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Join us for the 10th Annual Santa Monica Playhouse BFF Binge Fringe Festival of FREE Theatre, Oct 14 – Nov 16, the only FREE Fringe Festival in the nation, offering over 36 plays, workshops and family-oriented events. What’s on for BFF SATURDAY matinees?

Oct 18: ATYPICAL GRACE- Marilynn runs a weekly support group for parents of children struggling with learning disabilities – challenges related to ADHD, math, reading and more. These parents are as diverse as their children’s needs, but Marilynn meets them with empathy, while also exploring her own journey of forgiveness and breaking generational patterns. Written & Performed by Maria Fagan Hassani, Director, Developer & Character Coach Heather Dowling; Produced by Jessica Lynn Johnson; Acting Coach Christinna Chauncey Rated: 12+

Oct 25: WILL POWER SHAKESPEARE HOUR - The California Shakespeare Company perform scenes, sonnets and soliloquies from the greatest plays by the world-famous Bard. All ages are invited, especially students, teachers and anyone who enjoys great theatre and great literature. The show is followed by a 60-minute Shakespeare workshop. Come for the show, stay for the workshop; or just come for one or the other.

Nov 1: JANE AND THE MAGIC ALBUM– A fun and educational musical for kids and families about Jane, a girl who discovers a Magic Album that brings to life historical figures like Shakespeare, Einstein and Sally ride. Almost full, but the show also live-streams throughout the festival. Streaming link can be found at SantaMonicaPlayhouse.com – great for all ages.

Nov 8: tHis Is Very IMPORTANT – Rahvaunia Johnson’s powerful, award-winning rollercoaster of “edutainment”—emotionally raw, surprisingly funny, and deeply moving. HIV is just one part of a larger story about love, stigma, identity, and resilience. You'll laugh, cry, relate—and leave forever changed. Created, Written & Performed by Rahvaunia Johnson. Directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson Rated 16+

Binge on Theatre this Fall – give your couch a rest!

Santa Monica Playhouse programs are supported in part by generous grants from the We Are Santa Monica Fund, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Arts Commission, the Ahmanson Foundation and Playhouse PALS.

Meet Me at the Museum: Community Portraits by Star Montana is a free, two-day event in celebration of the farmworker and migrant communities that make up the Central Coast region of California. Join Los Angeles-based artist Star Montana to participate in representing the beauty and diversity of our community in celebration of the people who sustain us all. Photography is sacred, and everyone deserves a beautiful portrait with their family, friends, pets, or by themselves.

“It would be my honor to photograph you, capture your magic and make memories.”
— Star Montana

Participants will receive one free 4 x 6 inch (10 x 15 cm) printed photograph per session, and an optional digital copy to an email address provided at the event. The photograph will be available the same day, after a wait time of up to 30 minutes. All participant information is confidential. Photography will remain private unless the participant agrees to share their image publicly. Hosted at the Art, Design & Architecture Museum at UC Santa Barbara, this event is presented in conjunction with the exhibition Mexican Prints: The Garcia-Correa Collection, on view at the AD&A Museum until December 7, 2025.

Star Montana is a photo-based artist who lives and works in Los Angeles, CA. She was born and raised in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of East Los Angeles, which is predominantly Mexican American and serves as the backdrop to much of her work. Her work has recently been exhibited at Charlie James Gallery (2019, 2016); Residency Art Gallery (2018); LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (2018); Occidental College (2017); The Mexican Center for Culture and Cinematic Arts at the Mexican Consulate General of Mexico (2017); The Main Museum (2017); Ballroom Marfa (2017); and Vincent Price Art Museum (2016). She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Art from the University of Southern California, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the School of Visual Arts, and an Associate of Arts in Photography from East Los Angeles College

Encontrémonos en el Museo: Retratos Comunitarios por Star Montana es un evento gratuito de dos días que celebra a las comunidades de trabajadores agrícolas y migrantes que conforman la región de la costa central de California. Acompañen a la artista Star Montana, residente en Los Ángeles, para representar la belleza y la diversidad de nuestran comunidad y celebrar a las personas que nos sustentan. La fotografía es sagrada y todos merecen un hermoso retrato con su familia, amigos, mascotas o en solitario.

