The Stage Speaks

It's time to experience the power of performance with The Stage Speaks! Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience the magic of live poetry and performance in a beautiful outdoor setting. Grab your friends and family, and immerse yourself in the world of creativity and expression with Get Lit and Santa Monica Rep's youth play reading of The House on Mango Street. This stage adaptation of Sandra Ciscernos' beloved novel is about growing up and finding one's voice.

This program is offered in collaboration with Santa Monica Public Library.

Gather & Grow invites the community to spend a day relaxing and playing in Reed Park while enjoying a range of artistic experiences. There will be activities for children and adults beginning at 4pm. Each event offers a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on art making, take in the natural surroundings, and spend time grooving to music, watching incredible performances, and having fun with the whole family!

2025 GATHER & GROW SERIES:

• Saturday, July 19: ¡Viva La Cultura! A Celebration of Latine Arts and Culture
• Saturday, August 2: Rooted Together: Healing in Nature
• Saturday, August 16: Sunshine & Strings
• Saturday, September 6: The Stage Speaks
• Saturday, September 20: East Never Loses with Feminist Center for Creative Work
• Saturday, October 4: Remembering: Songs of Home, Stories of the Heart
• Saturday, October 18: Vinyl Vibes

TIME: Events start at 4:00 p.m.

VENUE: Reed Park and The Miles Memorial Playhouse - 1133 7th Street Santa Monica, CA 90403

While we highly recommend guests RSVP via Eventbrite for updates, all events are free, family friendly and do not require reservations. For events outside in Reed Park, guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, food and (non-alcoholic) beverages.

Gather and Grow programs in Reed Park are made possible by Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Third District

Info: Join us for games and activities fun for the whole family!

Info: Get ready for incredible poetry from Los Angles-based nonprofit, Get Lit! "Poetry is not a luxury. It is a vital necessity of our existence." - Audre Lorde. Get Lit’s award-winning performance troupe of youth poets have performed at the United Nations, Hollywood Bowl, Lincoln Center, and White House — to name a few! Over half of the 11 Los Angeles Youth Poet Laureates have been Get Lit Poets. They have over 300 million views on social media, and their film SUMMERTIME opened the Sundance Film Festival in 2020.

Info: This stage adaptation of Sandra Ciscernos' beloved novel is about growing up and finding one's voice. Offered in collaboration with the Santa Monica Public Library.

Host or Publisher Santa Monica Cultural Affairs