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{{Short description|Amphitheater in California, U.S.}}
{{distinguish|Forrest Theatre}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Unreliable sources|date=January 2024}}
{{COI|talk=talk page section|date=November 2024}}
{{Undisclosed paid|date=November 2024}}
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{{Infobox building {{Infobox building
| name = Forest Theater |name = Forest Theater
| native_name = |former_names =
| native_name_lang = |status =
|image = Forest Theater.jpg
| former_names =Forest Theatre Society
| alternate_names =Forest Theater Guild |image_alt = Forest Theater
| status = |image_size =
| image = Forest Theater.jpg |caption = Sunset over the Forest Theatre in 1997
|location = Santa Rita St, ], ], ]
| image_alt =
|coordinates = {{coord|36.5535|-121.9168|region:US-CA|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
|image_size=300px
|map_type = USA California Carmel#USA California
| caption = Sunset over the Forest Theatre during 1997 Carmel Shake-speare Festival production of ]
| map_type =United States California Carmel |map_alt = Location in Carmel-by-the-Sea
| map_alt = |map_caption = Location in Carmel-by-the-Sea
| map_caption = Location in Carmel-by-the-Sea |map_size = 300px
|groundbreaking_date =
|map_size=300px
| altitude = |start_date =
|completion_date =
| building_type =]
|opened_date = July 10, 1910
| architectural_style =
|architect = ] (WPA)
| structural_system =
| cost = |owner = City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
|website = {{URL|http://www.foresttheatercarmel.org/|Official website}}<br>
| ren_cost =
{{URL| http://www.foresttheaterguild.org/|Forest Theater Guild}}
| client =
| owner = City of Carmel-by-the-Sea |altitude =
|building_type = ]
| current_tenants = year-round:]; seasonal:Forest Theater Guild
|architectural_style =
| landlord =
|structural_system =
| location = Santa Rita St, ], ], ]
| iso_region = US-CA |ren_cost =
|completed_date =
| coordinates_format = dms
| latitude = 36.5535 |diameter =
| longitude = -121.9168
| coordinates_display = inline,title
| groundbreaking_date =
| start_date =
| completion_date =
| completed_date =
| opened_date = July 10, 1910
| inauguration_date =
| height =
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| architect = WPA
| url = [http://www.foresttheaterguild.org/
ForestTheaterGuild.org]
| references =
}} }}
The '''Forest Theater''' is an outdoor ] in ]. Founded in 1910, it is one of the oldest outdoor theaters west of the ].<ref name="Bostick">{{cite book |last1=Bostick |first1=Daisy F. |last2=Castelhun |first2=Dorothea|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZmQLAQAAIAAJ&q=1910 |title=Carmel at Work and Play|publisher=Seven arts|date=1977|page=68|access-date=2022-04-05}}</ref> The performer and director ] and author ] were founding forces.<ref name=Williams>{{cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_EVEAQAAMAAJ&q=Forest%20Theater |title=The Forest Theater at Carmel|author=Michael Williams|work=Pacific Monthly|date=1912|page=319|access-date=2022-08-04}}</ref> The facility also includes a smaller indoor theatre and a school.


==History==
<ref>Carmel Pine Cone, July 1971</ref>Founded in 1910, the '''Forest Theater''', in ], was one of the earliest outdoor ]s west of the ].<ref>Carmel at Work and Play, Bostick, 1977</ref> Actor/director Herbert Heron is generally cited as the founder and driving force, and poet/novelist ] is often credited with suggesting the idea.<ref>Carmel's Forest Theater, by Michael Williams, Pacific Monthly, 1912</ref> Numerous groups presented plays and pageants. Original works by California authors, children's theatre, and the plays of ] were the primary focus.<ref>Carmel Today and Yesterday, Bostick, 1945</ref>
===Forest Theater Society===
{{Main|Herbert Heron (writer)}}
] as ] in 1926]]
Beginning in 1910, Heron staged plays by authors from ], with local residents as performers, under the name Forest Theater Society. He approached ], co-founder of the ], and obtained permission to use the space rent-free. He assisted in the clearing the land and building the stage<ref name=Forest>{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/ccarm_004212/page/n3/mode/2up?q=%22Forest+Theater%22 |title=A long and glorious history|author=Irene Gaasch|work=Carmel Pine Cone|place=Carmel-by-the-Sea, California|date=1976-07-15|page=4 |access-date=13 August 2022}}</ref> of the 540-seat outdoor ].<ref>Vincentelli, Elisabeth. , '']'', August 16, 2018</ref>


The first theatrical production, ''David'', a six-act biblical drama written by ], under the direction of Garnet Holme of Berkeley, inaugurated the Forest Theater on July 9, 1910.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/106900029/constance-skinner/|title=Biblical Drama Is Given Under Garmel Pines|work=The San Francisco Examiner|place=San Francisco, California|date=10 July 1910 |page=3 |access-date=2022-08-03}}</ref><ref name="edwards">{{cite book|last1=Edwards|first1=Robert W.| title=Jennie V. Cannon: The Untold History of the Carmel and Berkeley Art Colonies, Vol. 1|date=2012|publisher=East Bay Heritage Project| location=Oakland, Calif.| isbn=9781467545679|pages=49, 124, 144, 179, 191, 197, 201, 326, 346, 360–61, 364, 381, 414, 465, 495, 500, 502, 523, 528 547, 587, 595, 609, 617–18, 621, 627, 653–54, 671}} A facsimile of Vol. 1 is posted on the Traditional Fine Arts Organization website ({{cite web |url=http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/10aa/10aa557.htm |title=Jennie V. Cannon: The Untold History of the Carmel and Berkeley Art Colonies, vol. One, East Bay Heritage Project, Oakland, 2012; by Robert W. Edwards |access-date=2016-06-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429115613/http://tfaoi.com/aa/10aa/10aa557.htm |archive-date=2016-04-29 }}).</ref> More than 1,000 theatergoers attended the production.<ref name=Williams/><ref>Monterey Daily Cypress: 29 May 1910, p. 1; 19 June 1910, p. 1; 19 July 1910, p. 1; and Barman, Jean. Constance Lindsay Skinner. University of Toronto Press, 2002.</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/15147113/spadoni-sisters-drives-up-to-carmel-for |title=Carmel Pleased With Its Play|work=The San Francisco Call|place=San Francisco, California|date=11 Jul 1910|page=12|access-date=2022-08-03}}</ref> Heron produced and acted in the play as ], ] played the character ], Joseph W. Hand as ], in a cast of Carmel area residents.<ref name=Forest/>
The property was deeded to the City of ] in order to qualify for federal funding and, in 1939, the site became a ] project. After several years, the site re-opened as ''The Carmel Shakespeare Festival'', with Herbert Heron as its Director, and, with the exception of the ] years of 1943-44, the festival continued through the 1940s. In 1949, Heron, and others, created the Forest Theatre Guild and, while under the leadership of ], the 60-seat Indoor Forest Theater was created. The guild remained active until 1961.<ref name="sfgate.com">{{cite news| url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/08/03/carmel_forest_theater.DTL&ao=2 | work=The San Francisco Chronicle | title=Forest Theater a 'bohemian grove' for Shakespeare fans – Page 2 of 2 | date=August 2, 2011}}</ref>


Before electricity was installed at the theater in 1912,<ref name=Forest/> ] floodlights were brought by covered wagon from ] to light the stage.<ref>Letter to Richard N. Palmer from Herbert Heron, June 12, 1963. Harrison Memorial Library, Herbert Heron Collected Papers.</ref><ref name="Forest" /> Two bonfires were also lit in semi-circular stone firepits on opposite ends of the proscenium, a tradition which continues today.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/master/pnp/habshaer/ca/ca3700/ca3748/data/ca3748data.pdf|title=Written Historical And Descriptive Data|work=Historic American Landscapes Survey Pacific West Regional Office National Park Service|place=Oakland, California|date=|access-date=2022-07-09}}</ref>
With the closing of the original Forest Theater Guild, the outdoor theatre lay unused and neglected for most of the 1960s. From 1968-2010, Marcia Hovick's Children's Experimental Theater leased the indoor theatre, which is now operated by Pacific Repertory Theatre's School of Dramatic Arts (SoDA).<ref name="sfgate.com"/> In 1971,<sup></sup> the original Forest Theater Guild was re-established by Cole Weston who had served as the President in last 10 years of its prior existence.<ref>Carmel Pine Cone, July 1971</ref> It re-establised its indoor theatre usage during its summer months and on the outdoor stage produced musicals and community plays. In 1997 The Forest Theater Guild added the beloved Films in the Forest series featuring cinema favorites from classics such as ''It's a Wonderful Life'' to hot-ticket shows like ''Frozen''. In 1984, ] (PacRep) began producing on the outdoor stage, reactivating Herbert Heron's ''Carmel Shakespeare Festival'' in 1990.<ref>Shakespeare Companies and Festivals: An International Guide By Ron Engle, ], Daniel J. Watermeier. Entry on Carmel Shakespeare Festival by Philip Clarkson</ref> In 2005, PacRep presented the theater's highest-attended production, ]'s '']'', to a combined audience of over 10,000 ticket holders.<ref name="montereybayadventures.com">http://www.montereybayadventures.com/carmelbythesea/ci_12890610</ref>


