School Day Matinee Series
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is proud to present matinees appropriate for all grade levels. School Day Matinees are only open to educators bringing school groups. These shows feature theater, dance, and music performances from Children's Theater Series, Bridge Theater Series, PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Dance Council and Dentons Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents.
Upcoming School Day Matinees
Nobuntu: Africa Up Close — Mon, Oct 21, 2024 — All Grades
Monday, October 21, 2024 - 10:30am
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Recommended for Grades: All Grades
Length of Performance: 60 minutes plus a 15-minute Q & A following the performance
Curriculum Connections: Music, Dance, World Cultures, World History, World Languages, Social Emotional Learning
In this interactive education concert, Nobuntu introduces students and teachers to the unique cultural qualities of Africa- the music, stories, traditions, and dances. Through performance and explanation, students are given an authentic and inside look at how important music and dance is to the African culture, how these art forms are passed from generation to generation, and the deep meaning found in these songs and dances.
Hip Hop Nutcracker — Tue, Dec 17, 2024 — All Grades
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 - 10:30am
Benedum Center, 237 7th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for Grades: All Grades
Length of Performance: 90 minutes plus a 15-minute Q & A following the performance
Curriculum Connections: Dance, Music, Theater, English Language Arts, Literature, Social Emotional Learning
A holiday mash-up for the entire family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker, a contemporary re-imagination of Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, sets out on a fourth national tour following the success of three previous sold-out tours.The Hip Hop Nutcracker with Guest MC Kurtis Blow, is an evening-length production performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, DJ and violinist. Through the spells cast by the mysterious Drosselmeyer, Maria-Clara and her Nutcracker prince travel back in time to the moment when her parents first meet in a nightclub. Digital scenery transforms E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story of sugarplums into 1980s Brooklyn. The Hip Hop Nutcracker celebrates love, community, and the magic of New Year’s Eve.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is directed and choreographed by Jennifer Weber, artistic director of the Brooklyn based theatrical hip-hop dance company Decadancetheatre. It was adapted to contemporary New York City by Mike Fitelson, executive director of United Palace of Cultural Arts (UPCA) and includes hip-hop interludes remixed and reimagined by DJ Boo as well as an on-stage electric violinist.
Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure — Wed, Jan 22, 2025 — Grades 3-8
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 - 10:30am
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for Grades: 3-8
Length of Performance: 60 minutes plus a 15-minute Q & A following the performance
Curriculum Connections: Science, Physical Science, STEAM, Theatre, Health, Social Emotional Learning
In this exciting new work, Doktor Kaboom, along with a magnificent cast of volunteers, demonstrates the power of something all around us, which although we cannot see it, affects us all. Pressure.
Equal parts interactive science, comedy, and personal empowerment messages, Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure! clearly illustrates physical science concepts which are also metaphors for some of the real-life mental and emotional pressures we all experience.
The Collaboration Festival: A Celebration of the African Diaspora — Feb 12 & 13, 2025 — Grades K-8
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 – 10:30am for Grades K-4
Thursday, February 13, 2025 – 10:30am for Grades 5-8
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Length of Performance: 60 minutes plus a 15-minute Q & A following the February 13 performance
Curriculum Connections: Social Emotional Learning, US History, World History, Career Awareness
This dynamic performance follows the journey of a solo artist who learns about the power of collaboration and community. As they prepare for The Festival, the artist begins to feel that “something is missing.” Luckily, they encounter other artists who have the skills and knowledge that are needed to create a truly collaborative and thrilling performance for The Festival. This performance engages the audience with a variety of opportunities for interaction throughout and features professional African American artists from the Pittsburgh region.
Ballet Folklórico de México — Thu, Mar 6, 2025 — Grades 5-12
Thursday, March 6, 2025 – 10:30am
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for Grades: 5-12
Length of Performance: 60 minutes plus a 15-minute Q & A following the performance
Curriculum Connections: Spanish, Mexican Culture, World Cultures, Dance, Visual Arts
Ballet Folklórico de México De Amalia Hernandez is a wonderful show with a sharp aesthetic vision that turns legends, stories, and images into an explosion of colors and movement to the melodies of Mexico.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus — Apr 24 & 25, 2025 — Grades PreK-2
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - 10:30am - NO LONGER ACCEPTING TICKET SUBIDIZED REQUESTS
Friday, April 25, 2025 – 10:30am - NO LONGER ACCEPTING TICKET SUBIDIZED REQUESTS
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for Grades: PreK-2
Length of Performance: 60 minutes
Curriculum Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Music, Literature, Social Emotional Learning
Whatever you do, don't let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning "Pigeon" picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie's We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party!
