Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum

Charming, but a very large outdoor space which can be a challenge for certain plays requiring enclosed space to build tension.

I recently purchased 4 tickets for the lower tier for a family as a thank you gift. They would have never known a place like Topanga or Theatricum existed and they were thrilled to get to go as the youngest daughter had just read To Kill A Mockingbird in school and it was her favorite book. I wanted to make sure they had the best experience possible. I emailed TWICE to confirm that the tickets were put under my guest’s name and not mine.
When my guests arrived, they could not find their tickets anywhere. I was out of town and she was calling and texting me and I couldn’t reach the box office or anyone to help. Not only did this interfere with their weekend, it caused a big inconvenience for me. They ended up giving her upper tier tickets «on good faith.»
When I emailed, the response I got was $ 25 back on my credit card. I wrote back that that doesn’t really cut it for me as a satisfactory response. How could I trust that should I ever purchase tickets again for myself or as a gift that they would be there? I was told a manager would contact me and no one ever did. So, ultimately, I wouldn’t trust them again to purchase tickets online. I am really disappointed that a very special weekend I organized for this family had such a major bump. They deserved to sit up front, not in the very far back.

These theater is so much more than just a place to see a performance. The outdoor theater makes this one of LA’s best in my opinion and it’s an experience not to be missed. I highly recommend coming early with a picnic dinner, or lunch, and sitting under the trees at one of their picnic tables. Then wander around the site, admiring the canyon, the statues, the greenery and gardens. The location means it is usually quite a bit cooler than the rest of the city. If you’re lucky they’ll offer a pre show dinner which is always deliciously catered.
The stage itself is something to behold, a wooden platform built into the mountain side, that I’ve seen portray everything from Ireland to the inside of a modern American home. It is sparse but is always set perfectly. Their seasons tend to be heavy on Shakespeare but they always do a few other things and those have been my favorite (including Long Days Journey into Night and 2015’s August: Osage County which was a heartbreaking and outstanding performance all around).
Tickets are reasonably priced and I highly recommend you bring or rent a cushion a the seats do tend to be hard on the bootie.

We saw Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream last night and it was absolutely FANTASTIC! The acting, choreography and production were all first rate! The setting is perfect as well, beautiful surroundings, picnic area outside and a lovely theater!!!

We’ve enjoyed several shows.
The last performance was «To Kill a Mockingbird» Absolutely excellent!
So entertaining… you laugh, you cry. The acting is great & the location is fantastic.
Highly recommend!!!

Why in the world have I waited this long to check this place out? Amazing!!! A nice picnic, a good bottle of wine, and a wonderful play! I am soooo in LOVE with this place! It’s a shame that I live in the valley and have not ever been before. Well, I’m now going to drag all my friends! They’ll thank me. :)

Here to enjoy the beginning of another great season. I have been coming here for the last 3 ½ years and I have been hooked ever since. The outdoor arena seating really brings a special sense of beauty and magic to each production. Coupled with the fantastic actors and the superbly talented stage managers and crew each production is a hit.
I have recommend this hidden gem veiled in the hills of Topanga Canyon to all my family and friends. I surely hope I will be able to enjoy this place for many years to come.

What a stunningly gorgeous outdoor theater in the «woods,» absolutely breathtaking! It is nestled in the canyons of Topanga, and is the Hollywood Bowl of «theatricum botanicums,» au naturel. You feel «hugged» by trees and love. It’s hard to believe you’re still in Los Angeles County up there.
Come to reconnect with nature and the arts!

Theatricum, is a must have Los Angeles experience. The theatre is nestled into the canyons of Topanga creating an intimate outdoor experience for its guests. I have seen several plays at Theatricum including classical Shakespeare and more recently, Tone Clusters a collection of monologues by Joyce Carol Oats. You will be amazed by the superb acting and use of its natural environment.
Tickets prices are very reasonable and the space is tranquil and inviting. I suggest packing a picnic and bring something warm.

Theatricum Botanicum is really a one-​of-​a-​kind experience. This outdoor theater gives you a new and different way to experience the classics for a couple reasons.
First, it’s outdoors (obviously) so you have the interplay between outdoor sounds and sights and what’s going on onstage. Actors routinely walk through the woods in the background of the stage, which gives it a realism of people actually traveling or walking or carousing, whatever the scene calls for. Night plays get some nice cricket action. I’ve never heard anything that was too distracting from the show.
Second, the actors run up and down the stairs in the seating area throughout the show! Since it’s a rather small space, they use it all well! This might also be a good time to remind you not to keep objects/​limbs in the stairway during the show.
Third, there’s some beautiful seating area out front of the venue. When I go with my family, we like to take a picnic dinner to enjoy before the show. You can even bring your own wine! Makes for quite a beautiful evening. We usually do a ladies’ night, but a date night would be perfect as well. Speaking of food – my favorite subject – they also have a few nights each season where they do a catered, themed dinner to go along with the show. I’ve been to one (unfortunately can’t remember, but I think it was French food for a French play) and it was divine! I ate all the things, they were delicious.
Finally, if you are a regular here, you’ll see a few of the same actors in a bunch of different shows, which is quite interesting to me. The most acting I ever did was a couple of lines in some shows in elementary school and I always managed to forget them (and maybe pee my pants, okay not literally but sure felt like I would). These actors know the lines to multiple plays all the time! Whaaaaaat?! Supremely talented.
This is a great experience for all ages. My family always manages to make a few shows every summer, even driving all the way from the north Valley. You should too!

My wife bought 2 tickets to Much Ado About Nothing, on a beach day in Malibu. The venue was amazing and magical. I can’t wait to go back and bring some friends next time.
The play was fantastic, and the actors were wonderful!

Wow, what an amazing outdoor stage! It was such a unique experience for someone who hasn’t seen a Shakespeare play before. I saw Much Ado About Nothing and it was fantastic. I would definitely come see another show!
Remember to bring a jacket as it gets chill during the evening shows. Also, there is a really cute area just outside the theatre where you can bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery!

Had a great time here! Watched midsummer nights dream and it was very well done! It was so cool to see the actors going in and out of the woods surrounding the main stage! Would def go back again!

The Topanga Woods Canyon setting of Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum was quite tranquil and beautiful. The set looked like a treehouse of sorts with the cast coming and going in Shakespearean costumes. In keeping with the founder, Will Geer’s tradition of interacting with the audience, actors would perform not only on the stage, but also on aisles and other places throughout the outdoor seating areas of the auditorium as well.
I went here in early June 2014 to attend «Lear,» a modern version of Shakespeare’s tale about filial piety, power and betrayal. It starred Ellen Geer in the title role as an aging Queen Lear (instead of a King Lear) along with a multi-​cultural cast.
Since it’s a casual venue, the crowd was quite relaxed and loose. Although this centuries’ old dramatic play was a tragedy, there were moments of unintended comic relief. After a character was mortally stabbed, another onstage performer gestured and said «Is he dead?» and like a «Rocky Horror Picture Show» screening, I found myself saying with crowd, «Yes, he is.» At another point towards the end when Queen Lear’s eldest son lay dying, the actor cried out «I am wounded» and again the audience reacted, saying «Yes, you are» with tongue-​in-​cheek ;-)
I really enjoyed the 8pm showing and was truly fortunate to receive free tickets courtesy of Unilocal and Brittany B. of LA West for a friend and myself. I look forward to attending a play at this idyllic venue in natural surroundings again, but on my own. Ticket prices for the 2014 summer season are $ 25 – 37 for adults per event. Children 6 and under can attend for free.
Performance Schedule and Ticket Pricing can be found on their website at
Tips:
*Get there early because the show starts promptly and theatergoers need to walk across the stage in order to get to seats.
*Outdoor bench seating. I brought my own orthopedic cushions, but was told that they provide some vinyl-​covered cushions to Lower Tier seating patrons. Bring blankets and dress in layers appropriately for canyon weather in the evening.
*Back row of the «Lower Tier» wooden bleachers is «make-​out central» — if you don’t like to be subjected to PDA, get there early to grab a seat closer to the front.
*In addition to the wooden bleachers, there are cheaper concrete «nosebleed» bleacher seats at the back of the amphitheatre called «Upper Tier.»
*You’ll be outdoors and there will be bugs flying around. I don’t recall being bitten by bugs, but if that’s a concern, bring bug repellent for your skin.
*Parking — Parking for the performances is free along Topanga Canyon Blvd., but be careful not to get hit by oncoming traffic. The road is not well lit so you might need a flashlight at night (I used my iPhone). Parking in the Theatricum lot is $ 5 per car, but this fee is waived for guests using wheelchairs or walkers.

This venue is a hidden gem tucked away in the wilderness of Topanga canyons. I wouldn’t have known about this place if it weren’t for Unilocal providing me and my plus 1 to go watch Lear.
Parking is available for $ 5, which was a lifesaver because we had gotten lost (missed a turn). We brought a picnic prior to the show. Lots of open space, trashcans/​recycling, and there’s even a snack booth with great prices!
Seats are pretty much first come first serve. We didn’t have a preference of seating so we found seats at 7:59pm at the top middle, last row of the wooden seats with backrests.
The performers were awesome, really projected their voice throughout the show. I also liked how they weren’t stationary to the stage, they moved throughout the theater, including the sides. My favorite part was the trap door that was on the stage, I didn’t notice until the end when it was utilized.
The weather was chilly for June, be sure to bring blankets and dress accordingly. My experience was lovely and I hope to be back in the near future!

