The S. Mark Taper Foundation has granted Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum $125,000 to help produce its 2021 and 2022 repertory seasons.
“[The theater] has been a repertory company for 47 years, and every summer we look forward to presenting socially-relevant, artistically excellent Classical and New American plays in repertory,” wrote Artistic Director Ellen Geer in the announcement. “In nearly 50 years, 2020 was the first year we have ever had to cancel. We have missed you all so much!”
Theatricum began as a small workshop of classical plays with educational sessions and has grown to a summer repertory union theater with intern opportunities for all ages and a year-round Academy of the Classics with educational curricula serving Los Angeles and beyond.
“The S. Mark Taper Foundation often guided us, talked to us, advised us about our next steps, and asked us what we needed,” Geer writes. “They saw and understood our mission of creating a company of actor-educators who pass on their techniques and service to a community. The believe and knowhow important all arts are to a society and its people, and they put that belief into practice every day with their good works.
“The freedom afforded by the Foundation’s remarkable generosity will allow Theatricum to build on our exemplary track record to create our most daring, diverse, entertaining, culturally and artistically significant repertory seasons yet.
“While the best and safest way to produce theater in the summer of 2021 remains to be seen and decided, we know we will be here together under the oaks again. “Thank you, S. Mark Taper Foundation.”
