The Broad Stage
1 / 10

The Broad Stage

4.7
·462 reviews·Santa Monica, United States

A 499-seat theater at Santa Monica College, renowned for its intimate setting and exceptional acoustics, hosting drama, music, and dance.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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The Broad Stage

The Broad Stage

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.7
(462 reviews)

"The theater is super comfortable and feels intimate even sitting in the balcony."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intimate Seating Experience

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

Exceptional Acoustics

Main Theater

Experience crystal-clear sound that enhances every note, whether it's music, drama, or dance.

Diverse Performance Calendar

Diverse Performance Calendar

Main Theater

From ballet to soul concerts, discover a wide range of captivating shows for all ages.

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Planning Your Visit

Arrive Early for Parking

Parking at The Broad Stage can be tricky, especially on busy nights. The attached lot has limited spaces, so arriving early is key. If the lot is full, street parking is available but can be competitive. Consider ride-sharing for a stress-free arrival.

Understand the Vibe

While The Broad Stage aims for inclusivity, some patrons have reported feeling marginalized. Be aware of the venue's atmosphere and consider the type of performance when planning your visit. Check reviews for specific event experiences.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Family-friendly shows
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Tips for parking at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage on a Friday night?

🚗 Parking Strategy

Arrive early for the attached lot. Street parking is an option but can be competitive. Ride-sharing is recommended! Reddit

🪑 Seat Comfort

Seats are generally comfortable, but some find them a bit snug. Consider your comfort needs when choosing seats. Reddit

🎶 Amazing Acoustics

The sound quality is consistently praised, making any performance a delight for the ears. Reddit

🥂 Lobby Refreshments

Grab a drink or snack at the small cash counter in the lobby, but note they aren't allowed inside the theater. Reddit

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! Reddit

🪑 Seat Comfort

Seats are generally comfortable, but some find them a bit snug. Consider your comfort needs when choosing seats. Reddit

🎶 Amazing Acoustics

The sound quality is consistently praised, making any performance a delight for the ears. Reddit

🥂 Lobby Refreshments

Grab a drink or snack at the small cash counter in the lobby, but note they aren't allowed inside the theater. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(462 reviews)

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

Amazing acoustics
Intimate setting
Diverse shows

What People Dislike

Inclusivity concerns
Tight seating

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Many visitors recommend using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to avoid the stress of finding parking, especially for evening performances. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🎦 Onsite Experience

The Broad Stage has a seating capacity of 499, offering an intimate viewing experience for all attendees. Reddit

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. Reddit

The balcony provides a great vantage point and maintains the intimate feel of the theater, offering clear views of the stage. Reddit

The venue is designed to be accessible. It's recommended to contact the box office in advance to discuss specific needs and seating arrangements. Reddit

The atmosphere is generally sophisticated and appreciative of the arts. However, some patrons have reported instances of selective enforcement of noise policies. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

No, flash photography is almost always prohibited during performances at The Broad Stage to avoid distracting performers and other audience members. TikTok

The lobby area, with its elegant design, offers great photo opportunities before or after the show. The stage itself can also be visually striking. Instagram

Similar to photography, video recording is usually prohibited during performances to protect intellectual property and ensure an uninterrupted experience for all. TikTok

Visitors often share photos of the theater's interior, the stage setup, and sometimes candid shots of the audience enjoying the performance. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Broad Stage offers a variety of family-friendly shows, making it a great option for an outing with children. The intimate seating ensures that even younger audience members can get a good view of the performance. TikTok The venue's excellent acoustics mean that dialogue and music will be clear and engaging for kids. Reddit

When planning your visit, check the calendar for specific family programming. Consider arriving a bit earlier to allow children to adjust to the environment and to grab any available lobby refreshments. Reddit While the seats are generally comfortable, be mindful that they might feel a bit snug for some children, so factor that into your planning.

🎭 Arts Enthusiasts on a Budget

For those who appreciate the arts but are mindful of their spending, The Broad Stage can be a good option, especially if you keep an eye on their calendar for less expensive performances or special offers. TikTok While ticket prices vary, the quality of the performances and the intimate venue experience often provide good value. Reddit

To maximize your budget, consider attending weekday performances, which may have lower demand and potentially more accessible pricing. Reddit Also, take advantage of the free street parking if available, or factor in the cost of ride-sharing if that's your preferred method of transport. Reddit Bringing your own snacks is not allowed, but the lobby concessions are typically reasonably priced for a theater venue.

couples seeking a sophisticated night out

The Broad Stage offers a sophisticated and intimate setting perfect for a date night. The diverse range of performances, from music to theater, provides options for various tastes. Instagram The venue's elegant ambiance and excellent acoustics create a memorable experience. Reddit

Opt for an evening performance and consider arriving early to enjoy a drink in the lobby before the show. Reddit Parking can be a challenge, so planning ahead with ride-sharing or arriving well in advance is recommended to ensure a relaxed start to your evening. Reddit The intimate seating ensures you'll feel close to the performance and each other.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Parking and Arrival

Parking at The Broad Stage can be a point of contention for visitors. While the venue advertises an attached parking lot, it often has limited spaces, leading to a scramble for spots, especially on busy performance nights. One Reddit user shared their experience of attending on a Friday night and noted the website's mention of limited attached parking and free street parking, highlighting the need for early arrival. Reddit Many attendees suggest that ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are a more reliable and stress-free way to reach the venue, bypassing parking concerns altogether. Reddit Planning to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before showtime is a common recommendation to allow ample time to find parking and get to your seat without rushing. Reddit

Beyond parking, the overall arrival experience is generally positive due to the venue's elegant design. However, it's worth noting that some patrons have shared experiences of feeling marginalized, suggesting a need for awareness regarding the venue's atmosphere and how different patrons are treated. Reddit This contrast between the polished exterior and potential underlying issues is something to consider when planning your visit.

The Intimate Performance Experience

The Broad Stage is celebrated for its intimate setting, boasting a 499-seat capacity that ensures a close connection between the audience and performers. This smaller scale contributes to excellent acoustics, making every word and note resonate clearly. Visitors frequently praise the 'amazing acoustic' quality, noting that it enhances the experience whether attending a ballet, concert, or play. Reddit The theater is designed to offer good views from various seating locations, including the balcony, which maintains the sense of closeness. Reddit

Despite the generally positive feedback on the intimate feel and sound, some reviews touch upon the comfort of the seating. While the views are good, a few patrons have mentioned that the seats can feel a bit snug, particularly for larger individuals. Reddit This is a minor point for most, but something to be aware of if you have specific comfort requirements. The overall sentiment, however, is that the venue excels at providing a high-quality, immersive artistic experience due to its thoughtful design and acoustics.

Understanding Patron Experiences

While The Broad Stage is often lauded for its artistic programming and beautiful venue, it's important to acknowledge the diverse experiences of its patrons. Some reviews highlight a feeling of inclusivity and a welcoming atmosphere, with visitors enjoying the diverse range of performances. Reddit The venue's design and acoustics are consistently praised, contributing to a positive overall impression for many. Reddit

However, a significant review detailed a negative experience involving alleged selective enforcement of noise policies, where Black and Latino patrons felt unfairly targeted compared to white guests. Reddit This account raises concerns about the venue's commitment to true inclusivity beyond just programming. While this is a single detailed account, it's a perspective that potential visitors might want to consider when evaluating the overall patron experience at The Broad Stage. It suggests that while the stage itself may be welcoming, the on-the-ground experience for all patrons might not always align with the venue's advertised inclusivity. Reddit

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