The courtyard at Geffen Playhouse.
The Los Angeles theater scene is where many of the most famous and beloved stage shows are born and developed before they head to the East Coast or across the pond to Europe. It’s also where many emerging actors hone their chops before breaking out on the the big screen or TVs. However, the REAL secret to theater in los angeles is that great actors love performing on stage, and in LA you will see so many well known actors taking a short break from film and TV to appear in a small play.
The Center Theatre Group
Known as L.A.’s Theatre Company at the Music Center, the Center Theatre Group is comprised of three separate stages that attract some of the world’s best actors, singers and performers in popular productions. The main theaters include the Mark Taper Forum, the Ahmanson Theatre and the Kirk Douglas Theatre. The Mark Taper Forum and Ahmanson Theatre are both located inDowntown Los Angeles, while the Kirk Douglas Theatre is located in Culver City. The Kirk Douglas Theatre features regular performances of plays, musicals, and even the occasional movie premiere as it sits near Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City.
The Geffen Playhouse
Located in Westwood where many art aficionados are known to reside, the Geffen Playhouse is one of the premiere institutions of the Los Angeles theater scene. With at least a dozen distinct and award winning productions playing to critical and popular acclaim each year, the Geffen Playhouse has established itself as a center for creativity, artistry and community outreach. 2013 will see a fresh introduction of new plays and musicals at the Geffen Playhouse, including Neil LaBute’s “Miss Julie”, David Mamet’s “American Buffalo,” and the screamingly hilarious “The Judy Show – My Life As a Sitcom,” which stars standup comedienne Judy Gold.
The Secret Rose Theater
For theater fans who love live performances that are off the beaten track, the go-to spot in Los Angeles is the Secret Rose Theater in North Hollywood. Known for its innovative productions that are usually controversial and sometimes outrageous, it has been the home of such memorable plays as “Don’t Hug Me, I’m Pregnant,” “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead,” “Sex, Sin, and Shakespeare,” and the riotously funny “Sex Is Good For You.” The Secret Rose Theater constantly pushes boundaries in Los Angeles theater.
