It’s all the rage these days, and you can see it here. Planetarium domes that once offered only educational science shows are now raking in profits after hours, on immersive experiences that thrust viewers into more than outer space.
In Costa Mesa, the $23 million planetarium at Orange Coast College successfully debuted the company’s first offering, “Mesmerica 360,” on its giant 360-degree dome in 2019. Its run was interrupted by the pandemic, and then returned in 2022.
The newest offering, “Beautifica 360” has just begun its run, and tickets are already routinely selling out. Its run time is 50 minutes.
“It brings in additional revenue, which helps us purchase additional star shows and other educational content,” said Jessica Artinger, the planetarium’s program manager.
The company — Worlds, a trademark of Moodswings, LLC of Altadena — was founded by Grammy-winning musician James Hood, a former drummer for The Pretenders, who has been a pioneer in immersive musical technology.
Michael Daut, vice-president of venue engagement for Worlds, said planetariums and giant screen theaters benefit from the use of their theaters in the evening, when they’re typically closed.
“They’re sitting unused after 5 or 6 p.m.,” Daut said. “We can attract brand new audiences to them.”
But of course there have been pure entertainment shows before, such as Pink Floyd in Laserium, that often appear in similar venues, using laser technology and loudspeakers to project a musical experience. This, however, is different.
“Beautifica 360” is described in its publicity as a “mindblowing 360 immersive journey through worlds real and imaginary…”
It typically takes about a year of specialized camera work and computer imaging to create a new immersive dome show, Daut said.
“Beautifica 360” turns the star show on its head, using digital technology to create an immersive movie that surrounds viewers with colors, music, lighting and a loose story line designed to leave viewers feeling good when they exit.
The college rents the space to the film’s producers, in this case Hood’s Altadena-based company, that creates the immersive shows and exhibits them in planetariums, specialty theaters and museums all over the world.
The event has been popular. Even at a cost of $35-$59 for adult tickets, the shows have been selling out since they recently opened.
Daut said the company’s shows have played in more than 100 planetariums since debuting in 2019, and will soon be in 80 theaters around the world.
The OCC planetarium plans to close for the month of January, so it can update to more advanced technology, Artinger said. She predicted that audiences familiar with the shows will notice the difference. It should reopen in February.
The Worlds shows run until their audiences are sated and a new one is ready. “Beautifica 360” is likely to play a long time.
‘Beautifica 360’
Where: Orange Coast College Planetarium, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa.
Tickets: $35-$59 for adults, $37-$55 for kids 6-13. Kids under 6 are not admitted. Standby tickets are $15 but don’t guarantee entry. Run time is around 50 minutes. Arrive early. Parking at Orange Coast College can be purchased online for $5. tickets.beautifica.show/costamesa/
Information: orangecoastcollege.edu/community/planetarium/