RiverPark Center’s Arts for Kids School Matinees program brings the magic of live performance to students throughout the school year. Designed specifically for K–12 audiences, these curated matinees offer students the opportunity to experience high-quality productions in Cannon Hall, our state-of-the-art performance venue. From Broadway-style musicals and dramatic plays to professional dance and orchestral music, each show is selected to engage young minds and support classroom learning.
Every performance in the School Matinees series is paired with curriculum-aligned content that connects the arts to core subjects like literature, social studies, history, and science. Educators receive study guides and classroom materials in advance, helping them prepare students for a more meaningful and enriching experience. Whether it’s a retelling of a classic novel, a cultural celebration through music and dance, or a modern story with relevant themes, students walk away with new ideas and lasting impressions.
For many students, these matinees are their first exposure to a professional stage production — and the impact is profound. The excitement of entering a real theater, the thrill of the lights dimming, and the energy of live performance create moments that spark creativity, curiosity, and confidence.
Bring your students to RiverPark Center for unforgettable live arts experiences designed to inspire creativity, imagination, and learning. From beloved storybook characters to live music, theatre, and dance, the 2026–2027 Arts Teach Kids season offers engaging performances for students of all ages.
All matinee performances are $6 per seat and offer two performance times: 9:15 AM and 11:30 AM. Reservations are now open for schools, educators, and homeschool groups.
DISNEY’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR.
October 7, 2026
Recommended Grades: 3–12
Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Fall down the rabbit hole with Alice as she navigates the curious world of Wonderland on a journey of self-discovery. This stage adaptation of the classic Disney animated film and the Lewis Carroll stories makes a triumphant return to the Broadway Junior® catalogue, with an updated script and score made specifically for today’s young performers. When young Alice finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down, she must
find her way home…and find herself along the way. As she travels through Wonderland, she encounters all of the iconic characters that audiences have come to love: including the ever-tardy White Rabbit, the grinning Cheshire Cat, a cool Caterpillar, the wacky Mad Hatter, and the hot-tempered Queen of Hearts. Alice in Wonderland JR. features Disney favorites such as “The Golden Afternoon,” “The Unbirthday Song,” and “Painting the Roses Red” along with brand new songs, including music from the 2010 live-action film. Whether this is your first experience with Alice or your hundredth, you’ll fall in love all over again with this timeless story of adventure, imagination, and pure fun!
Presented by RiverPark Theatre Academy, RiverPark Center’s youth theatre troupe made up of talented students participating in the Summer Theatre Academy.
What is RiverPark Theatre Academy?
RiverPark Theatre Academy is RiverPark Center’s new youth theatre troupe. It is comprised of the talented students who participate in our Summer Theatre Academy each June. During the Summer Theatre Academy, students receive focused, professional training in acting, singing, dancing, and character development as they rehearse and fully produce a complete musical from start to finish. The Academy’s first-ever production is Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr., which these students will perform as part of our Arts Teach Kids programming on October 7. We strongly encourage teachers to attend the performance with their students. There is something especially powerful about watching peers perform live musical theatre — it sparks imagination, shows what’s possible through hard work and creativity, and often inspires students to get involved in the arts themselves.
PETE THE CAT
October 28, 2026
Recommended Grades: Pre-K–3
Approximate Running Time: 50 Minutes
For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus!
Curriculum Connections:
Communication & Language Arts, Literature-Based Learning, Music, Relationships & Family
THE GERMAN AMERICAN BANK NUTCRACKER
December 4, 2026
Recommended Grades: Pre-K–12
Approximate Running Time: 50 Minutes
In ODT’s “The German American Bank Nutcracker,” your students will witness the grace and skill of their peers in this unique adaptation of this timeless classic tale. Based on E.F. Hoffman’s book, the magic begins with the digital moving backdrops that seamlessly transform the stage, transporting viewers from the cozy warmth of Marie’s living room to the enchanting Land of Sweets. Each incredible moment encourages creativity, inclusivity, and appreciation for the arts. Study guides, educational guides, and activities will be distributed in November. Don’t miss your chance to secure tickets for your class and give them the gift of a magical theatrical experience they will cherish forever.
Curriculum Connections:
Dance, Music, Storytelling, Visual Arts, Literature-Based Learning, Multicultural Studies
CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG
February 17, 2027
Recommended Grades: Pre-K–2
Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Everyone’s favorite Big Red Dog, CLIFFORD– bounds onto the stage in a brand-new musical comedy adventure that celebrates friendship, imagination, and the magic of unconditional love! Emily Elizabeth absolutely adores her new puppy – the tiny red runt of the litter. But when her GIANT love makes Clifford grow into a GIANT, the family must trade their cramped city apartment for a home on Birdwell Island – where folks aren’t so sure about a house-sized, playful pup. Worried his colossal clumsiness is keeping Emily Elizabeth from making friends, Clifford wishes he had never grown so big – and it works! He enjoys a fur-tastic small-dogsized day… until his adventurous BFF and her new island friends get stuck in a place from which only a BIG red dog can save them.
Perfect for young students and nostalgic teachers alike, this joyful production is packed with laughter, heart, and larger-than-life fun.
THE GRUFFALO
March 3, 2027
Recommended Grades: Pre-K–3
Approximate Running Time: 55 Minutes
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl, and the party mad Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?
Curriculum Connections:
Language Arts: Role Playing, Problem Solving, Imagination, Storytelling, Vocabulary (Repetition of Rhymes & Narration is used to aid the storytelling.), iterature: Reading, Fine Arts: Music, Drama, Community Values: Courage, Self-Esteem
OWENSBORO SYMPHONY: ORCHESTRA UNLEASHED!
March 5, 2027
Recommended Grades: Pre-K–12
Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Treat your students to an exciting live symphony experience that brings music to life through storytelling, colorful orchestral sounds, and recognizable pieces inspired by animals and adventure. Featuring music from works like Ratatouille, The Firebird Suite, and How to Train Your Dragon, this engaging concert introduces students to musical concepts in a memorable and accessible way.
Curriculum Connections: Live Music, Storytelling, Imagination, Musical Concepts, Collaborative Art, Multi-Sensory Interaction, Emotional and Social Development, Analytical Listening, Cultural Exposure
ODT IN CONCERT FEAT. ALICE…DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
March 12, 2027
Recommended Grades: Pre-K–12
Approximate Running Time: 55 Minutes
Owensboro Dance Theatre’s In Concert featuring Alice…Down the Rabbit Hole invites you and your students to step into a whimsical world where Imagination leads the way. Inspired by the beloved story, this enchanting production brings Alice’s journey to life through vibrant digital backdrops, theatrical effects, and expressive choreography. Featuring appearances from your very own students alongside ODT’s company dancers, the performance creates a special and meaningful connection between your classroom and the stage. Designed to inspire creativity and wonder, this engaging production offers students a magical introduction to storytelling through movement.
Curriculum Connections:
Dance, Music, Storytelling, Visual Arts, Relationships & Family, Multicultural Studies
Learn More about School Matinees
For more information about Arts Teach Kids School Matinees contact Matt Waller, Director of Education, at mwaller@riverparkcenter.org.
Interested in a School Matinee? Tell Us!
If you’re an educator or group leader interested in bringing students to a future School Matinee, fill out our interest form so we can make arrangements for your students to experience an unforgettable live performance that brings learning to life.