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 experience the power of stories. Because space is limited, schools need to submit interest forms 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.

2020/21 Season Update

This program is not available in the 2020/2021 school year. Questions? Please contact us by email and sign up for our Education & Community Partnerships mailing list to receive information about the 2021/2022 Season as it becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expandable element What does a Student Matinee consist of?
  • A professional, full-length performance of a show at the Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, or Kirk Douglas Theatre, followed by a post-show question-and-answer discussion with the cast and crew
  • Educational materials to help prepare students to comprehend the world of the play, explore their own creativity, and show them the power of stories
  • Educators participate in a pre-show Educator Conference to explore the play in-depth and discuss important performance day logistics
  • The option of having Center Theatre Group teaching artists visit the classroom before and/or after the show to lead discussions and activities
Expandable element Who is eligible to apply and participate?

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.

Expandable element Does Center Theatre Group provide transportation?

Participating groups are responsible for supplying their own transportation. We encourage you to speak with your school administrators regarding grant and funding opportunities for school buses and book your transportation as soon as possible. If you are near a Metro stop, you may consider using public transportation.

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. Each accepted group is required to pay the $50 enrollment fee.

Expandable element Are educators a 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, and how many performances are offered per production?

The number of groups and performances varies depending on the production, venue, and applications received. If our schedule does not suit your needs or your group is not chosen, please consider purchasing specially priced Group Sales tickets.

Expandable element What time do Student Matinees start and end?

Performances begin at approximately 10:30–11am; end times and bus departure times vary depending on the length of the show. We'll share specific performance day details when we confirm your participation, and we'll review all this information 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?

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, schools 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.