Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- What is the Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California?
The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California was established in 1996 to meet the important needs of the community – to educate, enlighten and inform.
Through a subscription series of speakers, the audience is exposed to the thoughts and insights of some of the greatest thought leaders of our time. Our distinguished speakers share with the audience their unique experiences and perspectives on a wide variety of topics – from world affairs & politics, to history & the environment, to books & authors, to business & economics, to the Arts & entertainment. The Series consists of six evenings.
- Where does the Distinguished Speaker Series take place?
The Distinguished Speaker Series is currently held at four locations:
Pasadena Civic Auditorium
Series launched in 1997
300 E. Green Street
Pasadena, CA 91101
Theater: (626) 449-7360
Order Tickets: (310) 546-6222 Mon-Fri 10:30 – 4:00The Pasadena Civic seats up to 2,997. Tickets are only sold in subscription packages to the entire 6 speakers. Series tickets are available in every price package. Individual tickets are not available.
Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center Redondo
Series launched in 1998
1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Theater: (310) 318-0644
Order Tickets: (310) 546-6222 Mon-Fri 10:30 – 4:00The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center seats 1,500. We have been completely sold-out for over 17 seasons. Any available seats will be offered to those on the waiting list. To get on the waiting list, go to the Contact page on this website.
Bank of America Performing Arts Center Thousand Oaks
Series launched in 2001
2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Theater: (805) 449-2775 Tue-Fri 10:30 – 4:00
bapacthousandoaks.comBank of America Performing Arts Center at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza seats up to 1,800. Tickets are only sold in subscription packages to the entire 6 speakers. Series tickets are available in every price package. Individual tickets are not available.
Terrace Theater
Long Beach Performing Arts Center
300 E Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90802
Theater: (562) 436-3636
Order Tickets: (310) 546-6222 Mon-Fri 10:30 – 4:00The Terrace Theater is located in Long Beach and seats up to 3,000. Tickets are only sold in subscription packages to the entire 6 speakers. Series tickets are available in every price package. Individual tickets are not available.
- How can I subscribe to the Distinguished Speaker Series?
You can purchase a subscription online, or phone our Office at 310-546-6222.
For our Thousand Oaks Series, the Bank of America Performing Arts Center serves as the box office for the Thousand Oaks Distinguished Speaker Series. For questions regarding subscription purchases to the Thousand Oaks Series, please call 805-449-2787.
- Is it possible to buy a single ticket to a single lecture?
The Speakers Series is only sold as a subscription to all six lectures – tickets to individual lectures are not for sale. Not only does this make it possible to keep the cost of each subscription at a relatively low level, but it furthers the series’ goal of promoting civic dialogue and understanding by presenting a diverse roster of renowned authorities who collectively speak to a broad range of topics and perspectives to enhance our community’s understanding of our increasingly complex world. Particularly in this polarized time, we are proud that subscribers to the Speakers Series welcome the opportunity to hear from a speaker whose views they may not agree with, and even relish the opportunity to challenge him or her with a question.
- How long is each lecture?
Each evening lasts around one and one-half hours. The Long Beach, Pasadena, Thousand Oaks and Redondo Beach series begin at 7:30 pm and are scheduled to end around 9:00 pm.
Each evening begins with a short introduction. The speaker’s presentation averages around an hour. Following the speaker’s remarks, audience questions are posed to the speaker. The “Q&A” period belongs to the audience. This 30-45 minute session, during which the speaker clarifies or amplifies previous remarks or offers spontaneous and revealing new information, is often the most interesting portion of the evening.
- Why are there no refunds for a postponement or substitution of a speaker?
When dealing with high-profile speakers, there is a small chance that a postponement or substitution of an event will occur. Prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic, this has happened only a few times in the past 28 years. When you purchase tickets to the Series, you must assume this very small risk. Our brochure and application state that speakers are subject to substitution and/or rescheduling. We make every attempt to reschedule the same speaker at a later time or bring in a comparable speaker on the same date.
- Is the Speakers Series only for adults?
No! The Speakers Series is a unique opportunity to share something informative and inspirational with high school and college age students. It provides a wonderful opportunity for family dialogue on important issues, such as international affairs, American politics, current events, books and authors.
- Do you offer free tickets for high school classes?
Yes, we do offer complimentary tickets for high school children to attend the Pasadena, Long Beach and Thousand Oaks speakers, if seats are available.
We call the program SHARE THE VISION. We try to limit this to one class per high school. This must be organized with a teacher or school official. The original request of interest must come on official school letterhead. Please email us or call the Distinguished Speaker Series office directly at (310) 546-6222 for further instructions and requirements. This program is not available at all theaters.
- Why is the Distinguished Speaker Series so popular?
The Distinguished Speaker Series is popular because it is, unlike television, an interactive experience. You get to see and hear famous people up close such as Joe Biden, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Robert Redford, Malala Yousafzai, Mikhail Gorbachev, Magic Johnson, FW DeKlerk, Liz Cheney, Condoleezza Rice, Annie Leibovitz, Ehud Barak, Jane Goodall, Colin Powell, Steve Martin, YoYo Ma, Bob Woodward, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Martha Stewart, John Wooden, Malcolm Gladwell, Caroline Kennedy, Ron Howard & Anderson Cooper to name a few, coming from all walks of life to share their views and opinions with the Distinguished Speaker Series audiences. Again, unlike television, our guests have time to elaborate at length about their topic as opposed to TV “sound bites.” This is a rare, educational experience for little time and money.
