San Diego Repertory Theatre

MISSION

San Diego Repertory Theatre produces intimate, exotic, provocative theatre.

We promote a more inclusive community through vivid works that nourish progressive political and social values and celebrate the multiple voices of our region.

San Diego Repertory Theatre feeds the curious soul.

HISTORY

We are downtown San Diego’s resident professional theatre—celebrating year-round on our three stages and in our art galleries the diversity and creativity of our community. As the resident and managing company of the Lyceum Theatre, we produce and host over 300 events and performances a year.

Our mission is informed by a commitment to artistic virtuosity, partnerships with singular artists and our inquisitive neighbors, and lively conversations about our role as citizens in the bi-national region we call home. We choose provocative works of theatre to inspire our audiences and artists to build the communication bridges needed to understand who we are today, and who we might become.

The company was founded in 1976 by Sam Woodhouse and D.W. Jacobs. Since moving to the Lyceum in 1986, we have produced 39 main stage productions by Latino playwrights and hosted artistic residencies by Luis Valdez, Max Roach, Amiri Baraka, Culture Clash, Yehuda Hyman, Marion J. Caffey, Randall Myler, Octavio Solis and Maria Irene Fornes. To date we have produced 43 world premieres.

In addition to a 1998 Tony Award® Nomination for It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues, we have received over 200 awards for artistic excellence from the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle, Patté Theatre Awards, NAACP, Backstage West, Dramalogue, and StageSceneLA. In 2005, the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle presented the REP with the Craig Noel Award “For 30 Years of Artistic Dedication to Downtown and Diversity.”

THE SEASON

We produce an eclectic mix of world premieres, brilliant contemporary plays and re-imagined classics.

To enhance the theatre experience and encourage dialogue around each REP production, over 50 Surround Events are offered free of charge throughout the season—a diverse assortment of pre- and post-performance salons, mini concerts, and forums with area scholars and artists.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Since 1993, the REP has produced The Lipinsky Family San Diego Jewish Arts Festival, presenting more than 64 new works of theatre, music and dance by Jewish artists from around the world.

For 19 years, the REP has sponsored Kuumba Fest, the longest-running festival of African American culture in California.

Through Project Discovery, the REP provides discount tickets, educational forums and study guides to students. We host high school apprentices and early career artisans, providing hands-on experience and training in all aspects of professional theatre.