Mark Taper Forum Facts and Information
The Mark Taper Forum is the smallest of the three buildings that comprise of the Los Angeles Music Center on Bunker Hill . Opened in 1967, the building was designed before anyone had determined what its functions would be. As a result, architect Welton Becket, who designed the other two buildings in the Music Center as well, had few limitations on his creativity or style. Shaped in a perfect circle, the Mark Taper Forum is considered one of Welton's own personal bests.
Dorothy Chandler, a principal element in cultivating an interest in the arts in Los Angeles , ultimately decided what to do with the Forum. She coaxed Gordon Davidson, the artistic director of the Center Theatre group (in charge of the Los Angeles Music Center ) to run the Taper himself, which he did, for an impressive 38 years.
Today the Mark Taper Forum's intimate environment, with a seating capacity of just 739 people, and its thrust stage, meaning it is an open stage where the audience surrounds it on three sides, lend to a feeling of exclusivity that larger venues just can't compete with.
In July 2007, the Rios Clemenita Hale Studios firm dropped $30 million into renovating the Forum. Rather than a building that was erected with no purpose in mind, the Hale Studios went into their expensive overhaul with a clear idea of how to maximize the potential of the Forum. They expanded the main lobby, made the ticket booth smaller, and in place of 30 parking spots added a beautiful lounge drenched in crystal and gold and vivid mosaics. The seats are wider and an elevator was added for feasibility as well.
The Mark Taper Forum opened again August 30, 2008 for the debut of The House of Blue Leaves. If you've not been to the Forum since its renovations have been made, the ambiance and décor alone are enough reason to pay a visit.
There are plenty of exciting shows coming up, and the Los Angeles Music Center makes sure the performances never stall. Below is a list of past, present, and upcoming shows:
The School of Night : Oct 30-Dec 17, 2008
Pippin: Jan 15-Mar 15, 2009
Lydia : Apr 2-May 17, 2009
Uncle Vanya: May 28- July 12, 2009
The Lieutenant of Inishmore: Jul 23- Sep, 2009
Parade: Sep 24- Nov 15, 2009
Palestine , New Mexico : Dec 3-Jan 24, 2010
Disclaimer: We are not an affiliate of the Mark Taper Forum. We are a privately-owned ticket agency. Our prices are sometimes higher than those printed on your ticket; this is a reflection of our cost of obtaining premium seating for you. |
