A hidden gem. Let's jump right into this review. The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles is a renowned, non-profit theater known for intimate productions of classic and contemporary plays, new works, and educational programs. Two main spaces, the 500-seat Gil Cates Theater and the smaller Audrey Skirball-Kenis Theater. My son and I attended a play - Table 17 and sat in the balcony box of the Gil Cates Theater. Box seats $139pp Pros 1. Very nice venue. An intimate space with every seat being a good seat. Great acoustics also. 2. Bathrooms are clean and grounds are well-kept. 3. Small bar area that sells food items and drink, including alcohol. 4. Patio area and seating in the lobby if you arrive early. Doors usually open 1 hour before showtime. Theater doors open 30 minutes before curtain time. Cons 1. Parking can be a challenge but not impossible. Metered street parking. Use the text to pay function because you can add additional time from your phone and receive reminders via text when your time is about to expire. There are also paid parking lots within walking distance. Prices will vary. I was impressed with Geffen Playhouse and will definitely be back. BTW - Table 17 was an amazing play - funny, thought provoking, and an attention grabber. read more

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I love the GEFFEN. Awesome plays in a world of musicals. Awesome sets. Below is the fantastic set from "Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous Book" by Pearl Cleage. I really enjoyed the performance I saw. It was still in progress. Bravo! Excellent acting. read more

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Still a great venue for great performances. Great staff & great intimate room with great comfort seat. Love the courtyard for drinks prior & intermission period. Big and clean restrooms. Great refreshment choices. Parking can be tricky, you can park in the garage next door for pay, or street parking for pay (depending on the hours of the day & day of the week), or you can park in neighborhood street parking (free) couple blocks away. The venue is close by market with food vendors or nearby restaurants and museum. Really enjoy every time I'm here seeing a play. read more

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This is such a lovely theater nestled in the heart of Westwood village, conveniently located right across the street from UCLA! I have seen so many amazing plays here over the years and recently saw the play, "Master Harold"...and the boys and it was just as fantastic as I imagined it would be! It was very well acted and directed with a gorgeous set design. I really felt transported to another time while watching the play! The lobby and courtyard are gorgeous and while they are small and get crowded quickly, they are still enjoyable to relax before or after the play! We came on a Sunday thinking there would be complimentary wine (which there definitely used to be!), but sadly it seems they have discontinued this. The seats were comfy and pretty spacious and since the theaters are smaller here, every seat offers a great view. The sound amplifies well throughout the theater. The staff were very friendly and courteous. Parking can be a little tricky in the area but they do have a lot next door! We were able to find a free spot a few blocks away in the neighborhood! There's lots of restaurants nearby to dine at before or after the show as well! I cannot wait to return soon to see another play here! read more

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Attended Dragon Mama at the Audrey Skirball theater inside the Geffen playhouse which is a small,intimate venue. The playhouse is a beautiful venue and each theatre is a great place. This is the place to go. Highly recommend. read more

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I had the opportunity to watch the production of Table 17 on the closing night - what a treat. The cast was superb, plenty of close parking available in the plethora of Westwood public parking lots. The stage production was excellent- loved the incorporation of select audience members directly into the play with the set design a great use of space and making the production interactive. The audience was well entertained with many doing a "call and response" throughout the performance. The seats were comfortable and the ushers were helpful in guiding us to our seats, restrooms were well appointed and the intimate theatre lends itself to great seats throughout. Looking forward to checking out future Geffen productions. read more

Geffen Playhouse - Table 17: Amazing cast & play 12.6.25 - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The play table 17 was sooo fun and funny. I would defiantly go again for another play. But i wish there was more notification on places to park. Lots of homeless in the area when walking after the play. read more

First timer at the Geffen and it's a really beautiful playhouse, especially with the outdoor courtyard and nice decor inside which houses a bar for drinks and snacks and the founders room. Parking is right next door which is $6 flat fee after 5pm. We arrived right at that time and there was plenty of parking. Since we had 3 hours before the play, it allowed time to stroll around to UCLA, visit the Hammer and eat at CAVA nearby. Haven't been to a two person play in a while but the dialogue, storyline, and acting did not disappoint and issues discussed such as racial disparities in birthing outcomes, premies, and your medical decision making will certainly have you thinking about them afterwards. Highly recommend coming here for some top notch theater! read more

