PERFORMING ARTS VENUES
1. Pantages Theatre
6233 Hollywood Blvd • 323-468-1770 • www.hollywoodpantages.com
This Art Deco jewel has been restored to its 1929 glory. Once a movie palace, its eye-popping auditorium hosted the Academy Awards from 1949–59.
2. Walt Disney Concert Hall
This Frank Gehry creation, the newest part of the Music Center, features cleverly designed seating that makes listening to the LA Philharmonic Orchestra beneath the sail-like ceiling (see Walt Disney Concert Hall) an unforgettable experience.
Walt Disney Concert Hall auditorium
3. Music Center
135 N Grand Ave, Downtown • 213-972-7211
This three-venue arts center represents LA culture. The LA Opera, directed by Plácido Domingo, makes its home at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, while cutting-edge plays are presented at the Ahmanson Theater and the Mark Taper Forum.
4. Ford Amphitheatre
2580 Cahuenga Blvd E • 323-461-3673 • www.fordtheatres.org
Built in 1920 and embraced by the Hollywood Hills, this intimate outdoor amphitheater presents a multicultural program of music, dance, film, and theater.
5. Greek Theatre
2700 N Vermont Ave • 323-665-5857 • www.greektheatrela.com
Tucked into a hillside in Griffith Park, the popular Greek Theatre has featured such musical greats as B. B. King. Stars leave their handprints on the Wall of Fame.
6. Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N Topanga Canyon Blvd • 310-455-3723 • www.theatricum.com
This lovely theater venue was the brainchild of Will Geer, best known for his portrayal of Grandpa in the 1970s TV series The Waltons. The productions are popular classics.
7. Hollywood Bowl
Concerts beneath the stars at this natural amphitheater are a summer tradition. The range extends from Beethoven and The Beatles to cabaret and rock. Enjoy a picnic before the show. Cheap tickets are available for some shows.
Fireworks display, Hollywood Bowl
8. Dolby Theatre
6801 Hollywood Blvd • 323-308-6300 • Half-hourly tours: 10:30am–4pm daily • Adm • www.dolbytheatre.com
Home of the Academy Awards since 2002, this is a stunning venue with a five-level lobby and a grand spiral staircase. Dolby 3-D video imaging and advanced audio technology add to the enjoyment.
The exterior of the Dolby Theatre
9. Royce Hall
UCLA Campus, Westwood • 310-825-2101 • www.cap.ucla.edu
One of UCLA’s original buildings, the 1929 Romanesque Royce Hall once hosted greats such as George Gershwin. Today, the hall presents an avant-garde calendar of dance, music, and theater events.
10. Microsoft Theater
777 Chick Hearn Court • 213-763-6030 • www.microsofttheater.com
This venue presents concerts on the largest indoor stage in Southern California. The theater also hosts awards shows such as the ESPY Awards and the Primetime Emmys.
TOP 10 COMEDY CLUBS
1. HaHa Café
5010 Lankershim Blvd • 818-508-4995
This club nurtures budding comics.
2. The Groundlings
7307 Melrose Ave • 323-934-4747
TV star Lisa Kudrow (of the TV series Friends) graduated from here.
3. The Improv
8162 Melrose Ave • 323-651-2583
Robin Williams tickled funny bones at this famous haunt with an eatery.
4. Comedy Union
5040 W. Pico Blvd • 323-934-9300
New and established comics perform here with longer sets than most clubs.
5. Comedy Store
8433 Sunset Blvd • 323-650-6268
A legendary club that launched the careers of Jim Carrey and Michael Keaton.
6. Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
5919 Franklin • 323-908-8702
Comedians from the training center perform improv and sketch comedy on a small stage in an intimate atmosphere.
7. ACME Comedy Theater
135 N La Brea Ave • 323-525-0202
It presents the best troupe for sketch comedy in LA in its own theater.
8. The Comedy & Magic Club
1018 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach • 310-372-1193
Famous comics including Jay Leno (on most Sundays) test new material here.
9. The Ice House
24 N Mentor Ave, Pasadena • 626-577-1894
It is one of the US’s oldest comedy clubs.
10. The Laugh Factory
8001 Sunset Blvd • 323-656-1336
It features big name acts and promising newcomers of all ethnic backgrounds.
The Laugh Factory at Sunset Blvd
