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The venue

About New Swan Theater

The New Swan Theater is a unique, outdoor, portable Elizabethan stage set on the UC Irvine campus. With a 16-ton movable space for flexible staging, this intimate venue brings Shakespeare to life in a historic-yet-contemporary setting. The season typically features two Shakespeare plays in repertory each summer, offering engaging performances alongside educational programs run by the New Swan Center. Seating is intentionally intimate, with a total capacity of 135 seats distributed across five circular areas, creating an immersive viewing experience for every guest.

Located at Gateway Commons near Aldrich Park and Langson Library, the theater is easily reachable by car or public transit, with parking available at the Barclay/Student Center Parking Lot. Whether you’re a local resident or a visiting tourist, we’ve got you covered with practical tips on parking, transit, and nearby hotels and dining to make your trip simple and enjoyable.

Security and accessibility are priorities at New Swan Theater. The seating map on the official site provides detailed visuals of each section—King James’ Row, Queen Elizabeth’s Row, Lord Chamberlain’s Row, The Heavens (balcony), and The Groundlings (floor)—so you can pick your preferred vantage. Plan ahead for parking, transit options, and nearby stays and meals that suit your schedule. We’re here to help you secure your seats and enjoy a memorable summer of Shakespeare in Irvine.

For ongoing programs beyond performances, the New Swan Center hosts educational seminars, workshops, and community outreach, reinforcing its role as both a performance venue and a learning hub in the Irvine area.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Outdoor, portable mini-Elizabethan theater on the UC Irvine campus; uses a 16-ton moveable space for flexible staging.
  • Capacity: 135 seats (season-dependent); seating arranged in five circular areas: King James’ Row, Queen Elizabeth’s Row, Lord Chamberlain’s Row, The Heavens (balcony), and The Groundlings (floor).
  • Location: Gateway Commons near Aldrich Park and Langson Library; mailing/address reference is UC Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697; parking at Barclay/Student Center Parking Lot.
  • Seating map/plan available on the official site; detailed seating sections shown in the Seating Map.
  • Programming: two Shakespeare plays in repertory each summer (e.g., Much Ado About Nothing, All’s Well That Ends Well in 2025); ongoing educational and community programs via the New Swan Center.
  • Transit: UC Irvine and Irvine City transit options available; Irvine CONNECT shuttle operates in the area to connect parts of Irvine with transit hubs.
  • Nearby hotels with UCI rates include Hyatt Regency Irvine (Irvine) and Ayres Hotel & Suites (Costa Mesa) for visitors.
  • Notable events hosted: annual New Swan Shakespeare Festival productions, plus educational seminars, workshops, and community outreach programs.