Council backs ADA fixes at Forum Theatre and asks arts organizations to negotiate access terms

Laguna Beach council members signaled support for immediate Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements at the Forum Theatre and directed staff and the city’s Irvine Bowl/Festival-of-Arts policy committee to negotiate access and funding agreements with arts organizations.

Consultants described modest accessibility investments — new vertical circulation (elevators/ramps/stairs) and connections between the Forum Theatre and Irvine Bowl back-of-house — with a preliminary price range of approximately $3 million–$4 million. Morris Skinderman, who said he has been working with the Forum Theatre, urged broader stage and restroom modifications as well as front-of-house accessibility to increase the venue’s use.

Council members agreed the ADA fixes are a near-term priority because the theatre is currently difficult to rent without compliance improvements. Several council members also said any city investment should be accompanied by clear access and use policies that guarantee community access and avoid unintended restrictions. The council requested that the Irvine Bowl policy subcommittee work with the Festival of Arts and other stakeholders to develop a short-term ADA fix plus a long-term plan for potential further interior improvements (acoustics, backstage expansion, rehearsal space) and cost-sharing.

Ending: Staff will pursue immediate ADA-compliance options in coordination with the Festival of Arts and return with cost-sharing and access agreements; longer-term cultural venue enhancements will be reviewed as part of a separate planning track.