Student Matinee Information

The Basics

What time is the performance?

2023-2024 School Year:

• Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday matinee performances begin at 10:30am.
• Wednesday morning matinee performances begin at 10:00am.
• Wednesday afternoon matinee performances begin at 1:00pm.

2024-2025 School Year:

• All performances begin at 10:30am.

How long is the show?

Runtimes are subject to change throughout the rehearsal process as directors, designers, and actors start to tackle the script and material. Group Leads will receive an email with a more precise run time when that information becomes available for each production.

How much do tickets cost?

Thanks to grants and our generous donors, student matinee tickets are available at a significantly lower price than our public performances. Tickets start at $10 and are discounted even more for schools with 20% or more free and reduced lunch.

FIELD TRIP TICKET PRICES

Reservations & Ticketing

I’d like to bring a school group. What should I do?

We know that it is a lot of work to plan a field trip, so we keep it as simple as possible. Here’s the reservation process:

• Step 1: Choose your show and submit an online Ticket Request Form (linked at the top of each Field Trip show page).
• Step 2: Six weeks before the show, confirm how many adults and students will be attending.
• Step 3: Four weeks before show, submit payment via check or credit card.
• Step 4: When you arrive, check in at the Ticket Office with your day-of-show headcount.
• Step 5: Enjoy the show!

Can I buy a ticket day of show?

Pending availability, rush tickets are available for purchase. Please email schools@childrenstheatre.org to inquire about availability on your performance date.

Can we bring a homeschool group?

Absolutely! We require a minimum group size of 10 to make a school group reservation. Individual homeschool families can join the CTC Homeschool Family Program, which allows homeschool families to purchase student matinee tickets online with no minimum requirement.

HOMESCHOOL INFORMATION

How many chaperones can we bring?

We recommend a ratio of one adult per 10 students. We understand that some students require more help and supervision than others, and for that reason, you are welcome to bring up to a ratio of one adult per 5 students, plus special education support staff. Adult tickets in excess of that ratio are at an additional cost reflective of price without subsidy support.

ATTENDANCE CALCULATOR

Day of Show Experience

Can we meet the actors?

Weekday Student Matinee performances feature a brief (10- to 15-minute) Q&A with some of the actors and crew members after the show.

Can we get a backstage tour?

We are occasionally able to offer backstage tours for an additional fee. Contact schools@childrenstheatre.org for more information.

Can we eat lunch there?

Yes, subject to availability. You may request to reserve lunch space following your performance for a fee. The lunch space, located in our lobbies, allows for a picnic-style lunch on the floor. Groups may also utilize the outdoor courtyard between CTC and Mia at no cost. Full information about lunch space is available at the link below.

LUNCH SPACE INFORMATION  

Will the concession stand or gift shop be open?

No. The concession stand and gift shop are closed during all Weekday Student Matinee performances. If you’ll need snacks, please plan accordingly, as there is nowhere to purchase snacks in close proximity to CTC.

Day of Show Logistics

How does Check-In work?

Check-In begins one hour prior to the performance. Buses can unload in the circle driveway on 3rd Ave S between 24th St. and 25th St. An usher will greet you at your bus and will need to know the name of your school and how many buses you are traveling with. If all of your buses have arrived, we will ask you to unload and make one line. We will lead you inside and to the appropriate lobby.

Groups are seated in the order of arrival, and your entire group must be present before you can check in. Seating begins 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance.

CTC does not print or issue individual tickets or stickers for student matinee performances. Instead, as you line up in the lobby, one of our ushers will count your group to ensure that you are not over your allotted number of seats. It is helpful if you can provide the usher with a final count for your group, but not required.

How does seating work?

• Seating begins approximately 30 minutes prior to the performance.
• An usher will lead your group into the theatre in one line. We recommend spacing chaperones throughout the line to aid in guiding the students.
• Seating for Weekday Student Matinees is assigned by CTC ushers in order of group arrival. We cannot guarantee that families or friends within your group will be seated side-by-side, as your group may be split between rows. Seats cannot be saved for members of your group who are not present at the time of seating.
• Please take the seats that are assigned to you by the ushers. You can rearrange seating within your group after it is confirmed that everyone has a seat.

Does everyone in my group need a ticket?

Yes. At CTC, all patrons, regardless of age, are required to have a ticket (including infants). Lap passes are available for students three years old and under for shows on our United Health Group Stage. Due to fire code and capacity, we are unable to provide lap passes for student matinee performances in the Cargill Theatre. Lap passes are $5 and can be purchased on the day of the performance.

What if there is a snowstorm?

During inclement weather, allow extra travel time. For details on Cancellation and Refund Policies, please refer to the Student Matinee Ticketing Policies that govern all Student Matinee performance sales.