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
Performances for our 2026-2027 season will be announced April 8.
2025-2026 Season
The American Revolution – 250th Anniversary Tour — Tue, Apr 14, 2026 — Grades 4-12 | ON WAITLIST
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 10:30 am
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for grades 4-12
Length of Performance: 50 minutes plus 10 minutes Q & A following the performance
Curriculum Connections: Performing Arts, Dance, US History and Social Studies, Social Emotional Learning
History in 50 minutes—seven actors, two feet off the ground, share 21 square feet of space and recreate the entire American fight for independence from Lexington to Yorktown. Using only the actors’ bodies, voices and (pantomimed) cannons, the show evokes an epic time period in American history. Combining tongue-in-cheek humor with a dash of derring-do, the American Revolution displays the company’s rowdy brand of bare-boned and imaginative physical theater.
Created by Marc Frost, Theater Unspeakable, Chicago, IL
How To Reserve Paid Tickets
Fill out an online reservation form or email groupsales@trustarts.org. Call 412-471-6930 with questions.
Hare & Tortoise — Mon, Apr 20, 2026 — Grades PreK-3 | ON WAITLIST
Monday, April 20, 2026, 10:30 am
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for grades preK-3
Length of Performance: 60 minutes
Curriculum Connections: Performing Arts, Fine Arts, Music, Language Arts, Science, Emotional/Social Development
Hare is ready to race, but Tortoise has many things to do before it’s the right time. And time moves so slowly! From sun-shining spring to snow-falling winter, the duo go through all four seasons. Does Hare have the patience? When will they actually start the race? Brimming with charming characters, live music and singing, and wonderful physicality, Tutti Frutti brings you this much-loved story about opposites and friendship.
How To Reserve Paid Tickets
Fill out an online reservation form or email groupsales@trustarts.org. Call 412-471-6930 with questions.
Pout Pout Fish — May 14 & 15, 2026 — Grades PreK-2 | ON WAITLIST
Thursday, May 14 & Friday, May 15, 2026, 10:30 am
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for grades preK-2
Length of Performance: 60 minutes
Curriculum Connections: Performing Arts, Communication and Language Arts, Music, Science, Social Emotional Learning
Turn the poutiest of frowns upside down in this musical featuring whimsical puppets and live performers in a sweeping oceanic adventure. When Mr. Fish sets out on a quest to find Miss Clam’s missing pearl, he discovers there is more to him than his permanently plastered pout.
How To Reserve Paid Tickets
Fill out an online reservation form or email groupsales@trustarts.org. Call 412-471-6930 with questions.
2026-2027 Season
Treasure Island Reimagined — Wednesday, October 21, 2026 — Grades 3-12
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 10:30 am
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for grades 3-12
Length of Performance: 55 minutes plus 10-minutes Q&A following the performance
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Literacy, Social Studies, History, Visual Art
The granddaddy of all pirate stories comes to life in a whole new format, the live-action graphic novel.
The year is 1754. The place, the western shores of England. Jane Hawkins, twelve years old, works at a sleepy seaside inn. When a sinister vagabond arrives with a mysterious trunk, Jane's humdrum life swerves towards adventure...
Treasure Island Reimagined: Jane Hawkins and the Pirate's Gold is the newest show from Jason Neulander, the mind behind the smash hit The Intergalactic Nemesis ("Something you must experience if you're a fan of awesome."–Collider). In this adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, three performers provide all the character voices and sound effects–live and in front of your eyes–as more than 1,200 comic-book panels blast one by one on a huge screen to tell an on-the-edge-of-your-seat tale of danger and adventure for the kid in everyone.
How To Reserve Paid Tickets
Fill out an online reservation form or email groupsales@trustarts.org. Call 412-471-6930 with questions.
DRUMline LIVE Holiday Spectacular — Friday, November 20, 2026 — All Grades
Friday, November 20, 2026, 10:30 am
Benedum Center, 237 7th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for all grades
Length of Performance: 60 minutes
Curriculum Connections: Music and Band, Social Emotional Learning, Social Studies, College and Career Readiness
DRUMLine Live Holiday Spectacular takes you on an unforgettable musical journey through the most beloved chart-topping holiday classics. Imagine the festive sounds of holiday cheer combining Gospel, Jazz, Soul, Motown rhythms, and The Nutcracker Suite mixed with a hip-hop beat and the driving force of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band. You have to see the “DRUMLine Live Holiday Spectacular” to experience the magic and musicianship!
DRUMLine Live’s dazzling vocalists and talented musicians, coupled with energetic choreography, spectacular lighting, and beautiful holiday costumes, make this Holiday Spectacular one of the coolest, most exciting, and dynamic shows EVER!! Wait until you see our show-stopping unique version of “The Little Drummer Boy,” highlighted by the creative sights and sounds of the HBCU drumline.
How To Reserve Paid Tickets
Fill out an online reservation form or email groupsales@trustarts.org. Call 412-471-6930 with questions.
Yamato: The Drummers of Japan — Wednesday, February 3, 2027 — All Grades
Wednesday, February 3, 2027, 10:30 am
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for all grades
Length of Performance: 60 minutes
Curriculum Connections: Geography, Social Emotional Learning, Social Studies, World Cultures, Music, Dance and Movement
Globally touring group YAMATO is a Japanese Taiko drumming troupe based in Asuka-mura Nara Prefecture. Using over 40 Taiko drums of different characters, sizes, and sounds, their expert musicians meticulously craft an acoustic palette ranging from explosive percussion to delicate sound. Through their dynamic shows, YAMATO invites audiences to interweave their passions and hearts with the performers in a production that makes you feel truly alive.
How To Reserve Paid Tickets
Fill out an online reservation form or email groupsales@trustarts.org. Call 412-471-6930 with questions.
