Ion Theatre Company

If you love theatre, and you haven’t seen a show at ion theatre, you need to. If you have never seen theatre, you need to see a show at ion theatre because it is the most transformational theatre you will see in San Diego. There are two important reasons that ion shines so brightly. First, the artistic and producing directors take on the kind of work that other theatres won’t produce. Some is dark, some is socially relevant, some is politically significant, some is like seeing into your own soul. But you won’t be seeing West Side Story or Rent here. This stuff makes you think. Secondly, their black box theatre is one of the most intimate theatre viewing venues in San Diego. The worst seat in the house is about ten feet from the stage, and with only 49 seats, you are truly part of a special experience when watching a show. Direction is top notch, the actors are award winning, the production quality is always noteworthy. Catch a show.

Sure wish there was a way to give the Ion more than five stars — somehow this seems inadequate. I am an avid live theatre fan and go to most everything at the Old Globe and La Jolla Playhouse. I also frequently go to the Cygnet in Old Town (as well as several other venues around town). The Old Globe, LJP and Cygnet are all excellent theatres — we are so lucky in San Diego to have so many quality venues to choose from. But something about the Ion makes it particularly special — maybe it’s the material (edgy, provocative, risky, engaging) maybe its the venue (I think the storage room at my parent’s house in Nebraska is a bit bigger). I love this place. I love the material they select, the quality of the acting (which is always fantastic), and the fact that they can put on relatively complex productions in such a small venue. The intimacy of the small place, the overall experience — whatever it is – it works for me. You owe it to yourself to go to an Ion production and see what I mean.

We saw «Geeks! The Musical» last night, and I wish everyone could see it. We had so much fun! What a neat little theater– every seat is good. The production was top-​notch, it’s in a great area (so long as you can find parking), and all-​around a great time. If you are reading this, make plans to see «Geeks” – it’s AWESOME.

We’ve been hearing about Ion for a while, but haven’t made it down to see a show until last night. I’m so glad we did. The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity was phenomenal. One of the best shows we’ve seen. We look forward to seeing more from Ion.

What a neat gem hiding in Hillcrest. Although the size of the theater is petite, the talent of the actors and the stage production are absolutely fantastic. I last saw Grey Gardens here and the cast blew me away! Plus, I live down the street from this theater so I don’t worry about parking :)
If you haven’t checked it out this theater, I urge you to do so.

My girlfriend and I saw Grey Gardens on Friday night. The show was wonderful — funny and will definitely get you tapping your feet to all the music. This little theatre makes any production much more personal. I love this little space! Very easy to purchase tickets, not a bad seat in the house and everyone is friendly.

I don’t know anything about theater and generally speaking I would say I’m not really a fan BUT I saw a rendition of Chicago here and I thought it was great. The set up was so cool– just a little stage and small tables all around. They were calling it a «speakeasy» and I think it really worked. The show itself was completely entertaining from start to finish. Great actors, great songs, I just thought it was done well (which is nice because the tickets weren’t cheap). This kind of changed my view and I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing what else Ion or other local theater companies have to offer.

A small theater company that is always pushing the boundaries with new, more uncommon productions that are often daring as well. Their small theater makes for a very personal experience, bringing the actors just feet away from your chair. I’ve seen many plays with this company and each time the acting has blown me away.

I saw Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and I highly recommend it. The actors were extremely talented.
Ion Theatre is in an unassuming location; I almost missed it if I didn’t have to stop at a red light. (It’s next to a dry cleaner). The place is intimate, the actors are almost within arm’s reach.
Arrive early to look for parking.

It’s hard to find great theatre in Southern California, but this is it! It may be a VERY small theatre in an unassuming location, but you will definitely see a high-​quality production! The actors are top-​notch. The production equipment is also very nice. Definitely watch for shows you want to see… you will be impressed. I will be going back for sure. Also, bring a jacket because it can get cold.

One of my favorite theatre companies. Why? Two words– edgy, and dark. Not everything– but when appropriate, they’ll go there. Unlike the larger theater companies in town, ion isn’t afraid to do new, unknown, and unusual shows.
That’s what I love. I always leave feeling like I had an «experience». Beyond watching a story, their selections invite conversation, contemplation– often haunting you for weeks (I am still replaying «Pillowman» in my head, even though I saw it over four months ago). Awesome. That’s what I want my ticket price to cover– not glittery costumes and big names.
Right now, they are housed at the Academy of Performing Arts, near the trolley station off Mission Gorge. It’s a little tough to find, but you don’t have to stress about finding or paying for parking– again, awesome. The space is small, and I’m always amazed at the creativity used to transform it. It’s intimate, prone to hot/​cold depending on the season, but if you’re watching the show– you won’t notice.
Affordable prices, great actors, interesting shows. Check it out.