5 Best Performing Arts in Los Angeles, California

Look like a local and attend an event at this Santa Monica–based American Cinematheque theater first opened in 1940. The name refers to its roots: this Streamline Moderne-style theater was built by the Douglas Aircraft Company to entertain its armies of workers during the war effort. Newly renovated, it offers new projection equipment, improved sound, and cushier facilities. In addition to now-standard digital films, the theater is equipped to show 35mm and 70mm reels. American Cinematheque also hosts industry events like filmmaker discussions and revivals.

The theater packs in as much preshow entertainment as it can, such as an immersive light-and-projection show before movies such as Beauty and the Beast. There's also an on-site organ player to entertain folks as they find their seats. VIP tickets are available and include reserved seating, popcorn, and a drink.

Foreign, indie, documentaries, classics, recent releases, Oscar short-film screenings—there’s not much the Nuart doesn’t show. Midnight showings, like the long-running Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live "shadow cast" on Saturday nights, continue to bring in locals. Q&A sessions with directors and actors also happen here frequently.

Located inside the Walt Disney Concert Hall, this 288-seat theater serves as a space for innovative performance and visual art in addition to film screenings and literary events. The gallery features changing art installations. Tickets are reasonably priced and many are free.

This theater is nothing fancy, but it is one of the most cherished in the city, and watching a movie here is a true L.A. experience. Recently acquired and updated by the American Cinemateque, this intimate three-auditorium theater has long been a part of Los Angeles’s rich movie-watching history. Two of the rooms cater to the latest first-run releases and often host Netflix screenings, while the third and biggest of the rooms is host to exclusive American Cinemateque events and showings. Book in advance online for special screenings and events.