LOVED this place! The vibes, the music, the drinks... Everything was amazing. Came in on a Wednesday, & saw Kenny Ard live. He was PHENOMENAL!! Loved the Cabaret environment it had contagious vibes, good drinks & great staff. I also got to see "Manifest Pussy", and I highly recommend to everyone. Shakina is very energetic, a great story teller & hilarious. read more

Diversionary Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

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Highly recommend this place! This theater has had some great productions! Tickets are affordable! It is in the Hillcrest area. San Diego is definitely a big fan of theater culture! read more

The productions are great. The only reason Im giving 3 stars is for the bartender down at the first floor. He should take some customer service training. His vibe can make anyone not want to come back. Other than that all the shows were great. read more

Went last weekend to see "Wally and his Lover Boys" in the black box theatre upstairs. I had a couple of actor friends in it. A very high-quality production. So fun. And the space was so intimate you felt like you were in the story. We also hung out afterwards at the bar downstairs. Great bartenders and space. We want to come back soon for Friday night karaoke! read more

Diversionary Theatre - Downstairs bar with friends - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

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The theatre was surprisingly small. I liked it only because any seat you get is perfect viewing. Before the show (Head over heels), I bought a drink at the bar. Bartender was absolutely a people person! Loved his spirit. Everyone there was all smiles, and it made everyone feel at home. I only wish they they sold food. Everything else was nice. I guess I wanted a little more pizzazz. I'll most likely come back in the future for more shows. read more

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I love this place! We saw the Golden Gays here back in December for their Xmas special and it was such a fun time. The atmosphere is really cool and the staff are so friendly. read more

Always feel welcomed and have a great time around nice people. All inclusive environment.

This is my third time seeing an act at the Clark Cabaret. The show was great. However right next to the stage is a huge super bright television screen flashing advertisements. The TV is 2 feet from the stage. It's so distracting and insulting to the performers. The TV needs to be switched off during the show! read more

Great venue, intimate setting outside and tons of fun!! Very much enjoyed the comedy show!!

Love the plays so much that I went twice to the same one. Very nice people and accommodate you and have fun at the same time.

Really lovely theater and pleasant staff. Great location, with tons of restaurants and bars nearby. There's a bar on the bottom floor/ entrance and ticket booth. They serve the good stuff. Sign up for their newsletter and get a free drink voucher. The theater itself was on the second floor, every seat is a great seat! Intimate theater. Watched A Bull in a China Shop, was wonderful! read more

Diversionary Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

The current show, Head Over Heels, is outstanding.... And their cabaret, it's really like a piano bar, brings in lots of talent--varied and great. Plus their bartender, Derrol.....he's the best and makes great drinks. You really need to check out their lineup of shows...in the theatre and in the cabaret. read more

A San Diego gem. The Diversionary is an exceptional and special place. As the 3rd oldest LGBT theatre space in the USA, San Diego can be proud of the support they've given this theatre--but it EARNS the support by doing extremely good work. I've seen a couple of shows, and the quality is excellent. The main, upstairs theatre space was remodelled recently, and is really pleasant and comfortable. Meanwhile, downstairs they have created a REMARKABLE SPACE: the Clark Cabaret, where something is happening every night of the week: karaoke, comedy, live music. Generally it's no-cover, with a full bar. My husband and I often make the effort to go, and are never disappointed. Truly a San Diego gem. read more

We stopped in for Saturday happy hour, 5 to 6:30 pm. Our bartender Darrel was welcoming and the Park Boulevardier was robust and delicious. Recommended for sure, especially if you are walking distance like we are. read more

Diversionary Theatre - Diversionary Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

Came by to watch Ru Paul and stuck around for the karaoke after. The place is small and intimate, the vibes are fun and welcoming, as well as the guests and staff. Will definitely be coming back for more events and shows read more

Oh man what not to say about this amazing establishment! I've seen several shows now and my faves thus far are GUTENBURG & LIZARD BOY!!!!! Ugh too freaking amazing!!!! Talk about powerhouse vocals!!!!! Last night my friend and I saw lizard boy wow what a treat! Well for starters the space is cute , quaint and intimate! Matt harding the manager is beyond welcoming and Matt Morrow is the creative mastermind! Shows are super affordable, good snacks and drinks and no bad seat in the house! Just wow! I'm so thankful for this theater to be in the community as well as support the gay community! DIVERSITY DIVERSIONARY IN UNIVERSITY. Love live livelove! read more

Diversionary Theatre - Lizard boy - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

