performances by top ballet and modern dance companies.
  • Local dance troupes, such as BODYTRAFFIC, showcase contemporary choreography.

Festivals

  • Hollywood Fringe Festival: An annual celebration of independent theater, featuring hundreds of performances across the city.
  • LA Operaโ€™s Open House: Free performances and behind-the-scenes tours at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
  • Dance Camera West: A festival celebrating dance on film, held at various venues.

3. Ticket Costs and Purchasing Options

Ticket Costs

  • Theater: Tickets for Broadway shows range from $50 to $200+, depending on the production and seating.
  • Concerts: Classical music concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall start at around $30, while Hollywood Bowl tickets range from $20 (lawn seating) to $200+ (box seats).
  • Dance: Tickets for ballet and modern dance performances typically range from $40 to $150.

Discounts

  • Rush Tickets: Many venues offer same-day discounted tickets for students and seniors.
  • Subscription Packages: Save money by purchasing season tickets for venues like the LA Phil or Center Theatre Group.
  • Tix for Kids: Some organizations, like The Music Center, offer discounted tickets for families.

Where to Buy Tickets

  • Official Websites: Purchase directly from the venueโ€™s website for guaranteed authenticity.
  • Ticketmaster: A popular platform for major events.
  • Goldstar: Offers discounted tickets for theater, concerts, and other performances.
  • TodayTix: A mobile app specializing in last-minute theater tickets.
  • Box Office: Buy tickets in person at the venue to avoid service fees.

4. Local Considerations and Cultural Tips

Timing

  • Arrive early to allow time for parking and finding your seat. Many venues have strict late-seating policies.
  • For outdoor venues like the Hollywood Bowl, plan to arrive at least an hour early to enjoy a picnic or explore the grounds.

Dress Code

  • Most venues in Los Angeles have a casual dress code, but some events (e.g., opera or gala performances) may call for formal attire. Check the event details in advance.

Parking and Transportation

  • Parking can be expensive and limited near major venues. Consider using rideshare services (e.g., Uber, Lyft) or public transportation.
  • The Metro system serves many downtown venues, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall and Ahmanson Theatre.

Food and Drink

  • Many venues, like the Hollywood Bowl, allow you to bring your own food and beverages. Check the venueโ€™s policy beforehand.
  • Concessions are available at most theaters and concert halls, but prices can be high.

Accessibility

  • Most venues are wheelchair accessible and offer services for patrons with disabilities, such as assistive listening devices and sign language interpretation. Contact the venue in advance to arrange accommodations.

Tipping

  • Tipping is not expected at performing arts venues, but itโ€™s customary to tip valet parking attendants ($3โ€“$5) and coat check staff ($1โ€“$2 per item).

5. Unique Cultural Experiences

  • Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival: Enjoy free outdoor performances of Shakespeareโ€™s plays during the summer.
  • Grand Performances: Free concerts and cultural events held at California Plaza in Downtown LA.
  • Street Performances: Explore the Santa Monica Pier or Venice Beach for impromptu music and dance performances.

Los Angeles offers an unparalleled performing arts experience, blending world-class talent with a laid-back, accessible vibe. Whether youโ€™re attending a Broadway show, a symphony, or an experimental dance performance, the cityโ€™s diverse offerings ensure thereโ€™s something for everyone.