Geffen Playhouse - Part of my silent auction winnings! - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I managed to see Dragon Lady before the run ended. I grabbed one of the lower priced seats ($45 was the lowest and then $77 and $100+). Let me tell you, there is not a bad seat in the house. I sat on the orchestra, stage right. The theater is small enough where someone who has a slight stigmatism like me, can still see the performance on stage. The sound system is crisp and the acoustics are good. Gorgeous venue from the courtyard to the house. Comfortable chairs with ample room from the person you are sitting next to. Audience for the most part, can dress casual to cocktail evening wear. Overall, I enjoy this venue and am so thrilled that they are featuring diverse stories. I am for sure keeping my eye out on their yearly schedule and may even consider getting a subscription. read more

Great venue! We have a great time celebrating my birthday! It's near UCLA..parking was a non issue read more

Geffen Playhouse - I went to see a play on my birthday - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I've been to a LOT of theaters in my life, and this is one of my favorites. The theaters are cozy and special attention was clearly paid to layout, so no seat is a bad seat. The productions are top notch, with talented playwrights and terrific actors. The bar area is beautiful, and the courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-theater drink with friends before the show. Parking is plentiful and easy. We park for $6 on Sunday evenings at the lot next door (owned by UCLA). This enables us to enjoy dinner in Westwood Village and see a great production afterward, all with one parking hassle. The only downside is that the steady stream of people walking out after the show can make it challenging to get out of the parking lot, but we manage. It's fine. I highly recommend subscribing to shows here. Subscriber services are terrific, the staff is wonderful, and I've always been able to switch dates without a problem when I have a scheduling conflict. read more

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I'm extremely disappointed with the Geffen Playhouse and their lack of transparency and customer service. We purchased tickets for a show this Friday and understood they were non-refundable but exchangeable within 48 hours which is the only policy that was disclosed at purchase. However, when we called to simply move our tickets to Sunday, we were blindsided with a $20 fee per ticket just to change the date. This fee was never mentioned anywhere during the purchase process. When we politely asked the representative to check with a manager since this was not disclosed, the manager refused to make an exception and was shockingly condescending. Instead of addressing the issue, he lectured us about how "other theaters wouldn't let you exchange tickets at all," which is totally irrelevant and unprofessional. All we asked for was honesty and fair treatment. Instead, we were met with hidden fees, poor communication, and rude management. Now we're stuck trying to sell our tickets or paying extra money for a change that takes them seconds to process. This experience was incredibly disappointing and has definitely made us reconsider ever supporting the Geffen Playhouse again. read more

So far, this is our favorite LA theater. They typically have at least one production per season that catches our eye. Smaller than most Broadway theaters so any seat you get is fantastic. Parking is right next door and is very convenient. read more

I liked that it was a small, beautiful venue. However, the seats are not comfortable and you feel squished. We saw Fat Ham and thought it was really entertaining. read more

Geffen Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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My girlfriend took me out to this theater with her UCLA friends. I have been wanting to check this place out for a long time. You have to purchase tickets, and they are only open certain days of the week. Nice talent and a good place to explore theater. I always wanted to check out theater acting in studios. This place is small and wonderful. They have a refreshment center to buy snacks for your show,. I finally had my chance to come here, and I will be back for more. read more

So cute!! I will definately see a play here again. Yes seats are expensive but it's a high quality play in the intimate environment that you would expect from a community play read more

Playhouse with 2 different stages inside. Came here on a Sunday at 7pm to see Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and had a fantastic experience. There's paid lot parking ($20 at the Ralph's) or you can try finding street parking (free after 8pm). Masks were required and enforced regardless of vaccination status. The restrooms were in the back far right, and there were two water fountains. During intermission, note that the entire restroom will blackout during the 5 minute and 2 minute warning. There's a small outdoor patio for people to enjoy their drinks. Inside, the seats were comfier than I was expecting. The theater was intimate and the view from Row N was still very close to the stage. read more

