Lights, Camera, Action! Film & Theatre in Westwood

Imagine this scenario: Walking in Westwood prior to COVID, you may catch a sight of bright neon lights and groups of people huddle over a red carpet. The next thing you know - a celebrity such as Justin Bieber, Ryan Gosling, Nicole Kidman, or Chris Evans casually walks the carpet and poses with a few fans for a selfie. The next thing that runs through your mind is: What are these actors and actresses doing in Westwood?

The answer is: Westwood is a hub for cinematic and theatre! Although it may not be evident at a first glance, Westwood has historically contributed to the film industry in Los Angeles through a number of structures. These include: the Regency Village Theatre, the Geffen Playhouse, and the Bruin Theatre.

One iconic movie house is Westwood’s Regency Village Theatre. Built in 1930 and open to the public on 1931, the Regency Village Theatre has stood as one of Hollywood’s most iconic theaters. By playing a number of iconic Fox Studio films, the Regency Village gained the nickname “Fox Village Theatre,” resulting in a bright neon sign showing “Fox.” This sign in fact, still shines today! The Regency Village Theatre, or the Fox Village Theatre, continues to display its prominence in the film industry as a landmark by holding movie premieres for the Hollywood film industry to attend. Fun fact: The Regency Village Theatre, or Fox Village Theatre, is one of the few movie houses which are THX-verified!

Address: 961 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024; Photo from Cinema Treasures

Another iconic theater in Westwood is the Geffen Playhouse. Since opening in 1995, The Geffen Playhouse has stood as an iconic hub for Tony, Emmy, and Oscar award-winning theatre performances. Those who attend productions at the Geffen Playhouse can be reassured that the funds raised by ticket sales are put back into community art and educational programs for students who are interested in the theatrical side of entertainment. On this note, the Geffen Playhouse is partnered with UCLA to provide these art and educational programs to students within the community!

Address: 10886 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024; Photo from Geffen Playhouse

Last but not least, is the Bruin Theatre! The Bruin Theatre opened in 1937, making it the second theatre to open in Westwood. Designed by one of the most prominent architects in Los Angeles, S. Charles Lee, the Bruin Theatre was molded after UCLA’s blue-and-gold color scheme with a Streamline Moderne marquee exterior!

Address: 948 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024; Photo from Wikimedia

In all, Westwood stands as a hub of film and theatre in the Los Angeles scene. When you can, make sure to check out the following locations to absorb some of Westwood's cinematic ambience!