Mark Taper Forum
Mark Taper Forum: An Intimate Stage for Provocative Theater
Mark Taper Forum: A Stage for Provocative Theater
Experience groundbreaking and intimate theatrical performances at the iconic Mark Taper Forum in the heart of Los Angeles' Music Center.
The Mark Taper Forum, part of the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles, is a renowned theater known for its intimate setting and its history of staging innovative and thought-provoking plays. With a thrust stage and a seating capacity of 739, the Taper creates a unique connection between performers and audience.
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A brief summary to Mark Taper Forum
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
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Getting There
Public Transport
From various points in Los Angeles, the Mark Taper Forum is accessible via the Metro Rail. Take the B or D Line to the Civic Center/Grand Park Station or the A or E Line to the Grand Av Arts/Bunker Hill Station. From either station, it's a short walk to the Music Center. A single Metro fare is $1.75, and a TAP card ($2 to purchase) provides two hours of free transfers. A day pass is $5.
Walking
From the Walt Disney Concert Hall, walk south on Grand Avenue towards 1st Street. The Mark Taper Forum is located on the Music Center Plaza, west of Grand Park. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.
Taxi/Ride-share
Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Los Angeles. The official ride-share pickup location for the Mark Taper Forum is at 218 N Hope Street at the corner of W Temple Street, adjacent to the Ahmanson Theatre. A typical short taxi ride in downtown Los Angeles costs around $12.50.
Parking
The Music Center Main Garage offers self-parking for $10 starting at 4:30 pm, two hours before matinee performances, and all day on weekends. At other times, the rate is $3.50 for every 15 minutes, with a $20 maximum. Valet parking is available for $23. Several other parking lots are located near the Mark Taper Forum. Expect to pay cash.
Local tips
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Arrive early to explore the Music Center Plaza and admire the architecture of the surrounding buildings.
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Consider taking public transportation, as parking can be expensive and limited.
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Check the Center Theatre Group website for discounted tickets and special offers.
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Take advantage of the pre-show dining options in the nearby Little Tokyo neighborhood.
Discover more about Mark Taper Forum
The Mark Taper Forum, located in the heart of Los Angeles' Music Center, has been a cultural beacon since its opening in 1967. Designed by architect Welton Becket, the circular building is an example of New Formalism, featuring geometric shapes and a distinctive precast relief exterior by Jacques Overhoff. The lobby boasts a curving abalone wall by Tony Duquette, adding to the theater's unique aesthetic.
The Taper is known for its thrust stage, which extends into the audience, creating an intimate and engaging experience. The theater has a long history of presenting innovative and often provocative plays, earning it a special Tony Award for theatrical excellence in 1977. Many notable plays have premiered here, including *Zoot Suit* and *Angels in America*.
A $30 million renovation in 2008 updated the theater's technical capabilities and audience amenities while preserving its original design. The renovation included doubling the lobby size and enhancing the abalone wall with lighting. The Mark Taper Forum continues to be a vital part of Los Angeles' cultural landscape, offering a stage for diverse voices and stories.
A brief summary to Mark Taper Forum
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