The ‘old Forum Theater’ was built on the site of the World War I Memorial Grove in the 1970s. Constructed mostly of wood, the outdoor amphitheater was not well used following the turn of the century and had largely succumb to the elements when it was finally removed in 2016 to facilitate the revitalization and reconstruction of the Memorial Grove.

The last time the theater was used for performances was in 2009, with prior programming “intermittent at best” according to Assistant Commissioner of public works and Parks Rob Antonelli.

The Worcester Shakespeare Company made use of the venue in 2009, performing “Hamlet” and “The Comedy of Errors” in 2009 after the Redfeather Theater Company folded leaving them without performance space. Reportedly, crowds of 1,200 to 1,400 attended the 2009 performances

The Green Hill Park Coalition had helped to maintain the amphitheater for more than 20 years, but ultimately advocated that the Forum Theater didn’t belong in the Memorial Grove. Green Hill Park Coalition President Brian McCarthy contended, in 2016, that the existence of the theater created a public safety issue due to its poor condition.

Sources:

“Final Act for Theater at Worcester's Green Hill Park.” telegram.com. Worcester Telegram & Gazette, October 12, 2016. https://www.telegram.com/news/20161012/final-act-for-theater-at-worcesters-green-hill-park.

Kotsopoulos, Nick. “Exit Stage Left: Theater in Worcester's Green Hill Park May Be Demolished.” telegram.com. Worcester Telegram & Gazette, May 6, 2016. https://www.telegram.com/article/20160505/NEWS/160509403.

Staff, Sun. “Editorial: A Quiet Exit from Worcester's Cultural Stage.” worcester.ma. The Worcester Sun, October 15, 2016. https://worcester.ma/2016/10/editorial-a-quiet-exit-from-worcesters-cultural-stage/.

Destruction of the theater, 2016, Photo Credit: Brian McCarthy — Destruction of the theater, 2016, **Photo Credit**: Brian McCarthy

The Forum Theater

Park Spirit of Worcester, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization operating in Worcester, MA.