FAMILY FUN MONTH: Back to School with Art and Heart by Debbie in the OC

In celebration of August being Family Fun Month, the Center is delighted to share stories by some of Orange County’s favorite family bloggers. 

By Debbie Lavdas of OC Family's Debbie in the OC

Orange County is a fabulous place to have your child involved in the arts. We are so fortunate to have all the many unique outlets for children in the local area. With the kids heading back to school, it can be challenging to juggle extracurricular activities, but choosing wisely and thinking long-term reward helps streamline decisions. 

My family is a big fan of the arts in all we do. Specifically, we are big supporters of three art-focused paths in the area, including Southland Ballet Academy, Music Factory OC and the Waldorf-inspired Journey School. 

We’ve had our daughter, Zoe, involved with Southland Ballet Academy and Festival Ballet Theatre for the last three years because of the phenomenal real-life opportunities she receives. Each year, she has been in FBT’s two-week run of The Nutcracker at The Barclay in Irvine. FBT also performs one holiday show at Segerstrom Center for the Arts each year. Salwa Rizkalla is FBT’s Artistic Director, and she offers the young dancers exceptional instruction and the experience of what it’s really like to be up on stage in front of a crowd of 800, as well as rare behind-the-scenes camaraderie. Because Salwa’s SBA program is linked to her FBT’s performances, the unique combination equals outstanding professional experience for young dancers. SBA has studios in both Irvine and Huntington Beach, which is convenient. It is the only extracurricular venue we drive to, so as to not spend all our time running kids everywhere during the school year. Registration is open now for SBA’s 2013-2014 classes, if you’re interested. 

Next up, is the Music Factory OC—another real-world arts avenue for kids. The program is run by real-world musicians who currently tour. It’s headed by Danny Thompson of the iconic punk band Face to Face and the very talented and Anthony Riedelsheimer, whose music education includes rigorous private studies with world-renowned contemporary artists, spanning all genres throughout Europe and the U.S. So far Zoe, age 9, has played piano performances (‘Over the Rainbow’ most recently) at a hip LA coffeehouse, an OC club venue and at a public recital in town. Her talented teacher, Lauren Chanel Cobb, performs around LA and OC with her band, so she gives Zoe weekly insight into what it’s really like out there. The entire teaching staff is comprised of industry professionals with experience in recording, working within a band, touring and formal education (not your average musicians just looking for some extra cash). But the very best thing I love about the company is that the teachers come to the house. This is priceless for those with busy families. All styles of music are taught from guitar, piano and rock band to drums and voice lessons. Music Factory OC is very progressive too: it’s the only music academy in Orange County where you will find the new cutting edge m360 Music Lesson experience. 

Finally, we are fortunate enough to have our kids at the public Waldorf school in Orange County, Journey School. It’s a wonderful artistic and loving education for children. It was also just awarded the only Green Ribbon school in the area for it’s eco-wise ways. Waldorf education has been around since the 1900’s with many artistically famous students from current stars such as Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Aniston. Well-known Waldorf parents include Mikhail Baryshnikov, Clint Eastwood and Led Zeppelin, as well as the CEO of eBay and many who work at Google, Apple and Yahoo. Waldorf is the fastest growing independent school movement in the world and operates under the philosophy that in order to develop critical thinking, a child needs an active and creative imagination. Many always ask me to describe the teachings. The best I can answer is as the charter name says: “It’s a journey, not a race.” The Waldorf philosophy teaches kids to think creatively, outside the box. Incessant tests and memorization are not priority. The children start at a slower pace and learn to love school itself, without the test pressures or linear form of learning, and after 4th grade, the children tend to “catch up” in test scores on a district scale. So if you’re a parent who can resist the obsession of today’s competitive, test-focused ways for your children and focus more on unique problem solving through arts and creative thinking, it’s a blessing for your child. Don’t miss their Harvest Faire, November 2nd this fall at the Aliso Viejo campus; it’s open to the public and will give you a beautiful up-close window to the unique, natural Waldorf world. 

So here’s to an inspired school year ahead filled with reward, talent, happiness and less over-scheduled children. And bravo to venues such as Segerstrom Center for the Arts, who value arts in Orange County. My children and I look forward to seeing what’s on stage for the 2013-2014 season. SCFTA puts on phenomenal shows that will always be a part of my children’s childhood memories—from Wicked to The Lion King. 

