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The Broad Stage

4.3 (91 reviews)
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Doreen M.

Beautiful venue, has 2nd floor, side balcony seating, and large bathrooms. A lot of free parking too. Enjoyed a classical concert and look fwd to more. Good acoustics. This is part of SMC campus I think.

a podium with a speaker on it
David C.

Despite living on the West Side most of the last 30 years, I've never heard of this place before. I think it's part of Santa Monica College. I went to see Fran Liebowitz be interviewed and answer audience questions. The place was comfortable and nice. Unfortunately, they still require masks for all attendees even though the mandate was removed months ago. That makes it uncomfortable. Also, you don't want to sit on the side up close. I was in the second row all the way on the last seat on the left, and it was very difficult to understand the audio at first. In fact, the woman next to me, said she couldn't understand anything, got up, and left. I seemed to adjust to it, and ultimately it was fine. It's a small theater and good for a small speaking event.

Auditorium from the stage
Daniel W.

One of the best venues in Los Angeles. Beautiful theater, varied and first rate programming, huge free parking lot. They combine to make the Broad stage a great place to enjoy the theater. If you ever have a chance to see the "Improv theater" you will be amazed and delighted by their completely improvised plays in styles such as Jane Austen.

Nick A.

I'll start out with the good stuff and then explain why I decided to give it two stars. The good: Free parking. Easy online ordering and only a $4 service fee per ticket. Ticket pickup at Will Call is easy. Theater staff is friendly and helpful. Comfy seats. Easy to see over the person in front of you. Great lighting. Beautiful theater. I'd say that's a solid 5-star start, but here comes the not so good. My main gripe is the sound mixing was horrible.I specifically went to hear her one of my favorite vocalists, Bettye Lavette, but what I got was a nice mix of her band who sounded great, but almost inaudible vocals by the twice Grammy nominated vocalist. OK, yes, I could hear the vocals, but they weren't clear and not nearly loud enough.The instruments overpowered her voice. When Ms. Lavette addressed the audience between songs there were no adjustments made for when she'd lower her voice. What a shame. So much of the show is the performer's rapport with the audience. The audience was very stuffy and her attempts to connect were thwarted by sir mix not enough back in the booth. It really baffles me how they can mess something up as simple as adjusting the volume on a microphone. Speaking of the booth, they kept the bright lights on in the sound booth on during the first three songs. It really ruined the ambiance of the nicely lit theater. Another thing is there is absolutely no chance of being able to get up and leave during the show if you have to unless everyone in the row stands up. There is zero room to get by someone. That's the way it is in a lot of theaters, though. The cheap seats for this event were $73 including the service fee. It's not exorbitant, but it's way too much to pay for rookie errors in the sound booth. Maybe I just caught an off night and someone new was running the sound. Maybe it wasn't even someone from the theater running the sound. I might give The Broad Stage another go sometime. it's a beautiful theater and the staff is cool. Hopefully, I can add back a couple stars.

Box 2, right of stage
Terry P.

Beautiful venue with excellent acoustics! The venue offers ample free parking too, which is so rare now. The ticket counter is outside the venue and although the old lady that processed our transaction was snooty and had no personality, we didn't let her bother us. We were pleasantly greeted at the door by a friendly guy and the experience went up from there. We sat in box seat number two, to the right of the stage and the view was fantastic. Overall a great experience with the performance and acoustics. We will definitely be back.

Metal collage by Tony Berlant.
Tess M.

"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home." ~Twyla Tharp Eli and Edythe Broad's http://www.smc.edu/forms/news.asp?Q=25 philanthropy equals art for all. Make that music, theatre or even culinary; the reason I finally experienced The Broad Stage and Santa Monica architect, Renzo Zecchetto's art, http://www.architecture-buzz.com/the-broad-stage-renzo-zecchetto-architects/. http://www.archrecord.construction.com/projects/bts/archives/perform/09_BroadStage/ Yup, it was grub, KCRW's Global Street Food event, http://www.kcrw.com/events/global-street-food that un-bookmarked this venue. Now, I can't help but wonder what it would be like to enjoy dance, a play or a concert here. Must find out soon!

Randy B.

