Mark Taper Forum

Mark Taper Forum. The Mark Taper Forum is a prestigious theatre located in Los Angeles, California, and is part of the Los Angeles Music Center. It is one of the three theatres operated by the Center Theatre Group, along with the Ahmanson Theatre and the Kirk Douglas Theatre. The theatre has hosted numerous productions, including works by renowned playwrights such as Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, and August Wilson, and has been recognized for its contributions to the American theatre scene, with collaborations with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Guthrie Theater, and Public Theater.

● History

The Mark Taper Forum was founded in 1967 by Center Theatre Group and was named after Mark Taper, a philanthropist and businessman who was a major supporter of the arts in Los Angeles. The theatre was established with the goal of producing innovative and provocative works, and has since become known for its commitment to showcasing new and experimental theatre pieces, including productions by La Jolla Playhouse, Seattle Repertory Theatre, and Yale Repertory Theatre. Over the years, the Mark Taper Forum has hosted productions by notable directors such as Gordon Davidson, Robert Falls, and Bartlett Sher, and has collaborated with institutions like Juilliard School, New York University, and University of California, Los Angeles. The theatre has also been recognized for its role in launching the careers of emerging artists, including playwrights like Luis Alfaro, Culture Clash, and Anna Deavere Smith, and actors like Phylicia Rashad, Alfred Molina, and Anika Noni Rose.

● Architecture and Design

The Mark Taper Forum is located in the Los Angeles Music Center complex, which also includes the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. The theatre was designed by Welton Becket, a renowned architect who also designed other notable buildings in Los Angeles, including the Capital Records Building and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The Mark Taper Forum features a unique design with a thrust stage that extends into the audience on three sides, providing an intimate and immersive experience for theatre-goers, similar to Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Guthrie Theater. The theatre has a seating capacity of 739 and features state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, designed by acousticians and lighting designers from institutions like Yale University and University of Southern California.

● Productions and Repertoire

The Mark Taper Forum has produced a wide range of plays and musicals over the years, including works by classical playwrights like William Shakespeare and Molière, as well as contemporary playwrights like Tony Kushner, Suzan-Lori Parks, and Lynn Nottage. The theatre has also hosted productions of musicals like A Chorus Line, Chicago, and Rent, which have been recognized with awards like the Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize. In addition to producing its own shows, the Mark Taper Forum has also collaborated with other theatres and companies, including American Conservatory Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and South Coast Repertory, to bring new and innovative works to the stage. The theatre has also been involved in various festivals and events, such as the Humana Festival of New American Plays and the O'Neill Theater Center's National Playwrights Conference.

● Awards and Recognition

The Mark Taper Forum has received numerous awards and nominations for its productions, including Tony Awards, Drama Desk Awards, and Obie Awards. The theatre has also been recognized for its contributions to the American theatre scene, with awards like the National Medal of Arts and the Regional Theatre Tony Award. In addition, the Mark Taper Forum has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its innovative and provocative productions, which have included works by playwrights like Caryl Churchill, Tom Stoppard, and Sam Shepard. The theatre has also been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, with productions that showcase the work of underrepresented voices and emerging artists, such as playwrights from New Dramatists and actors from Actors' Equity Association.

● Education and Community Programs

The Mark Taper Forum offers a range of education and community programs designed to promote theatre literacy and appreciation among students and community members. The theatre offers workshops, classes, and residencies for students and emerging artists, as well as outreach programs and partnerships with local schools and community organizations, such as Los Angeles Unified School District and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Mark Taper Forum also offers tours and talkbacks for audiences, providing a unique behind-the-scenes look at the theatre-making process, with panel discussions featuring artists from institutions like California Institute of the Arts and University of California, Irvine. Through its education and community programs, the Mark Taper Forum aims to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of theatre among diverse audiences, including students from University of Southern California and California State University, Los Angeles. Category:Theatres in Los Angeles