• A side-by-side photo of two men in a dimly lit indoor setting, likely a recording studio. On the left, a man with gray hair and glasses wears a black baseball cap, a black graphic t-shirt, and a dark cardigan, standing with his hands in his pockets and a slight smile. On the right, a man with a beard and glasses laughs heartily, wearing a brown fedora-style hat, a gray long-sleeve henley, a red bandana around his neck, and a watch and bracelet on his wrist. A glass partition divides the two halves of the image, with other people and equipment visible in the background.
JUL 2026 22 WED 7:30 pm
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The Science of Story | USA
Up Close: A Conversation with Brad Bird and Michael GiacchinoEpstein Family Amphitheater
  • Tickets: $35–80
  • UCSD Student: Free tickets via SSO
Bites & Beverages

About

For the third consecutive year, Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe-winning composer Michael Giacchino returns for an intimate conversation with two-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker Brad Bird. Together, they have shaped some of the most beloved films of our time, including The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, and Incredibles 2.

Presented as part of The Science of Story, this candid discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative partnership between filmmaker and composer. Through stories and reflections from more than two decades of collaboration, Bird and Giacchino reveal how story and music come together to create unforgettable cinematic experiences.

 

Details

Gates Open: 6:30 pm

Bites & Beverages

Snacks and drink will be available for purchase in the venue. Please note: Food vendors are cashless. For more info, please email artpower@ucsd.edu.

Getting Here

The Epstein Family Amphitheater is located at 9480 Innovation Ln, La Jolla, CA 92093.

Take the Trolley: The amphitheater is located next to the Blue Line Trolley, UCSD Central Campus Station. For more information about the trolley, visit the MTS website >

Parking

The closest parking structure is Gilman Parking Structure. UC San Diego requires parking permits 7 days a week. Permits can be purchased at permit machines or through the Parkmobile App. Visit UC San Diego Transportation for information on where to buy your permit, and costs.

What Can I Bring To The Show?

You may bring in empty refillable water bottles, small personal bags (16” x 16 “ x 8”). All bags are subject to search by security officers. We encourage that you dress in layers and for those who have tickets to the General Lawn Section to wear shoes without heels. 

Prohibited Items

Additional prohibited items include: strollers, large backpacks, flags, tobacco products, alcohol, cans, bottles, ice chests, picnic baskets, lawn furniture, weapons of any kind, umbrellas, pets, hula hoops, musical instruments, laser pointers, bicycles, and skateboards.  Cameras with a detachable lens of any kind and professional recording devices are not allowed, including GoPros. Scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and other recreational wheeled equipment are not permitted at the Epstein Family Amphitheater. UC San Diego is a smoke-free campus. 

If you have questions, please contact amphitheater@ucsd.edu

Can I bring Lawn furniture, cushions, or blankets?

For the safety and comfort of all, you may not bring lawn chairs or furniture. The lawn is quite steep and not safe for lawn chairs. You can bring in personal seat cushions, blankets, or seating, as long as they fit your personal space. We encourage the same for the stone bench seating areas on both General Admission and reserved seating shows.

Fees

Ticket prices are inclusive of fees.
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