What a beautiful and contemporary venue, and just a block in-between Wilshire and Santa Monica...who knew? Not me -- I've never seen it before. Pronounced "Brode", it has free parking, too. That's a nice first impression as compared to anywhere else you'll go to see a performance, let alone, grabbing a coffee anywhere in Santa Monica for that matter. Outside: wood, metal, glass [http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/FRxImtYRRorEfXBWq9MYHQ?select=RVe0DQNzQzxMj0iaFkbjHg#RVe0DQNzQzxMj0iaFkbjHg]. Inside: a narrow lobby the width of the theater, with a small amount of appropriate books and CD's to fit the night. A small bar with coffee, tea, soft drinks, casual snacks, and then offset with a barrel of cheese with crackers ($8, feed a family). On March 22, an event promoted by Westside Connections "2" with, none other than, special guest Jonathan Gold. I was most excited! Billed as "The Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic joins concertmaster Margaret Batjer, who both curates and hosts the series, for an evening of delectable music and conversation." Food and music, together in one night? Actually, it was a 3-week series...I just missed the other two! Honestly, this combination of music and food together, is the most sweetest and tastiest as it's gonna get! The Performers: ----------------------- Elissa Johnston, soprano; Timothy Andres, piano; Margaret Batjer, violin; Allan Vogel, oboe; Armen Ksajikian, cello; Patricia Mabee, organ; Jeffrey Kahane, piano; Sarah Thornblade, violin; Roland Kato, viola; Joshua Ranz, clarinet; David Everson, horn The Program: ------------------- * Bach "Ich esse mit Freuden" ("I eat with joy"), from Cantata No. 84 * Bernstein La Bonne Cuisine-Four Recipes for Voice and Piano * William Bolcom Lime Jello Marshmallow Cottage Cheese Surprise * Timothy Andres Sorbet * Dohnányi Sextet in C major for Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Clarinet and Horn, Op. 37 I don't think I've seen "Chamber Music" live before. It's romantic, and this venue is perfect for it. I loved it. And, this my friends, features AMAZING talent. The seating area: ------------------------ Stunning. A perfect 499 capacity, it's intimate. With its amazing sound, and it is truly a wonderful place to see a musical performance. Having 3rd row tickets, center, didn't hurt my impression. Plus, it has the most beautiful wood floor [http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/FRxImtYRRorEfXBWq9MYHQ?select=RVe0DQNzQzxMj0iaFkbjHg#PhxjsuZSb_nq5ZXidf7XgQ]. Post-Performance: -------------------------- A Q&A with Jonathan Gold, Margaret Batjer (Violinist, Host), Jeffrey Kahane (LACO Music Director), it was really fun as they discussed, and answered questions on the idea of a themed night (such as this), and the love of both food and writing. [http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/FRxImtYRRorEfXBWq9MYHQ?select=RVe0DQNzQzxMj0iaFkbjHg#MmN1qpG224QxOeq72DpN2g] I got a chance to meet Mr. Gold, tell him how much I appreciate and enjoy his writing, and had him endorse his new book, Counter Intelligence: Where to eat in the Real Los Angeles", he signed it "Tacos Forever, Jonathan Gold." Yep, love this guy. Conclusion: ----------------- I can't wait to go back! Encore! Encore!

Eddie C.

This is a great venue. While it is not as cozy as a jazz club, I recognize that there gotta be some concert venues that will fit a larger crowd. The Broad Stage is Santa Monica College's performing arts center but it is located about a mile from the main campus. This is a beautifully designed facility. As I pulled into the parking lot (free parking), the concert hall is a blend of modern architectural designed warmed with large furniture grade wood panels. This design continues through the building and into the intimate yet spacious concert hall. We came here this past weekend to hear Hiroshima ($20 tickets got us front row center) and I almost felt the same excitement and connection with th group as I had in the days when they use to play outdoor noontime concerts at UCLA's Ackerman Union. So now Hiroshima have grown up and moved up to playing 1st class venues like the Broad Stage. I would guess most of their followers at their noon time concerts also moved along the parallel evolutionary paths. Then again for $20, it is within the reach of most - which is what Jazz is all about.

branded napkin
Ai M.