_________________________________ 


Keep the family fun going in September when ANYTHING GOES sails to Segerstrom Center!

Gift Idea: Dedicate a Performance

EVITA Current Broadway Production. Photo by Richard Termine

Give the gift of an unforgettable experience. Center patrons can now celebrate a loved one’s birthday, anniversary or milestone occasion by dedicating a performance of their choice! From Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club® to Diana Vishneva and from EVITA to Bernadette Peters, this opportunity is available for all Center-presented performances. One dedication is offered per show. 

With a gift of $2,500 (of which $2,430 is tax deductible), celebrants are sure to enjoy the multitude of benefits. By dedicating a performance, patrons will receive recognition on lobby signage, a card and special gift for their honoree, a private champagne toast during intermission and access to the Center’s concierge service to purchase the best available seats for their dedicated performance. A framed show poster or artist photo signed by the cast – subject to availability – seals the deal. 

Bernadette Peters. Photo by Firooz Zahedi.

To make a reservation, please contact Associate Director of Individual Giving Malika Middlebrooks at (714) 556-2122 extension 4214 or Dedicate@SCFTA.org.

FAMILY FUN MONTH: Plan a "Messy Party" by Sandy Toes and Popsicles

In celebration of August being Family Fun Month, the Center is delighted to share stories by some of Orange County’s favorite family bloggers. 

By Jill Parkin of Sandy Toes and Popsicles

Photo by Jill Parkin 

With summer ending and school starting soon, many families are scrambling to get the last bit of summer fun in before summer vacation ends and school starts. That goes for our family as well. To be honest, I wouldn't mind summer lasting all year long. I love having the kids home and exploring all of what Orange County offers, especially the beaches and sunshine.

There are many ways to expose your child to the arts and being creative. Learning how to express themselves through creative play is one way I do this. Letting my kids be creative and free with their movements and expression is great for their imaginations and for releasing any frustrations and anxiety.

One of our summer family traditions does just that. We have a "Messy Party" each year to celebrate the end of summer and back-to-school. We invite the kid's school friends over for an afternoon of messy fun, where the kids have ice cream sundaes and shaving cream fights. What? Doesn't that make a total mess!? Of course it does... and that is the entire point of having a "Messy Party." The main goal of this party is to allow the kids to be free and creative, along with helping them release the anxiety of starting a new school year.

Photo by Jill Parkin 

Messy play allows kids to express themselves in ways that they usually can't. It's not everyday that you can cover your body in shaving cream and run around outside acting silly. We love to turn the music up very loud and dance around the grass, singing at the top of our lungs. 

Photo by Jill Parkin 

I love seeing how creative the kids get, making funny shaving cream costumes and make believe superhero games. You get to see a whole different side of your children. 

Photo by Jill Parkin 

And laughter. There will be a lot of it. It is awesome to see the pure happiness exude out of those kiddies faces. The best joy a parent can have. 

Photo by Jill Parkin 

At the end of the party, be prepared for a big mess. It's gonna happen, so just embrace it. However, you will be amazed that the mess can quickly disappear with the spray of the hose. As long as the kids do not enter your house, the mess is fairly easy to clean up. Make sure to lay ground rules ahead of time so the kids know how far they can run and where they are and aren't allowed to spray shaving cream. It's not a good idea for them to spray it farther than your hose can reach...or in the neighbors’ yards. 

A "Messy Party" is so much fun, and an activity that helps the bitterness of summer ending just a little bit sweeter. 

Photo by Jill Parkin 

_________________________________ 

Jill Parkin is the editor of one of Orange County's favorite lifestyle blogs, Sandy Toes & Popsicles, where she shares her family's adventures in Southern California, recipes, crafts and family fun ideas.

Keep the family fun going in September when ANYTHING GOES sails to Segerstrom Center!

Good Treats Keep on Rollin'

Lamb kefta, Israeli couscous, feta, tapenade, roasted pepper salsa, mint tzatziki.

Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge in the Center’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall continues its casual – albeit gourmet – lunchtime fare. A big hit in the South Coast Metro/Theater District neighborhood, the lunches are delicious and served quickly. 

