40 years later, a dream to rival L.A.'s art scene has become Orange County's cultural epicenter

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Set us as preferred At a time when art feels under attack, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts appears to be thriving.It marked its 40th anniversary this month with a campus-wide celebration that drew more than 5,000 Orange County residents.

That number represents a stunning achievement, and did not come without challenges, noted Segerstrom Center President and chief executive Casey Reitz.In January 2020, Reitz moved from New York to Costa Mesa to start his new job, only to soon find the world — and the center’s many planned performances — shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic.The center went on to lay off 63% of its staff, one of the largest cutbacks among Orange County’s major arts organizations.

Reitz was quoted as saying the pandemic had “eradicated 75% of our income.”Today, the center is back in the black: last year’s tax filings show revenue of $106 million, with expenses of $91.4 million and total assets of $558 million.As Reitz stands inside the foyer of the immaculate Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert, the view speaks for itself: a collection of striking buildings, a beautiful courtyard and large posters bearing some of the biggest names in performance, including the resident Pacific Symphony.

On any given week, a patron can step into one of the theaters and watch a hit Broadway show, attend a jazz or symphony concert, or enjoy a show from a world-renowned dance company.The Segerstrom is also heralded for its hospitality; Reitz is particularly proud that the center received an award from Broadway Across America for being voted the most welcoming spot on Broadway tours.All the joy and buzzing activity arose from humble beginnings.“Where you’re standing, where you’re looking, was some lima bean farms,” says Reitz.“It takes a very special person to bring such a vision to life.” Entertainment & Arts Segerstrom Center for the Arts is celebrating its 40th anniversary with an ex...