The Distinguished Speaker Series is an easy, effective, enjoyable way to keep up-to-date on current affairs, which includes domestic and international perspectives. Often, friends and small groups attend together and discuss the program after the session. Following a speaker’s appearance, the talk around town often times has to do with what that speaker said the night before.
- What’s the biggest secret about the Distinguished Speaker Series?
The best-known speakers offer engaging and provocative evenings for our subscribers. However, it is often the lesser known (or even completely unknown) names that make the most profound impact on our patrons. The single most frequent comment we hear from subscribers is that the speakers they were least interested in initially were the ones they’ve enjoyed the most. Just ask a long-term subscriber about their evenings with Platon, Beck Weathers, Lisa Genova, Paul Nicklen, Cristina Mittermeier or Father Gregory Boyle.
- Is it possible to get a video or transcript of a speaker’s lecture?
Videos and transcripts are not available. The lectures are live, in-person events only.
South Bay Series
- Who do I contact for questions about this series?
For questions about our Redondo Beach location feel free to call the office at (310) 546-6222 or email [email protected]. Our office is open Mon-Fri 10:30 – 4:00.
- Can I buy a subscription at the box office?
No, subscriptions for the South Bay Series location can be purchased through our website or by calling the office at (310) 546-6222.
- When and how will I get my series tickets?
At the Redondo Beach location, we provide physical printed tickets only. Series tickets are mailed out about a month before the first event. Please reach out at 310-546-6222 if you have misplaced your tickets.
- How do I get on the waitlist for the South Bay Series location?
The South Bay Series has been sold-out for the past 16 years. After the renewal period, we fill seats that have opened up from names on our waiting list. In seasons past it has taken multiple years to get off the waitlist and into the South Bay Series. You may use the form on our Contact page to send your name, address and a daytime phone number, and we will be happy to add you to our waiting list. Or you may telephone the office at (310) 546-6222 Monday through Friday, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm.
As a policy, we do not provide any of your address information to any other source. This policy applies to subscribers as well. You can read about this policy in our privacy policy.
Pasadena Series
- Where will the 2024-2025 Pasadena series take place?
We have moved from the Ambassador Auditorium and the 2024-2025 Pasadena Distinguished Speakers Series will be presented at The Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green Street Pasadena, CA 91101.
The historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium opened in 1932 and is one of the most revered performance halls in the nation. The Civic offers seating for 2,997.
- Who do I contact for questions about this series?
For questions about our Pasadena location feel free to call the office at (310) 546-6222 or email [email protected]. Our office is open Mon-Fri 10:30 – 4:00.
- Can I buy a subscription at the box office?
No, subscriptions for the Pasadena location can be purchased through our website or by calling the office at (310) 546-6222.
- When and how will I get my series tickets?
At the Pasadena location, all season tickets will be mobile; your phone is your ticket! You will find your tickets for each seat and each show at the bottom of your purchase receipt email. These can also be printed out and provided to the ushers at the doors the night of a show (limited to one scan per ticket). Call our office at 310-546-6222 if you have trouble retrieving your tickets.
Thousand Oaks Series
- Who do I contact for questions about this series?
For questions about the Thousand Oaks series feel free to contact them directly – The Box Office is open for telephone calls Tuesday – Friday 10:30 am – 4:00 pm (805) 449-2775.
- Can I buy a subscription at the box office?
Box Office is not currently open. Staff is available for phone calls Tuesday – Friday 10:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Bank of America Performing Arts Center Thousand Oaks is located at:
2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Their telephone number is (805) 449-2775- When and how will I get my series tickets?
At the Thousand Oaks location, all season tickets will be mobile; your phone is your ticket! Login to your BAPAC Thousand Oaks Account to view and download your tickets. Should you have any questions or see any errors in your online account please contact the Box Office for assistance. To request printed tickets please contact the BAPAC Box Office at 805-449-2787.
Long Beach Series
- Who do I contact for questions about this series?
For questions about the Long Beach series feel free to call the office at (310) 546-6222. Our office is open Mon-Fri 10:30 – 4:00.
- Can I buy a subscription at the box office?
No, subscriptions for the Long Beach Series location can be purchased through our website or by calling the office at (310) 546-6222.
- When and how will I get my series tickets?
At the Long Beach location, we provide physical printed tickets only. Series tickets are mailed out about a month before the first event. If a Series is purchased later in the year, processing and ticketing usually takes 1-2 weeks. Please reach out at 310-546-6222 if you have misplaced your tickets.
Westside Series
- Are tickets available in Beverly Hills?
In 2023, with a heavy heart, we had to make a business decision to close the Distinguished Speaker Series of the Westside which was held at the SABAN Theater in Beverly Hills for seven years.
We continue to present the Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California in four theatres in the region. We have room to accommodate new Westside patrons in our Thousand Oaks, Pasadena, and Long Beach theaters.