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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For the beloved 'A Christmas Carol'.

South Coast Repertory
Best Time
For the beloved 'A Christmas Carol'.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Acclaimed theater company staging contemporary plays, classics, and Broadway hits across 3 intimate performance spaces.
"There are really no bad seats in the house; all seats are relatively close."

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

A Christmas Carol
Segerstrom Stage
Experience the timeless holiday classic brought to life with remarkable performances and artistic beauty.

Million Dollar Quartet
Segerstrom Stage
Immerse yourself in the raw energy of Sun Records with this musical about a legendary jam session.

Into the Woods
Segerstrom Stage
A magical musical adventure where fairy tales collide and characters learn valuable lessons.

A Raisin in the Sun
Segerstrom Stage
Witness a powerful drama exploring family, dreams, and the pursuit of a better life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Parking & Nearby Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
👂 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]
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.
🚗 Park at South Coast Plaza
Convenient parking for SCR shows. Many use it for nearby Segerstrom events too.
👂 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.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🎭 Theater Enthusiasts
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
Productions like 'Into the Woods' showcase the power of musical theater, blending enchanting melodies with compelling storytelling. 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
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
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
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. [^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]






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit