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Segerstrom Center for the Arts presents the heavily anticipated return of the Beckman Arts & Science Family Festival on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm. This free family event is supported by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, and is a celebration of the connections between arts and science. The festival will be 3 hours in length and will feature performances and an assortment of engaging activities for the entire family. Visitors can expect to experience workshops, exhibits, roaming engagement, and performances by Doktor Kaboom, Circo Etero, Dancing Storytellers, and The Alley Cats.
The festival will feature engaging exhibits, workshops and hands-on activities presented by community organizations including Santa Ana Zoo, Shared Science, Kids@Science, Crystal Cove Conservancy, Girl Scouts of Orange County, Girls Inc. of Orange County, Irvine Public School Foundation, Columbia Memorial Space Center, Bytes and Bots, Brain Builders STEM Education, OC STEM initiative, Environmental Nature Center, Orange Coast College Astronomy, Science Heads Inc., Newport Bay Conservancy, Urban Workshop, Mesa Water District and Kaiser Permanente.
The festival will also feature a building area, a designated space for creative play, featuring Segerstrom Center’s oversized building kits. (Imagination Playground, Rigmajig, and Panelcraft builder sets)
Food will be available for purchase at George’s Café on-site, and at food trucks Cali Delight (https://www.calidelights.net/, INSTA @CALIDELIGHTSTRUCK) and Kala (https://www.kalatruck.com/, INSTA @KALA_TRUCK).
Talena Mara, Vice President of Education at Segerstrom Center for the Arts shares “Providing space for students and families to be curious and creative together is a priority at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. We have been a local resource for high-quality direct services arts in education programs to schools and community organizations for decades. Understanding the important role the arts play in learning across all subject areas, in each student’s career pathway development, and in building more advanced communication skills and emotional maturity in students, the Center offers programming that emphasizes each of these learning areas, including programs that focus on the intersection where Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) meet the arts (STEAM). We are so pleased to be offering a fun family day on Segerstrom Center’s beautiful Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at the Beckman Arts and Science Family Festival, where everyone will have a chance to be a curious, creative explorer for the day.”
Segerstrom Center applauds the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation for its lead support of the Beckman Arts & Science Family Festival with additional support from Kaiser Permanente, Official Healthcare Partner, and Mesa Water District.
“The mission of the Foundation is to support leading edge research, in the fields of chemistry and life sciences, broadly interpreted, and particularly to foster the invention of methods, instruments, and materials that open up new avenues of research and application in these sciences and related disciplines. My preference is to favor young investigators, new ideas, and a variety of projects rather than fund large, established ones of long duration.” – Dr. Arnold O. Beckman
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
- 11:45am: The Alley Cats
- 12:30pm: Doktor Kaboom
- 1:15pm: Dancing Storytellers
- 1:45pm: The Alley Catts
- 2:15pm: Dancing Storytellers
MORE ABOUT PERFORMING ARTISTS
The Alley Cats
The Alley Cats are America’s Doo-Wop group, serving up a perfect blend of 1950’s & 60’s hits and hilarious comedy. With their tight, four-part harmony and delightful antics, these musical comics have been Jay Leno’s opening act for the past seven years. Additionally, they have opened for Jerry Seinfeld, Joan Rivers and have appeared on numerous television shows for NBC, CBS, and PBS. The Alley Cats have performed in concert all over the world and are also part of Segerstrom Center’s talented Arts Teach roster.
Doktor Kaboom!
Doktor Kaboom! is an interactive one-man science variety show. Creatively blending theater arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, Doktor Kaboom’s supercharged (and super safe!) science experiments will have you erupting with laughter and bubbling with curiosity.
Doktor Kaboom! is the creation of Actor/Comedian David Epley. David has been fortunate enough to discover two passions in his life. Science, his first, took him to studies at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. His second, performing, became his career, and for over 20 years David has made his living writing, performing, and directing original interactive comedy across the US and internationally. Since creating the character of Doktor Kaboom, science education has become David’s life, taking him to theaters and schools all over the world. He has had multiple nation-al television appearances, performances at the John F. Kennedy Center, Washington, DC, and the World Science Festival and recently participated in a Global Online Town Hall hosted by former Vice President Al Gore.
