Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Broad Stage

    4.3 (91 reviews)
    Closed • 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM

    The Broad Stage Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Broad Stage

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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!

    See all

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Doreen M.
    1061
    2124
    39000

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nick A.
    1443
    1017
    7942

    9 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tess M.
    994
    924
    2005

    15 years ago

    Helpful 21
    Thanks 0
    Love this 23
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Randy B.
    3979
    4098
    5906

    14 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eddie C.
    1045
    801
    5261

    17 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ai M.
    100
    2254
    9168

    18 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dev R.
    250
    1041
    3862

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jen K.
    1299
    468
    79149

    18 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Brian U.
    0
    2129
    128

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sarah Y.
    137
    267
    16

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Min T.
    416
    2154
    544

    16 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Broad Stage

    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.”

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Music Venues 2,632 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    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(94 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    SMP is a great neighborhood playhouse with an exciting variety of shows. I've been to several so…read morefar including My Jewish Wedding, My Lawyer is an Angel, The Hebrew Hillbilly, Author, Author! Sholom Aleichem and an improv comedy show. I had a great time at the shows and there were meet and greets with the talent afterwards with snacks and wine(at some shows). I'm an actor/photographer and writer myself and appreciate this fine cultural venue keeping live stage productions going while the public is getting so distracted by internet social media. Prices are very reasonable, I usually pay around $25 for a ticket. Highly recommended.

    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.

    Photos
    Santa Monica Playhouse - The actors backstage

    The actors backstage

    Santa Monica Playhouse
    Santa Monica Playhouse

    See all

    Morgan-Wixson Theatre - Stage

    Morgan-Wixson Theatre

    4.4(69 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    The Morgan-Wixson Theater is located in Santa Monica. Parking is on the street, but mind the signs…read more You can park without any problem right down the street at the Family Clinic for free anytime and it is not a long walk at all. This is a not for profit and it has professional actors, kids and armatures. It is small and there is not a bad seat in the house. Most of the staff are volunteers so be nice. You can order from their website. It has a great selection of plays, from kids plays (called the YES program) to musicals and some very serious plays. We have been so many times and have never seen a bad play and if you have a kid, it is a must you take them there. The prices are so fair and they a little snack bar inside. There is nothing not to like about this theater. It has nice places to eat nearby and it is a great area.

    RENTERS BEWARE!!! Not reliable management. The theater…read moreitself is nice. But our dance studio had horrible experience with administration multiple years. 2026 was the worst experience. We reserved theatre for our concert a year in advance. They kept refusing to send us contact (like previous years), probably waiting for some bigger renter to offer them something more. 3 DAYS BEFORE OUR RENTAL THEY CANCELLED ON US! We had to find a new theater, change program, rearrange performances, reprint all tickets/booklets,posters, tell 40 families to change time and location of the event. This was the most stressful experience ever. It's too bad. We were ready to rent their theater every year. And we have rented twice before, having same problem- no contract till last minute! Bill(William) is not responsive. You will call, text, email and have no response. If you're up to get your hair turn grey while dealing with them, go for it.

    Photos
    Morgan-Wixson Theatre - In The Heights - July 2023

    In The Heights - July 2023

    Morgan-Wixson Theatre - Wild Party stage set

    Wild Party stage set

    Morgan-Wixson Theatre

    See all

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

    Baron Brown Studio

    4.4(107 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    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

    Photos
    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

    See all

    Joanne Baron

    Ruskin Group Theatre Co. - Marcia Cross in Honour

    Ruskin Group Theatre Co.

    4.6(34 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    I went to the Ruskin Group Theatre to see a play called "Grangeville," written by Samuel D. Hunter,…read moredirected by John Perrin Flynn, and starring Tim Cummings and Jeff LeBeau, the show's only two performers. I'd heard great things about this play, both from a friend and from the L.A. Times, and was excited when it extended its run long enough for me to catch it. After a few of these extensions, the run is coming to an end on September 21. If you have any interest in theater, I'd urge you to go see it while you can. It's an amazing show, absolutely top tier, and the tickets are only $45. I got three tickets for a Sunday afternoon performance, and since the theater was small and the tickets all the same price, I put us in the middle of the first row. We arrived a few minutes ahead, which gave us just enough time to buy bottled water before going in. The theater had around 60 seats across four rows, and I imagine all of them were pretty great. My husband and friend were a little worried about being front and center, but the seats were fantastic. It was an incredibly intimate theater experience, especially with just those two actors owning the stage. I loved everything about this production, only the second staging of "Grangeville," after its off-Broadway premiere last year. It was on par with the very best shows I've seen at the bigger theaters around town, and much better than the average. Incredible talent in every department. I'd never heard of the Ruskin Group Theater before, but now I'll pay attention to whatever comes through. Not every show can be this good, but it's clearly a theater that can attract serious players.

    I came here with my dear friend to watch an author, Nicca Ray, to read from her book Love &…read moreCigarettes she had such an interesting story about her life. I had NO idea this place even existed! Met some amazing people and artists. You must check it out and see this hidden gem in Santa Monica to see what type of venue they have going on. So surprised I've lived here for so many decades and this is here! Plenty of free parking.

    Photos
    Ruskin Group Theatre Co. - Rehearsal time!

    Rehearsal time!

    Ruskin Group Theatre Co. - Booth Self Tapes Ruskin School of Acting

    Booth Self Tapes Ruskin School of Acting

    Ruskin Group Theatre Co.

    See all

    The Broad Stage - musicvenues - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...