For the week of August 26 – 30, it’s delicious Mediterranean-inspired lamb kefta served with Israeli couscous, feta, tapenade, roasted pepper salsa and mint tzatziki, or grilled chicken breast with hummus, roasted garlic, cucumber tomato salad and grilled pita bread – or ratatouille with couscous or hummus. Only $8. You can enhance your lunch with soup, salad or sweets. The soup and salad combos are just $7.50. 

Beef burger with Taleggio cheese, bacon, oven-dried tomato, grilled onions, truffle aioli.

From September 3 – 6 (closed Labor Day), Chef Ross is all about the burger. Select the beef burger with Taleggio cheese, bacon, oven-dried tomato, grilled onions, truffle aioli or a salmon burger with ginger soy glaze, crispy shallots, lettuce, heirloom tomato, sesame mayo. Both are served on delicious brioche buns. Turkey and veggie patties are available. Again, just $8. 

Lunches at Leatherby's are served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.patinagroup.com/restaurants/20/menus/Leatherbys-CR-Lunch-Detour-Menu.pdf.

Natalia Osipova and Vasiliev Ignite the Stage

Photo by Damir (left) and Stas Levshin (right).

Get ready for the dynamic duo that Bachtrack is raving about. Natalia Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev returned to dance with the Bolshoi Ballet, performing The Flames of Paris to close out the company’s three-week season in London. Reviewer Margaret Willis raves, Osipova and Vasiliev “set the stage ablaze with their vitality, energy and sparking virtuoso dancing. Their natural effervescent characters lit the fuse, which fired up the whole company, resulting in an explosion of delighted cheering from the whole auditorium."

Osipova and Vasiliev performing The Flames of Paris

“Like a greyhound let out of the slips, Vasiliev shot across the stage in a series of mind-boggling leaps, putting in triple turns in the air where normally there would be two; pirouetting so fast, it would seem that he would bore through the floor; leaping and hanging horizontally in the air; and concluding with barrel turns and multi-complicated flourishes – and all done with a wide grin. 

Osipova and Vasiliev performing The Flames of Paris

“Not to be outdone, Osipova, showing off her talents, sped across the stage, her twinkling feet barely touching the ground; twizzled in multi pirouettes; jumped with high soaring stretched leaps to end with cyclonic spins. Her expressive face exuded the joy of being on stage and of dancing, and she too won the hearts of the cheering public. Their curtain calls went on and on.” 

In 2009, the pair performed a pas de deux from The Flames of Paris during the Center’s dance extravaganza, Tour de Force. This brilliant couple, the toast of the dance world, are the stars of a special engagement at the Center in 2014. Tickets are available now through a subscription to the International Dance Series. 

To read the full article by Willis, please visit Bachtrack.

FAMILY FUN MONTH: Minnesota Girl in LA Embraces Her City

In celebration of August being Family Fun Month, the Center is delighted to share stories by some of Orange County’s favorite family bloggers. 

By Jamie Gall of Minnesota Girl in LA

Since moving to Los Angeles, I have very much explored the Southern California area and have made the most of this fascinating region. My family fun ideas are all about embracing your neighborhood, and here are some of our suggestions for Orange County neighbhoords: 


1) Take in a Concert at the Park 
Throughout the summer there are a variety of concert-in-the-park opportunities. Check local city or community websites or community publications for dates and times. Take the family out for these evenings of fun. Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy yourselves and offer your children great opportunities to hear beautiful music live. They’ll never know it’s educational. 


2) Museum and Special Attractions FREE Admission Days 
Museums often have free admission days at least one day during the month. Grab the family and explore a new or favorite museum, historic attraction or landmark during your summer or back to school travels. These are also great suggestions for school or club fieldtrips. Call their education departments for more information. 

Segerstrom Center for the Arts: FREE docent-led tours – Segerstrom Hall 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays; Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Samueli Theater 10:30 a.m. Saturdays 
Bowers Museum in Santa Ana: Target FREE 1st Sundays on the first Sunday of every month 
Orange County Museum of Art: FREE 2nd Sunday of every month 
Laguna Art Museum: FREE 1st Thursday of every month from 5-9:00 p.m. 
Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana: Bank of America FREE Day, 1st Sunday of every month 
Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine: FREE 


3) Game Night 
Look through your closet of games, and everyone picks their favorite. Then spend the night playing games together as a family. This was always a tradition in my household growing up whenever I visited my grandparents. 