On Wednesday, April 23, 2014, the facility was shuttered due to health and safety issues caused by years of deferred maintenance. In a special workshop on May 5, the community and city council declared a "cultural community emergency"<ref name="KSBW television, May 6, 2014 ">http://www.ksbw.com/news/plans-underway-to-reopen-carmels-forest-theatre/25843110</ref> developing a quick consensus that the historic facility should be reopened as soon as possible.


==Herbert Heron==

] in 1926]]
Herbert Heron came to Carmel in 1908. He had worked extensively on the stage in ] and came from a background of writers and dramatists. On a visit from Los Angeles, Heron fell in love with the village by the sea. He soon settled in Carmel, bringing with him his young bride Opal Heron, the daughter of a Polish ].

In 1910, the Herons found a concave hillside looking out, surrounded by oaks and pines, and thought it would be an ideal space for an outdoor theater. Heron’s idea was to stage plays by Carmel authors starring local residents – a true community theater. He approached Frank Devendorf, co-founder of the Carmel Development Company, and asked about purchasing the plot for such a purpose. Devendorf, wanting to attract artistic spirits and "brain workers" to the nascent village, i.e. teachers, librarians, etc., agreed and let Heron have the space rent-free.

By February 1910, construction began on the theater. It was a simple plan: a wooden ] stage with a scrim of pines and plain wooden benches. Meanwhile, Heron was busying organizing the first production with the help of the newly minted Forest Theater Society.

The first theatrical production, ''David'', a biblical drama by Constance Lindsay Skinner, inaugurated the Forest Theater on July 9, 1910. Reviewed in both ] and ], it was reported that over 1,000 theatergoers attended the production<ref>Barman, Jean. Constance Lindsay Skinner. University of Toronto Press, 2002.</ref> There was no electricity at the theater – ] floodlights were brought by covered wagon from Monterey to light the stage.<ref>Letter to Richard N. Palmer from Herbert Heron, June 12, 1963. Harrison Memorial Library, Herbert Heron Collected Papers.
</ref> Two bonfires were also lit on opposite ends of the proscenium, a tradition which continues today. By all accounts, the performance was considered a success and the packed house helped to solidify the role of theater in Carmel.

==Forest Theater Society, Western Drama Society & Carmel Arts & Crafts Club==
]'']] ]'']]
In July 1911, ]'s '']'' opened the second season at Forest Theater. Garnet Holme was the producer.<ref name=Forest/> Forest Theater Society produced several other plays in the next few years, including the 1911 production of the play '']'' given by the ],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97500994/the-land-of-hearts-desire |title=Fairy Play in Forest Theater. ''The Land of Heart's Desire'' Is Given by the Carmel Club.|work=The San Francisco Call|place=San Francisco, California|date=24 Sep 1911 |page=18|access-date=2022-03-12}}</ref> and the 1912 production of ''The Toad'', by Carmel resident ], the wife of ]. That year, the first children's play was staged at Forest Theater, ''Alice in Wonderland'', adapted by Newberry and painter Arthur Honywood Vachell.<ref name=Williams/>
The Forest Theater Society produced several plays in the next few years. Of note was the 1912 production of ''The Toad'', a play written by Bertha Newberry, the wife of Perry Newberry, an early Carmel leader. Also produced that year was the first children's play staged at the Forest Theater, ''Alice in Wonderland'', adapted by Newberry and Arthur Vachell. There was so much enthusiasm for live theater, and varying ideas on how the Forest Theater should be run, that two additional theater groups began participating – The Western Drama Society (including Heron and other members of the Forest Theater Society), whose goal was to focus on California authors, and the already-established Arts and Crafts Club, which had been active in the town since 1905.
In 1913, theatergoers witnessed the premiere of Mary Austin’s ''Fire'', which she also directed, and in 1915 – a season that boasted 11 separate productions – audiences saw the premiere of Newberry’s ''Junipero Serra'', a historical pageant focusing on the life of Father ]. The ensuing decade saw the Forest Theater reach the height of production, with 50 plays and musicals staged between 1915 and 1924, including a 1922 production of Shaw’s ''Caesar and Cleopatra'', when director Edward Kuster was almost run out of town for erecting a giant backdrop that hid Carmel’s beloved canopy of trees. Kuster defended himself admirably, noting that the play was, after all, set in a desert!


===Western Drama Society and Carmel Arts and Crafts Club===
Unfortunately, this overabundance of plays became a serious strain on resources, such as players, donations and attendees, which were, understandably, spread thin. Inevitably, factional strife erupted between the groups and the quality of theater in Carmel began to decline. In 1924, in order to solve this dilemma and rebuild a healthy theater scene, the competing producing organizations disbanded, and under the auspices of the Arts and Crafts Club, the Forest Theater Corporation was created as a unifying entity to produce and manage the plays staged at the Forest Theater.<ref>Bostick, Daisy and Castelhun, Dorthea. Carmel at Work and Play, The Seven Arts, 1925.
In 1913 the theatre produced four new productions: a Robin Hood drama, ''Runnymede''; Newberry's play for children, ''Aladdin''; ]'s ''Fire'' starring ] and directed by Austin; and Takeshi Kanno's poem-play ''Creation-Dawn''.<ref>San Francisco Examiner: April 27, 1913, p. 45; May 25, 1913, p. 46; June 29, 1913, p. 44; July 27, 1913, p. 71; August 17, 1913, p. 35.</ref> A split in the ranks of the Forest Theater Society caused Sterling and Heron to found an alternative theater society, the California (or Western) Drama Society; the factions were eventually reconciled and returned to the Forest Theater.<ref name=edwards /> In 1915, a season of 11 productions included Newberry's ''Junipero Serra'' premiered, a historical pageant about Father ] with ] as Serra. ] had his farewell appearance on August 7, 1915, in the play ''The Man from Home'', by ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pineconearchive.com/19150804PC.pdf|title=Man From Home Will Son be Here|work=Carmel Pine Cone|place=Camel, California|date=4 Aug 1915|access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref> In 1916 two of the productions were ''Yolanda of Cyprus'' and ''The Piper'', for which the scenery was painted by Carmel artists ] and ], who also appeared in the plays.<ref>'']'', July 25, 1916, p. 6; '']'', June 25, 1916, p. 21; and '']'', July 8, 1916, p. 11.</ref>
</ref>