Dancing Storytellers
This duo of talented artists transports audiences with exceptionally crafted programs that blend the contemporary with the traditional. Part of Segerstrom Center’s talented Arts Teach roster, Dancing Storytellers has been touring shows to schools, libraries, museums, and theaters all over Southern California for over a decade. Beckman attendees will be delighted to learn about lifecycles in nature through their engaging short performances utilizing South Asian music and dance.
Circo Etero
Circus Aerial Arts and Dance Entertainment is an Orange County company that integrates many circus, aerial and dance disciplines to create stunning live performances, with four decades of entertainment experience. Their jugglers and stilt walkers will be roaming throughout the festival, wowing the audience with their spectacular skills.
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR ACTIVITIES
Kids at Science Foundation
https://www.kidsatscience.org/
Facebook– @Kids at Science Foundation / Insta-@KidsAtScience
Teachers and science advocates have united to form the Kids at Science Foundation, a non-profit, 501(c)(3), organization dedicated to working with schools, districts, and the community to collaboratively promote, support and enhance hands-on, research-based science education for children.
Activity: With help from STEM specialists, learn about the magnetic current to build a magnetic swing. Design your own tower and see who can create the best earthquake-safe structure!
Brain Builders STEM Education
https://www.brainbuildersed.org/
Facebook– @Brain Builders STEM Education / Insta-@BrainBuildersStem
Brain Builders STEM Education’s vision is to empower students to think independently and achieve their goals through fun educational programs including 3d printing, chemistry, engineering with LEGO, robotics, and more! Brain Builders have been serving the community since 2002 and offer after-school programs in Tustin and Laguna Niguel.
Activity: Build your own wind powered Lego brick car and race it down a test track. By using their engineering skills, kids and adults will see who can build the fastest car!
Science Heads Inc.
Facebook– @Science Heads Inc. / Insta-@ScienceHeads1 / Twitter-@ScienceHeads / YouTube-@ScienceHeads3077
Science Heads is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to support STEM education in Orange County schools and raise science literacy. Science Heads believes that empowering people with a better understanding of science helps them live safer and more rewarding lives.
Activity: Extract DNA from a strawberry! Professional chemists will lead you through the steps to extract the actual DNA from a strawberry. Learn the role that DNA plays in living things, and the techniques that medical researchers are currently using to cure diseases. Parental supervision is required for children 8 and younger.
Bytes and Bots
Facebook:@ Bytes and Bots / Insta: @bytesandbots / Twitter:@Bytesnbots / YouTube: @Bytes and Bots Labs
Bytes and Bots serves as model for an integrated STEM eco-system under one roof. They provide an innovative space and the resources for members to become innovators and problem solvers. Additionally, they offer a network of hybrid STEM labs, real-world project kits and content, and mentoring support.
Activity: Participate in a Lego Sumo Battle! Build robot adaptations to a base robot in order to either push or flip the opponent’s robot. Make it a challenge to see who can create the strongest and most unique Sumo Bot.
Columbia Memorial Space Center
https://www.columbiaspacescience.org/
Facebook:@ Columbia Memorial Space Center / Insta:@ColumbiaSpace / Twitter: @ColumbiaSpace / YouTube: @ColumbiaMemorialSpaceCenter
Columbia Memorial Space Center’s mission is to ignite a community of critical and creative thinkers. They are dedicated to preserving the history of Downey’s aerospace program through interactive exhibits and programming.
Activity: Create and launch your own paper rocket to launch on a stomp rocket launcher. Explore concepts of physics as you shoot your rocket into space.
Crystal Cove Conservancy
Facebook: @Crystal Cove Conservancy / Insta: @CrystalCoveConservancy / Twitter: @CCConservancy
Crystal Cove Conservancy is the nonprofit public benefit partner to Crystal Cove State Park, employing a social enterprise model to fund important preservation, education, and conservation initiative that will cultivate our planet’s next generation of environmental stewards ensuring that Crystal Cove and places like it live on for generations.
