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Photos: Studio For Performing Arts LA Hosts 4th Annual LA Monologue & Song SLAM

Michael Budd took top honors at the Downtown Los Angeles event, judged by casting director M'saada Nia.

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The entertainment community gathered in Downtown Los Angeles this past weekend for a vibrant evening of networking, live performances, and industry connection at the LA Creatives Mixer and LA Monologue & Song SLAM, presented by the Studio For Performing Arts Foundation and Studio For Performing Arts LA. Check out photos of the event.

The event brought together actors, singers, filmmakers, writers, and entertainment professionals for an inspiring night celebrating emerging talent and creative collaboration in Hollywood. Guests enjoyed a high-energy networking mixer followed by the 4th annual live “LA Monologue & Song SLAM,” an interactive performance competition designed to spotlight diverse performers while helping artists make meaningful industry connections.

The evening featured a panel of accomplished entertainment industry judges including Casting Director and Filmmaker M’saada Nia, known for her work associated with projects including A Wrinkle in Time, Selma, and Grown-ish, alongside Manager and Producer Marilyn Atlas, recognized for representing performers, writers, and directors across film, television, and theatre productions ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to Broadway.

Performers took the stage presenting one-minute monologues and vocal performances in front of a packed and enthusiastic audience. The competition showcased an exciting range of talent, creativity, vulnerability, and storytelling, creating a supportive atmosphere where both emerging and established artists connected with fellow creatives and industry guests.

At the conclusion of the evening, the official 4th annual LA Monologue & Song SLAM winners were announced:
• Winner: Michael Budd
• 1st Runner-Up: Kacy Cross
• 2nd Runner-Up: Amita Batra

In addition to the competition awards, all SLAM participants received scholarships toward future Studio For Performing Arts LA programs, while audience and mixer attendees enjoyed raffle prizes and gift certificates throughout the evening. The atmosphere remained celebratory and uplifting all night long, with attendees describing the event as welcoming, inspiring, and creatively energizing.

Photos: Studio For Performing Arts LA Hosts 4th Annual LA Monologue & Song SLAM Image
Winner: Michael Budd

Photos: Studio For Performing Arts LA Hosts 4th Annual LA Monologue & Song SLAM Image

Photos: Studio For Performing Arts LA Hosts 4th Annual LA Monologue & Song SLAM Image
Cast of the 4th Annual LA MONOLOGUE & SONG SLAM

Photos: Studio For Performing Arts LA Hosts 4th Annual LA Monologue & Song SLAM Image

Photos: Studio For Performing Arts LA Hosts 4th Annual LA Monologue & Song SLAM Image

Photos: Studio For Performing Arts LA Hosts 4th Annual LA Monologue & Song SLAM Image

Photos: Studio For Performing Arts LA Hosts 4th Annual LA Monologue & Song SLAM Image

Photos: Studio For Performing Arts LA Hosts 4th Annual LA Monologue & Song SLAM Image
Cast of the 4th Annual LA MONOLOGUE & SONG SLAM

Photos: Studio For Performing Arts LA Hosts 4th Annual LA Monologue & Song SLAM Image
Audience enjoys Slam performances during the LA Creatives Mixer

Photos: Studio For Performing Arts LA Hosts 4th Annual LA Monologue & Song SLAM Image
2nd Runner-Up: Amita Batra

Photos: Studio For Performing Arts LA Hosts 4th Annual LA Monologue & Song SLAM Image
1st Runner-Up: Kacy Cross

Photos: Studio For Performing Arts LA Hosts 4th Annual LA Monologue & Song SLAM Image

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Direction of a Musical - Top 3
1. Michael Arden - The Lost Boys
33.1% of votes
2. Tim Jackson - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
15.5% of votes
3. Lear deBessonet - Ragtime
10.6% of votes

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