The Broad Stage
A 499-seat theater at Santa Monica College, renowned for its intimate setting and exceptional acoustics, hosting drama, music, and dance.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
The Broad Stage
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 499-seat theater at Santa Monica College, renowned for its intimate setting and exceptional acoustics, hosting drama, music, and dance.
"The theater is super comfortable and feels intimate even sitting in the balcony."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for the attached lot. Street parking is an option but can be competitive. Ride-sharing is recommended!
🪑 Seat Comfort
Seats are generally comfortable, but some find them a bit snug. Consider your comfort needs when choosing seats.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 462 reviews
Type
Performing Arts Theater
Website
broadstage.orgHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intimate Seating Experience
Main Theater
Enjoy a close-up view of performances in a 499-seat venue that feels both intimate and grand.
Exceptional Acoustics
Main Theater
Experience crystal-clear sound that enhances every note, whether it's music, drama, or dance.
Diverse Performance Calendar
Main Theater
From ballet to soul concerts, discover a wide range of captivating shows for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Parking
Understand the Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Tips for parking at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage on a Friday night?
It's my first time attending a performance tonight at Broad Stage, and I'm not super familiar with Santa Monica (I moved to Orange County for work recently from the east coast). Their website says there's a parking lot attached with limited spaces, otherwise it's free for all…
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for the attached lot. Street parking is an option but can be competitive. Ride-sharing is recommended!
🪑 Seat Comfort
Seats are generally comfortable, but some find them a bit snug. Consider your comfort needs when choosing seats.
🎶 Amazing Acoustics
The sound quality is consistently praised, making any performance a delight for the ears.
🥂 Lobby Refreshments
Grab a drink or snack at the small cash counter in the lobby, but note they aren't allowed inside the theater.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for the attached lot. Street parking is an option but can be competitive. Ride-sharing is recommended!
🪑 Seat Comfort
Seats are generally comfortable, but some find them a bit snug. Consider your comfort needs when choosing seats.
🎶 Amazing Acoustics
The sound quality is consistently praised, making any performance a delight for the ears.
🥂 Lobby Refreshments
Grab a drink or snack at the small cash counter in the lobby, but note they aren't allowed inside the theater.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Broad Stage is praised for its intimate atmosphere, excellent acoustics, and diverse programming, offering a high-quality artistic experience. However, some patrons have raised concerns about potential issues with inclusivity and selective enforcement of venue policies, alongside minor notes on seat comfort.
"First time going there, amazing acoustic and very nice scene. Although it seems an intimate setting, they can still sit a large crowd. We have been there to attend the Nutcracker ballet, and the experience was fantastic.
They do offer a large parking and we had no issue to find a spot."
Guillaume Bourcy
"On April 27, 2025, I attended Ellis Hall’s “Ambassador of Soul” concert at The BroadStage in Santa Monica. What should have been an evening celebrating Black musical heritage instead exposed a much older problem: venues eager to profit from Black culture while quietly marginalizing Black and Brown patrons.
I have lived directly across the street from The BroadStage for 15 years. I know this community well. I attended expecting to be welcomed as a neighbor. Instead, while speaking in a normal conversational tone — fully consistent with the ambient noise of the venue — my Latino friend and I (I am Black) were approached by a white staff member and told to “keep it down.” Meanwhile, white guests around us spoke, laughed, and moved freely without interruption. The selective enforcement was unmistakable.
This was not a lecture, a poetry reading, or a classical recital demanding silence. It was a soul concert — a genre born of vitality, connection, and human expression. Yet somehow, our presence, no louder than the room itself, was treated as a disturbance needing management.
The BroadStage advertises itself as inclusive. What unfolded made it clear that inclusion here is conditional. Black artistry is welcome on the stage; Black and Brown guests, it seems, are tolerated only if they remain silent and invisible.
The BroadStage may excel at optics. It fails at respect. For anyone who values cultural integrity — or who simply expects to be treated with basic dignity — there are better places to invest your time and trust. The surface here is polished, but what lies underneath is not."
Larry
"I had the pleasure of attending KCRW's Left, Right and Center at The Broad Stage. The place is beautifully designed inside and out and overall feels as classy as the name it boasts. The theater is super comfortable and feels intimate even sitting in the balcony. Honestly, the whole experience was outstanding and I look forward to visiting again soon. There is a small cash counter with drinks and snacks that can be enjoyed in the lobby area, but not inside the theater."
Grant Jack
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Broad Stage is located at Santa Monica College. You can reach it by car, with parking available on-site and on surrounding streets. Public transportation options, including bus routes, also serve the area. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient routes.
There's an attached parking lot with limited spaces, and street parking is also available. It's advisable to arrive early, especially for popular shows, or consider ride-sharing services.
The website mentions free street parking, but the attached lot may have fees or restrictions depending on the event. It's best to check the specific event details or arrive early to secure a spot.
Yes, Santa Monica College is accessible via several bus lines. Consult the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus or LA Metro schedules for routes and times that serve the college campus.
Many visitors recommend using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to avoid the stress of finding parking, especially for evening performances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets directly through The Broad Stage's official website, which usually lists the most up-to-date calendar and availability.
Ticket prices vary significantly depending on the performance. It's best to check the specific event page on The Broad Stage's website for current pricing information.
The Broad Stage hosts performances at various times. Check their official calendar for specific show dates and start times. The box office hours may vary.
Refund and exchange policies are typically set by the venue and the specific event promoter. Review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact the box office for details.
While The Broad Stage is a classy venue, there isn't a strict dress code. Most attendees opt for smart casual attire, but it's always a good idea to check if a specific performance has a recommended dress code.
🎫 🎦 Onsite Experience
The Broad Stage has a seating capacity of 499, offering an intimate viewing experience for all attendees.
The seating is generally comfortable and offers good views of the stage, even from the balcony. However, some patrons have noted that the seats can be a bit snug.
The balcony provides a great vantage point and maintains the intimate feel of the theater, offering clear views of the stage.
The venue is designed to be accessible. It's recommended to contact the box office in advance to discuss specific needs and seating arrangements.
The atmosphere is generally sophisticated and appreciative of the arts. However, some patrons have reported instances of selective enforcement of noise policies.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a small cash counter in the lobby offering drinks and snacks. However, these are not permitted inside the theater itself.
Outside food and beverages are generally not allowed inside the theater. It's best to consume any items in the lobby area before the performance begins.
Being located at Santa Monica College, there are dining options on campus and numerous restaurants in the surrounding Santa Monica area, offering a variety of cuisines.
Typically, you can expect standard concession items like water, soda, and perhaps some pre-packaged snacks. It's a cash-only counter, so be prepared.
Given the limited options inside and the desire to enjoy the performance without interruption, eating before your show at a nearby restaurant is often recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies vary by performance. Generally, non-flash photography might be allowed during certain parts of a show, but it's crucial to check with ushers or signage for specific rules.
No, flash photography is almost always prohibited during performances at The Broad Stage to avoid distracting performers and other audience members.
The lobby area, with its elegant design, offers great photo opportunities before or after the show. The stage itself can also be visually striking.
Similar to photography, video recording is usually prohibited during performances to protect intellectual property and ensure an uninterrupted experience for all.
Visitors often share photos of the theater's interior, the stage setup, and sometimes candid shots of the audience enjoying the performance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit