Theater Operations

The Facility Use Department coordinates and manages performances, filming and large special events by outside groups on District campuses. Our staff manages and maintains the use of the District's exquisite theatrical spaces for student productions, including Santa Monica High School's Barnum Hall and Memorial Greek Amphitheatre, along with the John Adams Middle School Performance Arts Center. Our office is self-supporting and generates revenue to maintain and enhance District facilities, including all performing arts spaces. All District theater spaces are available for rent by commercial and nonprofit organizations. Our office manages and supports these performances and special events, bringing a large variety of arts, discussions, and events to the Santa Monica and Malibu communities.

Performance Venues - Fixed Seating Theatres

Barnum Hall - Santa Monica High School
Built in 1937 by the Works Project Administration, Barnum Hall is designed in the Art Deco Streamline Moderne style. This state-of-the art medium-sized auditorium has been fully restored and renovated.
Special Features: 9-foot Fazioli Grand Piano & Wurlitzer Theater Pipe Organ
Seating: 1248: 749 orchestra seats & 499 mezzanine/balcony seats
Seating Chart: Barnum Hall Seating Chart
Technical Equipment & Ability: Full
Barnum Hall Technical Specs 

Memorial Greek Amphitheatre - Santa Monica High School
Built in 1922 as the Open Air Memorial Theatre, this Greek style classic, half-round open air amphitheatre is located four blocks from the ocean and is a great venue for concerts, pep rallies and graduations.
Special Features: 140' x 70' stage overlooking a grass orchestra section with pond accommodates everything from movie screenings to marching bands.
Seating: 3,400 on concrete risers
Technical Equipment & Ability: None, all items must be brought in for performance.

The Van Dyke Theater - Malibu High School
The Arlene & Dick Van Dyke Theater was built in the 1960s and renovated in the 1990s. It is a wonderful venue for theater performances and music concerts.
Seating: 350
Technical Equipment & Ability: Medium

Amphitheatre - Malibu High School
A contemporary, open air amphitheatre on the Malibu High School campus.
Seating: 700 on concrete risers
Technical Equipment & Ability: None, all items must be brought in for performance.

Auditorium - Lincoln Middle School
Modern theater provides a large stage and an intimate setting for plays, dance, music, and speakers.
Seating: 550 on one level
Seating Chart: Lincoln MS Auditorium Seating Chart
Technical Equipment & Ability: Medium

Adams Performing Arts Center
The Adams Performing Arts Center at John Adams Middle School offers a state-of-the art auditorium, courtyard and performance studio.
Seating: 750
This center is in partnership with Santa Monica College.

Non-fixed Seating Performance Venues

Humanities Center - Santa Monica High School
Adaptable black box theater.
Seating: Up to 160
Equipment & Ability: Medium

Dance Studio - Santa Monica High School
Rehearsal space with large dance floor and small stage.
Capacity: Up to 150

Elementary School Auditoriums
Dedicated auditorium with small stage:
Grant, McKinley & Roosevelt
Seating: Up to 200
Equipment & Ability: Minimal

Elementary School Cafetoriums
Cafeteria with small stage:
Edison, Franklin, Malibu Elementary, Rogers, Washington West & Webster
Seating: Up to 200
Equipment & Ability: Minimal