Arts & Theatre

The BFF Binge Fringe Festival of FREE Theatre! What’s on for SATURDAY matinees?

Free as part of the Santa Monica Playhouse BFF Binge Fringe Festival of Free Theatre    |  Oct 18, 2025  |  1:00PM - 2:00PM

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.