Theatre--These listings focus on the best known of San Diego's many talented theater companies. Don't hesitate to try a less prominent venue if the show appeals to you. Also, keep in mind that the California Center for the Performing Arts in Escondido has its own productions, as does the East County Performing Arts Center, 210 E. Main St., El Cajon (tel. 619/440-2277; www.ecpac.com).

Dance--The San Diego Dance Alliance is the umbrella organization for the local dance community (tel. 619/230-8623; www.sandiegodance.org). The alliance puts on the Nations of San Diego International Dance Festival, held each January and spotlighting the city's ethnic dance groups and emerging artists. The website provides links to 22 local dance outfits. Among San Diego's major dance companies are the California Ballet (tel. 858/560-5676; www.californiaballet.org), a classical company that produces four shows annually at the Civic Theatre downtown, including The Nutcracker. San Diego Ballet (tel. 619/294-7378; www.sandiegoballet.org) and City Ballet (tel. 858/274-6058; www.cityballet.org) also focus on classical dance pieces.

Performance Art--Sushi is San Diego's preeminent performance art gallery, a 3,000-square-foot facility for interactive, visual art, music, dance, and other shows, attended by up to 200 people. Thought-provoking performances by Karen Finley, John Fleck, Tim Miller, and others have kept Sushi on the map. Performances are usually at 8pm, and prices range from $5 to $15. Sushi is located at 320 Eleventh Ave., between J and K streets, in the downtown warehouse district (tel. 619/235-8466; www.sushiart.org).