The Collaboration Festival: A Celebration of the African Diaspora — February 10 & 11, 2027 — Grades K-8
February 10, 2027, 10:30 am | Recommended for Grades K - 4
February 11, 2027, 10:30 am | Recommended for Grades 5 - 8
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for all grades
Length of Performance: 60 minutes plus 10-minutes Q&A following the performance
Curriculum Connections: Social Emotional Learning, US History, World History, College and Career Readiness, World Cultures, Visual Art, Music, Dance and Movement
In the land of Oneness, King Agreement was a wise and beloved ruler whose mission centered on harmony, community, and working together. Despite his efforts, disagreement spread throughout the land, leaving him weary and ill. After his sudden passing, his two sons vowed to honor his legacy by creating a grand Collaboration Festival. Thus begins an epic journey that brings together artists from across the land, challenging them to choose between competition and collaboration as they learn to set aside differences and egos to create something extraordinary. This interactive performance features professional Black artists from across the Pittsburgh region.
How To Reserve Paid Tickets
Fill out an online reservation form or email groupsales@trustarts.org. Call 412-471-6930 with questions.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater — Monday, March 2, 2027 — Grades 3-12
Monday, March 2, 2027, 10:30 am
Benedum Center, 237 7th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for grades 3-12
Length of Performance: 60 minutes plus 10-minutes Q&A following the performance
Curriculum Connections: Dance and Movement, English Language Arts, Social Studies, US History, Social Emotional Learning
A powerhouse of artistic excellence, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater carries forward a legacy of African American strength, resilience and joy through the power of movement. Founded in 1958 by Alvin Ailey, the company revolutionized modern dance, centering Black culture and storytelling on stages throughout the world, while transcending boundaries of race, faith and nationality with its universal humanity. Revelations, Ailey's iconic masterpiece, remains a soul-stirring tribute to the Black experience, set to the rhythms of gospel, blues and spirituals.
How To Reserve Paid Tickets
Fill out an online reservation form or email groupsales@trustarts.org. Call 412-471-6930 with questions.
Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System — March 18 & 19, 2027 — Grades K-5
March 18 & 19, 2027, 10:30 am
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for grades K-5
Length of Performance: 60 minutes
Curriculum Connections: Science, English Language Arts, Social Studies, Social Emotional Learning, Music
When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! But when rivalries both old and new threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system.
Hop on the Magic School Bus for a ride in this new musical adaptation based on the original book series published by Scholastic.
How To Reserve Paid Tickets
Fill out an online reservation form or email groupsales@trustarts.org. Call 412-471-6930 with questions.
The Snowy Day and Other Stories — Friday, April 2, 2027 — Grades PreK-4
Friday, April 2, 2027, 10:30 am & 12:30 pm
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for grades K-5
Length of Performance: 50 minutes
Curriculum Connections: Fine Arts, English Language Arts, Science, Social Emotional Learning and Development, Music
Follow Peter and his friends through winter, spring, summer and fall as they romp and play, start snow ball fights and make snow angels, journey in space and under the sea, and more, all in this imaginative musical play. Using innovative shadow puppetry, The Snowy Day And Other Stories celebrates the magic and boundless possibilities of childhood and the challenges of growing up.
Keats’ treasured characters come to life in this humorous and fun adaptation of the collected stories: "Whistle for Willie", "Goggles!", "A Letter to Amy", and "The Snowy Day." A classic since its publication in 1962 and winner of the Caldecott Medal, "The Snowy Day" was one of the first picture books for young people to feature an African American protagonist and is still beloved today.
How To Reserve Paid Tickets
Fill out an online reservation form or email groupsales@trustarts.org. Call 412-471-6930 with questions.
Cirque Mechanics: TILT! A Circus Thrill Ride! — April 15 & 16, 2027 — All Grades
April 15 & 16, 2027, 10:30 am
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for all grades
Length of Performance: 60 minutes
Curriculum Connections: US History, Engineering, Social Emotional Learning, Dance and Movement
Step right up to the dazzling world of Tilt! A Circus Thrill Ride! Journey back to the 1980s and experience a high-flying homage to America’s iconic amusement parks. Bursting with acrobatics, aerial feats, juggling, and a dose of nostalgic charm, this theatrical circus adventure brings the sights, sounds, and spirit of the era to life. At the heart of the spectacle is a marvel of man-powered engineering: a giant Ferris Wheel, surrounded by incredible mechanical creations that reimagine classic rides and games of the time.
How To Reserve Paid Tickets
Fill out an online reservation form or email groupsales@trustarts.org. Call 412-471-6930 with questions.
Clifford the Big Red Dog: The Musical — May 13 & 14, 2027 — PreK-2
May 13 & 14, 2027, 10:30 am
Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222
Recommended for grades PreK-2
Length of Performance: 60 minutes
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Social Emotional Learning, Music, Dance and Movement
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 never grew so big - and it works! He enjoys a fur-tastic small-dog-sized 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. Clifford The Big Red Dog: The Musical is full of extra-large laughs, joy and love - the paw-fect show for Clifford's growing young fans – and nostalgic parents who remember him too.
How To Reserve Paid Tickets
Fill out an online reservation form or email groupsales@trustarts.org. Call 412-471-6930 with questions.
Two Ways to Order Tickets
Reserve with 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.
For subsidy requests submitted in spring or summer 2026: We will confirm all requests and their status by August 1, 2026 to ensure an equitable and efficient process.
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.
Do not fill out both forms for the same show. If you’ve already requested subsidized tickets, you do not need to apply again
Homeschool Tickets
For Homeschool groups, contact Liz Foster-Shaner, Director of Arts Education at foster-shaner@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. 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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