Bask in the footlights... Performing Arts in Orange County
Orange County is home to many other entertaining arts venues where a variety of performances can be enjoyed to suit just about every taste. Here are a few of them:
O r a n g e C o u n t y P e r f o r m i n g A r t s C e n t e r
Since
its opening in 1986, the Orange County Performing Arts Center (OCPAC) has become
one of this region's most prominent cultural institutions.
It is well known
for both its award-winning architecture and facilities and for the
exceptional quality of performances offered there. The Center is more
than elegant, contemporary performance halls; it is also Orange
County's largest non-profit performing arts organization, serving the
community in myriad ways.
The original venues
include the opera house-style 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall, with its
superb acoustics and sightlines, and the more intimate 250-seat
Founders Hall, which seats up to 250 people in a variety of settings
and configurations.
The Center's programming is
noted for its international caliber and variety. The International
Dance Series is unrivaled anywhere in the Western United States, and OCPAC is recognized as one of the nation's premiere venues for the major ballet companies of the world.
The
Center also presents an annual Broadway Series. The success of these
engagements has made Costa Mesa a required stop for all national
Broadway tours. Performances in the Concert Series include today's
most celebrated classical chamber ensembles and soloists.
Most
of OCPAC's Jazz Club and the Cabaret Series artists perform in
Samueli Theater, which is transformed into a causal nightclub setting.
Others perform in the adjacent Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.
Many of the contemporary-music world's leading artists have appeared in
Costa Mesa, creating seasons that are comprised of Grammy and
Tony Award-winners.
The Center also offers
its Family Series, featuring artists and ensembles that are shared on
Fridays and weekends by parents and their children. They provide an
ideal introduction to the wonders and magic of theatre and music.
OCPAC also offers one of the most active
and acclaimed arts education programs in the country. It has
received prestigious commendations and awards from the U.S. Department
of Education and the Kennedy for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
A variety of offerings that are designed to enhance existing education
programs and to promote the importance of the arts in education and our
lives are offered year-round at The Center and in the community.
S e g e r s t r o m C e n t e r f o r t h e A r t s
The Orange County Performing Arts Center's Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Samueli Theatre, the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge Education Center and Letherby's Cafe Rouge are located in the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, adjacent to the Center's original venues. Internationally-acclaimed architect Cesar Pelli designed the structure with impeccable accoustics by Artec Consultants. The concert hall opened in 2006.
The concert hall features a magnificent façade of Portuguese limestone and a gracefully glassed wall. Through the glass, visitors and patrons can see the dramatic multi-tiered foyer and circular staircase. Once inside, guests can look out and across the Center's 46,000 square-foot community plaza to the original Segerstrom Hall with its signature sculpture, Fire Bird, by noted artist Richard Lippold and the imposing Connectorcreated by Richard Serra. Soaring above the Spanish granite lobby floor is the ceiling finished in silver leaf and a breathtaking lighting instillation titledConstellation. This award-winning piece of architectural jewelry includes faceted Swarovski crystal LED globes and 300 silver lavalieres suspended in graduated lengths that are tipped in illuminated Baccarat crystal pendants.
S o u t h C o a s t R e p e r t o r y T h e a t r e
For more than 40
years, South Coast Repertory (SCR) has challenged and entertained
theatregoers with exceptional plays commissioned from new and
established writers, as well as works drawn from classic and modern
theatre repertories. SCR’s Folino Theatre Center houses the 507-seat
Segerstrom Stage, the 336-seat Julianne Argyros Stage and theNicholas
Studio.
Founded in 1964 by David Emmes and Martin Benson, who continue to serve
as artistic directors, SCR offers a ten-month season, September through
June. SCR also presents a variety of outreach and educational programs,
including the Theatre for Young Audiences and Their Families.
