THEATER & ENTERTAINMENT 

John Anson Ford Theater:

This unique open-air 1,230-seat amphitheater built in 1920 sits on a 45-acre park-like setting in the Cahuenga Pass, nestled in the Hollywood Hills. Designed in Judaic architecture to resemble the gates of Jerusalem, the theater was originally built as the site for the Pilgrimage Play based on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and the New Testament. The Pilgrimage Play was performed from 1920 until 1964 until a lawsuit forced its closure. Today the venue is very different and the theater now houses every kind of performances including music, dance, film and family events, presented from May through October. Since 1993, "Summer Nights at the Ford" is extremely popular with the locals. Location: 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East in the Cahuenga Pass, just off the 101 (Hollywood) freeway, north of Hollywood Bowl.

Actors Art Theater:

Reminiscent of a New York loft theater, this smallish group of consistently excellent actors has been performing their repertory since 1994. The Actors Art Theatre produces a newsletter called Backstory, with updates, schedule of classes, and show reviews. They produce a variety of theater performances including drama, comedies, farce, political – but no musicals. Cast size is kept to a maximum of 10 actors. Location: 6128 Wilshire Boulevard, at the edge of Miracle Mile on Museum Row. Phone (323) 969-4953

East West Players:

The nation's first and foremost Asian Pacific American Theatre, was founded in 1965 by nine individuals with the unprecedented idea of creating a home dedicated to promoting Asian Pacific American work and talent not available under Hollywood's limited opportunities for Asian Americans. 

EWP's Mainstage season consists of productions from musicals, comedies and dramas to Asian, European and American classics and world premieres. Performances are well-attended by over 40,000 people per year and the EWP alumni have received nominations for Oscars, won Emmys, Tonys, Obies, Ovation Awards, LA Weekly Awards, Dramalogue Awards and many more. Location: David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts in downtown Los Angeles, located at 120 Judge John Aiso Street, Los Angeles. Phone (213) 625-7000

Pantages Theater:

One of the most recognized landmarks of Hollywood, the Pantages Theater has enjoyed an illustrious history in tinsel town for over half a century. Often a favorite location for television shows, movies, and music videos, the Pantages is one of the leading homes of legitimate theater. For ten years it was home to the glittering Academy Awards Presentations. Host to the star-studded premieres of such films as "Pride of the Yankees," "Cleopatra," and Judy Garland's "A Star is Born" with 2,691 seats, the elaborate theater and stunning Art Deco lobby has soaring ceilings and plush carpeting. Location: 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, between Vine and Argyle, Hollywood, CA. Phone (323) 468-1700

Will & Company:

This theater group, established in 1988, started with a simple yet effective vision, actors reflecting their audience. Members of the cast of Will & Company are multi-cultural reflecting the diverse heritage of the city of Los Angeles. Long a forum for new thought and outspoken ideas, this theater continues this tradition with classical work such as Shakespeare in an untraditional manner. For instance, set "Macbeth" in the Valley of Mexico instead of the British Empire or embellish "A Midsummer Night's Dream" into a Native American spirit world set against the red rocks of Arizona and now you have the picture. This troupe entertains by showing the theatergoer who they are. Location: Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 South Spring Street. Phone (213) 485-1631

The Shubert Theatre:

Local home to most of the major Broadway musicals visiting the city, this 1,830 seat theater is one of Los Angeles' finest legitimate theaters. Location: 2020 Avenue of the Stars, Century City, CA. Phone (310) 553-9000

The Colony Theatre Company:

With a distinguished 24-year history of continuous production since 1975, the Colony Theatre Company was organized by a group of young Los Angeles television actors who were eager to return to their theater roots. Over the ensuring years the small local company has grown into a well-established, award winning, nationally recognized resident company housed at the Burbank Media Center. The company produces plays in all genres including contemporary, classical, comedy, drama, and musicals. It is the largest small theater company in the Los Angeles area.

Location: 1944 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA. Phone (323) 665-3011

Theatricum Botanicum:

During the Hollywood blacklisting days of the early 1950's, out-of-work actor Will Geer, known for his key role as the Waltons' Grandpa, established his Theatricum Botanicum as a refuge for other blacklisted artists. Located in rustic Topanga Canyon, the theater became a second home to legendary names such as Woody Guthrie. It also inaugurated theatrical performances on a hillside behind the Geer home, where audience members sat upon a series of staggered railroad ties. After incorporation in 1973 and becoming a professional summer repertory theater in 1983, the company was directed by Ellen Geer, Will's daughter. Replaced with real seats a few years ago, the 299 seat theater nestles into a wood glen to become one with nature. Performances focus on the classics, especially Shakespeare but also can include modern plays like "The Glass Menagerie" and "Sweet Bird of Youth" or Arthur Miller's blacklisted protest play "The Crucible." There is a park-like atmosphere where patrons can bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the performance. Location: 1419 North Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Topanga, CA. Phone (310) 455-2322