Other notable artists acted at, or designed sets for, the theater include ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name=edwards /> Forest Theater reached its peak production between 1915 and 1924, with 50 plays and musicals staged, including a 1922 production of ]'s '']'', directed by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caviews.com/20th.htm|title= 20th-Century California Photographers |work=Pat Hathaway Photo Collection |place= |date=|access-date=2022-07-14}}</ref>{{refn|group=nb|The ] has a collection of images from the theatre's plays.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://californiarevealed.org/islandora/search/Josselyn%2C%20Lewis?type=dismax |title=Browse All for Josselyn, Lewis|work=California Revealed|place=|date=|access-date=2022-07-09}}</ref>}} Also in 1922, Carmel's Serra festival featured Garnet Holme's Carmel Mission play ''Serra'' at the theater.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/90789105/carmel-woods |title=Carmel Woods Sale July 22 |work=The San Francisco Examiner |date=15 Jul 1922|place=Francisco, California|page=9|via=]|access-date=2021-01-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://pineconearchive.fileburstcdn.com/190920PCA.pdf |title=Carmel Woods takes shape and sell well, Serra honored with statue|work=The Carmel Pine Cone|date=2019-09-20|page=31|access-date=2021-12-17 |archive-date=2021-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219004456/http://pineconearchive.fileburstcdn.com/190920PCA.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Remsen produced '']'' in 1922 and '']'' in 1924.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/ccarm_001010/page/26/mode/2up?q=%22Ernest+Schweninger%22 |title=Forest Theater Plays|place=Carmel-by-the-Sea, California|work=Harrison Memorial Library|date=1910|access-date=2022-06-22}}</ref> The overabundance of plays became a strain on resources, and the quality of theater in Carmel began to decline. In 1924, the competing producing organizations disbanded, and under the auspices of the Carmel Arts and Crafts Club, the Forest Theater Corporation was created to produce and manage the plays staged at Forest Theater.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/ccarm_001461/mode/2up?q=%22Forest+Theater%22 |title=Rich Returns from Carmel Circus Day; Forest Theatre Elects Officers |work=Carmel Pine Cone|date=15 September 1923 |page=1 |access-date=2022-04-21}}</ref><ref name="Bostick"/>
Once again, the picturesque outdoor theater became extremely popular in the small village and everyone, it seemed, added to the creative process. The town’s many carpenters and woodworkers built highly intricate sets; those handy with a thread and needle created costumes. And just about everyone found their way on stage. Productions at the Forest Theater were truly a village affair. The resulting success enabled the Forest Theater Corporation to buy the land from the Carmel Development Company in 1925.<ref name="Cf. Letter to Palmer, June 1963">Cf. Letter to Palmer, June 1963.</ref> The Forest Theater Corporation continued to produce plays throughout the 1920s and early 1930s. While the state of theater in Carmel was in a precarious position due to a glut of indoor theaters and theatrical companies, the Forest Theater continued to flourish. In 1934, the Forest Theater saw its 100th major production, ''The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife'', by ]. Heron directed the comedy, which featured set and costumes designs by Helena Heron.


In 1927, the Carmel Arts and Crafts Club and Forest Theater were sold to the Abalone League, and the proceeds were used to pay off the theater's debts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/ccarm_001733/page/n7/mode/2up?q=%22Forest+Theater%22 |title=A Profane History of Carmel|author=Hal Garrott|work=Carmel Pine Cone|place=Carmel-by-the-Sea, California|date=1928-12-14 |page=6 |access-date=2022-10-14}}</ref> Productions at the Forest Theater became a village affair, with residents volunteering their time to build sets, make costumes and act; the resulting success enabled the Carmel Arts and Crafts Club to buy the land from the Carmel Development Company in 1925.<ref name="Cf. Letter to Palmer, June 1963">Cf. Letter to Palmer, June 1963.</ref>
==Great Depression==
] workers rebuilding the Forest Theater in 1939.]]
The ] struck and it affected all aspects of local life. When repairs were needed and no money could be found from local donors, the idea of applying for ] money was proffered. Funds were only available to government entities and the private non-profit Forest Theater was not eligible. In 1937, it was decided to deed the Forest Theater to the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea in order to obtain WPA funds for major renovations. Improvements to the facility included building new benches, laying a concrete foundation for the stage, and replacing the surrounding barbed-wired fences with a traditional grape-stake fence. While renovations were taking place there were no productions, no rehearsals – for almost 3 years, the Forest Theater was dark.


===1930s to 1961 closure ===
==Carmel Shakespeare Festival==
] workers rebuilding the Forest Theater in 1939.]]
With a rejuvenated space, the Forest Theater was ready to get back into the theater business. The works of ] had proven highly popular beginning with Heron’s 1911 production of '']'', and upon completion of the WPA project, Heron formally resumed productions with the inauguration of the Carmel Shakespeare Festival in 1940. The festival offered Shakespeare, including ''], ], ]'' and '']'', as well as the works of Carmel authors, including the first local production of ]' ''The Tower Beyond Tragedy''. With the advent of ], however, mandatory blackouts were ordered for coastal towns and cities. The residents of Carmel participated and halted all Forest Theater activity, essentially closing the facility in 1943-44, and again in 1946.<ref name="Cf. Letter to Palmer, June 1963"/> In 1947, the facility resumed annual productions of Shakespeare and local authors.
During the ], Forest Theater accumulated debt. In 1934, it celebrated its 100th production, ''The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife'' by ], a comedy directed by Heron.<ref name="Bostick"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/ccarm_001010/page/26/mode/2up?q=%22Ernest+Schweninger%22 |title=Forest Theater Plays|place=Carmel-by-the-Sea, California|work=Harrison Memorial Library |date=1910 |access-date=2022-06-22}}</ref> In September 1936, Remsen's ''Inchling'' was presented again;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/ccarm_002134/page/n7/mode/2up?q=%22Ira+Remsen%22|title=Former Production of ''Inchling'' Recalled as Revival Approaches|work=Carmel Pine Cone|place=Carmel-by-the-Sea, California|date=21 Aug 1936|page=7|access-date=2022-09-09}}</ref> which, together with a village fair at the theater grounds, helped reduced the theater's debt.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/ccarm_002139/page/n3/mode/2up?q=%22Inchling%22 |title=Forest Theater in Final Report|publisher=Carmel Pine Cone|place=Carmel-by-the-Sea, California|date=September 25, 1946 |page=4 |access-date=2024-01-12 }}</ref>


When repairs were needed and no local donors could be found, the theater looked into applying for WPA money. Funds were only available to government entities, and the private non-profit Arts and Crafts Club was not eligible. In 1937, the Club decided to deed the theater to the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea to obtain WPA funds for major renovations, with the stipulation that the facility would be a public park and continue to offer outdoor performances.<ref>Carmel City Council resolution 671, April 15, 1937</ref> Forest Theatre was closed during the three years of renovations.<ref name="ci.carmel.ca.us"/> In 1937, the property was deeded to the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea to qualify for federal funding, and in 1939 the site became a ] (WPA) project. The WPA rebuilt the outdoor theatre and created an indoor facility beneath the outdoor stage.<ref>Lawson, William R. ''Achievements, Federal Works Agency. Work Projects Administration, Northern California'' (1940), p. 89.</ref> The site re-opened as ''The Carmel Shakespeare Festival'', with Heron as its director, and, with the exception of the ] years of 1943–44, the festival continued through the late 1940s. The festival offered Shakespeare, including ''], ], ]'' and '']'', as well as the works of Carmel authors, including the first local production of ]' ''The Tower Beyond Tragedy''. With the advent of ], however, mandatory blackouts were ordered for coastal towns and cities. The residents of Carmel participated and halted all Forest Theater activity, essentially closing the facility in 1943–44, and again in 1946.<ref name="Cf. Letter to Palmer, June 1963"/>
==Forest Theater Guild==
Throughout this time, Herbert Heron maintained his intense involvement with the Forest Theater, continuing to write, produce, direct and star in productions. Growing tired of the constant activity, Heron retired from active involvement. Theater was in Heron's blood, though, and he could not completely leave the theater behind. As part of deeding the Forest Theater to the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the City took over responsibility for the physical plant. Realizing that a supporting organization was needed for the City-owned facility, Heron organized and co-founded the Forest Theatre Guild in 1949.<ref>“David Prince to head newly organized Forest Theater Guild.” May 9, 1949. Harrison Memorial Library, Nixon File Forest Theater #11.</ref> Guided by Cole Weston and Philip Oberg, the Forest Theater Guild began to produce plays by local authors, Shakespeare, and classic drama, and in 1950, under the guidance of Cole Weston, built dressing rooms and a small theater underneath the main outdoor stage. The space became known as the Theater-in-the-Ground, and today is simply called the Indoor Forest Theater. In 1961, the original Forest Theater Guild ceased operations.<ref name="sfgate.com"/>