“Sería un honor fotografiarlos, capturar su magia y crear recuerdos.”
— Star Montana

Los participantes recibirán una fotografía impresa de 4 x 6 pulgadas (10 x 15 cm) gratuita por sesión y una copia digital opcional a la dirección de correo electrónico proporcionada durante el evento. La fotografía estará disponible el mismo día, después de un tiempo de espera de hasta 30 minutos. Toda la información de los participantes es confidencial. La fotografía se mantendrá privada a menos que el participante acepte compartirla públicamente. Este evento, que se lleva a cabo en el Museo de Arte, Diseño y Arquitectura de la Universidad de California en Santa Bárbara, se presenta en conjunto con la exposición Gráfica Mexicana: La Colección García-Correa, que se exhibe en el Museo AD&A hasta el 7 de diciembre de 2025. Star Montana es una artista fotográfica que vive y trabaja en Los Ángeles, California. Nació y creció en el barrio de Boyle Heights, en el Este de Los Ángeles, una zona predominantemente mexicoamericana que sirve de escenario a gran parte de su obra. Su obra se ha exhibido recientemente en la Galería Charlie James (2019, 2016); la Galería de Arte Residencia (2018); la Plaza de Cultura y Artes de Los Ángeles (2018); el Occidental College (2017); el Centro Mexicano para la Cultura y las Artes Cinematográficas del Consulado General de México (2017); el Museo Principal (2017); el Salón de Baile Marfa (2017); y el Museo de Arte Vincent Price (2016). Tiene una Maestría en Bellas Artes en Arte de la Universidad del Sur de California, una Licenciatura en Bellas Artes en Fotografía de la Escuela de Artes Visuales y un Título Asociado en Artes en Fotografía del East Los Angeles College.

Join us for the 10th Annual Santa Monica Playhouse BFF Binge Fringe Festival of FREE Theatre, Oct 14 – Nov 16, the only FREE Fringe Festival in the nation, offering over 36 plays, workshops and family-oriented events. What’s on for BFF SATURDAY AFTERNOONS?

Oct 18: MAFIA ANONYMOUS: THE WOMEN SPEAK - Nella leads a women’s Mafia Anonymous group — a place where secrets unravel and stories are finally spoken. Rumors have long circulated that Nella’s father did business with the Mafia. She’s here to set the record straight... or is she? Pina brings to life the voices of many, as she channels the raw, untold stories of women entangled in the shadows of organized crime — with humor, grit, and heart. Written & Performed by PINA – Fiction Based on Truth. 21+

Nov 1: RAG DOLL ON A BOMB SITE – A BFF MUSICAL SELECTION - On opening night of The Threepenny Opera, Kurt Weill demands the show be canceled—Lotte Lenya’s name is missing from the program. Desperate to perform, she relives her traumatic past through emotional songs and haunting dances. Sung. Danced. Lived. But will it be enough to change his mind? “Shelley Cooper weaves a poetic spell that really does create a sense that you’re watching Austrian-American actress Lotte Lenya make her way in 1928 Berlin.” Book, Lyrics, Composer, Choreographer & Performer Shelley Cooper; Director & Developer Kelsey Miller; Developer & Producer Jessica Lynn Johnson. 16+

Nov 8: ADOPTED BY APPALACHIANS – Featuring Special Agent Fox Mulder from The X-files to serve as mentor and partner to our young detective in her investigation, and Appalachian Queen Dolly Parton as the musical narrator, this show turns the Whodunnit genre on its head. A Mystery Solo show set in a time before DNA technology, AKA the 90's in the rural South, that follows a young detective who wants to believe in the paranormal but gets sidetracked by the real life cold case to uncover her true identity. Written & Performed by Paulina Combow; Produced by Jessica Lynn Johnson; tech/art Producer Luis Villanueva. 13+

Binge on Theatre this Fall – give your couch a rest!

Santa Monica Playhouse programs are supported in part by generous grants from the We Are Santa Monica Fund, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Arts Commission, the Ahmanson Foundation and Playhouse PALS.