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Nice playhouse. All seats are great. Parking next to the playhouse is $22 before 6pm, Monday-Friday, and $6 after 6pm and weekends. They sell reasonably priced refreshments and drinks (wine, water, soda, etc.). read more

Geffen Playhouse - The stage from the 4th row. - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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There are always good vibes when visiting this venue. We were able to park nearby and catch a recent powerful play. The atmosphere was chill as we waited for the doors to open. The seats were pretty comfortable and the restrooms were very clean. They were very organized with the structure of safety protocols and everyone on the staff was so friendly. We had great seats and were able to see and hear the cast clearly. The performances were amazing and all transitions were smooth. It was eye-opening to see all settings within the play performed on just one stage with seamless execution. We are excited to see what is in store in the months to come! read more

Geffen Playhouse - What an experience! - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

If you haven't attended a play here, I highly suggest you do so -- Great Stage, great seats, lots of adults in the room -- Plenty of Bar stations to grab a glass of whatever you choose! read more

We've always enjoyed going here and have considered getting a season pass. The Geffen and Pasadena Playhouse always has a good line up. I do wish younger folks go to plays and to these playhouses to make sure they never close down. As for the Geffen? Love the decorations outside by the fountain. Tickets are not too expensive and the quality of the work presented is well worth it. Recently watched The Inheritance Part 1&2. That was the shortest 7hrs I spent in a Playhouse. ;-) read more

I will start by saying this theatre was extremely effective in terms of its procedures. Being welcomed by friendly staff, who clearly stated the necessary Covid-19 related rules. We waited in the beautiful patio before the show, and about 10 minutes before showtime made our way to our seats. The show itself--Power of Sail--was interesting and thought provoking. It was an absolute honor to see Bryan Cranston perform live, and the entire cast was stellar. I was amazed by the set, the transitions, and the professionalism of the stage crew. My issues with the show were not rooted in the performances, but rather the script and generalizations and caricatures the actors were asked to play. Those in my group of 4 all had different takeaways from the show, and while the impressions and opinions were varied, it led to wonderful discussion. As bonus treat, we waited outside the entrance doors for about half an hour with some very friendly staff members and were able to meet the cast--this is called "stage dooring" for those unfamiliar with this practice. We came specifically to see Bryan Cranston in Power of Sail, but another great show will likely draw us back in after this experience. read more

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Finally, I made it here! Cute decor, intimate setting, great sound. There really isn't a bad seat. Caught the incredible play The Mountaintop, both actors were phenomenal, and the Geffen was the perfect place to host it. I'll definitely be back. read more

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We took my boyfriend's niece to see noises off. Fantastic venue and a fun show to boot. Highly recommend. Felt like east coast quality.

My friend invited me to see Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf during previews in April. It was our first time seeing a play here and we decided to be in Westwood by 3:30 p.m. to avoid risking being late due to traffic. The playhouse is literally across the street from UCLA and there's a parking garage right next to the playhouse off Le Conte and Westwood Plaza which is where we parked and they validated parking. If you're going to see Virginia Wolf I believe they are still checking for vaccine cards and also you must wear a mask the entire time you're there. The theater is really nice inside as it reminds me of a theater you would find in a English village? It use to be a Masonic Lodge and it still has that vibe to it. I would say it's a medium sized theater, the seats are comfortable and there are plenty of stalls in the restroom so you can make it back in time before intermission ends. The staff are all very efficient and polite and there is a bar in the lobby. We sat dead center, front row and I can tell you, there were a few times where I thought Calista Flockhart was going to land on us. They "smoke" cigarettes in this play and I'm sure they're fake but they still emitted the burnt nicotine smell. Also, Zachary Quinto threw a flower at me; that's my story and I'm sticking to it. This play is THREE HOURS with two intermissions, but the play was so good the time went by so fast. After the play everyone left to get their parking ticket scanned in the parking structure and there wasn't a huge line to exit, everyone got out fairly easily. Definitely a cool theater to see a play in! read more