]
==End of Heron era==
From 1947 to 1949, the facility resumed annual productions of Shakespeare and local authors. In 1949, Heron and twenty villagers started the first Forest Theater Guild, a community organization to help the city maintain the theater.<ref name="ci.carmel.ca.us">{{cite web |title=Historic Context Statement: Carmel-by-the-Sea |url=https://ci.carmel.ca.us/sites/main/files/file-attachments/final_updated_carmel_historic_context_statement_091208-b.pdf?1510262312 |website=ci.carmel.ca.us/ |publisher=The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea |date=9 September 2008 |access-date=17 December 2019}}</ref><ref>"David Prince to head newly organized Forest Theater Guild." May 9, 1949. Harrison Memorial Library, Nixon File Forest Theater #11.</ref> In 1958, the City Council also instituted an Arts Commission, charged with operation and maintenance of Forest Theater.<ref name="ci.carmel.ca.us"/> Heron continued to write, produce, direct, and star in productions. The guild began to produce plays by local authors, Shakespeare, and classic drama. In 1960, Heron finished his 50th year with the theater with his own play, ''Pharaoh''. The guild disbanded in 1961, and Forest Theater ceased most operations in 1961.<ref name="sfgate.com"/> By the mid-1960s, the Forest Theater Guild had closed and abandoned the facility, and, with a few minor exceptions, no plays were shown on the main stage.<ref name="sfgate.com">{{cite news | url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/08/03/carmel_forest_theater.DTL&ao=2 | work=The San Francisco Chronicle | title=Forest Theater a 'bohemian grove' for Shakespeare fans – Page 2 of 2 | date=August 2, 2011}}</ref> The city began to use the site for other purposes, such as Boy Scout camps.<ref>"Forest Theater given support", '']'', August 4, 1966.</ref>


===1968 to 2010===
In 1960, Herbert Heron finished his 50th year with the Forest Theater with his own play, ''Pharaoh''. By 1963 the theater had shown over 140 plays, including 64 premieres and dramatizations by California authors. Numbered among these productions were those by ], ], Greek tragedies, local history, children's plays, light operas and musical comedies. One production even featured real horses on stage! Following a brief illness Herbert Heron died on January 8, 1968, at the age of 84.
From 1968 to 2010, Marcia Hovick's Children's Experimental Theatre (CET) leased the facility's indoor theater. Formed in 1960 by Marcia Hovick to develop "creative confidence" through theatre training, CET had been using space at the ] and ], and needed a permanent place for their activities.<ref>Nichols, Kathryn M. "40… and still going strong", ''Monterey County Herald'', September 7, 1999.</ref> In 1969, Hovick formed a new production entity called the Staff Players Repertory Company, staging classic drama on the small Indoor Forest Theater stage. In 1971, a second Forest Theater Guild was established by ], and the group began producing summer musicals and community plays on the outdoor stage.<ref>"Cole Weston Elected President; Forest Theater Guild Maps Ambitious Program", ''Monterey Peninsula Herald'', July 29, 1971</ref> In 2010, after 50 years, CET ceased operations, and the lease on the school was then given to ] for its School of Dramatic Arts.<ref name="sfgate.com"/><ref name=Brownfield>{{cite news |last1=Brownfield |first1=Mary |title=PacRep beats out Guild for chance to lease kids' theater |url=http://www.pineconearchive.com/110204PCA.pdf |work=Carmel Pine Cone |date=February 4, 2011 |pages=2A}}</ref>


The main stage remained unused, and in 1971, the Cultural Commission considered closing the theater for good.<ref>Nickerson, Roy. "Is Forest Theater's usefulness outlived?" ''Monterey Peninsula Herald'', June 2, 1971.</ref> Residents of Carmel voiced opposition. A second Forest Theater Guild was created, this time as a nonprofit organization, with former president Cole Weston as the new Guild President.<ref>"Forest Theater Guild Celebrates Elected President", ''Monterey Peninsula Herald'', August 3, 1971</ref> To raise needed funds and draw attention to the possible closure, the new group produced a staged reading of Robinson Jeffers' '']'' and ''The Tower Beyond Tragedy'', which featured actress ].<ref name="sfgate.com" /> In 1971, the guild officially incorporated.<ref>{{cite web |title=Forest Theater Guild |url=https://www2.guidestar.org/profile/23-7227328 |publisher=GuideStar |url-access=registration |access-date=17 December 2019}}</ref> Mayor ] and Weston, recognizing the theater's cultural significance and historical value, rallied the community to a preserve the theatre.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/ccarm_004844 |title=Gunnar Norberg 1907-1988|work=Carmel Pine Cone|place=Carmel-by-the-Sea, California|date=18 August 1988|pages=1, 3|access-date=July 13, 2023}}</ref> In 1972, to raise funds for the Theater's preservation, Norberg and Weston staged their first full production of ]'s '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/ccarm_004003/page/n11/mode/2up?q=%22Twelfth+Night%22+Norberg+Weston |title=Forest Theater|publisher=Carmel Pine Cone |place=Carmel-by-the-Sea, California|date=July 6, 1972|pages=11–12}}</ref>
Unfortunately, despite some continued play production, parts of the theater were left in disrepair. Upkeep was not maintained by the City and, during the mid-1960s, the wood in the stage and seating rotted and the grounds became rundown. By this time, the Forest Theater Guild had closed and abandoned the facility, and, with a few minor exceptions, no plays were being shown on the main stage. The City began to use the site for other purposes, such as a Boy Scout camp, and a corporate yard. The Cultural Commission recommended to the City that either repairs should be made to the aging Forest Theater, or it should be unloaded from the City's holdings. At that time, no action was taken. In 1966, rumblings about the usefulness of the Forest Theater were made by the City Council during the 1966-1967 budget meetings.<ref>“Forest Theater given support.” Monterey Peninsula Herald, August 4, 1966.</ref> Discussions included whether it was cost effective to keep the theater, resulting in an uproar by Carmelites determined to save the historic site. In 1968, to keep the Forest Theater in use, ], who had then become the city’s first Cultural Director, leased the Theater-in-the-Ground to the then-homeless Children's Experimental Theatre.


In 1984, ] (PacRep), originally called GroveMont Theatre, started producing classics, children's theater and musicals on the outdoor stage, beginning with Jeffers' ''Medea''.<ref name=Spotlight>{{cite web|first=Terry|last=Blum|url=http://www.mctaweb.org/spotlight/02/Jan02_StephenMoorer/stephen.html|title=Spotlight On Carmel Stephen Moorer |publisher=Mctaweb.org, Monterey County Theatre Alliance|date=January 2002|access-date=2009-07-20|archive-date=2008-10-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004235920/http://www.mctaweb.org/spotlight/02/Jan02_StephenMoorer/stephen.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> PacRep reactivated the Carmel Shakespeare Festival in 1990.<ref>Engle, Ron, ], and Daniel J. Watermeier. ''Shakespeare Companies and Festivals: An International Guide'', entry on Carmel Shakespeare Festival by Philip Clarkson, Greenwood (1995) {{ISBN|978-0313274343}}</ref> PacRep continued to stage productions at the Forest Theater every September and October, expanding into August in 2000.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926150630/http://www.theatrebayarea.org/programs/dir_dtl.jsp?id=915 |date=2008-09-26 }}, Theatre Bay Area website, accessed July 23, 2009</ref> Meanwhile, over the last decades of the 20th century, the Forest Theater Guild produced over 20 plays, including '']'' and '']''. In 2005, PacRep presented the theater's highest-attended production, ]'s '']''; more than 10,000 people bought tickets.<ref name=MBA>{{Cite web |url=http://www.montereybayadventures.com/carmelbythesea/ci_12890610 |title=A Theater with Countless Stars |website=www.montereybayadventures.com}}</ref>
==Children's Experimental Theater==
The Children's Experimental Theatre (CET) was formed in 1960 by Marcia Hovick to encourage children of all ages to develop confidence and creativity by teaching theatrical skills such as diction, memorization, movement, stage combat, technical theater, and more. CET had been temporarily using space at the ] and Sunset Center, and needed a permanent place for their activities.<ref>Nichols, Kathryn M. “40… and still going strong.” Monterey County Herald, September 7, 1999.</ref> At the Forest Theater, CET flourished and expanded. In 1969, CET formed a new production entity, appropriately called the Staff Players Repertory Company, staging classic drama in the Indoor Forest Theater. Plays by Shakespeare, Shaw, ], and ], among many other renowned classical writers, were presented. In addition, CET formed a “Traveling Troupe” in order to bring performances to schoolchildren who would not otherwise have the opportunity to see live theater. Not only has CET benefited generations of Monterey County children, but has also kick-started the theatrical careers of many of the area's current actors, directors and producers. In 2010, after 50 years of continuous business, CET ceased operations.<ref name="sfgate.com"/>