I sat in the second row among 80 other people but I didn't need earplugs. My ears aren't ringing [the lighting was also great]. My boyfriend and I showed up an hour early just in case there was a line for The Bird and the Bee concert in The Edye Second Space. Our tickets were checked at the door then we were directed to tables of complimentary bottled water, coffee, and cookies. I was disappointed that the art gallery wasn't open. Recording isn't allowed so no cameras (cell phones must also be turned off). The performers weren't elevated because its a black box space. This is a rehearsal hall devoted to an experimental program. To save paper, the program was projected on the wall. We drove around the block because we missed the entrance to the parking lot and the rest of the gates were blocked for filming tomorrow.

Dev R.

Oh my God, where has this theatre been hiding? EXCELLENT! Awesome parking area right in front of the theatre. Interesting folk working the box office, but it is what it is. Helpful folk as ushers. GREAT building decor. Usual exorbitant prices for theatre snacks. Good row seating inside. Excellent sound, lighting, and acoustics. I will search this place out just to see what's playing here. Good job Broads!

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11 days ago

Lovely venue with world class artists, excellent acoustics, and outstanding visibility from every seat in the house.

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7 years ago

Beautiful Venue. Great Staff and a lot of parking.

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Review Highlights - The Broad Stage

Free parking on the lot, but I suggest you park on the outer edges for ease of parking and leaving.

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Santa Monica Playhouse - First horror at the SM Playhouse. 18+. October 25 at 8 pm and October 26 at 4 pm, 2025

Santa Monica Playhouse

4.2(93 reviews)
0.5 mi

We have been to the Santa Monica Playhouse now at least 20 times. We take our special needs…read moregrandson and he loves it. He is 19 now and loves the kid's play as much as he did when he was 3. The Playhouse is located in a great area in Santa Monica and there are a lot of eateries and places to walk. The 3rfd St. Promenade is just a block away. Parking is easy in the public parking lot right across the street, it is for a small fee. All of the kid's plays are great and our grandson has not missed one yet. They also do holiday themed plays. The prices are great, this is one of the last places you can take a kid and not spend more than 18$ a ticket and often less. The staff is the nicest. It is not for profit and the entire staff and actors work for free. They also have Birthday parties. The place is small and adorable you will love it.

My experience with the playhouse has been incredible. I been producing a play that is coming out…read morethis weekend-October 25,2025 at 8 pm and October 26, 2025 at 4 pm. It's the first horror to appear at the theater. Due yo the graphic nature and adult content it's 18+. I been communicating with Evelyn vis email snd have been working with George. Both of them so fantastic!!! Our play is part of the benefit series for their "save the main stage" campaign. The actors are phenomenal and been practicing for s month to bring madness with this play,right before Halloween!!! There is a pay parking facility across the street and meter parking up front. Very proud to be part of a little history on the theater world and glad its at the SM Playhouse.

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Santa Monica Playhouse - The actors backstage

The actors backstage

Santa Monica Playhouse
Santa Monica Playhouse

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Illusion Magic Lounge - lounge interior

Illusion Magic Lounge

4.2(431 reviews)
0.5 mi
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Illusion Magic Lounge - Magic by the Sea was such a fun experience for all ages and absolutely…read moreworth the visit! The night starts in an intimate bar setting where you get to enjoy strolling magic up close, which immediately pulls you into the experience. From there, you move into a smaller room for a pre-show performance that builds anticipation before heading into the main theater area. The setup was done incredibly well. The seating in the main show area was perfectly arranged and angled so everyone had a great view no matter their height or where they were seated. There really isn't a bad seat in the house. The overall atmosphere had a very intimate, Magic Castle-style feel that made the entire experience feel special and immersive. Every part of the night felt thoughtfully designed and added to the magic of it all. We had an amazing time and are already looking forward to going again!

Jon Armstrong was impressive in his tricks and absolutely hilarious when engaging the crowd. The…read moreage group of the audience was quite extreme. It's really all ages type of show. The magician said he works in Disney cruises he was mostly keeping it PG. While exiting some of us were told if we wanted to see more magic to go another room. We of course were curious and went with . The room was much smaller. This time I was a bit closer to see the magic tricks that I gasp. The illusion on how we were being tricked was amusing. Not knowing what to expect my friend and I decided to stay for the evening event which was as a burlesque show. Adding the show was only 15 dollars . The ladies had an amazing performance along a live band which was quite entertaining. The hostess was extremely funny she was the best part of the burlesque show. Drinks were good only I was a little bit confused at first since the bartender showed me menu when I asked for the cocktails then when I asked for one she told me she wasn't making them but could put them in for me pointed at a guy next to her. I assumed she was putting them in since she said she could but no big deal we're waiting during intermission to add our drinks until the guy made them. One thing to add you can drink inside during both show. The difference was that during the burlesque performance there was someone inside ready to take drink orders and bring them to the seat . During the magic show you have to wait until intermission to get a drink .