I just saw their new production, Next Fall, tonight in preview. It was fantastic. It was well-written, funny and poignant. I love the small space since it creates a wonderful intimacy with the stage and performers. A perfect evening in University Heights is dinner at El Zarape, pre-theatre drinks in Diversionary's new lounge and a play upstairs! read more

Diversionary Theatre is a small, community theatre located in the University Heights neighborhood of San Diego. Billing itself as the nation's 3rd oldest LGBT theatre, Diversionary aims to produce plays with LGBT themes that portray characters in their complexity and diversity both historically and contemporarily. The natural question is whether such a politically correct mission statement can lead to good theatre? The answer is a resounding yes. Over and over again this little theatre mounts excellent, and sometimes stunning, productions. They do so much with so little. The stage is a triangle carved out of a large rectangular room on the second floor of the building. The lights go down and suddenly you are in a different world. The limits of the little theatre are transformed by your imagination and the skill of all the people who make a play work. You leave the theatre wondering, how did they do that? The answer is talent, and Diversionary has it. Diversionary has talent, and plenty of it, which transcends it's limiting mission statement. So forget about the LGBT part and go to Diversionary for great theatre. You will not be disappointed. (Review based on more than five productions.) read more

Diversionary Theatre - Diversionary Theatre, San Diego - Performing Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

Went to see "The Va Va Voom Room" with some girlfriends. We showed up, bought tickets there, checked in on yelp and got a free concession item (free booze always is a +) and went up the stairs to the theater. I have to take one star off for not serving popcorn. I worship places that serve popcorn. I can only hope that this place decides that popcorn would be a worthy sale. The show itself was quite entertaining but the theater is the real star. It is quaint, intimate and the staff was helpful and happy. read more

I would be hard pressed to find a bad seat at this place. The small size of the venue allows for a completely immersive feel as it is unlikely that you'll have rows of heads bobbing about between you and the stage. Seating, to my knowledge, is usually general admission. It'd be best for you to show up about 30 minutes early if you are with a group, or you might end up sitting at different ends of the theatre on a busy night. If you want the best seats in the house, become a season subscriber and you'll always have a reserved seat. Check-in was a bit odd. I wasn't entirely sure where to go for my will-call tickets, but went inside the downstairs lobby and walked up to what I thought was the ticket booth. To my surprise, it was the bar (go figure). After pre-ordering my intermission cocktail, I made my way to the ticket counter and got my program for the show. About 10 minutes before the show, I was shuttled upstairs to the theatre with everyone else like a herd of cattle. It's part of the experience and adds to the immersive feel. During intermission there are cookies and coffee available for $1 each and, of course, a nice selection of cocktails. The end of intermission is signaled by the sound of a bell. Keep this in mind when you've chugged too many cocktails and start to notice the crowd downstairs thin out. Ordering online seems a bit silly with the "convenience charge" that is all too often tacked onto ticket purchases these days (it's a convenience for another person to take money from me? Help me understand this). To bypass this, simply call them or visit to purchase your tickets. Definitely a great theatre with interesting productions. Give them a shot. read more

We attended a show in the black box theater, and the acting was high quality (the play had been on Broadway previously). However, the seats were not so comfy and the way they are situated directly behind the people in front of you, instead of staggered, severely impairs your view. The stage is not lifted much. So when actors were sitting we could not see anything. I would prefer it if they could stagger the seats. Next time I'll bring my own stadium pillow, now that I know. read more

Went here last night to see Anita Bryant Died For Your Sins (second production and the day before it officially opens) and enjoyed it. It's a small theatre, so it felt very intimate and the view will always be good no matter where you seat. I felt the production was very honest. No glitz and glam, lots of soul and warmth from the actors. Broadway. Community. I love it all and this is a great place for community theatre. I'd definitely come back here to see what else they will put on. read more

I absolutely LOVED Sat evenings passionate DANCE performance of "Tryst; A Diversionary Cabaret". And the grace of getting two of the last tickets available the afternoon of the day of show --front row, center seats for a SOLD OUT show! Grateful! So flirtatious, sensual, erotic and innocent all at the same time. The six pieces really captures the dance of "shadow" of dark and light; as above (heavenly), so below (hell)! All of the dancers were incredibly poised, talented, powerful, flexible and the women exceptionally graceful. I felt very enthralled, entertained and lost in the music and the dance and didn't want it to end! OUTSTANDING! BRAVO! Great job everyone! I'd see it again! And again! And again! Also grateful the building had a small elevator. read more

