James Bridges Theater - Los Angeles, California

Natalya B.

Inside UCLA. Tricky to find and Google maps doesn't lead you to entrance. If driving, I suggest parking in parking lot/structure 3 and finding the tunnel that goes straight to the theater (which is also labeled as Melnitz Hall). You'll have to walk or drive down from the entrance to the parking structure, which is on the third floor.

Chris J.

I had a beautiful experience seeing the Stage production of Phoebe waller-bridge fleabag here at a 12 matinee show. Parking was relatively easy, the entrance and seating work convenient. The seats were nominally comfortable, the sound was okay and the picture was extraordinary. I think the sound quality may have had more to do with the content itself rather than the theater. I would definitely return here!

Chromium P.

UCLA - PLEASE GIVE US BACK OUR PARKING NEXT TO THIS THEATRE.

When the "James Bridges" theatre was "The Billy Wilder Theatre" - parking was allowed right next to the theatre.

Now that parking lot is *completely empty* at evening movie times but the newly named "James Bridges" theatre (same seats, same place, with the "Billy Wilder" name being relocated into a newly built Arm & Hammer Museum location) ..... committee doesn't allow movie goers into that big, empty, attached lot. I went there last night to see some films from China and that neighboring garage was *empty* - yet signs posted all over for a requirement to have certified parking permits now in that one neighboring garage.

Just a walk down the street? Come on - it's an old theatre late at night with a huge empty parking lot attached to it being reserved for a handful of cars at that time of night. Apparently the committee is having their cake and eating it too.

Angry?

You bet --

As for the film's they show here - old, unangled seats BUT absolutely excellent films of great depth.

Also excellent quality of the copies shown.

Truly,
Angry Alumnus

joe M.

Place feels old and not sure if UCLA ever rennovated the seating but the film's shown at night for GSA and various events are great. The movie posters outside go back to awful movies from 80s and 90s. Wonder if UCLA film school alumni were involved in those film's?

Alex C. ?.

An old university theater (cramped seating) that's used as a classroom during weekdays and rented out for events at night and during the weekend. The service varies depending on how the event organizers want to run their event (so your experience may vary with each event).

With that said, it is the school's policy to prohibit food and beverages from the theater, and lately the staff has been stricter about this rule. You might want to fuel up on calories and drinks before arriving.

Interesting programming on behalf of UCLA's Melnitz movies and GSA who both show free movies! GSA always shows new films before they hit theaters. In recent months I've watched Call Me By Your Name, Shape of Water, and Isle of Dogs (at no cost)! Just make sure to register on Eventbrite and show up early, seats are first come first serve.

Lastly, I'll let you in on a secret! There's free street parking on Loring Ave. and Conway Ave. (intersecting with Comstock Ave.) after 6pm. It's a 10-15 minute walk from the theater but definitely worth it if you want to save $8-12 from using the university's parking lot.

Dana S.

I am fairly sensitive to mold and this building has it. Go if you like your entertainment with a side of mold spores. Added a star because the movie I went to was great but like investigate your health hazard please.

Cecile L.

LATheater Works plays are always great. Tonight we saw A Walk in the Woods with Alfred Molina & Steven Weber directed by Cameron Watson. Excellent!!!

Double T. G. (.

Beware the back corner seats... they bring in folding chairs for those corners. Not comfortable for more than a 1 hr show. Reasonable priced concessions items though.