4) Take in a Farmer’s Market 
Nothing’s better than seeing fresh produce all around you, but what’s great about farmer’s markets is that you’re helping the farmers in your community. As they bring you fresh products each week, you stock up and enjoy those special treats at home. Take the family for a farmer’s market outing together. 

Residing in SoCal, we are very fortunate. If we wanted to attend a farmer’s market each day of the week we truly could. 

Some of my favorites include: 
Sunday: Irvine Great Park: 10am to 2pm 
Tuesday: Huntington Beach - 5 to 9pm, Irvine Regional Park - 9am to 1pm 
Wednesday: Tustin El Camino Real and 3rd Street - 9am to 1pm 
Thursday: Orange County Fairgrounds - 9am to 1pm 
Friday: Pier Plaza: Huntington Beach: 1pm to 5pm 
          Mission Viejo Civic Center: 9am to 1pm 
Saturday: Laguna Beach - 8am to 11am 


5) Be a Tourist in Your Own City 
When was the last time your family took a day to just explore the city around you? Has there always been a park you’ve wanted to go to? Do it! Is there a historic building or place in your town you’ve always wanted to try? Now is the time to do it. Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today. There are various places around town that offer fun tours including the Orange Food Tour or sign up for a Historic Walking Tour. 


6) Make it an ART Night 
Los Angeles and Orange County love the arts. Embrace them with an art walk night, an evening when the neighborhood art galleries open up their doors to the public. Take in art as a family.

Laguna Beach: 1st Friday of the month 
Santa Ana: 1st Saturday of the month 
Downtown Fullerton: 1st Friday of the Month 
Anaheim Art Walk: 2nd Saturday of the Month 
Huntington Beach Art Walk: 3rd Thursday of the Month 

Or spend a day in Laguna Beach taking in the art festivals: Festival of Arts, Art-A-Fair and Sawdust. 


7) Give Back to Your Community 
A family that volunteers together stays together, right? Join a local group that makes lunches for the homeless. Spend a day volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House or a day with an organization you truly love. It is a very rewarding experience for the entire family. 


8) Outdoor Summer Movies 
During the summer, one of my favorite things to do is to head to the beach and catch a classic outdoor movie. Whether it’s at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, in Long Beach right on the beach or in other fun summer settings. 


9 ) Food, Food, Food 
Food is a big staple in our lives. Create a family jar with a list of fun food places your family has always wanted to visit, and on a day you’re wondering where to go pull from the jar. That will be your location for the day. Los Angeles and Orange County have a lot of amazing food places around. 


10) And Take In The Theater 
End your summer by taking in a show at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. There are a variety of family friendly shows happening throughout the rest of the season.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts campus. Photo by RMA Photography Inc.

_________________________________ 

Jamie is a Minnesota girl who has landed herself in the big city of LA. She is an avid city explorer, fan of the arts, and enjoys sharing her adventures with the world to inspire others to get out and begin exploring on their own.

Keep the family fun going in September when ANYTHING GOES sails to Segerstrom Center!

Sneak Peek Into Next Season

The Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall was filled to near capacity on Monday evening (August 12th) with an enthusiastic audience eager to learn more about the 2013-2014 lineup of shows coming to the Center. 

Irish band Humble Hooligans.

As guests made their way to their seats, local Irish band the Humble Hooligans played spirited Celtic music as an homage to Broadway’s 2013 Tony® Award-winner ONCE, which comes to the Center next season. 

Executive Vice President Judy Morr.

Julia McLellan of The Wizard of Oz performs "Over the Rainbow."

Ayrin Mackie performing "Red Shoe Blues."

During the special one-hour event, co-hosts Bob Bucci from Broadway Across America and Segerstrom Center Executive Vice President Judy Morr shared highlights of next season, complete with live performances from casts of The Wizard of Oz, Jersey Boys and Beauty and the Beast. 

Hilary Maiberger of Beauty and the Beast sings "A Change in Me."

Kristin Stewart performs "Beauty and the Beast." 

Jersey Boys interview with Lauren Decierdo and Courter Simmons. Bob Bucci on the far right.

Video shout-outs to Costa Mesa Broadway fans came from New York cast members of Evita and CHICAGO. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater represented the Center’s International Dance Series with a performance of Robert Battle’s Takademe featuring dancer Daphne Lee. 

