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South Coast Repertory

4.7
·249 reviews·Costa Mesa, United States

Acclaimed theater company staging contemporary plays, classics, and Broadway hits across 3 intimate performance spaces.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Holiday Season

For the beloved 'A Christmas Carol'.

CrowdHigh
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patio entrance area

South Coast Repertory

Best Time

Holiday Season

For the beloved 'A Christmas Carol'.

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Acclaimed theater company staging contemporary plays, classics, and Broadway hits across 3 intimate performance spaces.

4.7
(249 reviews)

"There are really no bad seats in the house; all seats are relatively close."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Early for Popular Shows

Shows like 'A Christmas Carol' sell out fast! Book tickets months in advance for best selection.

🚗 Park at South Coast Plaza

Convenient parking for SCR shows. Many use it for nearby Segerstrom events too.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

Segerstrom Stage

Experience the timeless holiday classic brought to life with remarkable performances and artistic beauty.

TikTokInstagram+1
Million Dollar Quartet

Million Dollar Quartet

Segerstrom Stage

Immerse yourself in the raw energy of Sun Records with this musical about a legendary jam session.

Instagram
Into the Woods

Into the Woods

Segerstrom Stage

A magical musical adventure where fairy tales collide and characters learn valuable lessons.

Instagram+1
A Raisin in the Sun

A Raisin in the Sun

Segerstrom Stage

Witness a powerful drama exploring family, dreams, and the pursuit of a better life.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Popular Shows

South Coast Repertory (SCR) stages a variety of productions, from holiday classics to contemporary dramas. Shows like 'A Christmas Carol' are incredibly popular, so booking tickets well in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred dates and seats. TikTokInstagram+1

Parking & Nearby Access

While SCR has its own parking, many visitors opt to park at the adjacent South Coast Plaza for convenience, especially for events. This is a common practice for those attending free events at the nearby Segerstrom Center for the Arts as well. Reddit

Best Times

When
Holiday Season
Why
For the beloved 'A Christmas Carol'.
Crowd
High
When
August
Why
For 'Into the Woods' musical.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, better seats.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I love my Christmas Carol Family!🎩🧣🎄❤️ End of week 1. We open Dec. 5th. Come feel the Holiday magic!✨ @South Coast Repertory #christmascarolSCR
shxpear37
14 likes • 349 views

🎯 Book Early for Popular Shows

Shows like 'A Christmas Carol' sell out fast! Book tickets months in advance for best selection. TikTokInstagram+1

🚗 Park at South Coast Plaza

Convenient parking for SCR shows. Many use it for nearby Segerstrom events too. Reddit

Students from across the district were invited to see Snow White at South Coast Repertory. And forget everything you thought you knew about this classic! Snow White is reclaiming her story and acting out what really happened after her new mother took over as queen.⁠ ⁠ With six of the Seven Dwarves missing, Snow White and Dwarf Four (his real name, by the way) play all the characters themselves. Tw...
sausdarts
19 likes • 456 views
Merry Christmas to the amazing cast and crew of A Christmas Carol @southcoastrep A special thanks to The Best Secret Santa ever @thetalentedmrbates and Thanks to Richard Doyle ( Hogar the Troll ) for the autograph. I miss everyone and the show already. Max #achristmascarol #southcoastrepertory #merrychristmas #wassail
maximuszazik
120 likes • 3.3K views

👂 Hear Every Word

Actors wear mics, ensuring clear audio from all seats. Great for musicals! [^review]

✨ Unique Show Drinks

Enjoy themed drinks and novelty items inspired by the current production. [^review]

Our neighbors at South Coast Repertory just announced their 60th Season! Make sure to check out all of their amazing performances coming soon!  There’s always great art happening in Costa Mesa.😎☀️ https://www.scr.org/
segerstromarts
103 likes • 4.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Early for Popular Shows

Shows like 'A Christmas Carol' sell out fast! Book tickets months in advance for best selection. TikTokInstagram+1

🚗 Park at South Coast Plaza

Convenient parking for SCR shows. Many use it for nearby Segerstrom events too. Reddit

👂 Hear Every Word

Actors wear mics, ensuring clear audio from all seats. Great for musicals! [^review]

✨ Unique Show Drinks

Enjoy themed drinks and novelty items inspired by the current production. [^review]

📸 Capture the Moment

Auditioning students practice anywhere! Check out behind-the-scenes glimpses. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(249 reviews)

Reviews Summary

South Coast Repertory is widely praised for its excellent productions, particularly 'A Christmas Carol,' and its intimate theater design with no bad seats. Audiences appreciate the clear audio from all locations and the engaging performances. However, some reviewers have noted issues with the online ticketing system and a limited selection at the concession stand.

"Came here recently for the Little Shop of Horrors show. I’ve never seen the play but it was absolutely brilliant. There’re really no bad seat in the house; all seats are relatively close. We did imbibe and got a beer and one of the novelty mixed drinks specifically for the show. There were cute small Audrey plants for sale. It was just all so great. Actors wore mics so it was easy to hear them from anywhere. It was great."

Angel Rincon

"SCAM ALERT!
Segerstrom Center for the Arts are you cheating your customers?