It's not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone's wings flapping.
360 All Stars — May 14 & 15, 2025 — All Grades
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – 10:30am - NO LONGER ACCEPTING TICKET SUBIDIZED REQUESTS
Thursday, May 15, 2025 – 10:30am - NO LONGER ACCEPTING TICKET SUBIDIZED REQUESTS
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for Grades: All Grades
Length of Performance: 60 minutes plus a 15-minute Q & A following the performance
Curriculum Connections: Dance, Music, STEAM
Spinning circles around the competition, 360 ALLSTARS showcases a dream team of sensational champs in a supercharged physical performance celebrating street culture! The international hit is back at the New Victory to commemorate its 10th anniversary with world record-holding athletes and artists showing off their mad skills in freestyle basketball, BMX biking, breakdancing, acrobatics and more. Experience the thrill of extreme sports backed by a pulse-pumping, live-looped soundtrack, and featuring feats that will spike your adrenaline and have you rooting for overtime.
123 Andrés — Fri, May 16, 2025 — Grades PreK-2
Friday, May 16, 2025 – 10:30am
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for Grades: PreK-2
Length of Performance: 60 minutes
Curriculum Connections: Spanish Language and Culture, Latin Music, Music, American Sign Language, Geography, Physical Activity
Andrés and Christina are the Latin Grammy-winning music duo 123 Andrés. Their catchy songs and lively concerts get the whole family dancing and learning, in Spanish and English
School Day Matinee FAQ
Wondering how visiting the Cultural District for a School Day Matinee performance works? Learn more in our FAQ!
Bus and Ticket Subsidies
The Trust Arts Education Department offers bus and ticket subsidies to reduce any transportation and financial barriers for students and teachers getting to the Cultural District. Please fill out the following form to be considered for bus and ticket subsidies. While we prioritize LEAs and schools that are most under-resourced, we recognize that budgets are complicated and nuanced and strive to meet organizations where they are to ensure that we can move forward with programming whenever possible.
Please Note:Subsidy requests must be filled out at least four weeks prior to your performance date. If you would like to request a subsidy to pay for tickets or for transportation, please fill out the form below.
How To Reserve Paid Tickets
If you have already applied for ticket subsidies for the 2024-2025 season, please do not request tickets again through this form.
Fill out an online reservation form or email groupsales@trustarts.org. Call 412-471-6930 with questions.
School day matinees are $5 per ticket.
Expand Your Experience
Expand your students’ and staff’s experience in the Cultural District! From in school residencies, to masterclasses with the artists in the show, or even just a space to eat lunch, Trust Arts Education offers diverse opportunities to enrich your theatrical experience with us!
Pre/post show workshop
At the Trust Arts Education Center (Day of Show)
Either before or after the show, visit the Trust Arts Education Center, just minutes from the theater, for a show-inspired workshop facilitated by a Trust Arts Education Teaching Artist. Workshops can cover any art form and be tailored to curriculum standards, student interest, and availability.
At your school
Either before or after the show, host a show-inspired workshop facilitated by a Trust Arts Education Teaching Artist. Workshops can cover any art form and be tailored to curriculum standards, student interest, and availability.
Examples include:
- Sugar Skull!: Dia De Los Muertos Dance & Music Workshop
- Sugar Skull!: Flower Crown and Sugar Skull Visual Arts Workshop
- Giraffes CAN Dance: Find Your Groove Dance & Music Workshop
- Giraffes Can’t Dance: Animal Puppet Creation and Movement Workshop
ArtsMASTERS- Masterclass with touring artists
Learn acting, singing, and/or dancing from one of the touring artists from the show at the Trust Arts Education Center! Masterclasses generally last 1.5 hours (Schedules permitting).
4 Session Residency in your school
Deepen student learning and engagement around the matinee performance with a 4-session residency in your school, facilitated by a Trust Arts Education Teaching Artist. Teaching Artists collaborate with educators to incorporate the content and art from the show with one or more core academic content areas. Whether it’s math, science, or language arts, our teaching artists can create a fun and engaging residency to excite and enrich your students learning in class and expand their love of the arts!
Space for students to eat lunch
Logistics can be the biggest barrier to bringing students to the Cultural District to see a show. Let us help by providing a safe and easy space for your students to eat their lunch before or after the show! Please Note: Lunch space has extremely limited availability.
Study Guides and Teacher Resources
Learn more about study guides and teaching resources for Pittsburgh Cultural Trust shows.
Questions? We're here to help! Contact education@trustarts.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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