Our Story

OUR STORY

Spark Off Rose™ is a spoken word series at The Powerhouse Theatre in Santa Monica. Each month we invite seven people to write and perform personal narratives (read: true stories from their lives) inspired by a chosen theme. Because the topics lend themselves to such varied interpretations, the theme links stories in a unique way that audiences love to follow while also providing continuity to each evening. Many have compared the series to the popular radio show, This American Life.

Since our beginning days in 2001, we've found that the public has a thirst for real, true stories. People are yearning to hear others talk about their personal experiences, in the spirit of oral tradition, and our space cultivates an authenticity that is inspiring. As a result, we often present storytellers who have never before been on stage, and who, in writing and sharing their stories, reveal their most intimate selves — candidly, humorously, and with heart. Most participants are not professional writers. For us, it's about great stories, and most of the time they write themselves.

In 2007, the City of Santa Monica, Cultural Affairs Division recognized Spark Off Rose™ with a grant to produce our first audio CD in celebration of our six-year anniversary.