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Lovely venue for live theatre. The small auditoriums mean that there are no bad seats. Every season ends up with a fascinating lineup. Also, the box office is so accommodating when it comes to rescheduling when necessary. read more

The Geffen Playhouse, located in Westwood in Los Angeles, is a great venue to see a play. They have original plays and the best touring plays as well. You are also going to be able to see some of the best actors working at the Geffen. Andy Garcia was there this year, for example. The theater is small so get your tickets early. I suggest getting there very early and finding parking and then go have a meal or just walk the Westwood Village. It is adorable and some of the eateries are great. You can find the Geffen on line and buy for a single show are a series. You will not be disappointed. We saw the story of Nat King Cole there and it was magical. There is not a bad seat in the house. The prices are reasonable. Go there. read more

Geffen Playhouse - Great little theater. Lovely interior. - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I love the Geffen Playhouse and always look forward to plays here. Contrary to what some of the other reviewers have mentioned, I really appreciate that they ask audience members to put on masks. The actors are maskless, and if they were to get COVID-19, the performances would be postponed/cancelled so I feel like it's an understandable precaution. I have seen many plays and shows here in the past years including Key Largo, Man of God, Trayf, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, The Engimatist, and most recently The Inheritance, and have always been really impressed. Despite the length of some of the plays (Virginia Woolf was 4 hours and The Inheritance was about 6 hours split into 2 parts), I never felt like they were dragging on and one of my friends even commented that he had no idea live theater could be so good after seeing Virginia Woolf. That said, I am taking off a star simply because more often than not there are chatty audience members. I've had the misfortune to be seated next to some and I wish that there would also be some reminders to not chat. I've not had this experience in other live theaters, so it seems particularly bad here. I'm not sure why, and I'm not sure how much management could do about it, but unfortunately it does affect the experience. read more

I went to the Geffen Playhouse recently to see "The Power Of Sail." I enjoyed seeing the play and enjoyed being at the Geffen. I parked at the Glendon Apartments (Trader Joe's) parking garage. Parking cost $5 with Geffen Playhouse validation. read more

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I love coming here. Two theaters inside and all the seats are great. I've sat in the first row, last row and somewhere in the middle. The Gil Cates theatre is the larger theater and the Audrey Skirball Theatre is the smaller theater. I really enjoy both venues. The acting is always amazing. They bring such talented actors from all over the country and world, many celebrities too. Located in the heart of Westwood, near UCLA, it's a lovely area. I really enjoy the outdoor patio here too. I don't feel like I'm in a college town when I'm here. It's very peaceful, beautiful, and serene with all the twinkle lights. Parking lot right next door (I think it's only $7) but I usually get lucky and find a free meter. They have beverages for purchase, including alcohol. I always have a great time here. read more

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We always enjoy the productions here at the geffen...they are both challenging and always well performed..wouldn't miss them.

I have been to the Geffen Playhouse several times over the past 15 years. There are two theaters, a medium size main room and a smaller theater. I like them both. The brick courtyard with ivy reminds be of Europe. The small bar in the foyer is always staffed with friendly help. The smaller theater does have tighter seating than the main theater, but I have never felt like it took away from the experience. There are multiple parking garages within a block of the theater. The selection of shows, many with big name talent is impressive. I love this place. read more

