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Theatre Design / AV Technology

Lyceum Theatre Renovation

Located within the revitalization of Horton Plaza, the Lyceum Theatre renovation demonstrates how targeted investment in cultural infrastructure can reinvigorate an urban arts district. Apeiro Design played a key role in the comprehensive modernization of this historic proscenium theatre, addressing long-standing limitations in audience experience, technical capability and operational efficiency.

The project carefully balanced preservation and transformation—maintaining the theatre’s civic identity while delivering contemporary performance infrastructure. Strategic upgrades improved sightlines, seating geometry, circulation, accessibility, while back-of-house enhancements significantly expanded the venue’s production flexibility.

Today, the Lyceum Theatre is positioned to host a wider range of professional productions, community programming, and touring performances, strengthening San Diego’s cultural ecosystem for decades to come.

The Lyceum Theatre renovation exemplifies Apeiro Design’s ability to modernize legacy performance venues—enhancing technical capability, audience experience, and long-term operational improvements while respecting the original architecture.

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Lyceum Theatre Renovation

Renovated interior of Lyceum Theatre showcasing improved seating and modernized performance infrastructure by Apeiro Design.

440-485

Seats (Proscenium)

Flexible black box space at the Lyceum Theatre supports experimental works, community programming and adaptive stage configurations.

150-200

Seats (Black Box)

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Location

Proscenium Theatre

Description

A performer’s view of the house, featuring upgraded seating, enhanced sightlines and a renewed connection between stage and audience.

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Location

Proscenium Theatre

Description

Upgraded rigging system enhances technical versatility allowing for more complex lighting, scenery and production capabilities.

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Location

Black Box

Description

Flexible black box space supports experimental works, community programming and adaptive stage configurations.

Project Details

Location

San Diego, California

Discipline

Theatre/Performance Environments / AV Technology

Size

440-485 Seats (Proscenium Theatre) / 150-200 Seats (Black Box)

Partners

Mosher Drew (Architect) / Garcias Precision Acoustics (Acoustics)

Photo Credit

Services

Theatre Planning and Design / Theatrical Lighting Systems (Solid-state LED conversion) / Theatrical Rigging Systems
and Replacement (Re-engineered for flexibility/safety and new tension grid system and motorized hoists) / Audio, Video, Projection and Video Production Systems Replacement / Back-of-House Infrastructure Upgrades / New Stage Floor and Trap System / Seating Reconfiguration for Improved Sightlines / Accessibility, Circulation and Audience Improvements

Awards

2025, San Diego Architectural Foundation (SDAF), Orchid Public Architecture Award