Diversionary Theatre Celebrates 40 Years in University Heights

Diversionary Theatre, located at 4545 Park Blvd. in University Heights, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and with that comes the celebration of the legacies that San Diego’s LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC artists leave on the city’s arts and culture landscape. As the only queer-centric, non-profit professional theatre in San Diego, and the third-oldest institution of its kind in the nation, Diversionary aims to foster and amplify the past, present, and future generations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other marginalized voices by providing live entertainment in a dynamic, inclusive, and welcoming environment that celebrates and preserves its unique culture. Along with a mainstage season taking place from September through June each year, Diversionary houses myriad robust (and often free) education and community engagement programs available to all ages. The theatre is also home to the Clark Cabaret & Bar, open Wednesday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to close, and Sunday 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

On March 28, 2026, Diversionary will host the momentous Ruby Anniversary Ball, its annual fundraising gala, making University Heights its stage and turning Park Boulevard into a dazzling site commemorating the work this community has done. Diversionary will also be honoring three Fritz Klein Award recipients for their contributions to San Diego’s LGBTQIA+ collective and beyond: former California Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, and local philanthropists Allison Rossett and Sue Reynolds. The event will also include a special guest host, exclusive entertainment, and more surprises to be announced! To learn more about Diversionary and its programs, or to attend the Ruby Anniversary Ball, visit diversionary.org.

The Clark Cabaret Bar Inside Diversionary Theatre - photo by Peggy Ryan

TO MY GIRLS at Diversionary Theatre- photo by Xingyu She

MERRY ME at Diversionary Theatre

photo by Talon Reed Cooper