In 1997, the guild began ''Films in the Forest'', a series of first-run movies, classic feature films, and documentary film screenings.<ref>{{Cite web| url = http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/calendar/films-in-the-forest-at-outdoor-forest-theater/event_8f8915a6-c270-11e2-8289-001a4bcf6878.html| title = Films in the Forest at Outdoor Forest Theater| last = | first = | date = 30 May 2013| website = | publisher = The Monterey County Weekly| access-date = 2022-09-14}}</ref>
==Threat of Closure==
In spite of this new use of the Forest Theater, the main stage remained dark. And once again, reservations about the usefulness of the theater were voiced. In 1971, the Cultural Commission considered closing the theater for good.<ref>Nickerson, Roy. “Is Forest Theater’s usefulness outlived?” Monterey Peninsula Herald, June 2, 1971.</ref> Again, the residents of Carmel rose up and voiced their opposition. A new Forest Theater Guild was created and, in order to raise needed funds as well as draw attention to the possible closure, produced a staged reading of Robinson Jeffers’ '']'' and '']'', which featured a memorable performance by world-renowned actress ].<ref name="sfgate.com"/>


===2011 to present===
In 1972, the Guild officially incorporated,<ref name="www2.guidestar.org">http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/23-7227328/forest-theatre-guild.aspx#</ref> and staged their first full production, producing Shakespeare’s '']''. The success of this production showed the City that there was still public interest and support for the Forest Theater. The City Council commissioned a study to evaluate the efficacy of the theater.<ref>Forest Theater Committee of the Cultural Commission, City of Carmel-by-the-Sea. “Report on the Forest Theater.” December 4, 1971.</ref> The public was invited to comment and, after several months of often heated discussions, several recommendations were made: The City Council decided to continue city operation of the facility, and the outdoor theater would be leased to the Forest Theater Guild on a two-year trial basis. The trial was a success, and, after negotiations over use of space between the Forest Theater Guild and CET, the lease with the Forest Theater Guild was renewed. Over the next decade, the Guild produced over 20 major plays, focusing on the great classics from the world stage, including memorable productions of such important American works as ]’s '']'' and ''A Long Day’s Journey into Night'', both staged by Cole Weston, son of the well-known photography icon, ], and a renowned photographer in his own right.
In 2011, following the closure of the CET, the City of Carmel awarded the year-round lease of the indoor theater at Forest Theater to PacRep for its educational program, the School of Dramatic Arts.<ref>{{cite news | last = Brownfield | first = Mary | date = February 4, 2011 | title = PacRep beats out Guild for chance to lease kids' theater | newspaper = The Carmel Pine Cone | volume = 97 | number = 5 | pages = 2A, 28A | url = http://www.pineconearchive.com/110204PCA.pdf | access-date = 2012-02-07 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120322070901/http://www.pineconearchive.com/110204PCA.pdf | archive-date = March 22, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="Bohemian Grove">{{cite news |last1=Delsol |first1=Christine |title=Forest Theater a 'bohemian grove' for Shakespeare fans |url=https://www.sfgate.com/travel/centralcoasting/article/Forest-Theater-a-bohemian-grove-for-Shakespeare-2332172.php |access-date=1 November 2024 |work=]|date=2 August 2011}}</ref> On April 23, 2014, the facility was shuttered due to health and safety issues caused by years of deferred maintenance.<ref name="Coast Weekly">Ryce, Walter. Arts & Culture Blog, ''Monterey County Weekly'', April 24, 2014.</ref> On May 5, 2014, the city council declared a "cultural community emergency" and planned to reopen the theatre as soon as possible.<ref name="KSBW television, May 6, 2014 ">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ksbw.com/article/plans-underway-to-reopen-carmel-s-forest-theatre/1054111|title=Plans underway to reopen Carmel's Forest Theatre|first=Jacqueline|last=Mazur|date=May 6, 2014|website=KSBW}}</ref> In January 2015, anticipating delays in the renovations, the city announced that the reopening of the theatre would be postponed until 2016, and the theater companies cancelled their upcoming seasons. After a contentious design period, a two-phase project was approved by the city council. Phase 1 addressed the safety and ADA compliance requirements, while phase 2 was planned to upgrade the concessions and restroom facilities, and make other improvements.<ref>Ryce, Walter. Arts & Culture Blog, ''Monterey County Weekly'', January 29, 2015.</ref> In June 2016, the theater reopened and began performances again, including '']'' and ''Twelfth Night''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Archives |url=http://www.pacrep.org/archives |website=pacrep.org |access-date=8 October 2022 |archive-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927163622/https://www.pacrep.org/archives |url-status=dead }}</ref>


In 2017, the nearby Sunset Center signed a 30-year lease with the city of Carmel to manage the site.<ref name="Marino">{{cite news |last1=Marino |first1=Pam |title=The Forest Theater Guild faces possible closure after losing its namesake stage for live shows. |url=https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/news/local_news/the-forest-theater-guild-faces-possible-closure-after-losing-its/article_14a05bce-1c91-11ea-b739-37a57581cdae.html |access-date=17 December 2019 |work=The Monterey County Weekly |date=12 December 2019}}</ref><ref name="Argueza">{{cite news |last1=Argueza |first1=Marielle |title=Sunset Center officially wants out of managing the historic outdoor Forest Theater. |url=https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/arts_culture_blog/sunset-center-officially-wants-out-of-managing-the-historic-outdoor-forest-theater/article_08a10ae2-77c8-11eb-a191-278863932b41.html |access-date=8 October 2022 |work=] |date=26 February 2021}}</ref> In 2019, the Forest Theater Guild, announced that Sunset Center management had drastically cut back the guild's 12-week season, offering only 12 dates at the historic theatre for film presentations, and no dates for their theatrical productions. The Guild asked the city council to intervene.<ref name="Marino" /> In 2020, the venue was once again closed, this time due to the ].<ref name="Argueza"/> In 2021, the Sunset Center sought an early end to their 30-year lease agreement.<ref name="Argueza"/> The city of Carmel solicited proposals for a new organization to manage the venue.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Argueza |first1=Marielle |title=A new life for the Forest Theater is in sight. Carmel wants your thoughts. |url=https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/arts_culture_blog/a-new-life-for-the-forest-theater-is-in-sight-carmel-wants-your-thoughts/article_4999dcd8-8b62-11eb-9a4f-2b7172db396f.html |access-date=8 October 2022 |work=] |date=23 March 2021}}</ref> In August 2021, the theater reopened with a seven-week run of ''Shrek'', put on by PacRep.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chappellet-Lanier |first1=Tajha |title=Performing arts are back. But putting on a show is not as simple as it once was. |url=https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/news/cover/performing-arts-are-back-but-putting-on-a-show-is-not-as-simple-as-it/article_46e33c06-1bee-11ec-bb4d-57ae5f96c56f.html |access-date=8 October 2022 |work=] |date=24 September 2021}}</ref>
==Pacific Repertory Theatre==
In 1984, a new organization joined the Forest Theater community, GroveMont Theatre. GroveMont was founded in 1982 by ], who had participated in the Children's Experimental Theatre program, and had also acted in Forest Theater Guild productions. In 1984, at the request of the Carmel Cultural Commission, GroveMont began producing shows at the Forest Theater, staging Jeffers’ ''Medea'', starring local actress Rosamond Goodrich Zanides.<ref name=Spotlight>{{cite web|first=Terry|last=Blum|url=http://www.mctaweb.org/spotlight/02/Jan02_StephenMoorer/stephen.html |title=Spotlight On Carmel Stephen Moorer |publisher=Mctaweb.org, Monterey County
Theatre Alliance |date= January 2002|accessdate=2009-07-20}}</ref> In 1990, Moorer reactivated the old Carmel Shake-speare Festival of the 1940s, adding the hyphen in "Shake-speare" to denote interest and support research into the ]. In 1993, the company changed its name to ] (PacRep), becoming the only professional theater company in residence at the Forest Theater,<ref>, Theatre Bay Area website, accessed July 23, 2009</ref> continuing to stage productions at the Forest Theater every September and October, expanding into August in 2000. In 2011, following the closure of the 50-year-old CET, the City of Carmel awarded the year-round lease of the indoor Forest Theater to PacRep for its educational SoDA program.<ref>http://www.pineconearchive.com/110204PCA.pdf, page 2A</ref>


