Wilshire Ebell Theatre

I saw The Nutcracker Swings here and enjoyed my experience. There is a small parking lot which I truly appreciated. The parking was complimentary. I imagine that if you arrive late there may be issues with finding a spot so don’t make that mistake.
There was a man outside selling hot tea, hot chocolate, water, chips and candy. I’m not certain if he is an employee of the business or not, but I was glad to have the opportunity to warm up while we waited to get inside.
The venue is definitely dated, but in a nice way. Do not expect any frills here. I enjoyed just watching the performance without any additional distractions such as crazy lighting or unnecessary structures.
The ushers and front door attendants were older. I noticed there were people that couldn’t locate their seats and were requesting assistance from the other customers. This is definitely a problem, but I think is nice that these people have jobs too. I truly feel like they were in an age of retirement and I realize that is difficult to find a job at that age. Kudos for the hiring, but a little more training is in order.

Small, intimate & cozy. I like the bones of this theater, with its classic outlines and nostalgic charisma, it has all the characteristics of an old neighborhood church. My first visit was a concert, a tribute to the music of Dr. Dre. A 30-​piece orchestra, composed by Sly5thAve and arranged by Tarek Kandil. This was an amazing night for music. Everything was on point, blending both energies, starting from the landmark venue to the cinematic showmanship. I wouldn’t change a thing. Incredible!

I cannot believe what my eye witnessed here. I was invited by a friend for a birthday gift to a surprise concert. I had no idea what I was going to see but she has excellent taste and I knew it would be good. But it was beyond anything I ever could have imagined!
Imagine this … A thirty piece orchestra set up and all they play is Classic Dr. Dre hits the whole night! Yes, it was the B O M B from the P R O M. To take things up a notch Dr. Dre himself walks out and blesses the mic.
You can imagine after I picked my face up off the floor that I could not stop smiling ear to ear. My big head (see pics) nodded to the point I got dizzy.
The theater was beautiful and the acoustics was amazing. My friends and all were all very comfy and had the time of our lives.
I definitely will be going back to see more theater here.

Came here for an Afternoon of Mindfulness. Easy to find, but the parking can be confusing. There is a lot behind the venue, you just have to turn right despite seeing a street sign that says DEAD END.
Old school style theater with fold-​down seats. Not terribly comfortable. During this event, only bottled water was allowed inside.
The event I attended had a few talks, some chanting, some mindful breathing and a q&a session… it all worked well for the venue.
Interested in seeing how a different type of event pans out at this place.

if i could only give negative star I would. This place sucks. the employees are rude and unprofessional. we paid for 98 dollar ticket just to be asked to stepped out. Felt humiliated, knowing that it was their fault because they double booked the seats! damn theatre, worst place ever! If I could only find a way to sue this place for harrassment I would!

Can I please vote NO STARS!!! I came here tonight to watch JERICHO ROSALES and MAJA SALVADOR. THIS IS BS to wait for a show to start. I didnt buy tickets to watch PHILIPPINE IDOL! Come on. I never been to a concert that was so disorganized! Get this show started already!!! Its already been a hour!!! I came here with my Mom because we are big fans of Jericho. This is ridiculous! I want a refund!!!

8÷23÷15: I have been to the Ebell twice now and this venue is not a large theatre. Any where you sit is very comfortable and close enough to see the stage. Last night we were here to chant, praise, danced, & meditated with Snatam Kaur — Live Sacred Chants. We bought front row tickets and we were up close but not too close to where we were looking under the performer’s chins. It was perfect. Lots of leg room at the front. Seats are fairly close though but it’s normal for a theatre and rows are a bit tight if you are not seated at the very front.
Very friendly staff. Plenty of parking along the streets and across the street is a parking lot. Ebell is at a corner right across the street from apartments so there is a big sign saying to keep your voices down.

I came last night to watch Aziz Ansari promote his new book «Modern Romance,» and the venue was less than up to par. The scene was a shitshow prior to the start of the panel with everyone rushing for their tickets at will call, which was arranged on tables outside according to last name. Once inside, the ushers misdirected us to the orchestra section and continued to seat people in the wrong seats even during the middle of the panel. They must have been at least as old as this theater (opened in 1927 FYI). It started getting really hot throughout the hourlong show with even the moderator noting the uncomfortable temperature. Parking is horrible within a two block radius of this theatre, but if you drive a little further (past the church), there’s plenty of street parking. This is an old and historic landmark, but operations could be run smoother.
Fun fact: Amelia Earhart made her last public appearance here in 1937 before her ill-​fated flight.

