The Grove is located in Upper DeLaveaga Park in Santa Cruz. Our address is:

501 Upper Park Rd
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Click here to see it on a map!

• Our daytime Box Office hours are 12 noon - 4pm, Tuesday through Friday.
• The Box Office will also be open beginning two hours before each public performance (the box office will close after intermission).
• The Box Office phone number is (831) 460-6399.
• If you have trouble purchasing tickets online, please call us, or send an email to boxoffice@santacruzshakespeare.org, and someone will get back to you within 48 hours (or on Tuesday if the message is left on the weekend).

Parking at The Grove couldn’t be easier! 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!

The parking fee is $10 per car (cash only, please). However, we offer FREE parking for carpools (4+ per car), as well as for members of a certain level. You can pre-order your parking pass from the box office (831-460-6399) or pay in person when you arrive (again, cash only) There are also a number of handicapped-designated parking spaces, as well as a drop-off zone.

For the 2025 Season, we continue our open groundling seating plan. You may wish to arrive early to claim your favorite groundling spot. If you are seated in the center groundling blanket area, please bring your own blanket, rug, or towel to sit on; no chairs may be used in this area. If you are seated in a side groundling box, low beach chairs will be 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 in order to be able 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!  Our new food & drink experience at the Grove is called Line 38. Featuring 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 venue opens 2 hours prior to show time. This allows access to parking & picnic areas, as well as our food & drink offerings.

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.

This season we offer three 2:00 pm Sunday matinees for patrons who wish to bring any family member of any age:

• Into the Woods - August 10, 2PM
• Pericles - August 17, 2PM
• A Midsummer Night's Dream - August 24, 2PM

In addition, for the first time this season we have two Family Days -- matinees on Wednesdays where we partner the Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery and the Santa Cruz Museum Natural History, where all patrons can enjoy face painting and build themselves a fairy crown. 

• Into the Woods - July 30, 2PM
• A Midsummer Night's Dream - August 6, 2PM

All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. As noted in the previous FAQ, we do not alter the length or content of our performances for All-Ages Matinees, so please use your discretion when deciding what is appropriate for your youngest family members.

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

• Pink: Premium Plus
• Red: Premium 
• Orange: Premium, Sun-Exposed (matinees only)
• Light Blue: Accessibility
• Dark Blue: Classic
• Bright Red: Classic, Partially Obstructed View (matinees only)
• Green Blocks: Groundling Blankets

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. People who aren't 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, or we can offer you account credit. For assistance, please contact us at boxoffice@santacruzshakespeare.org.