Join us for a hands-on creative workshop led by Guest Artist Sondra Weiss where kindness comes to life through art and words! Children and families will design handmade cards and appreciation notes for the people who make our community special, from teachers and mentors to local helpers, favorite restaurants, and nonprofits. Using colorful collage materials and thoughtful writing prompts, we’ll craft messages that spread gratitude and joy throughout our town. Together, we’ll celebrate caring connections and help our community shine a little brighter, one card at a time. All tools and materials are provided.

You’re invited to Hospice of Santa Barbara’s 42nd Annual Light Up a Life Ceremony!


Join us for this beloved community tradition of remembering and honoring those you miss this holiday season. Each ceremony will feature speakers and special guests, entertainment, refreshments, and the lighting of a memorial tree.


Please come to one or more of our Light Up A Life ceremonies, and hang a star in memory of a loved one who has died or in honor of someone living. We encourage you to personalize your star – often people include a photo or quote to commemorate memories shared.


This year we are excited to welcome back Lois Mahalia, John Vale, Dos Pueblos Jazz Choir, and the Cold Springs School Chorus to certain ceremonies, along with cookies from Robin Himovitz and Aunt Janet’s Cookies, poetry by Perie Longo and Melinda Palacio, and other amazing speakers and guests.


We hope you can join us to celebrate and remember those we loved.


Dates and Locations:
Montecito – Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, 5:00PM - Stars sales & music program starts 30 min later, Montecito Upper Village Green Corner of San Ysidro & E. Valley Rd.
Santa Barbara – Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, 5:30PM - Star sales & music program starts 30 min later, Lobero Theatre 33 E. Canon Perdido
Carpinteria – Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, 5:00PM - Stars sales & music program starts 30 min later, Seal Fountain Linden Ave.
Goleta – Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, 5:00PM - Stars sales & music program starts 30 min later, Camino Real Marketplace Storke & Marketplace Dr.


Visit https://www.hospiceofsb.org/lual to learn more

Meet Me at the Museum: Community Portraits by Star Montana is a free, two-day event in celebration of the farmworker and migrant communities that make up the Central Coast region of California. Join Los Angeles-based artist Star Montana to participate in representing the beauty and diversity of our community in celebration of the people who sustain us all. Photography is sacred, and everyone deserves a beautiful portrait with their family, friends, pets, or by themselves.

“It would be my honor to photograph you, capture your magic and make memories.”
— Star Montana

Participants will receive one free 4 x 6 inch (10 x 15 cm) printed photograph per session, and an optional digital copy to an email address provided at the event. The photograph will be available the same day, after a wait time of up to 30 minutes. All participant information is confidential. Photography will remain private unless the participant agrees to share their image publicly. Hosted at the Art, Design & Architecture Museum at UC Santa Barbara, this event is presented in conjunction with the exhibition Mexican Prints: The Garcia-Correa Collection, on view at the AD&A Museum until December 7, 2025.

Star Montana is a photo-based artist who lives and works in Los Angeles, CA. She was born and raised in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of East Los Angeles, which is predominantly Mexican American and serves as the backdrop to much of her work. Her work has recently been exhibited at Charlie James Gallery (2019, 2016); Residency Art Gallery (2018); LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes (2018); Occidental College (2017); The Mexican Center for Culture and Cinematic Arts at the Mexican Consulate General of Mexico (2017); The Main Museum (2017); Ballroom Marfa (2017); and Vincent Price Art Museum (2016). She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Art from the University of Southern California, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the School of Visual Arts, and an Associate of Arts in Photography from East Los Angeles College

Encontrémonos en el Museo: Retratos Comunitarios por Star Montana es un evento gratuito de dos días que celebra a las comunidades de trabajadores agrícolas y migrantes que conforman la región de la costa central de California. Acompañen a la artista Star Montana, residente en Los Ángeles, para representar la belleza y la diversidad de nuestran comunidad y celebrar a las personas que nos sustentan. La fotografía es sagrada y todos merecen un hermoso retrato con su familia, amigos, mascotas o en solitario.

