The Forest Theatre, located on the eastern side of UNC-Chapel Hill campus has been around for 100 years. The outdoor amphitheater borders Battle Park — home to 93 acres of land and trails. William Coker, botany professor at the university originally recommended the location of the theatre back in 1916. Coker’s building proposal led to the 1918 construction of the open-air theatre, situated conveniently downhill from the Coker Arboretum.

The newly formed Carolina Playmakers had its beginnings at the theatre. The ensemble put on their first performance just a year after the theatre’s completion, in celebration of the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. The campus resident theatre company is now a nationally recognized ensemble, successfully developing new playwriting talent.

The Forest Theatre was later reconstructed in 1940 with funds from the Works Projects Administration. An English landscaper, Albert Bell, was hired for the project’s redesign due to his previous work in Virginia. Further improvements were made in 1948 to create what we know the theatre as today.

The outdoor theatre is on the face of a hillside and made almost entirely of local stone. You can access the theatre through a pathway off of Country Club Road. Stone retaining walls surround the theatre creating a semi-enclosed border. The entrance has two stone rooms on either side that act as ticketing booths for the theatre. The amphitheater is filled with sand, and stone seating that descends, stadium-style towards the stage. The Forest Theatre is surrounded by woodland creating a naturalistic setting — being one with nature.

The open-air theatre continues to provide a creative space for outdoor entertainment. The annual Paperhand Puppet Festival is held in the theatre every summer between August 3 and September 3. The theatre is also available for weddings providing a picturesque backdrop for the ceremony and photographs. The Forest Theatre is currently managed by the North Carolina Botanical Garden.

Related Stories
‹
Indoor Venues of Chapel Hill Respond to Challenges Introduced by Pandemic
Indoor venues in Chapel Hill have pursued changes in appearance and operations in response to the challenges introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, these venues are preparing for an ease in certain COVID-19 restrictions as more of the country becomes vaccinated. Since the Chelsea and Lumina theaters were forced to close last March, each have […]
Talking Culture: 'Macbeth' at PlayMakers, Today and Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
Aaron welcomes Ron Menzel and Vivienne Benesch, a real-life couple who are co-starring in "Macbeth" at PlayMakers Repertory Company.
The Evening News: Interstate Chase, UNC Policy Change, Basketball Wins
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the evening news. Included in this edition of the news, we learn of a couple of crime stories including a multi-county high-speed chase and a customer fighting off an armed robber at a gas station. We also preview tomorrow's election by checking early voting totals and hearing from Tom Jensen on a missing set of endorsements this cycle. We hear from Chancellor Lee Roberts on a policy change at UNC, and more. In sports, a big weekend for both basketball teams leads into an important march, and more.
Chapel Hill: Weaver Dairy Road Developments, Black History Recognition, Legion Road Update
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, February 26. She discussed the news of a Barnes and Noble coming to University Place later this year. She also talked about the recent Town Council meeting, which saw a recognition of Black History Month, and approval of a couple of developments on Weaver Dairy Road. She also gave an update on the Legion Road property, and more.
The Evening News: Barnes and Noble at U-Place, Extending Pedestrian Trails, UNC Gymnastics
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we learn of a Barnes and Noble Bookstore coming to University Place. We also hear a story on the future of multi-model paths on Estes Drive Extension. We check the local government meeting schedule and early voting totals, and more. In sports, we hear a Carolina Connection story on the UNC Gymnastics team, check other results from Tuesday, and more.
UPDATE: Man Reported Missing to Chapel Hill Police Found After Short Search
UPDATE: An OC Alerts message shared at 8:51 p.m. said Amit Desai was safely located. The Chapel Hill Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in locating a missing person. Police officers say 51-year-old Amit Desai was last seen around 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Circle K gas station at the intersection of East […]
Barnes & Noble Bookstore Coming to University Place in 2026
The bookstore Barnes & Noble will open at University Place in Chapel Hill later this year, the shopping center said in a release Wednesday. The announcement was made while also detailing four other new businesses at the complex. Three of those businesses have already opened: the SWTHZ fitness center, VEG Emergency Vet and H&H Bagels. […]
On Air Today: Supporting West Chapel Hill Businesses Through Street Construction
Lapin Blue owner Mike Benson, Baxter Bar and Arcade owner Nick Stroude, and Franklin Real Estate's Sammy Martin spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, February 24. They discussed some of the challenges facing Midway area businesses with recent construction on Rosemary St. They highlighted the appeal of the Midway district's locally owned businesses and "old Chapel Hill" vibe, and more.
The Evening News - Early Voting, Community Spend Week, Tar Heel Basketball
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we learn the latest in early voting totals, a story on Community Spend Week, a restaurant closure in Carrboro, and more. In sports, both basketball teams get weekend wins, while the men's team preps for a Monday night matchup against Louisville, and more.
On Air Today: 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com Social Media Manager Henry Taylor
The Hill and Chapelboro.com Social Media Manager Henry Taylor spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, February 23. He discussed weekend activities, including watching the last events of the Olympics. He also talked about some upcoming social media projects involving behind-the-scenes looks at 97.9 The Hill, staff member pets, and more.
›