School is back in session and the Arts Education office at the Bologna Performing Arts Center is ready to help teachers make their reservation to the 2016-17 School-Time Matinee Series.
The series connects children, teachers and schools with the performing arts in meaningful ways by bringing performances to Mississippi that complement the school curriculum. Exposure to live theater ignites a child’s imagination in a unique way, opening the door to a greater understanding of the world and a life-long love of the arts.
The School-Time Matinee Series offers a wide variety of programming that incorporates academic subject matter, literary classics, and art-forms such as music and theatre. The series also aims to meet the artistic and educational needs of students from preschool through high school seniors. Each production provides a variety of curriculum connections, as well as comprehensive study guides that aid in classroom learning both before and after the performance.
The season kicks off Oct. 25 with “A Year with Frog and Toad,” based on Arnold Lobel’s beloved children’s books. The program was nominated for three TONY Awards, including Best Musical.
Next, the internationally renowned dance company Parsons Dance Company will perform its energized, athletic ensemble work on Nov. 9. On Nov. 18, audiences are invited to spend some time with the groovy Pete the Cat and rock out as they learn about friendship and adventure.
The first show of 2017 will be Feb. 1 with “Alonzo King LINES Ballet,” which is hailed by critics as stunning, fierce and evocative. On Feb. 23, get ready for the ultimate playdate as “Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo LIVE” takes the audience on a breathtaking tour of pre-historic Australia.
The season concludes with the musical adaptation of the Caldecott award-winning Cinderella tale of John Steptoe’s “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters” on April 12.
Tickets are now on sale for all productions in the School-Time Matinee Series. To place a reservation for a school group or family, visit http://bolognapac.com/education/school-time-matinee-series/ and complete an order form. Payment is required to hold reservations. For more information, call Joannah Taylor, Arts Education coordinator, at 662-846-4844.
