Our accessible lot is directly adjacent to our magnificent outdoor theater. Due to the limited parking availability at The Grove, our “Sort by Size” parking system maximizes the number of cars parked while ensuring that no one gets blocked in. This parking system takes a bit of patience, but, after the show ends, all cars can leave within 10-15 minutes! Come early to avoid a long line!

Parking is free for carpools of 4 or more people, and for certain levels of membership. For all others parking can be purchased in advance from the SCS Box Office for $12 per show, or $55 for a season pass. Alternatively you may choose to pay $10 in cash at the gate as you enter the Audrey Stanley Grove. Purchase parking or confirm your member benefits by calling the SCS box office at 831-460-6399.

There are a number of handicapped-designated parking spaces, as well as a drop-off zone.

For the 2026 Season, we continue our open Groundling seating plan at the front of the house, on the tan bark. Arrive early to claim your favorite Groundling spot; Members get early access to the Groundling area. If you are seated in the center Groundling area, bring a blanket, rug, or towel to sit on; no chairs may be used in this center Groundling area. If you are seated in a side Groundling area, low beach chairs area available for rental. Please do not bring your own beach chairs to the theater.

The term “Groundling” was coined during Shakespeare’s time. Groundling refers to people who paid one penny for the ability to stand in front of the stage to watch the play. Groundlings were known to be raucous and even throw food at characters they didn’t like. While we don’t encourage that behavior, we do think being a Groundling is a fun way to watch Shakespeare!

Santa Cruz Shakespeare does not currently have any public health restrictions in place.

Yes! Line 38 at The Grove features fresh, locally sourced ingredients and original recipes. We're proud to provide a menu that ranges from quick snacks to elevated bites and boxes. We also offer a variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Line 38 opens an hour before the show begins, and our operation is cashless only - no cash is accepted. This season's menu is coming soon!

The gate to the The Grove opens 2 hours prior to show time. You will have access to parking & picnic areas, beer garden, food & drink offerings, and merchandise store.

Santa Cruz Shakespeare Members (Patron level and above) receive early entry to the seating area beginning one hour prior to curtain. Please follow the signs for member entry. Non-member seating in the theater begins 45 minutes prior to curtain.

Children age 6 and above are welcome to attend all of our performances. If you have children under age 6, please bring them to our All-Ages Matinees (see the next FAQ). Our performances generally run between two and three hours in length. At this time, we do not adjust the length or content of our performances for All-Ages or Student Matinees.

Yes! They’re available to borrow, free of charge. Please check with the box office when you arrive to reserve a device for the performance.

Premium seating in rows A-G consists of finely crafted, metal-reinforced, wooden benches. Features include a shelf for drinks attached to the benches in front of you, arm rests, and wide seats. Premium seats in the side boxes are the same as classic seating.

Classic and Accessibility seats are individual steel grating chairs. The Accessibility Boxes and Accessibility Platform have chairs pre-set in all available spots, but chairs can easily be removed to make room for alternative seating such as wheelchairs.

The Groundling sections are three large wood chip areas near the stage. Groundling space is first-come-first-served, and members get access to this area 15 minutes prior to non-members. You may bring your own blankets or cushions to sit on the ground with. We do not allow any outside beach chairs or camp chairs, but low chairs are available for rent from our merchandise shop, located in the lobby. These chairs are only allowed in the side Groundling sections. No off-the-ground chairs are permitted in the center Groundling section.

Yes! Visit our merchandise and membership table near the Box Office for these items. Please note that chairs are only permitted along the side walls of the Groundling section, not in the center. All other Groundling seating must be on cushions or blankets.

At matinee (daytime) performances, the weather will usually be sunny. Even if it is not hot, direct sun exposure can be uncomfortable, or even dangerous for sensitive audience members. Certain seats are discounted due to sun exposure. Please be sure to bring sunblock and a hat, and to drink plenty of water!

At evening performances, enjoy the bright stars and, on some nights, even a full moon! But remember: when the sun goes down, the temperature drops quickly, and the wind can be chilly. Bring outerwear or your own blanket to ensure your comfort.

And, of course, remember to take your belongings with you when you leave the theater!

Members of Santa Cruz Shakespeare can change their tickets with no fee. Non-members will pay a small fee to do so. Please note that we cannot give refunds for tickets, but we are able to help you with exchanges of dates, shows, and seats. For assistance, please contact us at boxoffice@santacruzshakespeare.org.