School Matinee 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 10-25 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. 

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. 

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. 
 

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. 

Distribution dates are as follows: 
Billy Goats Gruff & Other Puppet Tales – October 8, 2021
Charlotte’s Web – October 22, 2021
Citizen James – October 29, 2021
Commanding Space: The Rise of Annie Easley and the Centaur Rocket – November 12, 2021
The Carp Who Would Not Quit & Other Animal Stories – January 7, 2022
MEMPHIS – January 14, 2022
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad – February 25, 2022
Five Days with Step Afrika! – April 29, 2022
 

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. 

TEST YOUTUBE WITHIN YOUR SCHOOL NETWORK
TEST VIMEO WITHIN YOUR SCHOOL NETWORK
 

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.

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. 

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

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 
 

If you are in need of financial assistance for transportation to a school matinee performance, please review the following steps before submitting the online 2021-2022 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

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 business days of your canceled field trip to receive your credit and arrange an alternate trip. No refunds will be issued for inclement weather.
 

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.