Theatricum Botanicum facts for kids
The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is a special outdoor theater located in Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles County, California. It was started in 1973 by a famous American actor named Will Geer. His family still owns and runs the theater today. The name "Theatricum Botanicum" comes from an old book about plants called Theatrum Botanicum, written by an English botanist named John Parkinson in 1640.
This theater is built in a natural outdoor space, like a big bowl in a mountain canyon. It's famous for showing plays by William Shakespeare, but they also perform modern plays and host music concerts.
Contents
How It Started
Early Days in Topanga
The idea for the Theatricum Botanicum began in the early 1950s. At that time, Will Geer faced a difficult period and found it hard to get acting jobs in Hollywood. He decided to sell his home in Santa Monica and moved to Topanga Canyon. There, he started selling fresh fruits and vegetables. He also created a small theater where actors and folk singers who were also having trouble finding work could perform. His good friend, the famous singer Woody Guthrie, even had a small cabin on the property.
The Theater Opens in 1973
Will Geer became very popular again in the 1970s because of his role as Grandpa in the TV show The Waltons. In 1973, he brought his family together. Many of them were actors working in theaters across the country. Together, they officially started the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. It was set up as a non-profit organization. This meant they could offer free workshops and performances of Shakespeare's plays, folk plays, and concerts. Famous artists like Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Della Reese, and Burl Ives performed there.
Will Geer loved both acting and plants. He made sure that every plant mentioned in Shakespeare's plays was grown at the Theatricum. His former wife, Herta Ware, also helped a lot to develop the outdoor summer theater.
Growing After Will Geer
After Will Geer passed away in 1978, his family and a small group of actors decided to make the theater even more professional. They added educational programs and more musical events. The local community really supported their artistic goals. People helped by donating their time and materials to improve the theater's buildings and spaces.
In 1983, a big storm damaged the Santa Monica Pier. The theater used wooden planks saved from the pier to build its main stage. That same year, the Theatricum also achieved a goal of providing its main actors with a special contract called an Equity contract. Today, the outdoor amphitheater has 299 seats. It is one of the few mid-sized union theaters in the Los Angeles area. It has received many awards for its excellent performances.
What You Can See and Do Today
Plays and Concerts
Since 1987, the theater has included eight new plays in its yearly schedule. This schedule always features at least one play by Shakespeare. The Theatricum also hosts special "Kid's Koncerts" by Peter Alsop. There are also "Theatre for Kids" shows by Creative PlayGround. In the spring and fall, the theater is home to many concerts, including events that raise money for good causes.
In past years, the Theatricum has offered other fun events. These included "American Stories," which were concert performances for families, students, and teachers. They also had "Outdoor Cabaret" for evening shows and "The Woody Guthrie Show." Before some performances, there were "Prologue Series" discussions to learn more about the play.
Theater Improvements
The main stage amphitheater was updated in 1997. This renovation kept the natural look that the theater is known for. It also made the venue more comfortable and easier for everyone to access. The improvements were paid for by several foundations, including the Irvine Foundation and the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation.
