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 the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Dentons Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents Series, Children’s Theater Series, and Pittsburgh Dance Council Series.
Upcoming School Day Matinees
Ballet Folklórico de México — Thu, Mar 6, 2025 — Grades 5-12 — Currently at a waitlist
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 — Currently at a waitlist
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 — Currently at a waitlist
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 — Currently at a waitlist
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
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
School day matinees are $5 per ticket.
School Tickets
Fill out an online reservation form or email groupsales@trustarts.org. Call 412-471-6930 with questions.
If you have already applied for ticket subsidies for the 2024-2025 season, please do not request tickets again through this form.
Homeschool Tickets
For Homeschool groups, contact Kalee George, Manager of Arts Education Programs at george@trustarts.org.
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.
School Day Matinee FAQ
What shows are a part of the School Day Matinee Program?
Children’s Theater Series, Denton Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents, Pittsburgh Dance Council, PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh. See above for a list of shows.
Who can participate in School Day Matinees?
School Day Matinees are designed for all students in grades PreK-12. Each production has grade recommendations.
What is the cost?
School Day Matinees are $5.00 per ticket (except PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh) for students and chaperones. Please include educators, staff, and chaperones in your group’s total count.
Can I reserve tickets if I am not with a school?
No. Schools Day Matinees are only open to educators bringing school and homeschool groups.
Can homeschoolers attend?
Yes. We require a minimum group size of 10 to make a school group reservation. For security purposes, homeschool groups must contact Kalee George, Manager of Arts Education Programs, to register for The School Day Matinee Series: .
How do I reserve seats?
Fill out an online reservation form or email groupsales@trustarts.org (please do not fill out a form if you’ve already applied for a bus subsidy).
When is payment due and how can I pay?
Payment plans are determined when the order is officially placed. One check or credit card may be used to pay for the entire order. Checks should be made payable to Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and mailed to PCT GROUP SALES; 803 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15222. Tickets cannot be resold, transferred, or distributed to any ticket broker or other person/entity.
Can I select my groups seats?
Unfortunately, it is not possible for teachers to select seats. Groups will be seated in the auditorium upon arrival. Requests for Accessibility or other special needs are welcomed, and we will do our best to honor such requests.
What if I have a student with accessibility needs?
Review our accessibility page and include anticipated needs on the ticket or subsidy request forms.
Are ticket and bus subsidies available?
Yes. We offer bus and ticket subsidies for under-resourced schools. While we prioritize 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. Note: Subsidy requests forms must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the performance date. Schools are responsible for scheduling buses and confirming with preferred transportation providers.
Will I receive tickets after I register?
You will not receive individual tickets after you register for a School Day Matinee. You will receive an email confirmation containing a group ticket as well as an email reminder prior to your performance.
Where do School Day Matinees take place?
School Day Matinees take place in the Cultural District at the Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street Pittsburgh, PA. 15222 and Benedum Center, 237 7th Street Pittsburgh PA. 15222.
How long are School Day Matinees?
Unless otherwise noted, all performances are 60 minutes in length and sometimes offer an optional Q & A after this time. Check your show listing above or your confirmation email for exact details.
How early should my group arrive?
Doors open one hour before the start of each show. Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the show.
How is dismissal handled?
We make every effort to get you out of the theater as soon as possible. On average, School Day Matinee dismissals take 25 minutes from the time the show end but may take longer depending on the total number of schools in attendance. Please be patient and plan accordingly.
Is there a place for students to eat lunch?
The theater has limited availability for students to eat lunch. Space is not guaranteed. If you are interested in your students eating lunch in the theater, please contact education@trustarts.org to discuss availability and scheduling. The Trust does not provide lunch.
What is the cancellation policy?
Contact the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Group Sale Department at groupsales@trustarts.org to cancel or change your reservation.
Will additional resources be available?
Study Guides for extended learning will be available at least one month prior to the performance. These resources will be available under the show listings above and an email will be sent to all registered educators when additional resources become available.
What if I have additional questions?
If you have other questions about the School Day Matinees, please email education@trustarts.org.
Looking for more School Day Matinees? Check out other Cultural District Organization's offerings.
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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