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Illusion Magic Lounge
Illusion Magic Lounge - Bar

Bar

Illusion Magic Lounge - Soju cocktails available in the bar!

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Baron Brown Studio - Now Enrolling - Info@baronbrown.com

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4.4(105 reviews)
0.2 mi
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49 years in business

Baron Brown Studio has profoundly changed the way I view and approach acting. Studying here for 2…read moreyears has built me a strong foundation of understanding and confidence that allows for consistency in creating art from all aspects of producing a project. Additionally the community of artists, from students and teachers I've come across made the journey so much fun even during challenging times. I am forever grateful to this studio for bringing me a new family and for being apart of this artistic legacy!

I've trained with this studio for many years, and it remains the most raw and rewarding experience…read moreI've had as an actor. The work here has grounded my craft, giving me the tools to deliver consistent, truthful performances with precision and depth. The level of live inner work and authenticity cultivated at this studio is truly unmatched in Los Angeles. While many studios focus on advancing career actors, Baron & Brown guides you from the fundamentals all the way through the most advanced levels of performance and production. I've taken the full program twice and revisited the six-week and first-year courses multiple times. Acting is a lifelong practice, and whenever I've found myself feeling lost or stagnant, this studio has always reconnected me to the core of my craft -- to truth, presence, and self. Special thanks to: Elaine, DW, staff, & Joanne

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Baron Brown Studio - Tom Hanks with Joanne Baron and DW Brown listening to speech from playwrite John Patrick Shanley, at Alumni Ceremony

Tom Hanks with Joanne Baron and DW Brown listening to speech from playwrite John Patrick Shanley, at Alumni Ceremony

Baron Brown Studio - 2013 Alumni Ceremony

2013 Alumni Ceremony

Baron Brown Studio - Joanne Baron

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Joanne Baron

Geffen Playhouse - Seeing DRAGON MAMA

Geffen Playhouse

4.3(227 reviews)
3.9 miWestwood, UCLA

A hidden gem. Let's jump right into this review…read more The Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles is a renowned, non-profit theater known for intimate productions of classic and contemporary plays, new works, and educational programs. Two main spaces, the 500-seat Gil Cates Theater and the smaller Audrey Skirball-Kenis Theater. My son and I attended a play - Table 17 and sat in the balcony box of the Gil Cates Theater. Box seats $139pp Pros 1. Very nice venue. An intimate space with every seat being a good seat. Great acoustics also. 2. Bathrooms are clean and grounds are well-kept. 3. Small bar area that sells food items and drink, including alcohol. 4. Patio area and seating in the lobby if you arrive early. Doors usually open 1 hour before showtime. Theater doors open 30 minutes before curtain time. Cons 1. Parking can be a challenge but not impossible. Metered street parking. Use the text to pay function because you can add additional time from your phone and receive reminders via text when your time is about to expire. There are also paid parking lots within walking distance. Prices will vary. I was impressed with Geffen Playhouse and will definitely be back. BTW - Table 17 was an amazing play - funny, thought provoking, and an attention grabber.

Still a great venue for great performances. Great staff & great intimate room with great comfort…read moreseat. Love the courtyard for drinks prior & intermission period. Big and clean restrooms. Great refreshment choices. Parking can be tricky, you can park in the garage next door for pay, or street parking for pay (depending on the hours of the day & day of the week), or you can park in neighborhood street parking (free) couple blocks away. The venue is close by market with food vendors or nearby restaurants and museum. Really enjoy every time I'm here seeing a play.

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Geffen Playhouse - Entrance

Entrance

Geffen Playhouse - You see the misspelled word - Baseball not Basketball (look at the cursive writing)

You see the misspelled word - Baseball not Basketball (look at the cursive writing)

Geffen Playhouse - Table 17: Amazing cast & play 12.6.25

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Table 17: Amazing cast & play 12.6.25

The Broad Stage - musicvenues - Updated May 2026

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