“Sería un honor fotografiarlos, capturar su magia y crear recuerdos.”
— Star Montana

Los participantes recibirán una fotografía impresa de 4 x 6 pulgadas (10 x 15 cm) gratuita por sesión y una copia digital opcional a la dirección de correo electrónico proporcionada durante el evento. La fotografía estará disponible el mismo día, después de un tiempo de espera de hasta 30 minutos. Toda la información de los participantes es confidencial. La fotografía se mantendrá privada a menos que el participante acepte compartirla públicamente. Este evento, que se lleva a cabo en el Museo de Arte, Diseño y Arquitectura de la Universidad de California en Santa Bárbara, se presenta en conjunto con la exposición Gráfica Mexicana: La Colección García-Correa, que se exhibe en el Museo AD&A hasta el 7 de diciembre de 2025. Star Montana es una artista fotográfica que vive y trabaja en Los Ángeles, California. Nació y creció en el barrio de Boyle Heights, en el Este de Los Ángeles, una zona predominantemente mexicoamericana que sirve de escenario a gran parte de su obra. Su obra se ha exhibido recientemente en la Galería Charlie James (2019, 2016); la Galería de Arte Residencia (2018); la Plaza de Cultura y Artes de Los Ángeles (2018); el Occidental College (2017); el Centro Mexicano para la Cultura y las Artes Cinematográficas del Consulado General de México (2017); el Museo Principal (2017); el Salón de Baile Marfa (2017); y el Museo de Arte Vincent Price (2016). Tiene una Maestría en Bellas Artes en Arte de la Universidad del Sur de California, una Licenciatura en Bellas Artes en Fotografía de la Escuela de Artes Visuales y un Título Asociado en Artes en Fotografía del East Los Angeles College.

It’s the 10th Annual Santa Monica Playhouse BFF Binge Fringe Festival of FREE Theatre, Oct 14 – Nov 16, the only FREE Fringe Festival in the nation, offering over 36 plays, workshops and family-oriented events. What’s happening on BFF TUESDAYS?

Oct 14: In How to Live Like a Millionaire When You’re a Million Short, best-selling author/presenter Marilyn Anderson provides tons of money-saving tips on entertainment, travel, shopping, fashion, health, beauty, home décor and more. Includes sumptuous opening night Wine and Sweets reception with Marilyn. 60 min. All ages. (almost full)

Oct 21: Cynthia Spierer’s moving ensemble piece, A Crack in Everything, is a tense and tender romantic drama about the cost of seeing someone clearly through a fractured wall. Directed by Eric Scott Golovan. 75 min. Rated 13+ (almost full)

Oct 28: Sonja Marie’s FREE BRICKS is a brutally honest quest for self-acknowledgement and purpose as an emotionally exhausted individual joins the rest of the population of the Black women who are disappearing due to their Ancestors rescuing them off the planet. Includes post-show Q&A with the artist. Directed by Ernie Silva. 70 min. Rated 18+

Nov 4: Warren Sata’s Encounters: The Adventures of Heroes and Heroines, Beekeepers, Babysitters and Helper – a First Look Staged Reading. 75 min. Rated 12+

Nov 11: Albie Selznick’s Letter from David – a kid’s quest to work with David Bowie. Did he succeed? Come and find out. Includes post show Q&A with the artists. Directed by Laura Maccabee. 75 min. All ages.

Binge on Theatre this Fall – a great alternative to your couch.

Santa Monica Playhouse programs are supported in part by generous grants from the We Are Santa Monica Fund, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Arts Commission, the Ahmanson Foundation and Playhouse PALS.

It’s the 10th Annual Santa Monica Playhouse BFF Binge Fringe Festival of FREE Theatre, Oct 14 – Nov 16, the only FREE Fringe Festival in the nation, offering over 36 plays, workshops and family-oriented events. What’s happening on BFF THURSDAYS?

