The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center
San Diego’s cultural landscape is buzzing with excitement over the grand rebirth of a historic landmark. After an intensive eight-year, $43.5 million overhaul, the 1942 Navy recreation center at Liberty Station has been magnificently transformed into The Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center, affectionately known as “The Joan”. This isn’t merely a renovation; it’s the unveiling of a visionary space designed to honor its past while boldly embracing the future of performance in San Diego.
The Joan stands as a testament to exceptional design and engineering, creating a truly world-class venue. It is now the permanent home of Cygnet Theatre, San Diego’s third-largest theater company**, which triumphantly launched its 21st season on September 10, 2025, with a lavish production of Follies by Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman. This incredible facility boasts two state-of-the-art theaters, each meticulously designed to elevate every performance:
The Joseph Clayes III Theater: This 280-seat proscenium-style mainstage is engineered for optimal sightlines and audience immersion. It features an advanced lighting grid and rigging systems for dynamic stage effects, an integrated sound system tailored for musicals and dramatic performances, and a full fly system for dynamic set changes. Professionals will appreciate the motorized rigging and lighting battens, orchestra pit integration, programmable LED lighting grid, and a digital sound console with surround capabilities. Crucially, acoustic paneling ensures optimal clarity and resonance.
The Dorothea Laub Studio Theater (or “Dottie Studio”): Offering a more intimate experience, this 150-seat flexible black box space is a launchpad for experimental and intimate productions. It features modular seating and staging configurations, making it ideal for immersive or experimental setups, workshops, readings, and community events. Acoustic treatments are specifically designed for clarity in spoken word and small ensemble performances, complemented by portable lighting and sound systems and projection-ready capabilities for multimedia integration.
Behind the scenes, The Joan provides spacious green rooms and dressing areas, a dedicated costume shop, and rehearsal studios. The entire facility is ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for all, and features a tech booth with full control over lighting, sound, and AV. The ambitious project even tackled the complex challenge of managing acoustics under a flight path, a true feat of innovative design.
Beyond its professional capabilities, The Joan is a beautiful blend of history, innovation, and community. It isn’t just for Cygnet Theatre; it’s a shared space for other beloved arts organizations such as Malashock Dance, San Diego Women’s Chorus, and Write Out Loud. With over 50,000 guests expected annually, The Joan is poised to become an indispensable cornerstone of San Diego’s vibrant arts scene. This grand transformation fosters a collaborative environment, making it a true community hub for cultural enrichment and bold storytelling.
This monumental achievement was the result of incredible teamwork. The dedicated professionals who brought this vision to life include: Cygnet Theatre as the client; Christopher Bittner of obrArchitecture for the architectural design; Fisher Dachs Associates for theatre design; Boyce Nemec Designs for AV design; Threshold Acoustics & AV for acoustic design; Boretto + Merrill Consulting for project management; Suffolk as the general contractor; and Arts District Liberty Station as the historic preservation partner. These teams didn’t just build a theater—they built a legacy, ensuring San Diego’s arts community has a magnificent home for generations to come.