Theater Vanguard

Originally a union meeting hall owned by the Beverly Carpenters' Association, it had been taken over in 1953 by the Stage Society, a community theater organization whose members included Jeff Corey, Strother Martin, Cloris Leachman, and “COMMUNITY” regular Richard Erdman. The Stage Society organization ceased performing in 1963, but the venue continued to host plays.

Then in 1973, Judith Thomas Stark took over and renovated the space, and turned into a non-profit performing arts space named Theater Vanguard. While still mostly a live venue, it frequently screened movies considered avant-garde, including works by Kenneth Anger and Werner Herzog, as well as revivals and festival events. After the passage of Proposition 13, which cut property tax revenues, Theater Vanguard announced they would close due to lack of funds.

In the years since, the space has been used as a salon called Rumors, and as headquarters for the Velvet Hammer performance troupe. Right now (October 2023) it appears to be vacant.

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