There’s something quite magical about storytelling and its ability to enrapture the audience. The Mark Taper Forum is a wonderful tribute to this oldest art form, and a place where many still go to be captivated. Its 739-seating thrust stage hosts a continual rotation of plays, musicals and concerts, both originals and remakes. What’s special about a thrust stage is that it extends towards the audience in three directions, allowing for multiple perspectives to take place and creating greater intimacy between the performers and the audience. It is similar to the medieval arena form and the theaters of old, allowing people to reclaim a little of the great storytelling magic that was found in the past.

Indeed, the Forum is one of architect Welton Becket’s greatest designs, a perfectly circular structure that features an intricately decorated exterior. Shaped distinctively like a drum, it is wrapped in an exquisitely carved relief that captures the attention immediately. The exterior and the interior of the Forum work together in tandem to create an aesthetic experience for the visitor while provoking deeper thought and consideration with their fantastic lineup of plays. All in all, it’s a cohesive package that can’t be missed on your trip to California.