Independent Shakespeare Co.

Their free Shakespeare performances at the old Griffith Park zoo are synonymous with summer. The stage is set up in the middle of a gently sloping lawn, which means that pretty much any seat is a good seat. Go about an hour early, pack a picnic, spread out a blanket, pop some wine and relax with friends. The founder (this British guy who is always one of the main characters) is a phenomenal talent and always keeps the audience roaring with laughter. They have tons of performance dates throughout the summer and put on at least two different plays per season. (The rest of the year, they stage productions in Atwater.)