Daphne Lee of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Bob Bucci in Priscilla Queen of the Desert cupcake costume.

To really embrace the theme of the evening, Bucci was the frosting on the Broadway cake when he donned a delicious cupcake costume courtesy of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. 

To learn more about the 2013-2014 season, please visit: http://www.scfta.org/seasontickets.

All photos by Doug Gifford.

FAMILY FUN MONTH: A Week Full of SISTER ACT Fun

In celebration of August being Family Fun Month, the Center is delighted to share stories by some of Orange County’s favorite family bloggers. 

By Lisa Birle of Locale Magazine

Ta'Rea Campbell, Florrie Bagel and Lael van Keuren in Sister Act. 

August can sometimes seem like an awkward buffer month—where you’re still basking in the carefree, fun days of summertime, but scarves and school supplies are back in stores reminding you that the fall season is right around the corner. How do you seize the fleeting summer days with your family before the routines and schedules of the school year hit? Be intentional with your family's time by scheduling activities for every day of the week. My suggestions are themed from Sister Act, which I had the pleasure of seeing this week and runs through August 18th at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. A night out at Segerstrom Center is a great way to spend an evening with your entire family. 

Break down your family activities by creating a theme for each day, like this: 

Make It Monday—Sister Act's heroine, Deloris Van Cartier, would approve of upcycling an old denim jacket with fabulous rhinestones, crafting heavenly halos with wire garland and headbands, or making homemade purple colored foam dough to match Deloris's favorite thigh-high boots! Check out craft ideas on Pinterest—the ultimate resource for finding fun family crafts to do together with your family. 

Time to Read Tuesday—Take your kids to the local library each week. It may seem quiet as a convent, but you’ll be surprised how quickly your kids will lose themselves within the bookshelves as their value of learning grows and they begin to enjoy the habit of reading. When your kids have a question during the week, encourage them to find a book about it at the library. 

Ta'Rea Campbell, Alysha Deslorieux and Trisha Jeffrey in Sister Act. 

What's Cooking Wednesday—Plan a meal together, from the grocery list to the feast. Put on the Sister Act soundtrack and raise your voice as you work together in the kitchen and clean up afterwards. My favorite meal? Breakfast for dinner in my pajamas. Bacon, eggs, and chocolate chip pancakes are just divine! 

Thankful Thursday—Mother Superior would certainly approve of giving thanks through acts of service and praising others. Teach your kids how to write and mail a thank-you note to their coach, clean the neighbor's yard, or bake cookies for a friend. These activities will help them learn to express their gratitude through words and actions. Deloris would agree it's best to spread the love around! 

Family Fun Friday—Enjoy the outdoors while the weather is still warm—head to the park, beach, or water park. Go on a bike ride or have a picnic. In the evening, enjoy a night out at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Sister Act is a funny and heartfelt production about the importance of sisterhood and family. Make sure your family doesn't miss it as you seize the last moments of summer to create some great family memories together!

The cast of Sister Act.

All photos by Joan Marcus.

_________________________________ 

Keep the family fun going in September when ANYTHING GOES sails to Segerstrom Center!

A Bowl Full of Lunchtime Delicious

Drive-through fast food and paper bag lunches are suffering from low self-esteem since Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge at Segerstrom Center for the Arts started its special “Lunch Detour” menus. August 19 - 23 feature these tantalizing Asian Bowls: grilled short rib, sticky rice, scallions, cilantro, sweet chili cream, fried garlic, spinach, sesame – or – grilled spiced pork, fried rice, grilled pineapple, fried egg, scallions, cilantro, sesame vinaigrette. Tofu substitutions are available for both entrees. 

Also on the menu are the popular Farmer’s Market vegetarian soup and heirloom tomato gazpacho with grilled watermelon, cucumber and feta. Salads include mixed greens, green apple, cilantro, toasted almonds, crisp wontons, jalapeno sesame vinaigrette – or – heirloom tomato, marinated mozzarella, basil emulsion, balsamic vinaigrette – or – Caesar Parmesan crisp, red onion, roasted pepper Caesar dressing. Top off your meal with house-made maple and chocolate chip cookies. 

A workday intermission has never tasted better. Executive Chef Ross Pangilinan has beat the food truck culture by serving these gourmet luncheons in the airy bright space of Leatherby’s, located in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. You’ll find the fast-casual nature of globally-inspired cuisine without the typical juggling of paper plates curbside. 