Oct 16: STAGE MAMMA: From Child Star to Leading Lady. Award-winning actor Rheagan Wallace shares her extraordinary life with raw honesty, poignant reflection, and unexpected humor. “A virtuosic solo performance!” DoLA. Includes post-show Q&A with the artist. Rated 16+

Oct 23: Wise Ass Women from the Westside, an evening of comedic storytelling featuring Pattie Fitzgerald, Wendy Hammers and Susan Landon. Three wise (ass) women from the westside of LA share their wit and wisdom in comedic monologues, stand up bits, and stories. You’ll laugh a lot, cry maybe a little, and be grateful you are alive. Rated 16+

Oct 30: Zach Ring’s The Advocate is a “Hollywood” dramedy filled with suspense, lucky breaks and unluck consequences. Written, directed and produced by Zach Ring; featuring Rob Nagle, William Duffy Reina Guthrie, Clarissa Park, Hilary Kang Oglesby. 18+

Oct 30: Terri Silverman’s Workshop for Writers, Performers, Storytellers & Anyone Who Has Something to say. Fun writing and story-telling exercises. No experience necessary – just the willingness to have fun and take a little leap.

Nov 6: My Great Turnround: What God and Argentine Tango Taught Me About Life. Amidst a spectacular whirlwind of comedy, truth, multimedia and fabulous Argentine Tango, Ruthie Danziger and Tango Pro Daniel Ledesma answer the burning question, “Will this fiery, passionate dance be enough to reignite Ruthie’s passion and purpose in life, or will she Tango alone? Includes post-show Q&A and refreshments with the cast. Rated 16+

Nov 13: Trans Mom vs Family court: Justice Sees No Gender. A brutal custody fight. No attorney. No safety net. Just truth, love, risk and raw will. With reenactment, live looping, original music, courtroom audio,photographs and video clips, Rejyna Douglass-Whitman tells the story no one else could. Includes post-show Q&A with the artist. Winner of the 2025 Hollywood Fringe Festival Transcendent Craft and Daredevil Awards Rated 14+

Binge on Theatre this Fall – a great alternative to your couch.

Santa Monica Playhouse programs are supported in part by generous grants from the We Are Santa Monica Fund, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Arts Commission, the Ahmanson Foundation and Playhouse PALS.

Conejo Valley Folk Dancers present!

Armenian Dance Workshop
with Naomi Eshoo
Sunday, November 16, 2025 1:30 – 4:00 pm

Hillcrest Center for the Arts
403 W. Hillcrest Dr. Thousand Oaks, California
WORKSHOP FEE: $10 at the door
This workshop is open to all
E-MAIL: pdavilar@bucknell.edu

Naomi Eshoo began learning Armenian Folk dance when she was eight and joined her first dance troupe with John and Helen Bilezikjian at eleven, but her love for the music and dances began even earlier. Before she could read, her father (the late Dan Eshoo Sr.) drew a smiley face on her favorite Armenian cassette so she could find and play it whenever she wanted.

Naomi has taught at the Mendocino Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp since 2011 and particularly enjoys the “picnic” dances because of the feeling of unification they create among the dancers and the ability to dance with (reckless) abandon. She attributes her love for the dances to the memories with her father and to her teachers Tom Bozigian, Barbara Chookasian, John and Helen Bilezikjian, and Mike Solakian.

CVFD is a member of California Folk Dance Federation South and Arts Council of the Conejo Valley

2025/26 Joint Season Opener
Romeo & Juliet
Saturday, October 18 | 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 19 | 3:00 PM

Attend "Conversations with KUSC" with on-air personality Jennifer Miller Hammel
Saturday Pre-Concert Chat | 6:30-7:00 PM
Sunday Pre-Concert Chat | 2:00-2:30 PM

A love forbidden. A love immortal. The greatest moments from Prokofiev’s greatest ballet—the ardent Romeo and Juliet performed with grace and passion by dancers from State Street Ballet on the Granada stage. These concerts—and the season—begin as Nir Kabaretti and the Santa Barbara Symphony perform Shostakovich’s spirited Festive Overture and Rachmaninoff’s Men’s Dance from the Opera Aleko.

The Artists
Nir Kabaretti, conductor
State Street Ballet
Santa Barbara City College Brass

Repertoire
SHOSTAKOVICH | Festive Overture
RACHMANINOFF | Men’s Dance from the Opera Aleko
PROKOFIEV | Romeo & Juliet, Acts 1 & 2 (with dancers from State Street Ballet)

Visit for more: https://thesymphony.org/concerts-events/orchestra-concerts/state-street-ballet/