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The History of The Fritz Theatre

The Fritz Theatre: A Retrospective

Since 1991, The Fritz Theatre has brought to San Diego the best of the world of theatre.  Over two hundred productions have been staged, from the newest in the off-Broadway genre, to the classics by writers such as Shakespeare and Chekhov, to the more than one hundred world premieres in the Annual Fritz Blitz of New Plays by California Playwrights.

This has been accomplished despite funding cutbacks, and with an operating budget that would be insufficient for any other enterprise.  The Fritz continues to excel through the effort and dedication of theatre artists and a small but fervent group of supporters, committed to producing the very best in the theatre, despite the odds.

The Fritz is currently seeking support from the community to continue the tradition of theatre excellence in downtown San Diego.  Artistic Director Duane Daniels, and a thriving Board of Directors, headed by D. Candis Paule, keep a close watch on the financial and artistic direction of the theatre.

In The Beginning

The Fritz was founded by professional actor Duane Daniels (later to become the Artistic Director of The Fritz) when an opportunity on Seventh Avenue in downtown San Diego became a reality.  Property owner Fritz Ahern offered a storefront space at a reduced rental and The Fritz Theatre found its first home.  Theatre seating and lighting was procured, and the remodeling of the facility began.  The first several productions showed promise, and in 1992 the company won their first major accolade, a CRITICS CHOICE AWARD from Michael Phillips of the San Diego Union Tribune for “The Woods”, a challenging two-person play by renowned playwright David Mamet.  Behind the scenes the growth of the organization was evident when the company became a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit business.  Director Bryan Bevell and Playwright Karin Williams joined the company in 1993 and The Fritz moved into a new facility, also owned by Mr. Ahern, on Third Avenue in the historic Chinese district...

Click here to read more about the history of The Fritz Theatre!

And click here to read a history of press reviews over the past 10 years.

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