The venue's stage floor and seating risers are built on a system of hydraulic lifts, allowing the auditorium to be reconfigured within hours.
Barton Myers, the architect, designed the center to be 'acoustically alive' with adjustable wall panels and ceiling clouds.
The interior lobby features a large-scale sculpture titled 'The Cerritos Garden' by artist Robert Graham.
The center's modular stage technology was one of the first of its kind in a commercial venue in the United States.
The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts is a multi-disciplinary venue known for its highly adaptable theater configuration that can change seating capacity and stage layout based on the performance. Opened in 1993, the facility is designed to host everything from Broadway-style musicals and symphony concerts to intimate acoustic performances. The building features a unique architectural design by Barton Myers, characterized by its use of glass, steel, and a distinctive flexible acoustic system. It serves as a regional cultural hub in Southern California, hosting touring artists, comedy acts, and dance companies. The venue maintains a commitment to accessible arts programming for the local community and surrounding Orange and Los Angeles County residents. Seating can be adjusted into five different configurations, including arena, lyric, concert, recital, and flat-floor settings.
The main lobby, which features expansive glass walls reflecting the center's contemporary architecture and outdoor landscaping.
Check the official seating map on the website before booking to understand which configuration will be used for your specific show.
Arrive early to walk through the lobby, as the architecture and public art installations are often highlighted in docent-led tours.
Sign up for the venue's email newsletter for notifications regarding presale opportunities and special event series.
Do not wait until the day of a popular show to purchase tickets, as the flexible seating capacity can sell out quickly.
The box office is closed on most major holidays and non-performance days.
Business casual is recommended, though attire varies significantly depending on the specific performance type.