WELCOME
Welcome to the historic Forest Theatre Guild, a nonprofit community theater group. Tracing our roots to one of the original founders of the Forest Theatre and the Forest Theater Society, the Forest Theatre Guild offers a wide diversity of movies, community events and workshops.
VOLUNTEER WITH THE FOREST THEATER GUILD
Want to experience a production first-hand?
Become a volunteer!
Volunteers needed for:
NOW PLAYING
Mermaids’ Lament
Friday, June 28 – 8:30PM PDT
Barbie
Thursday, June 27 – 8:30PM PDT
The Freshman
Saturday, June 1 – 8:30PM PDT
Over 70 years of community theatre… don’t let this one be our last!
Please join the community as it rises to keep the Forest Theater Guild a vibrant and relevant part of our history. April 27, 1950 is the officially recorded date of incorporation of the Forest Theater Guild, founded by Herbert Heron and others. Our founder was instrumental in the creation of the Outdoor Forest Theater in the early 1900’s, the Forest Theater Society, and the Forest Theater Corporation. Lack of public interest and support led to a hiatus in production during the ’60s, but it was revived by the enthusiastic and passionate leadership of Cole Weston in the early 70’s. Weston, a theater Arts major, successful, cultural director and now more well known for his photographic art, saved the theater from becoming a city public works yard.
The Guild has produced fabulous plays and events, and had wonderful talent on stage and behind the scenes to mentor, share, and entertain. The Guild has provided a place for those who want to learn, share and grow, and provide opportunities not readily available elsewhere. We have happily produced and co-produced with many other community-minded theater groups and individuals.
During the pandemic, some forms were filed incorrectly, and as a result, our non-profit status was compromised. We have been working to fix those errors, and, with the help of volunteers, we have updated our website and are working on an accurate social media presence. Our goal of being a more relevant organization for the upcoming generations is underwayI
The Guild has produced fabulous plays and events, and had wonderful talent on stage and behind the scenes to mentor, share, and entertain. The Guild has provided a place for those who want to learn, share and grow, and provide opportunities not readily available elsewhere. We have happily produced and co-produced with many other community-minded theater groups and individuals.
During the pandemic, some forms were filed incorrectly, and as a result, our non-profit status was compromised. We have been working to fix those errors, and, with the help of volunteers, we have updated our website and are working on an accurate social media presence. Our goal of being a more relevant organization for the upcoming generations is underwayI
TESTIMONIALS
”What a great venue! The Carmel Forest Theater’s “FILMS IN THE FOREST” show classic films and documentaries on the big screen – all OUTDOORS, at night under the stars! You can watch the sunset through the trees and sometimes they have mini-bonfires burning. Dress in layers (however, some nights are fabulous, weather-wise) and bring a blanket for your bum. Seating is on wooden ‘bleacher-type” seats. Season for outdoor films runs short. A great experience for all.”
”Forest Theatre Guild does so much for our community. Not only preserve one of the oldest outdoor theaters in the United States, but also promotes culture and events for the greater Carmel community by providing low cost entertainment options in a living museum-Outdoor Forest Theater. The Board and Staff are community members who only want to make this a better place through culture and history. Thank you Forest Theatre Guild!”
”I’ve only just performed at this venue one time so far, but it is absolutely fantastic. They put on great productions, and I love to see a theater in the area actually embrace the “community” part of community theater.”
”I’ve worked with the Forest Theatre guild since 1990 and am an ardent supporter. Not being very rich all I’ve been able to afford to give is my time. The programs that I’ve participated in have always stressed the community connection and the support of younger artists. Early on we provided an apprentice program for budding Stagehands and Designers. As time moved on the programs became more young performer/audience oriented. As a member of the Board in the 2000’s the Guild faltered and there was fear of its ultimate demise, but the Board reorganized and obtained the services of a volunteer Executive Director who embodies all of the qualities of the Guild’s mission statement, and who pulled it out of the mire and back into its purpose. Now they are once again the community’s theatre, not competing with more commercial or educational theaters, but choosing and producing programs that directly benefit the people that live in the area. They truly deserve all of our support.”
”We made a 3 hour drive to see Ride the Cyclone. What a wonderful idea. The performers were wonderful and gracious. They were patient with the fans. Yes, there were girls lined up for autographs. Thank you to the woman who took my daughters Playbill and collected staff autographs for those still backstage. Every single person was amazing. We will be back.”
”Saw The Hunchback of Notre Dame here several weeks ago (it was phenomenal!), and was pleasantly surprised by this little outdoor theater. Despite it appearing fairly small, it hold a surprisingly decent number of people comfortably, about 400 or so I believe. The woodsy ambiance fully captures the essence of Central California – pine trees and other grandiose trees line the perimeter, and intermittent (albeit sometimes constant) coastal fog drifts in and out of the theater and tree tops as well.
There is a well-stocked concession stand, but they welcome outside food and alcohol, which we took full advantage of. Parking is somewhat limited and you need to be very careful when parking in the neighborhood, as it is completely residential and there are a decent amount of parking limitations in the immediate vicinity.”
There is a well-stocked concession stand, but they welcome outside food and alcohol, which we took full advantage of. Parking is somewhat limited and you need to be very careful when parking in the neighborhood, as it is completely residential and there are a decent amount of parking limitations in the immediate vicinity.”
WAYS TO SUPPORT
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