6 Best Performing Arts Venues in Hollywood, Los Angeles

Home to Los Angeles's first home of spoken drama, El Capitan Theatre carries on that tradition by way of film showings—specifically Disney films, having been acquired by the company in the 1980s. Watching movies in this classic movie palace, originally built in 1926, is an elevated experience, thanks to its special screenings and its elegant East Indian Revival interior. Having survived several transformations, it has been restored to almost exactly how it looked in 1926. It's also the grand venue for all Disney movie premieres during which movie fans can spot (and perhaps even meet) celebrities as they walk the red carpet on Hollywood Boulevard. Guided tours are available Friday through Sunday.

Built by Sid Grauman in 1922, who also constructed the TCL Chinese Theatre, this Hollywood Boulevard movie house is famed not only for its Egyptian theme, complete with hieroglyphs and carvings, but also for being the venue of Hollywood’s first-ever movie premiere. A 100th anniversary renovation by streaming giant Netflix brought back numerous original architectural flourishes such as the theater's ornate, hand-carved, gilt ceiling, brilliant neon sign, and decorative Sphinx sculptures. The re-do updated projection tech too. Currently, the Egyptian hosts Netflix’s movie output along with the American Cinematheque’s classic film screenings. It is one of five theaters in the U.S. which can still project pre-1952 vintage nitrate film prints.

The multiple award–winning (Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, NAACP Theater Awards, Ovation Award, to name a few) Fountain Theatre is committed to diverse theater and dance performances. Although the 80-seat venue may be intimate, it's a powerhouse at producing original plays in addition to revivals.

This theatre complex, with its own café, hosts a variety of local and traveling companies, and shows span all genres. Nestled among a number of small-scale theaters on Theatre Row in Hollywood, awards and nominations include those from the Los Angeles Drama Critic’s Circle, Ovations, NAACP, GLAADMEDIA, and DramaLogue.

The Ricardo Montalban Theatre is more than just a live performance and outdoor movie screening space. While it's famous for its comedy shows, small film festivals, and rooftop movie screenings—collaborating with well-known chefs for its food service as well as artists to create art and commerce together—its biggest goals are to support performing arts and create employment in Hollywood. So, beyond having that quintessentially L.A. experience of watching movies outdoors, you're also supporting a local business that in turn supports the local community. For a true local experience in Hollywood, this is the spot to go and check out a show.

With an emphasis on experimental plays by cutting-edge authors, this theater produces unique works and encourages new artists through its Young Writers Program, and NOTEworthy, a staged reading series where playwrights can get feedback about their material from the audience.