Theaters for Rent in Los Angeles, CA

LA isn’t just the heart of film—it's also packed with theatres for live performances, creative showcases, and community events. From storied Hollywood landmarks to intimate black box stages, the city offers more options than most. But not all stages are created equal. Some cater to film screenings, others to experimental theatre or stand-up. Some are tucked into artsy corners like East Hollywood; others sit in commercial-heavy districts with great parking and foot traffic.

Here's what locals know:

• Street parking is tough in Hollywood and Downtown—go for venues with dedicated lots if guests are driving.
  
  
• LA’s Fringe Festival (every June in Hollywood) fills up smaller venues months in advance—avoid that window if you want availability.
  
  
• Griffith Park’s Shakespeare Festival overlaps with high demand for large outdoor stages like The Greek Theatre.

This guide splits LA’s theatre spaces into categories based on the most common searches: performance rentals, screening-friendly spaces, large audience venues, and smaller rehearsal or showcase theatres.

Best Theatres for Live Performances & Plays

• Hudson Theatres – Hollywood
  A cluster of performance spaces that regularly host live theatre, solo shows, and small-run productions. With seating capacities ranging from 43 to 99, these stages are ideal for directors seeking pro-level lighting, tiered audience views, and a built-in theatre-going crowd thanks to Hudson’s reputation in the Hollywood Fringe community.
• Eastwood Performing Arts Center – East Hollywood
  Known for its accessibility and support for diverse voices, this Eastside space offers multiple rooms, including a 100-seat and 32-seat theatre. It’s used for everything from staged readings to multicultural showcases and serves as a rehearsal space for indie theatre companies year-round.
• The Count’s Den – Downtown LA
  A flexible and atmospheric venue in DTLA, this space is used for immersive theatre, live poetry, and small ensemble performances. Seating up to 100, it leans into non-traditional setups and makes a great home for artists exploring alternative formats or interactive shows.

Screening-Ready Theatres & Multimedia-Friendly Spaces

• Promenade Playhouse – West LA
  This venue has become a reliable pick for short film screenings, media previews, and one-night runs. While compact, it’s well-equipped with AV gear and flexible layouts. Creatives love it for its affordability and its location near Santa Monica and UCLA.
• The Fonda Theatre – Hollywood
  Though typically used for live music, The Fonda also hosts film premieres and industry events. Its seating (up to 450) and iconic marquee make it a good fit for branded screenings, live tapings, or entertainment panels tied to nearby studios and agencies.
• Variety Arts Theater – Downtown LA
  With its historic facade and mid-size layout (seating 125), this DTLA theatre lends itself well to screenings and speaker events. It's often rented for film festival segments, series debuts, and niche media showcases thanks to its central location and audiovisual readiness.

High-Capacity Theatres for Premieres, Concerts & Festivals

• The Greek Theatre – Griffith Park
  One of LA’s most iconic open-air venues, seating nearly 5,700. It’s more commonly associated with concerts, but also hosts large cultural showcases and touring productions. Being in a city park, load-in times and permits can be restrictive—great for big productions with time to prep.
• The Roxy Theatre – West Hollywood
  A historic rock venue turned multipurpose space, the Roxy accommodates up to 500 standing and 250 seated. It's used for hybrid events—part performance, part launch—often with industry guests. A strong pick for entertainment brands hosting showcases or premieres.
• Alex Theatre – Glendale
  A fully restored Art Deco landmark, the Alex Theatre offers over 1,300 seats and is often booked for orchestras, awards ceremonies, and regional film events. Its large stage and backstage infrastructure suit full-scale productions requiring dressing rooms, set storage, and complex rigging.

Comedy & Cabaret-Friendly Spots

• Flappers Comedy Club – Burbank
  Split across several rooms, Flappers is perfect for comedians hosting tapings, writers testing pilots, or comedy schools running showcases. With a two-drink minimum model and seated capacity of up to 200, it feels polished but still welcoming for new acts.
• The Stand Up Comedy Club – Bellflower
  Just outside LA proper, this 140-seat venue caters to touring comics, YouTube personalities, and podcast tapings. It's built for visibility, not intimacy—expect stage lighting, pro sound, and a crowd that expects polish.

Tips for Booking a Theater in Los Angeles

• Check acoustics and sightlines if you’re hosting a performance—some spaces are optimized for speech, others for live music.
  
  
• Ask about tech support—some venues require you to hire in-house crews, others let you bring your own.
  
  
• Look at neighborhood logistics—consider parking, ride-share access, and proximity to public transport.
  
  
• If you’re planning multiple days, ask about rehearsal time, load-in/out windows, and secure storage.

From black box theaters in Hollywood to ornate venues in Downtown LA, Tagvenue makes it easy to book the perfect theater for your next event. Whether you're producing a show, screening a film, or planning a corporate launch, you'll find a space that matches your vision and budget.

Browse LA’s best theater venues today and bring your event to center stage.