Student Matinees

Center Theatre Group partners with local educators to host students from the greater Los Angeles area for select performances at the Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and Kirk Douglas Theatre. Our goal is to collaborate with classroom teachers to provide young people access to high-quality, live professional theatre as a core part of their basic education, and to help them make meaningful connections between art and their lives.

Participating educators are expected to attend a conference and utilize educational materials to help students comprehend the world of the play, explore their own creativity, and show them the power of stories. Because space is limited, schools must apply for consideration.

Financial Commitment

Participating groups must provide their own transportation to the theatre.

Eligibility

All schools (including charter schools, private schools, home school networks) and community organizations serving young people are eligible to apply. Schools in Los Angeles County in under-resourced communities will receive priority for enrollment.

2024/25 Student Matinee Program Season

Green Day’s American Idiot

at the Mark Taper Forum

For grades 11-12

Performances: October 16 and 23, 2024, at 10:45am

Educator Conference: Thursday, September 19 from 4:30-7:30pm or Saturday, September 21 from 10am-1pm

Application Closed

Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical

at the Kirk Douglas Theatre

For grades 2-5

Performances: December 3, 4, 5 and 10, 2024, at 11am

Educator Conference: Thursday, November 7 from 4:30-7:30pm or Saturday, November 9 from 10am-1pm

Application Closed

Once Upon A Mattress

at the Ahmanson Theatre

For grades 3-8

Performances: December 12, 2024, at 11am

Educator Conference: Thursday, November 14 from 4:30-7:30PM or Saturday, November 16 from 10am-1pm

Application Closed

Fake It Until You Make It

at the Mark Taper Forum

For grades 9-12

Performances: February 12 and 19, 2025, at 10:45am

Educator Conference: Thursday, January 16 from 4:30-7:30pm or Saturday, January 18 from 10am-1pm

Application Closed

El Otro Oz

at the Kirk Douglas Theatre

For grades 3-8

Performances: March 27, 28; April 2, 3, 9 and 10, 2025, at 11am

Educator Conference: Thursday, March 6 from 4:30-7:30pm or Saturday, March 8 from 10am-1pm

Application Closed

Life of Pi

at the Ahmanson Theatre

For grades 6-12

Performances: May 14, 2025, at 11am

Educator Conference: Wednesday, April 23 from 4:30-7:30pm or Saturday, April 26 from 10am-1pm

Application Closed

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions? Please review our FAQ’s below. For further questions, please contact us by email at [email protected].

Center Theatre Group’s Student Matinee Program is an award-winning, theatre-going experience for young people that inspires and nurtures their curiosity, scholarship, artistry and personal creativity.
The program includes the following components:
- Professional, full-length performance of a main stage show with a pre-show welcome and a post-show Q&A discussion with the cast and crew.
- Educational materials to help prepare students to comprehend the world of the play, explore their own creativity, and make connections between the show and their own lives.
- Educator Conference to explore the play in-depth and discuss important performance day logistics.
- Optional Teaching Artist classroom visits before and/or after the show to lead discussions and activities.
No. There is no fee to participate in the program. However, educators are required to attend the Educator Conference and all groups must secure their own transportation to the theatre. We encourage you to speak with your school administrator or organization leader regarding grant and funding opportunities for buses. If you are near a Metro stop, you may also consider using public transportation.
Yes. All educators are required to attend an Educator Conference before attending a student matinee performance. Additional educators and adult chaperones are also welcome.
A pre-show welcome takes place 30 minutes before the listed performance times for each show. Specific performance day details including the length of the show are shared as part of your confirmation information and reviewed at the Educator Conference.
No. The post-show Q&A with the cast and crew is a great opportunity for your students to ask questions, and it’s one of the highlights of program participation. The Q&A begins immediately after the performance and lasts 30 minutes.
Yes. Educators may allow students to bring their lunches, but they cannot be taken into the theatre. We suggest eating a snack prior to entering the theatre and then having lunch after the performance. Please note that backpacks are not permitted in the theatre, and we do not have the capability to check bags.
Yes. Center Theatre Group will provide American Sign Language interpretation and/or Audio Description to accommodate students who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, and/or have low vision. Accommodation can also be made for persons in wheelchairs or persons with disabilities and their attendants or companions. To reserve one or more of the services listed above for a student matinee performance, groups must contact Center Theatre Group at [email protected] when applying for a performance or 60 days before their scheduled visit. Outside services providers cannot be used at a Center Theatre Group venue.
First, thank you! Student Matinee performances would not be possible without the inspiring support of our donors. Please join us. Or give us a call—we’d love to hear from you and learn more about how we can support you in paying it forward. Please contact us at 213.972.7564.