Morgan-Wixson Theatre

Morgan-Wixson Theatre, home of the Santa Monica Theatre Guild, is a thriving local theatre on Pico Boulevard. The guild formed in 1946, and since that time it has been providing quality entertainment and a valuable art to the community. In 1947, James Dean played a role in The Romance of Scarlet Gulch, put on by the SMTG. The Morgan-Wixson Theatre building has housed the SMTG since 1966. 

The theatre celebrated its 64th season in 2009-2010 with a line-up of A Chorus Line, Urinetown, Run For Your Wife, The Little Dog Laughed and The Actor's Nightmare & Sister Mary Ignatius Explains it all for You. Each season features five plays, both musical and non-musical, for the community's enjoyment.

The theatre seats 201 audience members, and if you're coming to watch a show here, there's not a bad seat in the house. The building has a rich history, and attendees will easily feel part of the action. Ushers are friendly and welcoming, and you can purchase tickets on line by calling the box office or at the door before the performance you wish to attend.

The theatre is a nonprofit organization, which means it thrives due to its volunteers and its financial support from members. Money from ticket sales only brings in 70 percent of the theatre's operating costs. Volunteers are needed for set construction, sounds, lights, props, publicity, mailings, ushering and more. To find out how to volunteer with Morgan-Wixson, click here.

Membership has its perks at Morgan-Wixson. An individual membership costs $35, and you'll receive a single admission to each of the five productions and an invitation to Geoffrey Award Ceremony that takes places annually in December. Members must be a part of three productions per season and come to at least three membership meetings annually. Family and youth memberships are also available.

Children are an integral part of the community at Morgan-Wixson. Y.E.S., or the Youth Education/Entertainment Series, caters to young actors between the ages of 8 and 18. This season of Y.E.S. included Too Many Frogs, The Stinky Cheese Man, A Wrinkle in Time, Many Moons and the 14th Annual Youth Musical A Winter's Tale. Y.E.S performances are normally Saturday and Sunday during the production season.

Auditions typically occur 8 to 10 weeks before a production opens; check the website or BackStage West. 

- by Jessica Bates, Santa Monica Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jessica Bates

Jessica is a freelance journalist residing in lovely southern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and journalism. She writes for a green living publication, which she thoroughly enjoys. Once upon a time she was an editorial board member for Steel Toe Books choosing poetry manuscripts for publication.