Behind the Velvet Curtains at Segerstrom Center

Inside the Segerstrom: A Backstage Theatre Experience & Orange County Museum of Art Exploration

Step beyond the velvet curtain and into the hidden world where Broadway performances take shape. This carefully curated afternoon in Costa Mesa is built around a docent-led behind-the-scenes walking tour of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, offering insider access to one of the region’s most celebrated cultural institutions.

Before the tour, enjoy lunch on your own at The LAB and The CAMP. These eclectic neighboring indoor-outdoor destinations are known for their creative spirit, architectural character, and range of eateries, giving you the freedom to dine at your own pace and follow your culinary curiosity.

The centerpiece of the day is a 90-minute guided exploration of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, led by experienced and engaging docents. As you move through the spaces, you’ll hear fascinating stories and little-known details while visiting performances venues as well as rehearsal rooms, and backstage areas—spaces rarely seen by the public and essential to the magic that unfolds onstage. Availability of specific areas varies, adding an element of surprise to each tour.

Afterward, continue your artistic journey at the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA). Housed in a striking contemporary building designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Thom Mayne, OCMA showcases rotating contemporary exhibitions that spotlight both international artists and Southern California’s creative voice.

This is a day crafted for curious minds who delight in behind-the-scenes insights, expression in all forms, and the quiet artistry that happens long before the curtain rises.

Audience Seating at the Segerstrom

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Tour Manager Pat Brown at Orange County Museum of Art

Orange County Museum of Art

The LAB Anti-Mall

Tour Manager:* Christina  2/11/26   -   TBD  3/19/26

*Tour Manager is subject to change without notice.

Activity Level: High

This trip involves considerable amount of walking and longer periods of standing during a 90-minute guided walking tour, which may be challenging for persons with mobility limitations.

What's Included in the Tour Fare

• Round-trip luxury motor coach transportation from pickup locations throughout San Diego County

• Professional Tour Manager throughout the trip

• Complimentary bottled water and snacks on the coach

• Time for lunch on own at The LAB Anti-Mall or The CAMP in Costa Mesa

• A 90-minute guided behind-the-scenes walking tour of the Segerstrom Center of the Arts

• A visit to the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA)

What's Not Included in the Tour Fare

• Meals

• Cancellation Protection

• Gratuities for the Tour Manager and driver

Know Before You Go

OCMA has the following rules and restrictions:

• No outside food or drinks. Visitors are welcome to purchase beverages and light snacks at the Fueling Station on Level 1 and at the full-service Cafe and Bar Verdant on the Level 2.

• Large bags are encouraged to be left at home or on the coach. All large bags, backpacks, and umbrellas can be safely stored, free of charge, in lockers located on Level 1.

• Other items not permitted: water bottles, poster tubes, flowers, balloons, bicycles, large musical instruments, umbrellas, luggage of any kind, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, drones, and other external photography equipment.

• Visitors may use handheld cameras and phones to take photographs and videos of the artworks, the galleries, and the building for personal, non-commercial use unless otherwise designated. No flash photography is allowed in the galleries. Artworks marked with a no-photography symbol may not be photographed.

• Visit the Welcome Desk in the Lobby to request a wheelchair for your visit free of charge.

How to Make a Reservation

Making your reservation is easy. Simply click the Book Now button above to select your date and confirm your space online, 24/7. You can also call the DayTripper Tours reservations department at (619) 334-3394 during business hours M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Smartphones

Although not necessary to fully enjoy your trip, a personal smartphone can greatly enhance your tour experience. Take high-quality photos, share your experience on social media in real time, search for nearby restaurants and topics of interest, set reminders, and more.

14-Day Cancellation Deadline

• If you purchased the optional Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) prior to the deadline, you can cancel your booking for any reason up until 1 hour prior to tour departure and you'll receive a full refund of the tour fare, less the cost of the CPP.

• If you declined the CPP, you may cancel your reservation fourteen (14) or more days prior to the departure date to receive a refund less a $15 per person cancellation fee. Alternatively, when you cancel your booking fourteen (14) or more days prior to the departure date, you can avoid the cancellation fee by transferring the funds to another tour or a non-refundable voucher, which can be applied to any future excursion booked within one year of the original tour date. Bookings canceled within 14 days of the departure date are nonrefundable and nontransferable for any reason. Name changes on daytrips are permitted at no additional cost if they do not require pre-clearance, such as with tours visiting government facilities.