John Anson Ford Park

Has anyone ever felt the pull of history beneath their feet? Here at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, that pull is strong. This isn’t just a stage. It’s a time capsule nestled in the Cahuenga Pass. Originally called the Pilgrimage Theatre, the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre was built in 1920. It was the brainchild of Christine Wetherill Stevenson. She envisioned the rugged beauty of this pass as the perfect backdrop for her play, “The Pilgrimage Play.” The original wooden structure, sadly, met its end in a 1929 brush fire. But like a phoenix from the ashes, a new theatre emerged in 1931. This time, it was built from poured concrete, designed by William Lee Woollett to resemble the gates of Jerusalem. The Pilgrimage Play returned, gracing the stage until a 1964 lawsuit brought its run to a close due to its religious themes. The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre continued to evolve. In 1971, an 87-seat indoor black box theatre was added beneath the main stage. The amphitheatre itself boasts 1,200 seats. The name changed in 1976, honoring Los Angeles County Supervisor John Anson Ford for his tireless support of the arts. This isn’t just a place to see a show. The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre is a testament to the enduring power of art and the dedication of those who champion it.