Such a beautiful location to host an event. The memories this place has and can have for u. I left in aawwe that this old building is still here in Los Angeles. The paintings on the walls are great. Just a great old feeling.

Ended up at the Wilshire Ebell the other night thanks to Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield.
There was a surprising amount of street parking available around the venue when I arrived, but this could be because I got there so early. The entrance is clearly marked with a neon sign and they have a small café cart outside to enjoy (non-​alcoholic) drinks and snacks before the show. They claim to only allow water in the theater, but they also don’t check your bag so I’m not sure how they enforce that.
The ticket fees are on the higher side, but what this seems to buy you is freedom from a super young crowd. Instead you get a slightly older, more respectful bunch of people who are actually there to enjoy the music. As someone who almost exclusively finds herself surrounded by rowdy teenagers at the majority of LA’s other venues, this is a welcome change of pace.
The staff is all very friendly, but it’s true they don’t really know how to help you get to your seat. If you can figure out the general area you’re supposed to be in, you will be fine on your own.
As with many older theaters, the seats are pretty close together front to back and side to side. They are also not the most comfortable — after an hour I was doing the shifting dance. I also bent down to grab my purse at one point and banged my forehead on the seat in front of me. Of course this is my fault and not the theater’s, but take it as a warning to be aware of your proximity to everything around you.
The acoustics are fantastic and I have a feeling it will feel incredibly intimate no matter where you’re sitting. If I have an occasion to come back, I absolutely will.

I had never heard of the Wilshire Ebell until Band Of Horses did a show in February of 2014 and I could not have had a better time and experience. Since it was an acoustic show it made the concert that much more personal.
It’s such a small venue that the bathrooms are very small but luckily it wasn’t too much of an issue.
I would easily come back here if the right band performed and I would gladly pay the ticket price.

Great historical Wilshire Ebell Theatre right in the heart of LA.
When entering the main doors, tickets can be purchased at their box office on the right, and enter on the left. I loved the old world vintage style. Every seat in the house is good. You can see all the action onstage.
Went to see fellow friends compete at the WBFF Bodybuilding Competition, that is now held in Ebell Theatre. I was impressed w/​the show — great lighting, awesome music, great amount of space and seating.
I’ve competed in over 20 bodybuilding shows, and they’re always at local highschools or smaller theatres (other than the Veteran’s Memorial for NPC). The Ebell is wayy better.
The WBFF picked a great place to hold their LA Competitions now.
*I do wish the seats were bigger. It is rather small and uncomfortable.

Nothing to complain about here. Major kudos for the «available» free parking near the venue. Didn’t have to trek it 500 miles like other places (Santa Barbara bowl). Nice intimate theatre.

The previous reviewers have it right. If not for the artist we went to see, I’d never consider returning. I recognize that the theater is older, as with the seating layout. The chairs feel as though they’ve never been changed. Not comfortable and if you’re shorter good luck seeing past the person in front of you. A music venue without a bar. It felt more like going to the auditorium of an elementary school. Parking in one of the lots can be rough. Get there early or get dropped off.
I’d suggest steering clear unless the artist you want to see never tours, and for some unknown reason chose to play here.

The theater itself is gorgeous! BUT if you’re coming for a concert, bring along some libations of your own because this place is DRY. NO ALCOHOL. And they won’t tell you that on their website or have it printed on the ticket. They do not search your bag, so just bring little mini bottles of wine, etc. and put them in your purse :-) Solved.
Also, the staff are not so good. Kind of slow and seem confused during seating. Just find your seat yourself. It will go faster.
I didn’t have any problem with the sound, like others have in their review. Sounded great. We came for a David Gray concert 4÷24÷14.

I was here for a filming for Imagine Dragon Concert on June 4^th compliments AD.
I like smaller concert venues. It just makes it so much more intimate and easier to access to. Parking lot is literally steps away and the theater and it’s just $ 5, but don’t come too late, it WILL get full. (Beats from any of the big venue like Greek theater or Stadiums where you pay over $ 15 for parking and lots of walking before you get to the theater and then to your seats.)
The theater is nice. but seating, not so nice. The seats are not very comfortable, very small and close to each other leaving practically no arm or leg room. Seats are not stadium so if you’re on the shorter side, all the heads get in your way. The sound system is Ok but not as bad as other reviews said.
They don’t sell any drinks or food, and don’t allow any to be brought in either.
The theater is an historic part of LA. Gothic/​vintage feel is how I would like to describe this little historic venue. In the back of the theater there is an open courtyard garden usually for after parties, or rented out for weddings and events. It is beautiful.