Bon appétit!

FAMILY FUN MONTH: Toddler Trails Guest Blogger on Her Summer 2013 Bucket List

In celebration of August being Family Fun Month, the Center is delighted to share stories by some of Orange County’s favorite family bloggers. 

By Jennifer Willey of Toddler Trails

Summer is that special time of year when Daddy is home with us (most of the time). Being a teacher and coach we get 8 straight weeks with him (minus the occasional practice or basketball game he referees). The planner that I am, I’ve started a “Summer Bucket List” of all the things we’d like to do or places we really want to go. 

This year, I started off with a “Summer Bucket List Planning Night” just before school ended. This way, everyone was involved in the selection process. Even Daddy got excited with his contribution: 5 days of absolutely nothing (luckily he realizes this is just NOT possible). 

Organizing a Summer Bucket List is rather easy to do. We like to have a variety of different options from amusement parks, vacations, parties, games or just spending time with family members. Since we’ve been doing this now for the last two years, and it really starts off the summer with a lot of excitement. The kids love having the ability to walk up to the cabinet where the list is posted and decide what they want to do on a particular day. Having the ability to cross items off the list feels like an accomplishment, especially when you get to the end of the summer and realize all the fun things the family did over the summer. 

So, what is on tap for this summer? Check out our “2013 Summer Bucket List”: 

Now that it is August, we have 4 weeks left. We have already completed 17 of the 29 items, and have several planned this week. 

What would you include on your “Summer Bucket List”?

_________________________________ 
Author: Jennifer Willey 
Website: http://www.ToddlerTrails.com 
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/ToddlerTrails 
Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/ToddlerTrails 

Jennifer Willey is a Stay-at-Home Mom who loves crafting and adventures. She is the wife of an Anaheim Teacher and Coach and mom to Handsome Boy, age 5 ½, and Princess, age 4.

In celebration of August being Family Fun Month, the Center is delighted to share stories by some of Orange County’s favorite family bloggers. Speaking of Family Fun, the Broadway musical SISTER ACT will be in town from August 6-18.

FAMILY FUN MONTH: Theater for Children by Living Mi Vida Loca

In celebration of August being Family Fun Month, the Center is delighted to share stories by some of Orange County’s favorite family bloggers. 

By Pattie Cordova of Living Mi Vida Loca

Growing up in Orange County allows families to experience so much, without having to travel more than 30 minutes. As families, we go up to the beach to experience the ocean, local parks to see the outdoors and to Segerstrom Center to experience the arts. 

Photo by Pattie Cordova

As parents, we want our kids to have the best childhood and we want them to have more than we ever did. I was 19 years old when I first attended a show at Segerstrom Center. Seeing The Phantom of the Opera performed on-stage opened up a whole new world to me. So, when I saw that Segerstrom Center offers theater for kids, well I jumped on it. Taking my son to his first ever performing arts show earlier this year and seeing the look on his face when the performers took the stage, well… it couldn't have made me happier. 

I was happy to see that Segerstrom encourages the little ones to get into theater early in their lives. Through the Family Series, I am able to purchase a package of five shows for my oldest, who is five years old. My favorite part is how I'm able to schedule out all these mom/son dates in advance so we both have something to look forward to during the year. And, honestly, I really appreciate it when theaters make it easy for me to incorporate art and music into my kids' lives. The shows are pre-screened and separated into different categories, according to the child's age. It takes the guess work out for me so I don't have to sit there and wonder if my kids will enjoy the show. 

Before each show, Segerstrom Center hosts activities that tie into the show - free of charge! During our last trip to see Marionetas de la Esquina, my son was able to decorate a crown which he later wore during the show. It's a great way to calm the kids down before heading in to see the performance. Bonus points for having something to take home with them afterwards. 

Photo by Pattie Cordova

He was also able to meet the performers and puppets that were in the show! It really brought the performance down to a level where he could interact with them and appreciate the art. I look forward to taking him to see more shows as the year goes on. I'm building up to the older-audience shows like The Phantom of the Opera. That would be a real treat for me and because it's so close to my heart, sharing a show like that with him would go down in my books as a memory of a lifetime. 

_________________________________ 

Speaking of Family Fun, the Broadway musical SISTER ACT will be in town from August 6-18.