Bring Your Students to the Theatre

Live performance that sparks imagination and supports classroom learning.

Wheelock Family Theatre’s Student Matinee program offers engaging, high-quality performances designed specifically for school-aged audiences. Through live theatre, students experience storytelling that deepens literacy, builds empathy, and inspires meaningful classroom conversations.

Why Educators Choose Wheelock

Curriculum Connections
Supports literacy, storytelling, and social-emotional learning
Designed for Young Audiences
Professional productions created with children at the center
Engaging & Memorable Experiences
Live theatre that sparks curiosity and imagination
Opportunities for Connection
Students can engage with artists and stories in meaningful ways

“I was amazed at how my students’ reading fluency skills catapulted after the field trip to Wheelock Family Theatre. My students are consistently projecting their voices, enunciating, and reading with expression.”

-Educator from Waltham, MA

Talk Back from the Stage

Learning Resources for Your Classroom

Each student matinee is supported by classroom-ready resources designed to deepen learning and support student engagement before and after the performance.

Study Guides
Standards-aligned materials that support literacy, comprehension, and classroom discussion
Social Stories
Tools to help students understand what to expect during their visit, supporting accessibility and comfort for all learners
Post-Show Engagement
Opportunities for reflection, discussion, and connection to classroom themes

26/27 Student Matinee Performances

Each performance invites students to explore “the courage to begin”—through stories that inspire curiosity, empathy, and growth.

Dates:
Best for: Grades K – 6

A joyful, high-energy adventure about courage, friendship, and growing up.
Based on the beloved Disney and Pixar animated film, this production brings a familiar story to life on stage in a way that is both engaging and accessible for young audiences.

Click here to learn more about the show.

Dates:
Best for: Grades 3 – 8

A magical and moving story exploring family, identity, and the power of storytelling.
Adapted from Tae Keller’s Newbery Medal–winning novel, this production offers rich opportunities to connect literature and live performance.

Click here to learn more about the show.

Dates:
Best for: Grades K – 5

A vibrant celebration of community, confidence, and childhood joy.
Based on the beloved children’s book by Thelma Lynne Godin, this story brings a familiar classroom text to life through music, movement, and performance.

Click here to learn more about the show.

What to Expect

Weekday performances at 10:30 AM
Age-appropriate productions aligned with classroom themes
Approximately 60–90 minute performances (varies by show)
Welcoming, accessible environment for all students

Pricing

$12 per ticket for students, teachers, and chaperones
One simple, all-inclusive price
Group reservations required in advance
Sliding scale pricing available upon request

Seating

Reserved group seating (no individual tickets issued)
Wheelock assigns seating to best accommodate all groups
Excellent visibility from all seats
Accessible seating options available

“The pre-show resource guide was instrumental in my student’s being ready to engage with the production, many of whom this was their first time seeing live theater.”

-Watertown, MA Educator

How to Book

Booking for 2026/2027 student matinees will open soon! To learn more, sign-up here.

To reserve your student matinee, please email wftgroup@bu.edu with:

- Show choice
- Preferred date(s)
- School name and address
- Contact information
- Grade level(s)
- Total number of students and chaperones

Planning Your Visit

Location

Wheelock Family Theatre at Boston University is located at:
180 Riverway, Boston, MA 02215, in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood.

Show Time & Arrival

Student matinee performances begin at 10:30 AM.

We ask that all groups arrive by 10:10 AM to allow time for seating before the performance begins.

Each production has a different run time. Please visit your show’s page for details, including length and whether there is an intermission.

Bus Drop-Off & Parking

Buses and vehicles should unload on the Riverway, directly in front of the theatre entrance. Our staff and police detail will be on site to assist with arrival.

For safety, please do not drop students off on the opposite side of the street, as there is no safe crossing point.

Once your group arrives, please send one representative inside to check in. Our staff will guide you through next steps.

Buses may remain in front of the theatre for up to 10 minutes during drop-off and pick-up. Parking is not available on site and is the responsibility of each driver.

Nearby parking garages for additional vehicles include:

MASCO Garage – 375 Longwood Ave
Landmark Center – 401 Park Dr
Pilgrim Road Garage – 170 Pilgrim Rd

(All parking is at market rates; validation is not available.)

Eating at the Theatre

If your group plans to eat before the show, please note that all students must be seated by 10:20 AM, so plan your arrival time accordingly. The lobby opens at 9:45 AM.

Students are welcome to eat:

In the lobby before the performance
During intermission (if applicable)
After the show

Additional spaces may be available, and outdoor areas can be used when weather permits.

For shows with intermission, students may eat in their seats. We will provide trash bins, and we encourage groups—especially larger ones—to bring extra trash bags to help keep the space clean.

After intermission, we ask that all food be put away, as noise can be disruptive to performers and other audience members.

What Should Students Bring?

Students are welcome to bring:

Lunch or snacks
Water bottles
Coats or layers

Our theatre can be cool, so we recommend bringing a light sweater or sweatshirt.

Are Concessions or Souvenirs Available?

Concessions and souvenirs are not available at student matinee performances.

Programs

Programs will be distributed to a group leader, teacher, or chaperone at the time of seating.

To help keep our theatre clean, we kindly ask that programs be distributed once your group returns to school.

Late Arrivals

We make every effort to begin performances promptly at 10:30 AM (no later than 10:40 AM).

Groups that arrive late will be seated as soon as possible, but may be asked to wait for an appropriate break in the performance to minimize disruption.

Seating for late arrivals is at the discretion of the house manager.