What are student matinees?

Student matinees are a series of special 60-minute daytime performances for K-12 students featuring internationally-renowned artists. A student matinee is the perfect way to bring the arts to life in a fun and memorable way. Participating schools will also receive in-depth study materials with lesson plans and arts-integration opportunities to use in your classroom.

The Student Matinee Series is generously supported by Bader Philanthropies, Inc., Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and the Herzfeld Foundation.

Keep scrolling for frequently asked questions. If you’re looking for more help, fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

Student Matinees are loved by students and teachers.

Useful Resources

Each Student Matinee includes a set of study tools to take back to your classroom so you can make the most of your field trip.

Interactive Shows

These aren’t your traditional shows. Student Matinees are fun, energetic, and interactive.

Helpful Staff

Field trips can be stressful, but they don’t have to be. Our incredible team is here to make your day as easy as possible.

Our Generous Student Matinee Series Supporters

Bader Philanthropies, Inc.

Greater Milwaukee Foundation

Herzfeld Foundation

2023/24 Student Matinees

B–The Underwater Bubble Show

Nov. 2, 2023 | Grades K-8
Explore the wondrous underwater world of Bubblelandia as you go on an imaginary journey with Mr. B through the deep blue sea and explore a world inhabited by incredible creatures.

Learn more

Bill Blagg's The Science of Magic

Feb. 2, 2024 | Grades 1-5
Illusionist Bill Blagg’s one-of-a-kind educational experience, The Science of Magic, takes students on a rare journey “behind the scenes” of the magic world.

Learn more

Black Violin

Feb. 9, 2024 | Grades K-12
Brought to life by Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste, Black Violin, a two-time GRAMMY-nominated duo, invokes a musical fusion of exquisite classical sounds and exhilarating hip-hop beats.

Learn more

Dance Theatre of Harlem

Feb. 14, 2024 | Grades K-12
Now a singular presence in the ballet world, the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company tours nationally and internationally, presenting a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century.

Learn more

Cirque Mechanics: Zephyr

March 7, 2024 | Grades K-12
Experience this breathtaking theatrical circus show that harnesses human power to generate an energetic acrobatic performance.

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Show Way The Musical

March 21, 2024 | Grades 3-12
Jacqueline Woodson’s award-winning story of history, love, and resilience becomes a world premiere stage adaptation about Show Way, a quilt with secret meanings to show enslaved people the way to freedom.

Learn more

MOMIX: Alice

April 11, 2024 | Grades K-12
Celebrated around the world for performances of astounding inventiveness and physical beauty, MOMIX takes audiences into surreal and whimsical worlds.

Learn more
Reserve Student Matinee Seats now

Relax

We've got your next field trip covered.

Register your class

Choose your show, complete the registration form, and download your study materials. Study materials will be available closer to the show.

Confirm and pay

Six weeks before the show, confirm how many students and chaperones will be attending. Four weeks before the show, submit payment via check or credit card.

Enjoy the show!

Sit back and enjoy the show with your students – you’ve earned it.

Teachers often ask us...

Pricing & Tickets

Once your invoice has been issued, MPAC requests payment a minimum of (30) days in advance of your performance. Payment made earlier than 30 days before your performance will be provided with priority seating.

Reservations should be made online through our website. Once your reservation is made, you will receive a Reservation Confirmation.

Your Reservation Contract includes a breakdown of the number of seats you are reserving. These numbers will be used to create an invoice, which represents the total amount due for your participation. Seats are subject to availability at the time of making your reservation.

We do not issue physical tickets. Marcus Performing Arts Center front of house staff will greet you upon arrival and assist groups to their designated seats.

Unfortunately, it is not possible for teachers to select their seats for Student Matinee performances. All seats are weighted equally and are assigned based on the overall seating needs of the performance. Requests for Accessibility or other special needs are welcomed and we will do our best to honor such requests.

Yes, when each performance reaches its capacity, those non-reserved schools will be placed on a waitlist and will be notified if any spots become available.

Rush tickets will NOT be sold to parents, community members, or students NOT included in your school reservation to limit transmission.

Absolutely! We require a minimum group size of 10 to make a school group reservation.

We recommend a ratio of one adult per 10 students. We understand that some students require more help and supervision than others, and for that reason, you are welcome to bring up to a ratio of one adult per five students, plus special education support staff. All seats are $5.

Once your Reservation Contract has been signed and returned and payment has been received refunds will no longer be issued. If attendees have not issued payment then they must reach out to the Student Matinee Coordinator and make the necessary adjustments.

Day of the Show & Arrival

We recommend arriving at least thirty minutes prior to the performance, in order to accommodate seating, lunch drop-offs, and pre-show use of restrooms. Please feel free to arrive up to forty minutes early if you believe you will need more time. Arrival time does not affect seating.

Unless otherwise noted, all performances are 60 minutes in length and sometimes offer an optional Q & A after this time.

You may request to reserve lunch space following your performance. Groups may also utilize the outdoor courtyard. MPAC does not provide lunches.

Yes, resource guides will be emailed to the educator that made the reservation and will also be made available on our website. Study guides will be available in late August.
 
Study guides include summaries, videos, podcasts and background information about the performance to help your students engage.

Let's stay in touch

There’s always something new happening at the Marcus Center, and our learning experiences are in high demand.

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