Just saw the production of "girlfriend" with a friend and it was a thoroughly entertaining, well done, and an amazing piece of work! The acting was fantastic, it was so fun, and the band and the music and the singing were simply incredible! My only regret is that I did not stand up and give a standing ovation, because the entire cast certainly deserved it, and I am a little pissed off that no one else stepped up either, but I realize that if I had, and I was in the front row, I could only hope that everyone else would follow!?! It was so well done and I could easily see it again and I highly recommend this for anyone that reads this review, please go and see it, you will not regret it at all!! Thank you to everyone in the cast, very well done!!! read more

Very much enjoyed 'The Divine Sister'. Thanks for a great show. Yes indeed...those nuns rock. It's cold in there with the AC - bring a sweater/jacket!! read more

"Dead From New York: It's Pepper & Sam" Loved it! Play-It-Agian-Sam is a killer piano player and singer, the arrangements are genius and Pepper is just the right amount of crazy. Like big and little Edie rolled all into one. Go see it. Plus you can drink during the show....always a plus. read more

Diversionary has quite intense productions, leaving myself feeling very moved emotionally in all sorts of different directions. They also hire quite impressive talent, my favorite being Dangerfield Moore! After seeing several of their plays, I am never disappointed, and love the audiences genuine responses, especially laughter.. read more

It always feels good to go to Diversionary Theater. There's a festive atmosphere, a feeling of solidarity and Looking forward to really good entertainment. If I could give a sixth star, it would be for Courage. read more

Scrooge in Rouge Fabulous, campy, and entertaining. The best holiday interpretation ever. Fabulous cast of talent that delivers joy and fun. Local theatre at it's best. read more

This ain't no Broadway production, but for the GLBT Community, this is a nifty spot. Tiny theater (my nephew's HS theater was about 10 times the size), but that lends to the intimate feel. Decent local actors. They put on about 6-8 performances yearly. You can even buy subscriptions like at a "straight" theater. Do it, here, just once! read more

Have seen many good shows. Did not like 2019 Christmas show but have been watching the online virtual show 2020 and it is crap. If I wanted to listen to new Yorkers chat I would have saved my money. Go back to new York! read more

I still love the Diversionary. I had an opportunity to swing by last night to catch a fantastic preview of "The Maiden's Prayer", a production that was moving, thoughtful, and surprisingly funny. (Oh, and the male leads couldn't keep their clothes on. But that's par for the course at the Diversionary.) One thing I like about this theater is its consistency. * The seats are still creaky (but comfortable). * The ticket prices are still low (free when it's a Yelp-supported preview). * The setting is still cozy and intimate. (You can see the actors sweating.) * You can still get plastered afterwards (not that I would know *anything* about such reckless behavior...). Bourbon Street? Small Bar? Lei? Lancers? Take your pick. They're all down the block. C'mon folks -- get your culture on. The Diversionary awaits. read more

Diversionary is Awesome! We recently saw Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Diversionary and it was an outstanding performance. We have seen Hedwig on Broadway (with John Cameron Mitchell as Hedwig) and the Diversionary performance rivals (if not surpasses) that performance. Fantastic. read more

I went to Diversionary to see a preview for "The Maidens Prayer." I was greeted with a complimentary beer courtesy of Karl Strauss, mm mm IPA. I have not been to many theaters around San Diego, or in general but I really enjoyed the play. It was funny, real life and sad all in one. The theater was small compared to what I was thinking it would be like, but I loved the intimacy it created between the audience and actors. I am definitely upset at my self for taking so long to get to this theater but am now very happy and excited for future visits. read more

Small intimate theater puts one close to the actors and stage. All seats have excellent views.

Two weeks ago, I experienced this wonderful little theater! The play (Now or Later) was top-notch, the theater was intimate and the drinks delicious. I can't wait to go back again! read more

I love it here. They have drinks and snacks before you go in it's cozy,clean, and super entertaining. I like to bring my girlfriend here for date night it's a place you can feel comfortable being yourself! I had a small issue with my tickets (completely my fault) and after explaining the situation to them they took care of everything for me what awesome customer service. I'm definitely going to become a regular here! read more

love it!! I've been to several shows and never disappointed. Its great theater in a wonderful venue. go.

Just saw Regrets Only! O M G ! These performers will blow your mind! From the first word to the last they had me glued to my seat! Amazing storyline and amazing talent! You will NOT be disappointed. GO SEE THIS PLAY! read more

i love the feeling of momentum and creativity in this intimate theater space. community driven, but cutting edge professional. support san diego art! read more