I had purchased 2 show tickets after carefully choosing the date, time and seats (based on the proximity to the stage, isle & price). Upon receiving the confirmation I noticed that the DATE & TIME that I had picked (Sunday, 2pm) were different (Tuesday, 7pm).

I immediately called customer service to find out how I ended up with such different tickets? The lady who answered the phone acknowledged that their online system had lots of issues (not very user friendly either).

I proceeded to explain my predicament and asked her to reinstate the date & time that I had initially chosen. After a brief chat with her manager, I was told that I would have to pay extra (double the price) if I wanted a "different" date.

What a slap in the face! Their online ticket system gave me the wrong date & time and now I had to pay more.

I was appalled by how the manager handled the situation. Not a real problem solver if you care about your customers.
I felt cheated by Sergestrom. Could have been the employees who were running the scam. Either way, Sergerstrom is responsible for this debacle. SHAME!

You made me and my friend miss a show that we were very excited to see. Scammers!

★Looks like we'll be going to Laguna Playhouse and La Mirada Theater."

T M

"Your concession stand has getto Cougar Mountain cookies and not much else. Step it up. It’s a theater in Inglewood!!!"

Chris

What People Like

Brilliant productions
No bad seats
Clear audio

What People Dislike

Ticketing system issues
Limited concessions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

South Coast Repertory is located in Costa Mesa, California. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors find it convenient to park at the adjacent South Coast Plaza, especially if attending events at the nearby Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Public transportation options may vary, so checking local transit schedules is advised. Reddit

Yes, South Coast Repertory offers parking. However, it's a common practice for attendees to park at the South Coast Plaza, which is right next door. This is often done to avoid parking fees or to ensure a spot, especially during busy performance times. Reddit

Absolutely! Many patrons park at South Coast Plaza when attending performances at South Coast Repertory. It's a widely used and accepted practice, particularly for those who might also be visiting the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Reddit

Driving is the most common method. If you're coming from further afield, consider ride-sharing services or checking local bus routes. The proximity to South Coast Plaza also makes it a convenient stop if you're already in the area. Reddit

While specific routes can change, it's advisable to check with local transit authorities for the most up-to-date information on bus lines serving the Costa Mesa area near South Coast Repertory and South Coast Plaza. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can be purchased directly through the South Coast Repertory website, by phone, or at the box office. It's highly recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially for popular shows like 'A Christmas Carol,' as they can sell out quickly. TikTokInstagram+1

One reviewer mentioned experiencing issues with the online ticketing system, leading to incorrect date and time selections. It's crucial to double-check all details before finalizing your purchase and to contact customer service immediately if discrepancies arise. [^review]

According to one reviewer's experience, changing ticket dates or times might incur additional costs, potentially doubling the original price, if the online system made an error. It's best to clarify the exchange policy with the box office when booking. [^review]

It's generally a good idea to arrive at least 15-30 minutes before the show's start time. This allows ample time for parking, finding your seats, and perhaps grabbing a drink or snack from the concessions. [^review]

Information on discounts isn't explicitly detailed in the provided content, but it's always worth checking the SCR website or contacting the box office for potential student, senior, or group rates. [^review]

🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience

Reviewers consistently praise the seating at South Coast Repertory, noting that there are 'really no bad seats in the house.' All seats are described as relatively close to the stage, ensuring a good view for everyone. [^review]

Yes, actors are equipped with microphones, which ensures that their dialogue is clear and easily audible from all seating locations within the theater. This is particularly beneficial for musicals and plays with complex dialogue. [^review]

Concessions at South Coast Repertory offer a selection of beverages, including beer and novelty mixed drinks themed to the show. Some reviewers noted 'Cougar Mountain cookies' and a limited food selection, suggesting an area for improvement. [^review]

During 'Little Shop of Horrors,' small Audrey plants were available for purchase, adding a fun, thematic element to the experience. Keep an eye out for similar show-specific merchandise. [^review]

The atmosphere is generally described as brilliant and engaging, with productions like 'Little Shop of Horrors' being a highlight. The intimate seating arrangement contributes to a shared and immersive experience. [^review]

📸 📸 Photography

Photography and videography are typically prohibited during performances to avoid distracting the actors and other audience members. However, you might be able to take photos in the lobby or before the show begins. Instagram+1

While live performance photography is restricted, the theater's architecture and the vibrant atmosphere before and after shows can offer great photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for interesting lobby displays or set pieces visible from public areas. Instagram

You can find stunning production photos on South Coast Repertory's official social media channels, particularly Instagram, where they often share behind-the-scenes glimpses and professional shots. Instagram+1

The exterior of the theater and its surrounding area, especially when lit up at night, can be picturesque. Inside, the lobby often features interesting design elements. Instagram

During rehearsals or specific promotional events, set designs might be more accessible for photography. For actual performances, it's best to check with the venue staff regarding their photo policy for sets. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

South Coast Repertory offers a wonderful introduction to theater for families. Productions like 'A Christmas Carol' are particularly family-friendly, providing a magical holiday experience that children and adults alike can enjoy. TikTokInstagram+1 The theater's design ensures that even younger audience members have a good view, and the clear audio means they won't miss any of the story.

