As part of June pride month, AIA San Diego reflects on important architectural landmarks to our local LGBTQ+ community in series called, ‘Pride in Five’
Pride in Five
Diversionary Theatre
Founded in 1986, the Diversionary Theatre mission is to provide a thought provoking theatrical platform to explore complex and diverse LGBT stories which influence the larger cultural discussion.[2] Located at the corner of Park Boulevard and Monroe in University Heights, it is now is the 3rd oldest continuously producing LGBTQ theatre in the United States.
Images courtesy of Diversionary Theatre, including, “Lunch and Dessert by Philip Real 1986-1987”
Safdie Rabines is currently working on a renovation to revitalize the prominent venue. This “complete transformation will reflect a new dynamic culture of the theatre, modernizing it’s current space into a lively and eclectic environment. The design will improve the overall viewer experience and includes the refurbishment of it’s lobby which will open the area to create a more prominent entrance.”
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The renovation of this two-story complex includes the reconfiguration and update of its main 105-seat theater to maximize sight lines and provide improved accessibility for a better overall viewer experience. In addition, the 50-seat black box theater has been converted into a more flexible and functional space. The new ground floor lobby with the ticket booth will include a new bar and cabaret stage. This will allow for a third performance venue for events and productions while creating a more free-flowing indoor-outdoor connection to the front patio for gathering spaces, with a new expansive glass sliding door. The new updated façade and entry courtyard will welcome the local community as a place of gathering, and promotion of self-expression, and equality.
New Diversionary Theatre Fly-though by Safdie Rabines Architects
Renovation renderings courtesy of Safdie Rabines Architects
