By Kristen Nevarez Schweizer
April 30, 2025
San Diego theatergoers, prepare to be dazzled before the curtain even rises. As part of the Civic Theatre’s 60th Diamond Anniversary, San Diego Theatres has announced a $7.5 million facelift.
Say goodbye to the traditional deep red tones of yesteryear’s theater expectations. The Civic Theatre is trading in its classic red palette for a cool, modern vibe inspired by the San Diego coast. The ocean blues, sandy neutrals, and gold threads resonate with sunshine on tidal pools. Think: hot girl summer makeover for San Diego’s largest theater.
“We’re polishing the diamond,” said San Diego Theatres Board Chair Joseph Martinez. “This transformation ensures the Civic remains a cultural gem San Diegans can be proud of.” CEO Carol Wallace added that elevating the patron experience is top priority. The quickest translation: better restrooms, refreshed dressing rooms, and upgraded lobby spaces.
From the custom-designed carpet to the sleek new terrazzo floors, it’s a forward-focused identity shift as post-pandemic theater spaces are working to do more than just house performances. Theaters must facilitate community to prove why live performance surpasses streaming services. Beautiful places to watch extra events while mixing and mingling before and after shows is becoming an important part of the experience.
While competing entertainment like streaming services bring art into every home, only the fellowship found in laughing and crying together during a live performance can facilitate the communal mood of post-show conversation. Thus, the adjacent Civic Plaza also got its own summer makeover, with landscaping, concessions, and space to gather before and after shows. The updated outdoor space extends the theatergoers’ experience, allowing them to enjoy an al fresco cocktail hour before a performance and linger in the piazza to discuss the show with friends and strangers alike.
Theaters across the country have held post show talk backs and pre show mixers to varied degrees of success. Venue is a large part of the ability to hold audiences after curtain call. Design powerhouses Tucker Sadler Architects and IGroup Design are leading the transformation, with Civic Communities handling project management. Those at the helm have fortunately opted to keep the theater open through renovations.
In September, the whole city is invited to a 60th Anniversary Open House with live performances, tours, and a finale event that promises to be an encore-worthy evening. So grab your tickets, your camera… and maybe your sunglasses, because the Civic’s future is bright inside and out.
