“What’s in a name?” Shakespeare asked. Here at the Old Globe Theater, the name tells a tale of inspiration and transformation.
Welcome to the Old Globe. It is a theatrical treasure nestled in Balboa Park. The Old Globe is not just a theater it is a vibrant hub of artistic expression. It brings stories to life on stage.
The original Old Globe Theater was designed by Richard Requa. It was part of the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935. The theater was modeled after the Globe Theatre in London. That Globe was where Shakespeare’s plays were originally performed. Like its London inspiration, the first Old Globe had no roof.
Imagine opening day on May 29, 1935. Groundbreaking occurred just 31 days prior. Actors performed shortened versions of Shakespeare plays. Each actor sometimes played six roles each day. The aim was to attract tourists with accessible theater.
The Old Globe quickly captured hearts and minds. When the exposition ended a non-profit was formed. It was called the San Diego Community Theatre. Their aim was to save the theater from demolition. They leased the structure from the city and made it permanent. They added a roof and brought it up to code.
In its early years, the Old Globe faced many challenges. In March 1978, tragedy struck. Arson destroyed the Globe Theatre. Only the administrative offices, rehearsal hall and costume shops remained. But the spirit of the Globe could not be extinguished.
A festival stage was quickly built outdoors. The Shakespeare Festival continued that summer. Another arson fire damaged the outdoor stage in 1984. It was rebuilt as the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. The entire complex is now called the Simon Edison Centre for the Performing Arts.
The Old Globe has three distinct theaters today. The Old Globe Theatre is the flagship 600-seat theater. It features the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage. The Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre is an intimate 250-seat theater in the round. The Lowell Davies Festival Theatre is a 620-seat outdoor theater. It hosts the summer Shakespeare festival.
Did you know that the Old Globe has sent 21 shows to Broadway? These shows have earned 12 Tony Awards and 72 nominations. “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” premiered at the Globe in 2013 and later won Best Musical on Broadway.
The Old Globe has a sensory-friendly performance of “The Grinch” each year. The performance is for children on the autism spectrum. Adjustments include fewer loud noises and pre-show visits.
Many famous actors have graced the Old Globe’s stages. John Goodman, Christopher Walken and Neil Patrick Harris have all performed here. George Takei’s musical “Allegiance” is the highest-grossing show in the Old Globe’s history.
From humble beginnings as a temporary structure the Old Globe has become an “influential powerhouse”. It has won a Tony Award for best regional theater. The Old Globe continues to inspire. It fosters a love for theater in San Diego and beyond.