Mark Taper Forum

“Many performers gather here after evening shows for late-night cocktails; arrive after 10 PM to catch the post-theatre crowd.”

“The Blue Ribbon Garden on the roof — accessible from the upper lobby — has a ceramic rose-petal fountain and views across downtown. The BP Hall is a free lobby concert space; check the schedule for free performances open to the public.”

“The Taper's acoustics are surprisingly intimate for a 739-seat house. The thrust configuration means you are never far from the action. The best seats are in the upper orchestra sweep, which gives a slight overview of the stage picture.”

“The house is wide rather than deep, which means the side orchestra seats are better than at many comparable houses. The acoustic treatment is sophisticated for a touring house.”

“The orchestra pit is one of the largest in America. The acoustic is large-hall operatic — it rewards full projection and punishes underplaying. The prime seats are the rear orchestra center, which gives the ideal balance of pit-to-stage-to-upper-house sound.”

“The rush seats (same-day bench seats at the back, $1–$5 for certain concerts) are the greatest bargain in American performing arts. Bring a cushion, a blanket, and food — outside food and wine are allowed. The canyon cools after 9 PM; dress in layers.”

“The mezzanine center seats (rows A–C) are the sweet spot: close enough for detail, far enough back to see full stage pictures. The ceiling paintings are extraordinary — look up during intermission.”

“The Geffen's industry-attendance culture is real and documented. Opening nights and the first two weeks of any run are when casting directors attend. If you are performing here, invest in the post-show networking — the audience knows who you are.”

“Walk the campus at dusk when the Gehry steel of Disney Hall catches the last light and the fountain in Grand Park illuminates. The view from the Grand Park lawn looking west toward the Music Center is one of the genuinely beautiful civic views in Los Angeles.”

“Walk this stretch in the late afternoon when the angle of the light catches the facades. The Walk of Fame stars include figures from theater as well as film and television — look for the performing arts names embedded among the rest.”

“The acoustic is warm and natural. The hall is roughly the right size for an orchestra of 60–80 musicians, chamber music at scale, and mid-size dance companies. UCLA student and faculty discounts make programming accessible.”

“The 4,300-acre Griffith Park surrounding the observatory has excellent running and hiking trails used by performers for morning exercise. The trails above the observatory give views of the Hollywood Sign. The Trails Café at the base of the park is the post-run coffee destination.”

“Free admission makes this a natural pre-concert destination. The vaulted concrete lattice exterior — 'the veil' — creates a play of natural light inside. The rooftop terrace has views toward Disney Hall.”

“The programming — filmmaker retrospectives, rare prints, conversations with directors and actors — makes this an intellectual resource as well as a historical landmark. Check the Cinematheque schedule for conversations with theater and film crossover artists.”

“The costume and textile collection is a research resource for designers and directors working in period material. The photography collection — the largest on the West Coast — is relevant to anyone working on visual storytelling.”

“The Spielberg Theater inside the museum presents repertory film screenings and filmmaker conversations. Check programming for events relevant to stage-to-screen crossover artists.”