I haven't been to the Geffen Playhouse in a while. A friend told me about the play "King Liz". Since my 20 year old son has played basketball from the time he could walk and I was truly a "basketball mom" (spending weekends for years in a gym at practice/tournaments/camps), I decided to get some tickets. My son is going into his senior year in college, majoring in Business/Sports Marketing, minoring in Mandarin Chinese. He has aspirations of being a "Sports Agent". He is currently summer interning at a well known sports agency in Los Angeles. From beginning to end, the play captured our attention. First starting with music being played prior to the plays start. This great music had us "hyped" up for what was going to happen. The actor Sabrina Sloan was PHENOMENAL in the role as Liz Rico. Her acting as a ruthless female sports agent was believable. The young man who played Freddie Luna, reminded me of some of my son's misguided and taken advantage of teammates from his time of playing in the shark infested Los Angeles AAU Basketball Circuit. All of the actors in this play were WONDERFUL. I don't know if "King Liz" was based upon a true story, but it was spot on. I've watched some of my son's friends get taken advantage of by youth basketball organizations, coaches, school (high school & college) administrators, and people wanting to get a piece of a basketball player's potential earnings. A lot of these young men still are hopelessly chasing that ball that's deflating with every bounce. They have NOTHING (Education/Life Skills) to fall back on when the ball goes FLAT! My son and I talked about the play and who the characters reminded us about on the ride home. I asked him if he still wanted to go into the "Sports Management/Agent" business. He told me, "Yes!" He said that from what he's learning in college, his internship, and watching this play, it's a BUSINESS, that's about making MONEY! It's also about the CLIENTS who you have to look at as a whole investment. You have to make sure they are ready, willing, and mentally able to deal with being a Professional Athlete. The playhouse staff were very nice. The playhouse was as I remembered, is beautifully maintained inside and out. I definitely won't stay away so long. Can't wait to come back! read more

Geffen Playhouse - Catching the play "King Liz" at the Geffen Playhouse! - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This was my first visit to the Geffen Playhouse, and we saw the most amazing program: The Enigmatist. Seriously, if you can get to see this before it closes in November 2021, you will thank me. If you do go, make sure to arrive as early as the doors open. It is mind blowing and just a great nerdy time. I loved every minute and was engaged the entire evening. The staff was kind and patient. There are protocols you will beed to follow regarding vaccines, etc. We made it through easily enough. Eating is only allowed in certain areas and not within the theater. Masks must be worn the entire time inside the theater but not while eating/drinking in the lobby. That's another reason you'll want to go early. I wound up gulping down my glass of wine to make the curtain call. I really enjoyed the layout of the theater. It's the kind where there really is no bad seat. Enjoy!! read more

" Was here to see Daniel K. Isaac in "Every Brilliant Thing." Amazing show, wonderful space, talented actor! Our first time at the Geffen. Not a bad seat in the house! Can't wait to be back! " Quoting a Sept 18 review verbatim. Hard to capture Isaac's warmth, spontaneous brilliance and ceaseless ability to draw in the audience and make them feel part of the play. Nothing like theater in the round. read more

My husband and I usually love going to the theater, but of course everything is closed right now because of COVID-19. Luckily I found Geffen Playhouse, which is doing their performances online over Zoom! They offer a wide variety of shows: traditional plays, a murder mystery, a magic show, a cooking demonstration, etc. The tickets are kind of expensive, but you only need to buy one and everyone in your household can participate. I was really worried about getting bored, but the shows are designed well and some are interactive. Some include audience participation or breakout rooms, where you can talk to some of the other participants. Some also include special materials which get shipped to your house in advance or they e-mail you documents that you should print out. You should book your tickets in advance. Some of the weekend times fill up quickly. All of the times are Pacific and you usually need to "check-in" to the meeting about 30 minutes before the performance start time. I've been to two performances so far and everything went well. I kind of wish they would limit the number of participants a little more though. It it hard to see all of the participant videos on Zoom and of course someone always forgets to mute their mic. LOL read more

I really enjoyed this theater! It was a fun night and the ambiance it pretty chill. They don't allow food, but they sell drinks and snacks in the lobby. The seats aren't the most comfy, but we had a good time. read more

Geffen Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Extremely poor, unprofessional handling of an emergency situation. We have Season Tickets but based on this experience do not plan on renewing. I will update as we go along. read more

Absolutely magical space with the most fantastic performances. LA is so blessed to have this luxury. Bonus is the bar isn't a rip off! The place is spotless, even the bathrooms. Seats are generously sized and very comfortable. read more

If you like Nazi Germany, you would like the management here. The performance was rich, the theaters is nice. But not worth the discriminatory behavior towards the patrons. read more