SeeCalifornia.com

TOPANGA, CALIF.–Founded by a McCarthy era actor who was blacklisted as a  communist sympathizer, Will Geer (Grandpa on The Waltons)  brought together his family of theatre actors to form a non-profit corporation, The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. Since its 1970s inception, thousands of students have visited the Topanga Canyon venue to meet “William Shakespeare” as part of their history lessons, and the public has attended  plays and concerts featuring Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Della Reese & Burl Ives, among others.

This summer Theatricum Botanicum’s outdoor amphitheater, terraced into the hillside of the rustic canyon, features classic William Shakespeare as well as contemporary plays. Starting June 8, 2013,  A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is performed most weekends through September 28, 2013.  Taming of the Shrew (photo above) also launches on June 8. Other plays and entertainment include Off the Grid Comedy, Merlin, Tone Clusters, The Royal Family and Under the Oaks variety stage performances.  See theatricum.com