> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Santa Monica College theater proposal under public review
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-college-theater-proposal-under-public-review/
- Published: 2002-05-20T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T00:17:25.000Z
- Author: Carolyn Sackariason
- Tags: Entertainment, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*SMC asks for review on its Madison theater proposal*

Concerns over the controversial theater proposed at Santa Monica College are now being officially addressed.

About two dozen neighbors of SMC’s Madison campus gathered Saturday to offer their suggestions as to what should be included in a state-mandated Environmental Impact Report for the project.

The report will address the project’s impact on the surrounding neighborhood, including traffic, parking, access, air quality, noise, aesthetics and many other issues.

While SMC has had several meetings over the past year to hear neighbors’ concerns about its proposed 536-seat performing arts theater at 11th Street and Santa Monica Boulevard, the purpose of Saturday’s meeting was to obtain the public’s input about potential environmental impacts, project alternatives and other issues that should be addressed in the EIR.

SMC is proposing to build a new 27,100-square-foot theater and convert the existing school auditorium into a classroom and rehearsal hall. The campus is 39,540 square feet. The project would increase the campus to about 66,640 square feet.

SMC officials see the performing arts center as filling a large void on the west-side for cultural activities. In addition to lectures and rehearsals, the facility would provide a venue for theater performances, dance, chorale, symphony orchestra and guest speakers. College officials envision the facility to be the cultural center on the westside for organizations like the Los Angeles Opera to use.

Not all of the meetings between SMC officials and residents have gone well since there are several people who are vehemently opposed to the idea because it will affect their quiet neighborhood with increased traffic and noise. They also believe that the theater will draw people from all over the Los Angeles area, making available parking in their neighborhood even worse than it is now.

The project most likely will go forward regardless of opposition since state law recognizes that educational organizations like SMC don’t need approval from the city. But SMC officials say they are listening to the opposition and will do what they can to lessen the impact to residents in the area.

And while there is significant opposition to the proposal, there’s a lot of support for it, as well.

The SMC announced in March that it had raised $4.5 million toward the $15 million project. Construction could begin next spring.

The tallest point of the theater would be between 65 to 70 feet, depending on where you stand. The current auditorium is a two-story building; the new facility would be the equivalent to a four-story building.

About 300 parking spaces are proposed with the revised site plan, nine less than what is provided currently.

Residents told planners and project analysts Saturday that the height of the building doesn’t fit in with the neighborhood and they wondered whether 300 parking spaces was enough, among other concerns that will be included in the environmental analysis.

In order to receive consideration for the draft EIR, comments are due by June 14\. Comments should be addressed to: Mr. Thomas Donner, executive vice president, business and administration at Santa Monica College District, 1900 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA. 90405\. SMC asks that contact information be included in the comments.

Copies of the initial study are available at SMC administrative offices, located at 2714 Pico Boulevard, room 320, during normal business hours.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/052002-02_01.jpg)

A rendering of what Santa Monica College’s Madison Campus will look like, which includes a new theater. (Photo: Carolyn Sackariason/Daily Press)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/052002-02_02.jpg)

A rendering of what Santa Monica College’s Madison Campus will look like, which includes a new theater. (Photo: Carolyn Sackariason/Daily Press)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 20, 2002.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/052002.pdf?ref=smdp.com)