Santa Barbara Theater Guide: Shows & Venues

The city of Santa Barbara, nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is a haven for theater enthusiasts. With a rich cultural scene and a plethora of venues, Santa Barbara offers a diverse range of shows and performances that cater to all tastes and preferences. From classic plays to contemporary musicals, and from intimate settings to grand auditoriums, the city’s theater scene is as vibrant as it is varied.

For those looking to experience the best of Santa Barbara’s theater scene, there are several venues to explore. The Lobero Theatre, a historic landmark with a storied past, is one of the city’s most beloved institutions. This 600-seat theater has been hosting performances since 1924 and is known for its excellent acoustics and ornate Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The Lobero Theatre is home to the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra and the Santa Barbara Symphony, among other resident companies, and offers a wide range of shows, including classical music, jazz, and theater productions.

Another prominent venue in Santa Barbara is the Granada Theatre, a stunning example of Spanish Moorish Revival architecture that dates back to 1924. This 1,500-seat theater is equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, making it an ideal setting for large-scale productions, including musicals, concerts, and dance performances. The Granada Theatre is also home to the Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts, which presents a diverse range of shows, from Broadway hits to world music and comedy acts.

In addition to these larger venues, Santa Barbara is also home to a number of smaller, more intimate theaters that offer a unique and personalized experience. The Ensemble Theatre Company, for example, is a professional theater company that produces a range of shows, including classic plays, contemporary dramas, and musicals. The company’s performances take place at the Alhecama Theatre, a charming 100-seat venue that provides an up-close and personal experience for audiences.

For those interested in exploring the city’s thriving theater scene, there are several resources available. The Santa Barbara Independent, a weekly newspaper, provides comprehensive coverage of the city’s arts and culture scene, including theater reviews, previews, and listings. The Santa Barbara Arts Commission, a city-funded organization, also offers a range of resources, including a calendar of events, artist directories, and information on local theaters and venues.

In terms of upcoming shows, Santa Barbara’s theater scene is always bustling with activity. The Santa Barbara Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts a range of concerts and events, is a popular venue during the summer months. The Bowl’s schedule typically includes a mix of rock, pop, and jazz concerts, as well as comedy acts and other performances.

For fans of classical music, the Santa Barbara Symphony’s annual concert series is a must-see. The symphony performs at the Granada Theatre and offers a range of programs, from classical masterworks to pops concerts and family-friendly shows.

In the realm of theater, the Ensemble Theatre Company’s production of “The Glass Menagerie” is a highly anticipated event. This classic play by Tennessee Williams tells the story of a dysfunctional family and their struggles with identity, memory, and the past.

Another exciting production is the Santa Barbara Civic Light Opera’s staging of “The Sound of Music.” This beloved musical, set in Austria during World War II, follows the story of a young nun who becomes the governess of a large family and teaches them to love and sing.

Whether you’re a fan of classical music, theater, or dance, Santa Barbara’s vibrant arts scene has something to offer. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning venues, and diverse range of shows and performances, the city is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of the performing arts.

In conclusion, Santa Barbara’s theater scene is a treasure trove of cultural delights, offering a wide range of shows and performances that cater to all tastes and preferences. From historic landmarks like the Lobero Theatre to intimate settings like the Alhecama Theatre, the city’s venues are as unique as they are varied. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Santa Barbara’s theater scene is sure to captivate and inspire, with its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and diverse range of shows and performances.