Mark Taper Forum

The Mark Taper Forum is a theatre building in downtown Los Angeles situated within a larger cultural complex. The stage sits in the center of the house surrounded by 739 seats arranged in concentric rows that wrap around it.

The venue opened in 1967 from designs by architect Welton Becket as part of a cultural complex and marked the beginning of modern theatre architecture in the city. Over the following decades it helped shape contemporary drama across the west coast.

The venue hosts premieres of contemporary works that often move toward Broadway or national tours after their debut here. Many visitors return to witness how new dramatic voices develop and grow through multiple productions.

It is best to arrive early since the circular seating arrangement makes any movement during the show noticeable to others. The building is a short walk from a metro station which makes it accessible without a car.

During intermission many visitors remain inside the theatre rather than move to the lobby keeping the intimacy of the round space intact. Only after several visits do some notice that performers must respond to audience members seated from every direction.

Location: Los Angeles

Inception: 1967

Architects: Welton Becket

Official opening: 1967

Capacity: 739

GPS coordinates: 34.05779,-118.24777

Latest update: December 18, 2025 15:40