Activity: Create your own tide pool! Learn about the many different layers and ecosystems in the ocean. Using different craft supplies, create a unique tide pool and learn facts about the nearby ocean.
Environmental Nature Center
Facebook: @Environmental Nature Center / Insta: @EnvironmentalNatureCenter / YouTube: @ENCenter
Environmental Nature Center’s mission is to provide transformative experiences through connection with nature.
Activity: Experience live animal encounters and learn how to create a nature journal. ENC’s experienced naturalists will show children the interesting features on the animals they bring and ask them to draw or write the details in a journal format.
Girl Scouts of Orange County
Facebook: @GirlScoutsOC / Insta:@GirlScoutsOC / Twitter: @GirlScoutsOC / YouTube: @GSCOC
We are Girl Scouts of Orange County. We are 25,000 strong with nearly 15,000 girls and 10,000 adults who believe that every girl can change the world. We are building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.GirlScoutsOC.org.
Activity: Do you know how to talk like a computer? Girl Scouts of Orange County invites you to use binary code patterns to make your own bracelet or key chain with your own secret message. Learn about coding and make a fun accessory to take home.
Girls Inc. of Orange County
Facebook: @GirlsIncOrangeCounty / Insta: @Girlsinc_OC / Twitter: @GirlsIncOC
Girls Inc. of Orange County positively changes the lives of girl-identifying and non-binary individuals in kindergarten through 12th grade by providing year-round holistic, compensatory, and intentional programming focusing on STEM, financial literacy, sound body image, healthy relationships, and college and career readiness.
Activity: Learn how to use Cubelets and create a robot that can do different functions. This activity teaches children of all ages important problem-solving skills – like collaboration, engineering, design, and computational thinking.
Irvine Public School Foundation
Facebook: @Irvine.Public.Schools.Foundation / Insta: @IPSF / Twitter: @IPSFinfo
Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the educational experience of each child in every school. Founded in 1996 by parents and community leaders, IPSF sponsors enrichment programs after school and in summer, and provides financial support to the district to ensure excellence in Irvine schools.
Activity: Work with the Woodbridge High School Makerspace Team to make your own light-up creation! The Makerspace is funded by IPSF’s Innovative Grants Program.
OC Stem Initiative
Facebook:@ OC Stem Initiative / Twitter: @STEMInitiative
OC STEM Initiative strengthens the workforce pipeline throughout Orange County by promoting competencies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from cradle to career through a collaborative network of public and private partnerships.
Activity: We will be demonstrating digital making and physical computing with the Raspberry Pi. We will have interactive circuits and a photobooth on display in addition to introductory coding and programming activities.
Orange Coast College Astronomy
https://orangecoastcollege.edu/academics/math-sciences/astronomy/astronomy-club.html
Insta: @Astronomy_Club_OCC
Orange Coast College, located in Costa Mesa, is one of the nation’s top transfer schools. OCC boasts a robust astronomy program, offering a broad range of courses and numerous opportunities for the public to learn about the universe. Our planetarium offers educational programming for families and anyone curious about the cosmos.
Activity: Come learn about our closest star, the Sun! Safely view the Sun through our telescopes and look for signs of solar activity. Using our Sunspotters, you’ll also be able to make your very own sketch of the Sun to take home with you. Astronomers will be on hand to answer your questions!
Santa Ana Zoo
Facebook: @The Santa Ana Zoo / Insta: @TheSantaAnaZoo / Twitter: @SantaAnaZoo
Santa Ana Zoo receives over 270,000 visitors annually. Their staff and volunteers are committed to providing education and entertainment that makes the Zoo extraordinary. When visiting the Santa Ana Zoo, children and adults can share time together learning about animals, plants, and the environment.
Activity: Visit animals from the Santa Ana Zoo! There will be designated times for animal meet and greets throughout the festival. Zoo staff will be able to answer questions presented or, if unable, provide appropriate resources and contacts.
Shared Science
Facebook:@SharedScience / Insta: @SharedScienceFun
Shared Science brings together funding and equipment, identifies gifted engineers and instructors, tailors the best STEM ed curriculum, and bundles it all together to benefit and captivate the imaginations of young students. Their objective is to reach out to as many students as possible within the community and provide them with launching pad.
