The Geffen Playhouse in LA’s hip Westwood ‘Hood

Geffen Playhouse Ticket Deals, Review and To Do

The Geffen Playhouse is a nonprofit performing arts theater owned and operated by UCLA. The theater, named after philanthropist David Geffen, offers five plays every season on the main stage (Gil Cates Theater), and three or four plays on the second stage (the Skirball-Kenis).

The Gil Cates is larger than the more intimate Skirball. The feel of both theaters is comfy and welcoming, but people do like to dress up for performances at the Geffen. The Old World architecture along with the garden and star-shaped Mediterranean fountain make this one of my favorite LA spaces to visit.

The Geffen Playhouse is located in Westwood, a west LA neighborhood known for its Mediterranean-style architecture, historical landmarks, hip restaurants and shops. If you’re going to a show at the Geffen, arrive early and hang out.

One reason people like to see plays at The Geffen Playhouse in west Los Angeles is to see performances by hollywood screen stars. Not all, but many performances boast well known movie and TV actors. I’m talking to visitors here, since most SoCal locals are less starstruck the the rest of us.

When people visit friends in LA, they often ask where they can go to see the stars. Skip the bus tour. Go to the Geffen.

You can order snacks and drinks at the bar inside the theater if you like. Or start your evening a little early with happy hour at one of the nearby restaurants (listed below). Many offer specials if you show your Geffen ticket stub.

Another reason to go is you can often find ticket deals, even for their popular plays (scroll down for links). Trusted discount sources often have tickets for nearly half off, so you should check them out first if you’re planning to go.

Geffen Playhouse Discount Tickets

When ticket deals are available, you’ll see them updated here via my affiliate partner site SavvyTix. If you don’t see a link, they may be gone for now, but check back for updates.

Rush Tickets: You can sometimes grab rush tickets 30 minutes before show time at the Geffen Playhouse Box Office for $35. Before you head out, call the Box Office at 310.208.5454 to check on availability.

Know Before You Go

Location & Address: Geffen Playhouse – 10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90024 (next to UCLA off of the 405 Freeway).

Parking near the Geffen: You can find cheap parking in the Trader Joe’s parking garage (behind the theater). Westwood Plaza (924 Westwood Blvd) parking is $7 after 5pm (close and recommended for anyone with mobility issues). Or you can get $4 Parking Validation, for Gil Cates Theater and Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater attendees, at The Glendon Apartments Parking Structure (1010 Glendon Ave), next to Trader Joe’s.

Restaurants near the Geffen: Popular dining options include: Napa Valley Grille (upscale American), Skylight Gardens (Italian, and a celebrity hangout), STK (Steakhouse), Emporium Thai Cuisine, La Bruschetta (Italian), 800 Degrees (Pizza), Fresh Corn Grill, Fundamental LA, Mary and Robbs’ Westwood Cafe, Shamshiri Grill (Persian), Soleil (French), and TLT Food (former food truck popular with locals, now serving lunch and dinner).

Official Geffen Playhouse Info: Geffen Playhouse geffenplayhouse.org.