South Coast Repertory 655 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, California 92626 714.708.5555
A r t C e n t e r D o c e n t T o u r s
The architectural splendor and technological wonders of the Orange
County Performing Arts Center can be experienced firsthand every week
during Docent-led tours of the Center’s various theaters. These free
excursions through the world-renowned halls and backstage areas make
guests ‘insiders’ to the star-studded world of theater, music and
dance. Tours of Segerstrom Hall and Founders Hall are offered every
Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Tours of the Renée and Henry
Segerstrom Concert Hall and Samueli Theater are offered on Saturdays,
also at 10:30 a.m.
Orange County residents and tourists alike will find tours of either
Center building fascinating and enlightening experiences. They’re ideal
for children or theater arts and music majors. Certain dates may be
restricted due to performances or other events at the Center, so a call
in advance is suggested to be sure that tours are being given on a
specific date. For information, call 714.556.2122, ext. 4246.
S p a r k O C . c o m
SparkOC.com is a joint project between ARTS OC and the Orange
County Community Foundation. This website is designed to spark
residents and visitors to increase their participation, experience and
support of the arts, cultural events, venues and ticket information in
Orange County.
Created as the online resource for everything
Orange County, SparkOC.com lists information on dance, music, theater,
museums, filk, literature, lectures, family events, classes, workshops
and unique Orange County events.
P a c i f i c C h o r a l e Pacific Chorale has delighted national
and international audiences with concerts of great choral music
performed at the highest musical standards since 1968. Under the
artistic leadership of John Alexander, Pacific Chorale produces a
series of concerts each year at the Orange County Performing
Arts Center, where it serves as the sole resident choir. 714.662.2345
P a c i f i c S y m p h o n y
Pacific Symphony offers a perfect night
out for every taste! Programs include great classical masterworks, pops
concerts featuring big names in entertainment, chamber music and
chamber orchestra series, Saturday morning concerts for children and
parents. 714.755.5788
P h i l h a r m o n i c S o c i e t y o f O r a n g e C o u n t y
The Philharmonic
Society, now in its 55th season, consistently presents the world’s most acclaimed
symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, soloists and international artists for
the enjoyment and appreciation of OrangeCounty. The Society also continues to
provide an extensive array of free music education programs to more than 200,000
OrangeCounty children each year. 949.553.2422
C a m i n o R e a l P l a y h o u s e
Finding its home in
the beautiful and historic city of San Juan Capistrano, the Camino
Real Playhouse is South Orange County's destination for whimsical,
gripping and compelling performances. Offering everything from their annual worldwide
playwriting festival ShowOff! to their annual Shakespeare-Under-the-Stars
performed in Historic Town Center Park next to the Playhouse.
Camino Real Playhouse 1776 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, California 92675
949.489.8082
I r v i n e B a r c l a y T h e a t r e
The on-campus Irvine Barclay Theatre offers dance, theatre, music and
educational forums. You'll find world-class touring companies and UCI
Claire Trevor School of the Arts performances at the Barclay. The
750-seat auditorium offers a great view of the stage from every seat
and the acoustics are outstanding.
The Barclay 4242 Campus Drive
Irvine, California 92612
949.854.4646
L a g u n a P l a y h o u s e
Founded in 1920 when a group of Laguna Beach citizens met in a living
room to establish a local theatre, the Playhouse is still jumping with
the finest entertainment.
Laguna Playhouse 606 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, California 92652
800.946.5556
R o s e C e n t e r T h e a t e r
The beautiful Rose Center Theater is Westminster’s new state-of-the-art
Theatre Complex located on All American Way. This elegant 419-seat theatre is the perfect venue to
showcase a variety of performances including professional theatrical
productions, touring shows, dance companies, orchestral concerts,
community events and more.
Rose Center Theater 14140 All American Way
Westminster, California 92683
714.793.1150
T h e G r o v e o f A n a h e i m
Built in 1997, the Grove of Anaheim is a 1700-seat facility located
adjacent to Angels Stadium and owned by the City of Anaheim. The Grove
hosts more than 250 events annually including live concerts, comedy,
community, corporate and private events.
The Grove of Anaheim 2200 East Katella Avenue
Anaheim, California 92806
714.712.2700
