For Schools
Did you know live theatre encourages students to read, stimulates the imagination, and strengthens problem-solving and critical thinking skills? Matthews Playhouse offers weekday school performances to enhance and support classroom curriculum for schools, homeschools, seniors, and other special groups.
How a Field Trip Works
Four steps from picking a performance to arriving with your group.
- 1
Choose a performance
Weekday school performances run through the season for schools, homeschools, seniors, and other special groups. Cost is $15.00 per person (students, teachers, chaperones, and others) and includes all taxes and fees.
- 2
Reserve your seats
Fill out the the corresponding show form with your group size and preferred performance date. Please make sure to notify us if your school is Title 1.
- 3
Confirmation
Seats are assigned based on the date we receive your reservation. You will receive an email with more details and instructions about invoicing. Payment is due approximately 6 weeks prior to the performance. Your pa
- 4
Arrive and enjoy
Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes before the show starts. Buses drop off at the circular drive in front of the Matthews Community Center, and an usher seats your group.
What We Offer
Weekday programming built around the classroom, for school groups and homeschool families alike.
Field Trips
Weekday school performances that enhance and support classroom curriculum. Cost is $15.00 per person, including teachers, parents and chaperones.
Homeschool Experiences
Homeschool shows allow homeschoolers to attend daytime school shows at a discounted rate. Cost is $15.00 per person, including parents and chaperones. Email schoolshows@matthewsplayhouse.com to reserve your seats.
Field Trip Assistance
Our Sponsor-A-Student fund provides funding for students at Title I schools to attend a live theatre performance. Since 2015, more than 1,300 students from Title 1 schools have attended a performance heavily discounted or free of charge.
2026-2027 School Show Performances
Weekday school show performances for the 2026-2027 season. Email schoolshows@matthewsplayhouse.com to reserve seats for your group.
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: Friday December 11, Tuesday December 15, Wednesday December 16, Thursday December 17 and Friday December 18, all at 10am
- Little Women: Wednesday February 3, Thursday February 4 and Friday February 5, all at 10am
- Stuart Little: Friday April 23, Monday April 26, Tuesday April 27, Thursday April 29 and Friday April 30, all at 9:30am and 11:30am
Field Trip Policies
- Cost is $15.00 per person, including teachers, parents and chaperones.
- Chaperones must be paid for with the school payment.
- Teachers please collect the money from parents and chaperones before the day of the show.
- Children under 3 are not permitted to attend school performances.
- Payment is due 6 weeks prior to the performance.
- Additional seats may be purchased by groups based on availability.
On Performance Day
- The theatre is located in the Matthews Community Center at 100 McDowell St. E. Matthews, NC 28105.
- Please plan to arrive 15-20 minutes before the show starts.
- Buses do NOT fit in the circular drive in front of the Matthews Community Center. Drop-off can be on McDowell St.
- After dropping off, drivers will need to park the buses at Stumptown Park. Buses are asked to return 10 minutes before the end of the show to pick up the students.
- Each group has a pre-assigned seating assignment, so you must wait to be seated by an usher.
- If your group has wheelchairs or needs special accommodations, please notify the School Show Coordinator as soon as possible.
- For problems or questions on show day, follow the instructions that will be sent to you via email.
Plan a Field Trip
Ready to bring your students? Contact schoolshows@matthewsplayhouse.com to reserve your seats, and please make sure to notify us if your school is Title 1.