Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

This move indoors and the time change is due to ongoing rain expected through Friday, preventing audio and electrical set-up, as well as student rehearsals planned for Friday in advance of the Saturday concert.

Barnum Hall seats 1,200, and the stage is smaller than the Greek Amphitheatre, requiring the move indoors and change to have each group perform in their own time block.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased online or at the door www.stairwayofthestars.org. Tickets are good for any or all of the shows.

This is the 74th year that the  Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) will present the Stairway of the Stars program, known in the community as a musical extravaganza highlighting the outstanding music education programs, and showcasing the talents of students from every school in the district. Nearly 900 elementary, middle, and high school students will “star” in the combined “Stairway of the Stars” concerts.

This year, the guest conductors will be our own talented teachers, although we will have high school conductors conducting middle school and middle school conducting elementary, so students can become acquainted with their future teachers and conductors.

2025 Stairway Honor Award: Senator Ben Allen

Senator Ben Allen will receive the 2025 Stairway Honor Award, which will be presented during the 3 p.m. show. Senator Allen was elected in 2014 and now represents the 24th District covering the Westside, Hollywood, South Bay, and Santa Monica Mountains communities of LA County. Senator Allen is a graduate of Santa Monica High School and served as a student school board member and was elected to the SMMUSD Board of Education, prior to his senatorial service.

All tickets are non-refundable, general admission. Parking available in the Civic Center parking structure on 4th Street at Civic Center Drive with exit validation tickets offered at the box office. All SMMUSD staff will receive one free ticket with their badge. www.stairwayofthestars.org.

We encourage you to attend as many shows as you wish to get the full Stairway experience. We will have food trucks outside serving savory foods as well as hot and cold beverages throughout the evening. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your flexibility and understanding. Thank you in advance for supporting our talented student musicians!