Theatricum Botanicum, Open-air amphitheater in Topanga Canyon, United States

The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is an open-air theater set in the natural amphitheater of Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles County. Its 299-seat mainstage amphitheater was renovated in 1997 to improve comfort and accessibility while keeping the natural aesthetics. The grounds hold a botanical garden with every plant mentioned in Shakespeare's works, and the site includes the ashes of Will Geer and Herta Ware and a bust in Geer's likeness.

The venue was founded in 1973 by actor Will Geer as a performance space for artists facing professional restrictions during the McCarthy era blacklist period. The creation of this theater represented a bold artistic response to the political pressures of that time.

Will Geer named the theatre after John Parkinson's 1640 herbal Theatrum Botanicum and made sure every plant mentioned in Shakespeare was grown on the grounds. The repertory season revolves around at least one Shakespeare play, alongside modern plays, Peter Alsop's Kid's Koncerts and Theatre for Kids by Creative PlayGround. The ashes of Geer and Herta Ware rest at the site, with a bust in Geer's likeness.

The 299-seat amphitheatre was renovated in 1997 with funding from the Irvine, Weingart and Ralph M. Parsons foundations, a redesign that kept the natural look while improving comfort and accessibility. The grounds sit in a mountain canyon, so expect uneven paths and wear sturdy shoes. The theatre is in Topanga Canyon in Los Angeles County, north of the Getty Villa.

The main stage incorporates wooden planks salvaged from the Santa Monica Pier following storm damage in 1983, directly connecting local coastal history with the performance space. This use of reclaimed materials from a regional landmark adds another historical layer to the venue.