Activity: Play a robotic version of soccer with robots! Families can participate in their own soccer match using the EV3 Soccerbots, and see who can win the game.
Newport Bay Conservancy
https://www.facebook.com/newportbay / insta: @nbconservancy
Newport Bay Conservancy has a mission to protect and preserve the Upper Newport Bay through education, restoration, research and advocacy. NBC was founded by citizens in 1967 to call attention to the ecological importance of the Bay. Today, over 200 trained volunteers lead & assist with programs connecting over 50,000 people to the Bay every year.
Activity: Learn about the endangered Ridgway’s Rail that makes floating ground nests at our bay. Using natural materials, each visitor will have an opportunity to engineer a nest that will be tested against the “marine” environment. If their nest floats for 10+ seconds they win a prize!
Kaiser Permanente
https://www.facebook.com/kpthrive / @kpthrive
As one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans, Kaiser Permanente provides high-quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. Dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, education, and the support of community health, Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of healthcare.
Activity: Kaiser Permanente Center for Healthy Living invites you to Eat the Rainbow. Explore how the colors of fruits and vegetables are linked to specific nutrients and health benefits. Additional activities include coloring and a prize wheel. Everyone will receive a rainbow placemat to take home!
Mesa Water District
https://www.facebook.com/MesaWater /
Mesa Water District provides safe, high-quality drinking water to residents and businesses in Costa Mesa, parts of Newport Beach, and areas of unincorporated Orange County. Mesa Water is committed to the highest standards for customer service, water awareness and conservation, reliable water delivery and financial leadership and transparency.
Activity: Mesa Water will be hosting a water-related hands-on science experiment fun for all ages! The booth will also have fun giveaways such as water bottles and beach balls.
Urban Workshop
https://www.facebook.com/TheUrbanWorkshop
Urban Workshop is a membership based DIY workshop and training center providing modern equipment, workspace, and training to adults and youth. Join a community of diverse people who share a creative passion and drive to be successful at making, learning, and business. At Urban Workshop you can make anything you can imagine. What will you make?
Activity: Urban Workshop will be providing an interactive display of projects created by students in their Hands-on Youth Shop Classes.
OTHER ACTIVITES
Mini Train
Two mini trains will be offering free rides around the Segerstrom campus.
Balloon twisters & Face painting (Twist & Shout)
Free facepainting and balloons from professional painters and twisters will be offered throughout the festival.
Play Area
The festival will include a bubble play area and oversized building equipment, including Imagination Playground.
Information on the Beckman Arts and Science Family Festival can be found at https://www.scfta.org/events/2023/beckman-arts-and-science-family-festival.
Beckman Arts and Science Family Festival
Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Julianne and George Argyros Plaza
Free Event – No Tickets Required
Box Office
In person
The Box Office
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Monday 10am to 2pm
Tuesday through Friday 12pm to 5pm
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Phone: Monday – Friday 10am to 5pm
(714) 556-2787
Online – SCFTA.org
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is an innovative, nonprofit arts organization committed to supporting artistic excellence, creating impactful educational programs, and dedicated to engaging a culturally connected, inclusive and vital Orange County community for all, through the power of live performance.
As the leading cultural arts hub, the Center presents a variety of programming with performances by international dance companies, Broadway national tours, jazz and cabaret musicians, chamber orchestras and ensembles, comedy, and speaker series. Through the Education and Community Engagement departments, the Center also delivers family-friendly programming and performances on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza; these events include outdoor movie screenings, concerts, dance classes, diverse festivals and more.
With six venues on a beautiful multi-disciplinary campus, Segerstrom Center for the Arts proudly serves as the artistic home to three of the region’s major performing arts organizations: Pacific Symphony, Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Pacific Chorale as well as two independently acclaimed organizations: Tony Award®-winning South Coast Repertory and a site opening this fall as the home of the Orange County Museum of Art. Segerstrom Center is also home to the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School and Studio D, Arts School for All Abilities.
Information provided is accurate at the time of printing, but is subject to change. Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a public, non-profit organization. “Segerstrom Center for the Arts” is a registered trademark.