This theater is a landmark and wonderfully kept. The bathrooms are nice and so is the theater. But this wouldn’t my first choice to watch a show.
Parking was easy to find in the neighborhood and wasn’t too far away.
I don’t know what happened for the play Black Angels but will call was a mess! The show said doors open at 5:30 and play starts at 6:30 but they didn’t even start seating until 6:45. The lines weren’t clear and there was nobody to help so I stood in one line and got to the front all to be told I was in the wrong line. The theater people were a little bit short with people but they were clearly stressed out and so was I!
(I heard from a long time patron of the theater that it is never this unorganized. Maybe it was all a big mishap, but still.)
The sound wasn’t loud enough. I missed a few lines because the sound either shut off or was too fuzzy and distorted.
The seats aren’t high enough! The further back you sit the more you can’t see because everyone’s head is in the way! I sat in row k which wasn’t that far but I wish I was closer so I didn’t have to keep readjusting my head to see the actors. It did not help that the man in front of me wore a cap (how tacky!)
I wouldn’t come back because of the seating and sound. You’re supposed to be able to clearly hear and see from all the seats. Even though this is a landmark, at least keep the sound current and do something about the seats.
On a happier note the Black Angels play was very good! If they show it again I will brave the Ebell, but otherwise I would skip this place!

I was taken here on a whim. First of all, the neon sign is probably the coolest part about this little theater.
Right away, the place was a mess and completely disorganized. The make-​shift will call were fold out tables, with minimal signs (which were already covered by the crowds of people, yelling and screaming where they should line up). Nightmare already, my head was pounding. There was absolutely no lighting for the ticket takers to see, we had to put the iPhone flashlight on!
There was a tent selling hot beverages, coffee, tea and packets of hot chocolate, $ 2. But, no disclaimer «No Food & Drink» inside. Everyone was buying their hot drinks, trying to get warm, and then attempted to go inside with it and the lady at the door says «no I’m sorry you can’t bring that in!» I heard several people, as I stood outside waiting for my date to finish his coffee, they were furious! «Well why didn’t you tell us before we bought it?» It almost was time for the show to start too, so I could see why people were a bit P. O’d.
The inside was just, sad. No decorations, dull lighting, smelled like old/​mildew, and the carpet was so old that the adhesive was coming up in many spots. I almost tripped so hard in my heels! The stage was tiny, the seats were old and smelly — GHEEZ! The production, I apologize — but it was worse than a High School play. We walked out.

What a wonderful venue! Came here for an industry Christmas event. The event itself didn’t utilize the theatre but all other main rooms/​lounges & the outdoor patio. Huge ballrooms! And all in all, the venue itself is beautiful and has a wonderful old-​world-​fancy feel.
Also, props to the valet! It was a HUGE event and they were really put together. Got our cars in and out really quickly. And, while we were waiting we were given hot cocoa!
And supposedly the Wilshire Ebell hosts a women’s club that includes arts & crafts monthly etc.

(Attended 10÷11÷11 TU): Thanks to a Remy Martin tasting, I would have never known the historical Ebell Theatre existed in Los Angeles!
Premium cognac maker Remy Martin was hosting a rash of tasting in this throwback to Hollywood and Los Angeles’ golden years. According to the plaque outside the building, it made the list of National Register of Historic Places in 1994 (the site itself dates back to 1897).
While waiting for my scheduled tasting session, I decided to get the lay of the land and started exploring the grounds and interior of the building… before I was told by event officials I can’t be doing that. What I was able to see before my fact-​finding mission was cut short, in true Spanish heritage my first impression was that the façade looked like a mission. The interior appeared to be circa 1930’s with old paintings hung on the walls. Once allowed to go inside and begin the «tour» and tasting, mostly everything was either closed off to us or obscured… which made me want to return to see this place in all its glory.
As an aside, the Remy Martin event was well-​run, informative, great meeting others, and beautiful women as your hostesses certainly was a plus. The event kindly asked for a $ 5.00 donation for a charitable organization, which I gladly forked over, but it didn’t seem everyone shared my same sentiment.
Along with the two complimentary drinks and the various tastings, snacks of pulled pork sliders, smoked salmon, and canapes were served, and each tasted amazing.
Parking was ample on the streets, but I’m sure there was a parking lot on the premises.
Overall, the Remy Martin cognac tasting event was fun, and felt privileged to find this landmark right there among mansions. It has made me want to seek out more of such designated landmarks in the city I’ve know as home my whole life.