School Matinee Performances

We are proud to present performances throughout the school year for those teachers who make the community their classroom and wish to introduce their students to live theater. 

We offer both in-person student matinees and on-demand streaming performances adapted for asynchronous learning. Additional virtual content may be provided with some titles, such as the popular Classroom Connections Workshop videos, now available for streaming and included with registration. Included content does vary by show. Teacher Resource Guides connecting to the Ohio Learning Standards will be provided for all school performances. 

Accessibility: Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. matinees are American Sign Language interpreted. Closed captioning is available on all streaming videos.  

Ticket Prices

School Matinee Performances (In-person field trips)
School groups of 10 or more: $7 per ticket, with one complimentary for every 20 purchased.
Small groups 9 or less, $12 per ticket

Streaming Performances for Schools (Virtual field trips)
Registrations are $20 per class; general rates may accommodate up to 30 students per class. If your class is larger, or if you’re registering multiple groups, please contact us for a price quote. 

To register, please complete the online field trip order form below. 
Incomplete requests cannot be processed. Completing this form is not a guarantee of field trip approval. Capacity is limited and field trips will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis from the time of order submission. You will be notified within three (3) business days regarding the status of your order.

Registrations and order by phone are not accepted, but we are happy to answer your questions. For assistance in choosing the best shows for your class, please contact the Education Hotline at 216-348-7909 or schoolprograms@playhousesquare.org

Cleveland Metropolitan School District teachers: Thanks to a generous donation from the KeyBank Foundation, a limited number of free and reduced-cost tickets are available for CMSD schools and approved partnered schools. Contact us at 216-348-7909 or schoolprograms@playhousesquare.org for ordering instructions.

School Matinee Performances

April 30 - May 3, 2024 | Westfield Studio Theatre

Poli POP

School Matinee Performances

May 2 - 3, 2024 | KeyBank State Theatre

BAM Percussion

School Matinee Performances

Streaming On Demand May 6 – May 24, 2024 | Streaming Event

The Snail and the Whale

Streaming Performances for Schools

 

Social Justice Series

Playhouse Square is committed to fighting systemic racism in our community. As part of our commitment, our Social Justice Series explores the issues we continue to face as a community and a nation through the perspectives of outstanding artists of color. Titles are intentionally selected to provide age-appropriate offerings spanning Kindergarten through the high school level so you can select the best performance for your classroom. 

April 30 - May 3, 2024 | Mimi Ohio Theatre

Show Way, the Musical

School Matinee Performances

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please review the common questions below regarding our Student Matinee Performances and Streaming Performances for Schools. Click the plus signs below to expand the answers.
 

How long are the performances?

All Student Matinee Performances are roughly 60 minutes in length, unless otherwise noted. Additionally, some titles are paired with asynchronous pre- and post-show optional streaming content ranging from 10-20 minutes per video. For show-specific information, please visit the show’s webpage by clicking “More Info” above. Run times and descriptions of ancillary videos will be provided to teachers prior to the performance. 

What if am I am unsure how many students will participate?

Streaming performances are purchased by class, not by individual student. Please include the total number of students on your class roster at the time of registration. 

For in-person performances, register for your best estimation of tickets needed. You may adjust your ticket numbers as necessary up to three weeks prior to the field trip date, subject to availability. No reservation decreases will be accepted after this time. No refunds will be issued for schools who choose to pay in full prior to this deadline or for students who are absent the day of the performance. 

Can I reserve with a purchase order?

Yes! A school-issued purchase order may be submitted to confirm field trip reservations, in lieu of the 20% deposit. When issuing a PO, it must be for the full amount due on the order.

It is important to note that while a purchase order is a legally binding document, it is NOT a payment. All orders must be PAID IN FULL two weeks prior to the performance date for School Matinee Performances. Payments for our Streaming Performances for Schools must be remitted within 30 days of the performance start date. 
 

When will we receive the access information for streaming performances?

To allow for teacher preparations, viewing instructions and access codes will be send the Friday evening before the performance window opens. If you do not receive the links, please check your spam/junk folders prior to emailing us at schoolprograms@playhousesquare.org for assistance. 
 

How will I view the streaming performance?

Performances are streamed from YouTube or Vimeo. When the show becomes available, the link and password to the show’s private landing page will be provided via email. Videos may be shared with students directly or screen-shared over video conference platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet. Many are enabled for embedding capabilities into an online learning platform. 
 

What if I cannot finish the streaming performance during one class period?

Registrations for streaming performances include access to the show for the full range of viewing dates. Teachers are able to access the content multiple times during this time frame and are encouraged to spread the experience across multiple days as needed.

I am on the waiting list, when will I know whether my field trip will be approved?

Any orders placed on a waiting list will be approved on a rolling basis from the time of order submission. Educators will be notified as soon as space becomes available. 

Are homeschools eligible to attend student matinee performances?

Yes! Homeschools are welcome to attend all field trips but may be asked to provide certification documents.

Do you offer any discounts for low-income schools?

We are pleased to offer a Bus Subsidy program, which helps cover costs of transportation to and from our School Matinee Performances. The program covers up to $175 per bus, round trip for all approved field trips. Funds are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BUS SUBSIDY PROGRAM

A limited number of free and reduced tickets are available to schools within and partnered with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, through a generous donation from KeyBank Foundation. For more information, please call the Education Hotline at 216-348-7909.

LIST OF CMSD SCHOOLS AND APPROVED PARTNER AND SPONSORED SCHOOLS 
 

How do I apply for bus subsidy assistance?

If you are in need of financial assistance for transportation to a school matinee performance, please review the following steps before submitting the online field trip order form.

  1. Review the School Field Trip Policies & Registration Procedures
  2. Complete and submit the school field trip order form, indicating your interest in receiving bus subsidy on the form.
  3. Confirm receipt of your submission.
  4. You will be contacted within two business days of your order submission as to the status of your request.

BUS SUBSIDY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

What if my school is closed the day of our scheduled field trip?

If your school is closed due to inclement weather on the day of your scheduled, in-person field trip, please notify our office prior to show time. Your school will receive credit toward a comparable field trip within the same season. No credits will be issued for streaming performances. 

You must contact Playhouse Square within seven (7) business days of your canceled field trip to receive your credit and arrange an alternate trip. No refunds will be issued for inclement weather.
 

Is there a place to eat lunch?

Playhouse Square is not able to provide space for class lunches. If weather permits, the plaza across the street does offer first-come, first-served seating. Or, if your district allows and space permits, schools are welcome to arrive early to park and eat on the bus prior to the performance. 

For a recommendation of local restaurant establishments, please call 216-348-7909.
 

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