In early 2022, the city of Carmel entered into a lease with Pacific Repertory Theatre for the nonprofit to manage the venue for the next five years, with a five-year renewal option. The Forest Theater Guild was designated an "historic user".<ref name="Popeda">{{cite news |last1=Popęda |first1=Agata |title=Carmel set to finally sign a lease with PacRep for the Forest Theater. |url=https://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/arts_culture_blog/carmel-set-to-finally-sign-a-lease-with-pacrep-for-the-forest-theater/article_b6245602-98e6-11ec-a4cc-6761aff499a1.html |access-date=8 October 2022 |work=Monterey County Weekly |date=28 February 2022}}</ref> The venue continues to host events produced by the Forest Theater Guild, Pacific Repertory Theatre, the Monterey Symphony, as well as other small arts organizations, films and civic events.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.ksbw.com/article/forest-theater-in-carmel-reopens/1297472|title=Forest Theater in Carmel reopens|last=Conrad|first=Caitlin|date=2016-06-24|work=KSBW|access-date=2018-08-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Herrera |first1=James |title=Music in the Forest Concert Series to kick off with VTC fundraiser for its Music Therapy Room |url=https://www.montereyherald.com/2023/04/03/music-in-the-forest-concert-series-to-kickoff-with-vtc-fundraiser-for-its-music-therapy-room/ |access-date=10 September 2023 |work=] |date=3 April 2023}}</ref>
==Renovations==
] production of Disney's ], September, 2006.]]
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, facility maintenance and play production remained constant. In 1988, the City spent $200,000 for much-needed renovations, which included replacing the seating, rebuilding the stage, and addressing necessary safety issues. CET/Staff Players continued its twofold mission, and in the process, educated thousands of area youth while staging hundreds of productions featuring children and adults from the local region. With the Guild’s production of '']'', one of the first musicals staged at the Forest Theater since the 1950s, annual large-scale musicals began to be produced on the outdoor stage, with great success.

Pacific Repertory Theatre’s annual family musicals have included “high-flying” technology for productions of '']'' and '']''. In 1990, PacRep reinstated the Carmel Shake-speare Festival (the hyphen denoting exploration of the Shakespeare authorship question), hearkening to the early days at the theater, and when Herbert Heron inaugurated the original Carmel Shakespeare Festival in 1940. The Films in the Forest, a program showing classic and newer films during the summer months, became a popular program for the Forest Theater Guild in 1994. Among the many successful productions at the Forest Theater over the years, 1990’s ]’s '']'' proved to be a benchmark for attendance records. Directed by Walt DeFaria and produced by PacRep, the musical sold over 10,000 tickets.<ref name="montereybayadventures.com"/>

==Forest Theater Foundation==

In 2010, the community celebrated the centennial celebration of the historic site. Currently, the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea is planning a significant renovation of the aging facility, which is again showing considerable wear and tear. Pacific Repertory Theatre, the Forest Theater Guild, and PacRep's education "SoDA" (School of Dramatic Arts) program continue to bring theatre instruction and the joy of live performance to the beautiful Forest Theater. In 1999, the user-groups joined together to form the Forest Theater Foundation, dedicated “to the preservation and enhancement of the Forest Theater and its historic programs”. The Forest Theater Foundation’s aim is to continue the rich history of the theater, inspiring those who create the magic at the unique “open-air playhouse”, while maintaining the Forest Theater as a treasure for residents and visitors alike. Longtime Carmel advocate and former mayor Perry Newberry perhaps said it best: "There is no other thing here – save only Carmel's beauty – more important to preserve and protect than the Forest Theater."

==2014 Closure==
On Wednesday, April 23, 2014, the facility was shuttered due to health and safety issues caused by years of deferred maintenance. According to City Building Official John Kuehl, "It was a number of issues. The stage was spongey in spots, substandard wiring methods that needed more thorough investigation. Electrical hazards, access issues." It was reported that "between the inspectors, the insurance liabilities, lawyers, risk managers and the fire marshall," it came as no surprise that the venue was shuttered. Mayor Jason Burnett promised to hold discussions with both the resident theater companies, though he expects the 2014 season at the aging facility will "be lost".<ref name="Coast Weekly">http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/arts_culture_blog/inspectors-shut-down-forest-theater-as-an-unsafe-structure/article_109c328e-cc0e-11e3-a369-0017a43b2370.html</ref>

On Monday, May 5, 2014, in a special workshop called by the City Council, community members were unified in asking the council to focus on reopening the facility as soon as possible, and renovating in smaller phases during the non-performance season. The council agreed that there was, in the words of Mayor Jason Burnett, "a remarkable level of consensus" on how to proceed with the historic facility, which "predates the city itself and is a key link to the early bohemian days of Carmel."<ref name="Monterey Herald">http://www.montereyherald.com/localnews/ci_25707625/carmel-promises-swift-action-shuttered-theater</ref> councilman Kenneth Talgmadge summed up the general feeling in the room: "I'm not looking for a 100-year plan. The city's set aside $1 million. Let's do quick fixes in phase one," adding, "I think we need to get a couple of contractors in there, fix the bathrooms, the electrical, the ADA first. The other stuff in phase two."<ref name="Coast Weekly, May 6, 2014">http://www.montereycountyweekly.com/blogs/arts_culture_blog/the-community-discusses-how-to-resuscitate-the-recently-shuttered-forest/article_d9b43298-d573-11e3-bb8d-0017a43b2370.html</ref>


== See also == == See also ==
* ] * ]

===Notes===
{{reflist|group=nb}}


== References == == References ==
{{reflist}} {{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
*

{{List of Historic Buildings in Carmel-by-the-Sea}}
{{Monterey Bay tourist attractions|state=collapsed}}


] ]
] ]
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Latest revision as of 12:51, 24 November 2024

Amphitheater in California, U.S. Not to be confused with Forrest Theatre.
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Forest Theater
Forest TheaterSunset over the Forest Theatre in 1997
Location in Carmel-by-the-SeaLocation in Carmel-by-the-SeaLocation in Carmel-by-the-SeaShow map of Carmel, CaliforniaLocation in Carmel-by-the-SeaLocation in Carmel-by-the-SeaForest Theater (California)Show map of California
General information
TypeAmphitheatre
LocationSanta Rita St, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, United States
Coordinates36°33′13″N 121°55′00″W / 36.5535°N 121.9168°W / 36.5535; -121.9168
OpenedJuly 10, 1910
OwnerCity of Carmel-by-the-Sea
Design and construction
Architect(s)Works Progress Administration (WPA)
Website
Official website
Forest Theater Guild

The Forest Theater is an outdoor amphitheater in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Founded in 1910, it is one of the oldest outdoor theaters west of the Rocky Mountains. The performer and director Herbert Heron and author Mary Austin were founding forces. The facility also includes a smaller indoor theatre and a school.

History

Forest Theater Society

Main article: Herbert Heron (writer)
Herbert Heron as Hamlet in 1926

Beginning in 1910, Heron staged plays by authors from Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, with local residents as performers, under the name Forest Theater Society. He approached James Franklin Devendorf, co-founder of the Carmel Development Company, and obtained permission to use the space rent-free. He assisted in the clearing the land and building the stage of the 540-seat outdoor amphitheater.

The first theatrical production, David, a six-act biblical drama written by Constance Lindsay Skinner, under the direction of Garnet Holme of Berkeley, inaugurated the Forest Theater on July 9, 1910. More than 1,000 theatergoers attended the production. Heron produced and acted in the play as David, Helen MacGowan Cooke played the character Michal, Joseph W. Hand as Hushai, in a cast of Carmel area residents.

Before electricity was installed at the theater in 1912, limelight floodlights were brought by covered wagon from Monterey to light the stage. Two bonfires were also lit in semi-circular stone firepits on opposite ends of the proscenium, a tradition which continues today.

1911 production of Twelfth Night

In July 1911, William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night opened the second season at Forest Theater. Garnet Holme was the producer. Forest Theater Society produced several other plays in the next few years, including the 1911 production of the play The Land of Heart's Desire given by the Carmel Arts and Crafts Club, and the 1912 production of The Toad, by Carmel resident Bertha Newberry, the wife of Perry Newberry. That year, the first children's play was staged at Forest Theater, Alice in Wonderland, adapted by Newberry and painter Arthur Honywood Vachell.

Western Drama Society and Carmel Arts and Crafts Club

In 1913 the theatre produced four new productions: a Robin Hood drama, Runnymede; Newberry's play for children, Aladdin; Mary Hunter Austin's Fire starring George Sterling and directed by Austin; and Takeshi Kanno's poem-play Creation-Dawn. A split in the ranks of the Forest Theater Society caused Sterling and Heron to found an alternative theater society, the California (or Western) Drama Society; the factions were eventually reconciled and returned to the Forest Theater. In 1915, a season of 11 productions included Newberry's Junipero Serra premiered, a historical pageant about Father Junípero Serra with Frederick Bechdolt as Serra. Joseph Hand had his farewell appearance on August 7, 1915, in the play The Man from Home, by Harry Leon Wilson and Booth Tarkington. In 1916 two of the productions were Yolanda of Cyprus and The Piper, for which the scenery was painted by Carmel artists William Frederic Ritschel and Laura W. Maxwell, who also appeared in the plays.

