UNC and the North Carolina Botanical Garden are seeking community feedback about the future of the Koch Memorial Forest Theatre, as the facility faces millions of dollars in renovations.
The Forest Theatre is a stone amphitheater located on the edge of UNC’s campus off Country Club Road. It recently celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019. During that year, the university launched a feasibility study to work to revitalize the facility.
“The result of that process is a bold vision for the theatre as a place that integrates new technologies, enhances program support, and provides universal accessibility while retaining the timeless, understated, and naturalized quality of this campus gem,” the North Carolina Botanical Garden wrote on its website.
The university previously held community workshops about Forest Theatre operations at the end of June. Some recommendations from the study and workshops were for more accessible paths, handrails, drainage infrastructure and new safety features.
Additionally, there are plans for enhancing the performance space like adding a stage canopy, increasing storage and back of house facilities as well as upgrading the lighting and sound systems. The goal is for these additions to provide protection from all weather but also be reversible if need be.
Rendering via North Carolina Botanical Garden.
Rendering via North Carolina Botanical Garden.
Rendering via North Carolina Botanical Garden.
The Forest Theatre is home to many different types of events from various community groups whether it be Paperhand Puppet Intervention, Movies Under The Stars or a student-led performance of “Much Ado About Nothing.”
The first performance held in the space was in 1916 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. Frederick Koch, the founder of Carolina Playmakers (now Playmakers Repertory Company), would later develop the location into a permanent performance space. The Forest Theatre was given Koch’s namesake in 1953.
When Playmakers Repertory Company moved to mainly indoor spaces, the outside theater was seldom used. Management of the space was transferred to the Botanical Gardens in 2004.
“In 2012, a grant enabled the Garden to enhance the electrical capacity of the stage, but there are many more improvements necessary to allow Koch’s vision to flourish, including drainage issues, repairing the lighting towers and other structures, and improving lighting and sound infrastructure,” the North Carolina Botanical Garden wrote about the 100th anniversary of the space. “As we look to the next 100 years of Forest Theatre, the Garden will be working with with campus and community partners to sustain Koch’s dream of outdoor performances.”
To complete the community feedback survey, click here. The survey closes July 24.
Featured Photo via UNC.
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