The state-of-the-art theater is expected to officially open on September 10, 2025, in the renovated Naval Building 178 at the former Naval Training Center, now home to Arts District Liberty station in San Diego, California. The venue, officially named The Joan And Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center or The Joan, will be the new permanent home of Cygnet Theatre.
The partnership between Cygnet Theatre and NTC Foundation brought the project to life with the help of:
Theater Planning + Design: Fisher Dachs Associates
Architect: obr Architecture
Acoustics: Threshold Acoustics
Project & Construction Manager: Boretto + Merrill Consulting
General Contractor: Suffolk
The renovation will retain key elements of the original building, including exposing previously boarded-up archways and the restoration of elegant colonnades, doors, and windows. The Joan will feature two theatres: the Joseph Clayes III Theater, a 280+-seat proscenium theater, as well as a 150-seat flexible studio space, nicknamed the Dottie Studio Theater for donor Dorothea Laub. A key feature of the renovation will be acoustical elements for optimal sound quality and amplification, including acoustic paneling, as well as a number of measures that will mitigate external noise from the street and plane flyover from the San Diego International Airport.
Cygnet Theatre will kick off its 21st season from September through July, 2026 with a lineup featuring four musicals and two plays.
"Our move to The Joan at Liberty Station marks an exciting new chapter for Cygnet Theatre," said Sean Murray, Artistic Director. "This state-of-the-art space allows us to bring our mission to life in new and dynamic ways, offering audiences the same exceptional, impactful and provocative storytelling that we are known for. With the support of amazing donors to build this new center for the San Diego arts, we are thrilled to create a vibrant hub for creativity and connection in the heart of the Arts District, made possible by the passion and dedication of our talented team, board and staff."
About Cygnet Theatre
Cygnet Theatre Company produces a year-round season of professional Off-Broadway-style theatre as well as thought-provoking and engaging educational programming. Cygnet is committed to maintaining high standards of artistic and fiscal integrity, and serves more than 50,000 patrons annually from San Diego and beyond. Cygnet performs its mainstage productions at the brand-new theatre in Arts District Liberty Station. An active member of the San Diego community, Cygnet has outreach programs serving tens of thousands of students and community members annually.