Other notable artists acted at, or designed sets for, the theater include Frederick R. Bechdolt, Josephine M. Culbertson, Xavier Martinez, Jo Mora, Ira Mallory Remsen and Herman Rosse. Forest Theater reached its peak production between 1915 and 1924, with 50 plays and musicals staged, including a 1922 production of Shaw's Caesar and Cleopatra, directed by Edward G. Kuster. Also in 1922, Carmel's Serra festival featured Garnet Holme's Carmel Mission play Serra at the theater. Remsen produced Inchling in 1922 and Mr. Bunt in 1924. The overabundance of plays became a strain on resources, and the quality of theater in Carmel began to decline. In 1924, the competing producing organizations disbanded, and under the auspices of the Carmel Arts and Crafts Club, the Forest Theater Corporation was created to produce and manage the plays staged at Forest Theater.

In 1927, the Carmel Arts and Crafts Club and Forest Theater were sold to the Abalone League, and the proceeds were used to pay off the theater's debts. Productions at the Forest Theater became a village affair, with residents volunteering their time to build sets, make costumes and act; the resulting success enabled the Carmel Arts and Crafts Club to buy the land from the Carmel Development Company in 1925.

1930s to 1961 closure

WPA workers rebuilding the Forest Theater in 1939.

During the Great Depression, Forest Theater accumulated debt. In 1934, it celebrated its 100th production, The Man Who Married a Dumb Wife by Anatole France, a comedy directed by Heron. In September 1936, Remsen's Inchling was presented again; which, together with a village fair at the theater grounds, helped reduced the theater's debt.

When repairs were needed and no local donors could be found, the theater looked into applying for WPA money. Funds were only available to government entities, and the private non-profit Arts and Crafts Club was not eligible. In 1937, the Club decided to deed the theater to the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea to obtain WPA funds for major renovations, with the stipulation that the facility would be a public park and continue to offer outdoor performances. Forest Theatre was closed during the three years of renovations. In 1937, the property was deeded to the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea to qualify for federal funding, and in 1939 the site became a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. The WPA rebuilt the outdoor theatre and created an indoor facility beneath the outdoor stage. The site re-opened as The Carmel Shakespeare Festival, with Heron as its director, and, with the exception of the World War II years of 1943–44, the festival continued through the late 1940s. The festival offered Shakespeare, including Macbeth, Hamlet, Julius Caesar and As You Like It, as well as the works of Carmel authors, including the first local production of Robinson Jeffers' The Tower Beyond Tragedy. With the advent of World War II, however, mandatory blackouts were ordered for coastal towns and cities. The residents of Carmel participated and halted all Forest Theater activity, essentially closing the facility in 1943–44, and again in 1946.

Twelfth Night at Forest Theatre, July 1911

From 1947 to 1949, the facility resumed annual productions of Shakespeare and local authors. In 1949, Heron and twenty villagers started the first Forest Theater Guild, a community organization to help the city maintain the theater. In 1958, the City Council also instituted an Arts Commission, charged with operation and maintenance of Forest Theater. Heron continued to write, produce, direct, and star in productions. The guild began to produce plays by local authors, Shakespeare, and classic drama. In 1960, Heron finished his 50th year with the theater with his own play, Pharaoh. The guild disbanded in 1961, and Forest Theater ceased most operations in 1961. By the mid-1960s, the Forest Theater Guild had closed and abandoned the facility, and, with a few minor exceptions, no plays were shown on the main stage. The city began to use the site for other purposes, such as Boy Scout camps.

1968 to 2010

From 1968 to 2010, Marcia Hovick's Children's Experimental Theatre (CET) leased the facility's indoor theater. Formed in 1960 by Marcia Hovick to develop "creative confidence" through theatre training, CET had been using space at the Golden Bough Playhouse and Sunset Center, and needed a permanent place for their activities. In 1969, Hovick formed a new production entity called the Staff Players Repertory Company, staging classic drama on the small Indoor Forest Theater stage. In 1971, a second Forest Theater Guild was established by Cole Weston, and the group began producing summer musicals and community plays on the outdoor stage. In 2010, after 50 years, CET ceased operations, and the lease on the school was then given to Pacific Repertory Theatre for its School of Dramatic Arts.

The main stage remained unused, and in 1971, the Cultural Commission considered closing the theater for good. Residents of Carmel voiced opposition. A second Forest Theater Guild was created, this time as a nonprofit organization, with former president Cole Weston as the new Guild President. To raise needed funds and draw attention to the possible closure, the new group produced a staged reading of Robinson Jeffers' Medea and The Tower Beyond Tragedy, which featured actress Dame Judith Anderson. In 1971, the guild officially incorporated. Mayor Gunnar Norberg and Weston, recognizing the theater's cultural significance and historical value, rallied the community to a preserve the theatre. In 1972, to raise funds for the Theater's preservation, Norberg and Weston staged their first full production of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.

In 1984, Pacific Repertory Theatre (PacRep), originally called GroveMont Theatre, started producing classics, children's theater and musicals on the outdoor stage, beginning with Jeffers' Medea. PacRep reactivated the Carmel Shakespeare Festival in 1990. PacRep continued to stage productions at the Forest Theater every September and October, expanding into August in 2000. Meanwhile, over the last decades of the 20th century, the Forest Theater Guild produced over 20 plays, including Moon for the Misbegotten and Long Day's Journey into Night. In 2005, PacRep presented the theater's highest-attended production, Disney's Beauty and the Beast; more than 10,000 people bought tickets.

In 1997, the guild began Films in the Forest, a series of first-run movies, classic feature films, and documentary film screenings.

2011 to present

In 2011, following the closure of the CET, the City of Carmel awarded the year-round lease of the indoor theater at Forest Theater to PacRep for its educational program, the School of Dramatic Arts. On April 23, 2014, the facility was shuttered due to health and safety issues caused by years of deferred maintenance. On May 5, 2014, the city council declared a "cultural community emergency" and planned to reopen the theatre as soon as possible. In January 2015, anticipating delays in the renovations, the city announced that the reopening of the theatre would be postponed until 2016, and the theater companies cancelled their upcoming seasons. After a contentious design period, a two-phase project was approved by the city council. Phase 1 addressed the safety and ADA compliance requirements, while phase 2 was planned to upgrade the concessions and restroom facilities, and make other improvements. In June 2016, the theater reopened and began performances again, including The Wizard of Oz and Twelfth Night.

In 2017, the nearby Sunset Center signed a 30-year lease with the city of Carmel to manage the site. In 2019, the Forest Theater Guild, announced that Sunset Center management had drastically cut back the guild's 12-week season, offering only 12 dates at the historic theatre for film presentations, and no dates for their theatrical productions. The Guild asked the city council to intervene. In 2020, the venue was once again closed, this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the Sunset Center sought an early end to their 30-year lease agreement. The city of Carmel solicited proposals for a new organization to manage the venue. In August 2021, the theater reopened with a seven-week run of Shrek, put on by PacRep.

In early 2022, the city of Carmel entered into a lease with Pacific Repertory Theatre for the nonprofit to manage the venue for the next five years, with a five-year renewal option. The Forest Theater Guild was designated an "historic user". The venue continues to host events produced by the Forest Theater Guild, Pacific Repertory Theatre, the Monterey Symphony, as well as other small arts organizations, films and civic events.

