Theatre
Mark Taper Forum
Los Angeles, CA, United States·Est. 1967·739 seats
theatre
135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
Opened in 1967 as part of the Los Angeles Music Center, the Mark Taper Forum is a 739-seat thrust stage theater renowned for its intimate atmosphere and unwavering commitment to developing new plays and bold theatrical voices. Designed by Welton Becket and Associates in the New Formalism style, its distinctive circular, drum-like structure has hosted numerous Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning productions, establishing it as a cornerstone of Los Angeles' performing arts scene and a vital incubator for American theater.
The Experience
Acoustics, seating, and what to expect
Acoustics
4.8/ 5
The Mark Taper Forum is celebrated for its exceptional natural sound quality, with a semicircular thrust stage configuration and enclosed drum-like form that promote even sound dispersion and clarity for unamplified dialogue. The intimate 739-seat design minimizes acoustic dead zones and supports raw vocal performances without heavy reliance on amplification.
Best Seats
The thrust stage configuration creates an intimate relationship between audience and performer, with no seat farther than approximately 70 feet from the performance area. The semicircular amphitheater design ensures seamless viewing and excellent acoustics from virtually every seat, with multi-directional sightlines that minimize obstructed views.
Dress Code
Varies by Event
Visitor Guide
Tickets, pricing, and getting there
Getting There
Civic Center Station (Red Line, Purple Line); Grand Avenue/Hope Street (Gold Line); Multiple DASH and Metro bus lines serve the Music Center complex
Around the Venue
Plan your visit — dining, transit, and performer resources nearby
Plan Your Visit
Los Angeles
Pre-show dining, bars & more for Mark Taper Forum visitors.
Green Room — Los Angeles
Performer City Guide
4 practice spaces, 1 music stores, 1 vocal coaches
- Los Angeles Music Center Education Division
The Education Division's professional development programs are less well-known than the performance organizations but offer access to world-class faculty and, occasionally, use of the Music Center facilities.
- LA Rehearsal Studios$$
Los Angeles Opera / The Music Center
Book blocks of hours during daytime for better rates; many studios offer monthly or seasonal discounts for touring companies.
Typically 8 AM–10 PM; some 24-hour access available with premium membership
- Pro Musica Music Store$$
Los Angeles Opera / The Music Center
Call ahead to reserve hard-to-find scores; the staff can order obscure vocal scores and chamber music parts quickly.
Mon–Fri 10 AM–6 PM; Sat 10 AM–5 PM; closed Sundays
- Zach & Co. Vocal Studio$$$
Los Angeles Opera / The Music Center
Book recurring weekly sessions for best availability; the studio's coaches are often available for last-minute audition prep.
By appointment; flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends
Open city guidePatron
Venue Details
Architect
Welton Becket and Associates
Architecture
New Formalism; circular drum-like structure with geometric emphasis
Heritage
Special Tony Award for regional theatre excellence (1977)
Organization
Center Theatre Group
Current Season
View Mark Taper Forum Season ScheduleAccessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleHearing Loop
Location
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