Broad Stage

Broad Stage. The Broad Stage is a performing arts venue located on the campus of Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, California. Opened in 2008, it was conceived as a cultural bridge between the college and the wider community, presenting a diverse array of music, theater, and dance. The venue is noted for its intimate acoustics and architecturally distinct design, housing two primary performance spaces.

History

The concept for the venue emerged in the early 2000s through a partnership between Santa Monica College and philanthropist Eli Broad and his wife Edythe Broad, whose foundational support was instrumental. Designed by architect Renzo Zecchetto in collaboration with the firm Moore Ruble Yudell, the facility was constructed to address a need for a mid-sized professional performing arts space on the city's westside. Its opening season in 2008 was launched with a performance by the Los Angeles Philharmonic under then-music director Esa-Pekka Salonen. The establishment of the venue coincided with significant cultural growth in the region, complementing institutions like the Getty Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Architecture and facilities

The architectural design emphasizes intimacy and acoustic excellence, with the primary auditorium, The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, configured in a classic European courtyard style. This 499-seat hall features vineyard-style seating and a unique "floating" acoustical canopy designed to optimize sound for both amplified and unamplified performances, a concept tested with consultants from the Royal Shakespeare Company. The secondary space, named the Edye, is a flexible 99-seat black box theater. The complex also includes rehearsal studios, administrative offices, and a public lobby that hosts visual art exhibitions. Its location within the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center places it near other campus facilities like the Academy of Entertainment & Technology.

Productions and programming

Programming is notably eclectic, spanning classical music, contemporary theater, world dance, jazz, and cutting-edge multimedia works. The stage has hosted renowned ensembles such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, and the Theatre for a New Audience. It has presented solo performances by artists like Audra McDonald, Joshua Bell, and Patti Luise. The venue frequently collaborates with local organizations, including the Los Angeles Opera and the Center Theatre Group, and has developed original productions that later toured to venues like the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Its annual season often includes festivals focusing on specific cultural themes or artistic disciplines.

Management and funding

The Broad Stage operates as a professional presenting organization under the auspices of Santa Monica College, with its own artistic director and management team. A significant portion of its funding comes from philanthropic contributions, including a major founding gift from Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, supplemented by support from other entities like the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. Revenue is generated through ticket sales, membership programs, and corporate sponsorships from companies such as American Express. The operating model involves close collaboration with the college's academic programs, providing learning opportunities for students in fields like Arts administration and technical production.

Impact and recognition

The venue has significantly elevated the cultural landscape of Los Angeles's westside, providing a dedicated home for sophisticated performing arts that was previously lacking. It has received critical acclaim from publications like the Los Angeles Times and has been recognized with awards from the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle. Its educational partnership with Santa Monica College has created a pipeline for emerging artists and professionals, with initiatives often supported by grants from the California Arts Council. The Broad Stage is regarded as a key player in the Southern California arts scene, alongside institutions such as the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

Category:Performing arts centers in California Category:Theatres in Los Angeles County, California Category:Santa Monica College Category:Buildings and structures in Santa Monica, California Category:2008 establishments in California