See also

Notes

  1. The California State Library has a collection of images from the theatre's plays.

References

  1. ^ Bostick, Daisy F.; Castelhun, Dorothea (1977). Carmel at Work and Play. Seven arts. p. 68. Retrieved 2022-04-05.
  2. ^ Michael Williams (1912). "The Forest Theater at Carmel". Pacific Monthly. p. 319. Retrieved 2022-08-04.
  3. ^ Irene Gaasch (1976-07-15). "A long and glorious history". Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. p. 4. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  4. Vincentelli, Elisabeth. "Small-Town Theaters Worth the Trip", Wall Street Journal, August 16, 2018
  5. "Biblical Drama Is Given Under Garmel Pines". The San Francisco Examiner. San Francisco, California. 10 July 1910. p. 3. Retrieved 2022-08-03.
  6. ^ Edwards, Robert W. (2012). Jennie V. Cannon: The Untold History of the Carmel and Berkeley Art Colonies, Vol. 1. Oakland, Calif.: East Bay Heritage Project. pp. 49, 124, 144, 179, 191, 197, 201, 326, 346, 360–61, 364, 381, 414, 465, 495, 500, 502, 523, 528 547, 587, 595, 609, 617–18, 621, 627, 653–54, 671. ISBN 9781467545679. A facsimile of Vol. 1 is posted on the Traditional Fine Arts Organization website ("Jennie V. Cannon: The Untold History of the Carmel and Berkeley Art Colonies, vol. One, East Bay Heritage Project, Oakland, 2012; by Robert W. Edwards". Archived from the original on 2016-04-29. Retrieved 2016-06-07.).
  7. Monterey Daily Cypress: 29 May 1910, p. 1; 19 June 1910, p. 1; 19 July 1910, p. 1; and Barman, Jean. Constance Lindsay Skinner. University of Toronto Press, 2002.
  8. "Carmel Pleased With Its Play". The San Francisco Call. San Francisco, California. 11 Jul 1910. p. 12. Retrieved 2022-08-03.
  9. Letter to Richard N. Palmer from Herbert Heron, June 12, 1963. Harrison Memorial Library, Herbert Heron Collected Papers.
  10. "Written Historical And Descriptive Data" (PDF). Historic American Landscapes Survey Pacific West Regional Office National Park Service. Oakland, California. Retrieved 2022-07-09.
  11. "Fairy Play in Forest Theater. The Land of Heart's Desire Is Given by the Carmel Club". The San Francisco Call. San Francisco, California. 24 Sep 1911. p. 18. Retrieved 2022-03-12.
  12. San Francisco Examiner: April 27, 1913, p. 45; May 25, 1913, p. 46; June 29, 1913, p. 44; July 27, 1913, p. 71; August 17, 1913, p. 35.
  13. "Man From Home Will Son be Here" (PDF). Carmel Pine Cone. Camel, California. 4 Aug 1915. Retrieved 2022-03-14.
  14. Christian Science Monitor, July 25, 1916, p. 6; San Francisco Chronicle, June 25, 1916, p. 21; and The Wasp, July 8, 1916, p. 11.
  15. "20th-Century California Photographers". Pat Hathaway Photo Collection. Retrieved 2022-07-14.
  16. "Browse All for Josselyn, Lewis". California Revealed. Retrieved 2022-07-09.
  17. "Carmel Woods Sale July 22". The San Francisco Examiner. Francisco, California. 15 Jul 1922. p. 9. Retrieved 2021-01-04 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. "Carmel Woods takes shape and sell well, Serra honored with statue" (PDF). The Carmel Pine Cone. 2019-09-20. p. 31. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-12-19. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  19. "Forest Theater Plays". Harrison Memorial Library. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. 1910. Retrieved 2022-06-22.
  20. "Rich Returns from Carmel Circus Day; Forest Theatre Elects Officers". Carmel Pine Cone. 15 September 1923. p. 1. Retrieved 2022-04-21.
  21. Hal Garrott (1928-12-14). "A Profane History of Carmel". Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. p. 6. Retrieved 2022-10-14.
  22. ^ Cf. Letter to Palmer, June 1963.
  23. "Forest Theater Plays". Harrison Memorial Library. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. 1910. Retrieved 2022-06-22.
  24. "Former Production of Inchling Recalled as Revival Approaches". Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. 21 Aug 1936. p. 7. Retrieved 2022-09-09.
  25. "Forest Theater in Final Report". Carmel-by-the-Sea, California: Carmel Pine Cone. September 25, 1946. p. 4. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
  26. Carmel City Council resolution 671, April 15, 1937
  27. ^ "Historic Context Statement: Carmel-by-the-Sea" (PDF). ci.carmel.ca.us/. The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea. 9 September 2008. Retrieved 17 December 2019.
  28. Lawson, William R. Achievements, Federal Works Agency. Work Projects Administration, Northern California (1940), p. 89.
  29. "David Prince to head newly organized Forest Theater Guild." May 9, 1949. Harrison Memorial Library, Nixon File Forest Theater #11.
  30. ^ "Forest Theater a 'bohemian grove' for Shakespeare fans – Page 2 of 2". The San Francisco Chronicle. August 2, 2011.
  31. "Forest Theater given support", Monterey Peninsula Herald, August 4, 1966.
  32. Nichols, Kathryn M. "40… and still going strong", Monterey County Herald, September 7, 1999.
  33. "Cole Weston Elected President; Forest Theater Guild Maps Ambitious Program", Monterey Peninsula Herald, July 29, 1971
  34. Brownfield, Mary (February 4, 2011). "PacRep beats out Guild for chance to lease kids' theater" (PDF). Carmel Pine Cone. pp. 2A.
  35. Nickerson, Roy. "Is Forest Theater's usefulness outlived?" Monterey Peninsula Herald, June 2, 1971.
  36. "Forest Theater Guild Celebrates Elected President", Monterey Peninsula Herald, August 3, 1971
  37. "Forest Theater Guild". GuideStar. Retrieved 17 December 2019.
  38. "Gunnar Norberg 1907-1988". Carmel Pine Cone. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. 18 August 1988. pp. 1, 3. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  39. "Forest Theater". Carmel-by-the-Sea, California: Carmel Pine Cone. July 6, 1972. pp. 11–12.
  40. Blum, Terry (January 2002). "Spotlight On Carmel Stephen Moorer". Mctaweb.org, Monterey County Theatre Alliance. Archived from the original on 2008-10-04. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
  41. Engle, Ron, Felicia Hardison Londré, and Daniel J. Watermeier. Shakespeare Companies and Festivals: An International Guide, entry on Carmel Shakespeare Festival by Philip Clarkson, Greenwood (1995) ISBN 978-0313274343
  42. "Pacific Repertory Theatre" Archived 2008-09-26 at the Wayback Machine, Theatre Bay Area website, accessed July 23, 2009
  43. "A Theater with Countless Stars". www.montereybayadventures.com.
  44. "Films in the Forest at Outdoor Forest Theater". The Monterey County Weekly. 30 May 2013. Retrieved 2022-09-14.
  45. Brownfield, Mary (February 4, 2011). "PacRep beats out Guild for chance to lease kids' theater" (PDF). The Carmel Pine Cone. Vol. 97, no. 5. pp. 2A, 28A. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 22, 2012. Retrieved 2012-02-07.
  46. Delsol, Christine (2 August 2011). "Forest Theater a 'bohemian grove' for Shakespeare fans". San Francisco Gate. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  47. Ryce, Walter. "Inspectors shut down Forest Theater as an 'unsafe structure.'" Arts & Culture Blog, Monterey County Weekly, April 24, 2014.
  48. Mazur, Jacqueline (May 6, 2014). "Plans underway to reopen Carmel's Forest Theatre". KSBW.
  49. Ryce, Walter. "The city of Carmel announces the Forest Theater will not reopen this summer, but in 2016." Arts & Culture Blog, Monterey County Weekly, January 29, 2015.
  50. "Archives". pacrep.org. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
  51. ^ Marino, Pam (12 December 2019). "The Forest Theater Guild faces possible closure after losing its namesake stage for live shows". The Monterey County Weekly. Retrieved 17 December 2019.
  52. ^ Argueza, Marielle (26 February 2021). "Sunset Center officially wants out of managing the historic outdoor Forest Theater". Monterey County Weekly. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
  53. Argueza, Marielle (23 March 2021). "A new life for the Forest Theater is in sight. Carmel wants your thoughts". Monterey County Weekly. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
  54. Chappellet-Lanier, Tajha (24 September 2021). "Performing arts are back. But putting on a show is not as simple as it once was". Monterey County Weekly. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
  55. Popęda, Agata (28 February 2022). "Carmel set to finally sign a lease with PacRep for the Forest Theater". Monterey County Weekly. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
  56. Conrad, Caitlin (2016-06-24). "Forest Theater in Carmel reopens". KSBW. Retrieved 2018-08-28.
  57. Herrera, James (3 April 2023). "Music in the Forest Concert Series to kick off with VTC fundraiser for its Music Therapy Room". Monterey Herald. Retrieved 10 September 2023.

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