ARTS EDUCATION & OUTREACH - SCHOOL MATINEES - 2008-2009

At the Performance Center, we strive to inspire creativity and share the joy that comes from interactive arts experiences with primary school children from throughout the area. Teachers will find links to curriculum in our programs, while students experience their favorite storybooks come to life, explore a world culture or delve into the creative processes of an artistic discipline. We also build on the artistic strengths expressed in the area by offering opportunities to learn from Page Series guest artists in master classes, workshops and lecture/demonstrations.

Events are available on a first-come, first-served basis to groups of 10 or more whose students are of Kindergarten age or older. All seats cost $2 per person (students and chaperones) and payment is due upon arrival. No one will ever be turned away due to an inability to pay, and schools do not need to pay for students absent the day of the performance. Schools are asked to limit chaperones to one adult per 10 students when possible. Groups should plan to arrive between 20 and 30 minutes prior to the performance. Most events last 50 to 60 minutes, and offer study guides with pre- and post-performance activities and discussion topics.

The following information is needed to make a reservation:

• Name of school or home-school group
• Number of students expected to attend
• Contact name and phone number
• Grade level or age range of students (whichever is applicable)
• Number of expected chaperones
• Any needed accessibility services

For more information about bringing your school or class to a matinee, e-mail the SMU Box Office at tickets@smumn.edu.

School matinee productions include:

Nov. 5 — 10:00 a.m.,
Omaha Theater Company: Horrible Harry

How much trouble can a second-grader cause? How horrible can Horrible Harry really be? This world premiere performance, adapted for the stage by the Omaha Theater Company’s Artistic Director James Larson, features favorite stories from the popular book series by Suzy Kline. Fun-loving and full of mischief, Harry is always the center of attention with his string of nonstop pranks and antics. When his sworn enemy, Sydney, accidentally kills Harry’s pet spider, he gets even with her on the school field trip to the scary prison and creepy copper mine.

Jan. 13 — 10 a.m.
Red Grammer

Grammy-nominated family entertainer Red Grammer is one of the premier entertainers of children and families in America. Described by Parents Magazine as “the best voice in children’s music,” Red has set the gold standard for writing and performing music that playfully reconnects each one of us with the best in ourselves. Red will play tunes from “BeBop Your Best! … Music To Build Character By,” his new Grammy-nominated collection of songs for kids of all ages. “Picking the best of Red Grammer is like picking the best chocolate from a box of Godiva: there’s no way you can lose...” Parents’ Choice Awards

Feb 6 — 10 a.m.
Theatreworks USA: Give a Pig a Pancake and other Story Books

Pigs can be so demanding. This is why it is probably poor judgment to give a pig a pancake. Syrup leads to baths; baths lead to bubbles; bubbles lead to rubber ducks; and rubber ducks lead to wanting a trip to the farm, playing out the classic scenario of “If you give an inch, they’ll take a mile.”  Theatreworks USA will bring this loveable pig tale — along with many other favorite kids storybooks — to life. Stories may include: “Diary of a Worm,” “Fluffy the Classroom Guinea Pig,” “Horace & Morris but Mostly Dolores,” “How I Became a Pirate,” “Lilly’s Big Day,” “The Paper Bag Princess” and “Ruby Mae Has Something to Say.”

March 12 — 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.
Einstein Alive!

Marc Spiegel's Einstein Alive! is a one-man show that is both entertaining and educational for audiences of all ages. Through theater, sing-along songs and audience participation, Spiegel vividly and realistically brings Einstein to life as he takes you on an adventure into the great genius' mind. Audience members will find themselves laughing while they learn complicated scientific theories, including Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.

Additional school-matinee-only performances include:

Oct. 22 — 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Pushcart Players: Stone Soup and Other Stories

A charming, well-seasoned blend, these carefully selected folk tales from around the world support the literacy movement's emphasis on the joy of reading. “Stone Soup...” is on the gourmet “not to be missed” list of young viewers! Story favorites from Africa, India, Eastern Europe, and the United States are filled with music, colors, fantasy, and fun. Each tale introduces the spirit and customs of other cultures while reinforcing the shared values of all peoples.

Dec. 3 — Wednesday, 10 a.m.
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts’ “The Nutcracker”

The ballet tells the heartwarming story of young Clara, who on Christmas Eve dreams of a battle pitting the Nutcracker Prince against the Rat King and his band of mice. At a pivotal moment, Clara comes to the aid of the Prince and helps him win the battle. To reward Clara for her help, the Prince takes her to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and sees a beautiful array of ethnic dancers such as Spanish Coffee, Arabian, and Chinese Tea.  

Thursday — May 14, 10 a.m.
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts: Dance Repertory Company

Suitable and appealing for all ages, the annual spring concert by Dance Repertory Company offers a well-rounded dance experience by including a variety of dance styles in its performances. Full of youthful exuberance, effervescent spirit and burgeoning talent, the company upholds high artistic standards and commitment to technique, discipline and fun. From contemporary ballet to tap, and from jazz to hip hop, this annual concert promises delightful choreography performed by an equally delightful company of student dancers.