2019-20 Season Arts In Education Series
As a nonprofit arts leader, the Performing Arts Foundation is committed to providing students with access to professional artists by offering high-quality matinee performances. The arts have many benefits, helping students to become better equipped in the classroom and more prepared for life.
View the Aspirus Arts In Education Brochure
SERIES SPONSOR:
The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System
October 16, 2019 – 10:00AM & 1:00PM
Grades 2 – 5
Hop on The Magic School Bus for a ride in this new musical adaptation based on the beloved book series published by Scholastic!
When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! But when rivalries both old and new threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system.
Black Violin
October 24, 2019 – 1:00PM
Grades 4 – 8
After meeting in high school orchestra over a decade ago, Wil Baptiste and Kev Marcus created Black Violin, a blend of classical, bluegrass, rock, hip-hop, and R&B music that teaches students to bust stereotypes, break boundaries, and be themselves.
In addition to performing for more than 100,000 students a year, the two classically-trained musicians have collaborated with the likes of super stars like P. Diddy, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Tom Petty, Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin, and The Eagles. Don’t miss their highly-anticipated return to The Grand!
Pete the Cat
November 13, 2019 – 10:00AM (LIMITED AVAILABILITY) & 1:00PM
Grades Pre-K – 2
TheatreWorks USA brings the hit book series Pete the Cat to the stage! For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. Except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth, that is.
But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in their groovy VW Bus!
The Snowy Day
and Other Stories
February 27, 2020 – 10:00AM & 1:00PM
Grades Pre-K – 2
Follow Peter and his friends through winter, spring, summer, and fall as they romp and play, start snow ball fights and make snow angels, journey in space and under the sea, and more, all in this imaginative musical play that uses innovative shadow puppetry to celebrate the magic and boundless possibilities of childhood and the challenges of growing up.
Keats’ treasured characters come to life in this humorous and fun adaptation of Whistle for Willie, Goggles!, A Letter to Amy, and Caldecott Medal winner The Snowy Day.
The One & Only Ivan – SOLD OUT
March 9, 2020 – 10:00AM & 1:00PM
Grades 2 – 6
For 27 years, the world of Ivan the gorilla was a dull cage in a roadside shopping mall. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant captured in the wild, Ivan’s ambitions and imagination must grow to meet the challenge of rescuing his endangered new companion. Aided by Bob the scrappy dog and a young human ally, Ivan sets out to become the great silverback protector he was always meant to be.
Enter the mind of a remarkable hero in this unforgettable story of enduring friendship, drawn from true events. Lifeline Theatre presents Katherine Applegate’s #1 New York Times best-seller and winner of the Newbery Medal.
Yamato Drummers of Japan – SOLD OUT
March 16, 2020 – 10:00AM
Grades 4 – 8
The drummers of Yamato are seasoned experts in the ancient art of Japanese taiko drumming. They take this centuries-old cultural practice and make it exciting and relevant with their explosive energy and passion, teaching young people across the world about the importance of honoring tradition.
As they tour and perform throughout Japan, the United States, and the rest of the world in theaters and classrooms alike, the troupe continues to cherish and uphold Yamato, the spirit of Japan.
Miss Nelson Has a Field Day
April 1, 2020 – 10:00AM & 1:00PM
Grades 2 – 5
At Horace B. Smedley School, the Smedley Tornadoes have never won a football game. In fact, they have never even scored a single point! With such a poor record and a team that is out of control, kind-hearted Miss Nelson has to come to the rescue. She enlists the help of her alter ego, the ill-tempered Miss Viola Swamp, to coach the team and whip them into shape with her trademark discipline and tough exercises before the biggest game of the year!
The Rainbow Fish
April 7, 2020 – 10:00AM (LIMITED AVAILABILITY) & 1:00PM
Grades Pre-K – 2
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s elegant new show, based on Marcus Pfister’s beloved story, introduces the most beautiful fish in the sea, whose scales shimmer in all the colors of the rainbow. He is admired – and resented – by the entire underwater world, until a clever octopus advises him to give each fish one of his scales. Further adventures follow as The Rainbow Fish finds the courage to explore the great unknown deep sea, discovering a new world with wonderful sights and friendly creatures of all shapes, sizes, and colors who are eager to make his acquaintance.