When attending with children, consider shows specifically marketed towards younger audiences or family musicals. The theater also offers themed concessions, which can add an extra layer of fun to the outing. [^review] It's always a good idea to check the show's recommended age range and content advisories to ensure it's a suitable fit for your family. The immersive nature of SCR's productions can spark imagination and create lasting memories for young theatergoers. Instagram

🎭 Theater Enthusiasts

For seasoned theater lovers, South Coast Repertory presents a diverse and compelling season featuring both contemporary plays and classic works. The company is known for its cutting-edge productions and its commitment to showcasing new and thought-provoking theater. Instagram [^review] You can expect high-quality acting, sophisticated direction, and impressive technical execution across all genres.

SCR often stages critically acclaimed plays and has a reputation for artistic excellence. [^review] Whether you're drawn to powerful dramas like 'A Raisin in the Sun' or innovative musicals, SCR consistently delivers performances that are both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. The intimate seating and excellent acoustics further enhance the appreciation of the performers' craft. [^review]

🎶 Music & Musical Fans

If you love musicals, South Coast Repertory frequently features productions that will delight you. Shows like 'Million Dollar Quartet' offer a chance to experience legendary music brought to life on stage, capturing the spirit of iconic musical moments. Instagram The theater's excellent sound system ensures that the music is always clear and impactful.

Productions like 'Into the Woods' showcase the power of musical theater, blending enchanting melodies with compelling storytelling. Instagram+1 The talented casts at SCR are adept at delivering strong vocal performances, making musicals a highlight of their season. Be sure to check their schedule for upcoming musical offerings. [^review]

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of 'A Christmas Carol' at SCR

South Coast Repertory's production of 'A Christmas Carol' is a cherished annual tradition, drawing audiences year after year. The show is renowned for its remarkable performances, technical artistry, and faithful yet engaging adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic tale. TikTokInstagram+1 Many visitors describe it as a perfect way to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit, with the production often featuring clever additions that keep the story fresh and exciting. The cast and crew consistently deliver a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience, making it a must-see during the festive season.

The success of this production is a testament to SCR's commitment to quality theater. From the detailed set designs that transport audiences to Victorian London to the expressive costumes that bring characters to life, every element is meticulously crafted. The actors, often a mix of seasoned professionals and talented local performers, embody their roles with passion and precision. The intimate setting of the theater further enhances the experience, allowing the audience to feel closely connected to Scrooge's transformative journey. [^review]

For many, attending 'A Christmas Carol' at South Coast Repertory is more than just seeing a play; it's about creating lasting memories and embracing the joy of the holidays. The show consistently receives rave reviews for its ability to capture the essence of the story while offering a unique and memorable theatrical event. [^review]

Navigating SCR's Seating and Acoustics

One of the most frequently praised aspects of South Coast Repertory is its thoughtful theater design, which ensures an excellent viewing experience for all patrons. Reviewers consistently highlight that there are 'really no bad seats in the house,' emphasizing that every seat offers a relatively close and unobstructed view of the stage. [^review] This commitment to audience comfort and engagement means that whether you're in the front row or further back, you're likely to feel immersed in the performance.

Furthermore, SCR excels in its acoustics, a crucial element for any theater. The venue is equipped with microphones for all actors, guaranteeing that dialogue and musical numbers are clear and easily understood from every vantage point. [^review] This attention to sound quality is particularly beneficial for musicals and plays with intricate dialogue, ensuring that no nuance is lost. The combination of excellent sightlines and superior sound design creates a truly satisfying theatrical experience for every visitor.

The intimate nature of the seating also fosters a stronger connection between the audience and the performers. This proximity allows for a deeper appreciation of the actors' craft and the emotional depth of the storytelling. [^review] It’s this holistic approach to the audience experience—combining comfortable seating with clear audio and an engaging atmosphere—that makes South Coast Repertory a beloved destination for theatergoers. [^review]

Behind the Scenes: Set Design and Production

The visual storytelling at South Coast Repertory is a key component of its acclaimed productions, with set design playing a pivotal role. For shows like 'Million Dollar Quartet,' the scenic design aims to capture the raw, intimate energy of iconic locations like Sun Records, immersing the audience directly into the historical setting. Instagram This meticulous attention to detail extends to all productions, where sets are crafted to not only look authentic but also to enhance the narrative and atmosphere of the play.

Beyond the static sets, SCR's productions often feature innovative technical elements that contribute to the overall spectacle. From lighting design that shifts moods and highlights dramatic moments to sound design that immerses the audience in the world of the play, every technical aspect is carefully considered. [^review] This commitment to high production values ensures that each show is a feast for the senses, offering a professional and polished theatrical experience.

The collaborative effort behind these productions is immense. Scenic designers, lighting technicians, sound engineers, and costume designers all work in tandem to bring the director's vision to life. Instagram [^review] This behind-the-scenes artistry is what elevates a performance from good to unforgettable, creating the magic that audiences come to expect from South Coast Repertory. [^review]

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