I really loved this theatre. We attended Lear last Saturday night as Unilocal Elite guests and wow — what a treat it was! The acting was pretty great (a few bobbles don’t bother me) and this play really made use of the whole space. I love not having to stare straight ahead through an entire production.
Really, the star is the location and theatre itself. I loved how the set was built into the little valley and I felt surrounded and protected by the trees. It felt quite magical. My only minor issue was that I could really have used a cushion on the concrete benches up top (we were a few minutes late and missed the wooden benches below). AND a blanket would have made a huge difference. The $ 1 cup of hot cocoa saved me for the second half of the play.
This is really a wonderful experience — bring your family, bring your friends and enjoy a play in the open air and possibly under the stars.

almost perfect aside from the drunk who stank up the joint with every exhale.
wtf dude? alchy much?
thanks to the ever busy Britanny B for setting up this otherwise delightful night under the stars.
the best actor of the evening, w/​o a doubt the fool. we watched lear, btw.

Okay I love this place. Secret feeling. Performance was excellent, bawdy, fun, even if it was Lear. I have been here before, love the area. Really beautiful and family friendly (hard if you have a walker or cane user with you, but kid friendly) Bring a picnic lunch and eat beforehand, bring a blanket and a pillow for your bum as well.
Only downside is it is madness to start a nearly 3 hour play at 8 pm, just gets too late and too cold to love. the matinees on a temperate day are the way to go.
the acting was excellent. Loved the character of Eden. She did an utterly BRILLIANT job!
Great rendition all!!! This is a must go to event! must bring blanket and go to!

40 years. Fundraising goal: $ 400,000. Raise the bar, folks to $ 4,000,000.
That is the LEAST of what Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum deserves.
Even as 40 years are celebrated there is a first time for everything for anyone who has not been there yet. Big mistake. This enchanting natural preserve oasis filled with trees even on and surrounding the stages (small theater seats 100, large about 300?) cannot be more inviting. This venue is so much more polished than fancy theatres/​clubs ever will be.
Look at the talent! Witnessing one of the performances of Joyce Carol Oates’ «Tone Clusters» is one of the most difficult and thought-​provoking experiences in the world. Written in 1990, it may as well be written today. See for yourself. You have still just a couple of performances left for this production, but I predict not just repeat performances but other productions in many, many locations. Has to be. Why?
When we are bombarded by murder after murder in our country, it is essential to find a way to deal with the crass commercialism so typical of news outlets’ coverage. If this play does nothing else, it will certainly make a long stride forward for anyone wanting to accomplish that aim.
How did the author know back then how relevant this play would become in a world nearly ¼ century later? While this reviewer had an inkling of what to expect by reading previously published reviews, there was absolutely no hint that there would be so much laughing going on during such a play. Although it may be that there happened to be too much laughter by the audience at this performance and that sometimes the laughter seemed inappropriate, but when confronted with such difficult information and dialogue, our defenses (laughter) HAVE to get into high gear.
IMAGINE acting before a live audience when you — 2 people, married on stage now and off in real life — sit there in front of the audience, portraying a pitiful and overwhelmed couple confronted by endless interviews by the media: Frank and Emily Gulick’s son Carl has been arrested for the sadistic murder of Edith Kaminsky. The couple’s befuddlement and inability to respond directly to erudite questions outside of their comprehension represent an absolute tour de force that commands total convincing admiration for theatregoers.
Additional insights by the actors portraying the couple, Katherine James and Alan Blumenfeld, are available in the form of 2 interviews conducted: The Birth of Tone Clusters: Katherine James Interviews Joyce Carol Oates!
and A Discussion About… TONE CLUSTERS with: Alan Blumenfeld & Katherine James
If you are lucky enough to make the effort to see this production, you will have a memorable experience you may want to appreciate more than one time!

Awesome outing!
I haven’t been here in years! I remember coming here as part of a field trip in 10^th grade and doing a whole bunch of little activities here during the day which culminated in viewing a Midsummer Night’s Dream. I remember having fond memories of this place and this second time didn’t disappoint as well.
After a lovely brunch at the Canyon Bistro down the street, we traversed up here to see the 4pm show of the Taming of the Shrew.
Parking was pretty easy. You can park on the side of either side of Topanga Canyon and we were able to secure a spot pretty quickly. When we walked up, there is a parking lot inside where you can park for $ 5 (you’re on the honor system with a donation box) and seniors and disabled people can park here for free. I think this is something good to know, since there isn’t a sign visible from the street.
I was a bit worried about the weather since it was a really hot middle of the summer day in the valley but it was about 10 – 15 degrees cooler in Topanga and had such a lovely breeze. This theater is outdoors but it does have a little screen on the top to provide some shade. The sun wasn’t really beating down on us, so it really wasn’t an issue, and it was really nice to see a play outdoors amongst nature (there were constantly butterflies!) and just to be totally surrounded in something different. I loved it!
The play was great! I love anything literary for the most part so I was a happy camper! The acting was great (there were even a couple dogs in the show! Too cute!) and I just really enjoyed the whole story. It was really funny!
The ambiance is beautiful. It’s a great date spot or just a fun outing! I wish more theaters were outdoor and it certainly is something fun to check out. Go and support something local and lovely!