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.

2022/2023 Student Matinee Program Season

Clyde’s

For grades 8–12
Performances: December 7 and 14, 2022
Educational Resources

Kristina Wong, Sweatshop Overlord

For grades 8–12
Performances: February 21, 22, and March 1
Educator Conference*: February 4
Applications are now closed

Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992

For grades 8–12
Performances: March 22 and 29, 2023
Educator Conference*: February 23 or 25
Applications are now closed. Register here to gain access to the livestream of Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 on March 29th.

1776

For grades 8–12
Performance: April 19, 2023
Educator Conference*: March 16 or 18
Applications are now closed

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions? Please review our FAQ’s below. For further questions, please contact us by email at StudentMatinees@CTGLA.org.

Expandable element What is the Student Matinee Program?

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.

Expandable element What does a Student Matinee consist of?

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
  • Online 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
  • Pre-recorded activities for in-classroom support by Center Theatre Group Teaching Artists
  • Optional Teaching Artist classroom visits before and/or after the show to lead discussions and activities
    Expandable element Is there a cost to participate?

    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.

    Expandable element Does Center Theatre Group provide transportation?

    No. Participating groups are responsible for providing their own transportation.

    Expandable element How many students can I bring? Can I change the number after my application is submitted?

    Each application allows for a maximum enrollment of 50 students and up to five adult chaperones. Numbers can be updated based on availability.

    Expandable element Can more than one educator from my school or organization apply?

    Yes. Multiple educators from the same school or community organization may apply.

    Expandable element Are educators required to attend the Educator Conference?

    Yes. All educators are required to attend an Educator Conference before attending a student matinee performance. Additional educators and adult chaperones are also welcome.

    Expandable element How many groups are chosen for each student matinee performance, and how many performances are offered per production?

    The number of groups varies depending on the performance venue and the number of participants proposed per group. The number of performances vary per production.

    Expandable element What time do Student Matinees start and end?

    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.

    Expandable element Is our group required to stay for the post-show question-and-answer session? How long does it last?

    Yes. The post-show Q&A with the cast and crew is an essential component of the program. It 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.

    Expandable element Can students bring lunch to the theatre?

    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.

    Expandable element Can my students who require mobility, vision, and hearing access attend a student matinee performance?

    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. Accommodations 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 StudentMatinees@CTGLA.org when applying for a performance or 60 days before their scheduled visit. Outside services providers cannot be used at a Center Theatre Group venue.

    Expandable element What is your vaccination policy?

    We require all guests to wear a mask at all of our venues. While full vaccination and booster shots are no longer required, they are strongly recommended. Learn more about our Health & Safety Policy.

    Expandable element I love the Student Matinee Program. How can I support Center Theatre Group’s efforts to bring more students to the theatre?

    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.