2025-2026 Student Matinees
Live art is irreplaceable and plays a vital role in the education, well-being, and social development of young people. Our Education Program features a selection of carefully chosen shows that are relevant, engaging, and exciting for your students. We encourage you to join us in promoting the arts to our youth!
Daytime Events for School Groups only | All shows will be held at The Reif in the Wilcox Theater
Study Guides Available for Select Shows.
Registration Open!
Reservations can be submitted online, in-person at the Reif Center Box Office, and over the phone 218-327-5780 during regular business hours (M-F, 11am to 4pm).
Friday, December 12, 2025
12:30PM
Enchanting audiences with its passionate music, beautiful costumes, and elegant choreography, The Nutcracker Ballet has become a mainstay of the Reif’s holiday lineup. Brought to life by our superb Reif dancers, we journey to the whimsical and wintry Land of Sweets, where we are greeted by a host of delectable characters. Experience the magic of this heartwarming and beautiful tradition!
Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Recommended Ages: All Ages
Study Guide (coming soon)
Friday, February 6, 2026
10am | 12:30pm
Stuntboy, In the Meantime follows the middle-schooler, Portico Reeves whose superpower is making sure his parents and best friend, Zola stay safe. He lives in the biggest apartment building on the block, a building with fifty doors, all of which would be swell except for the secret that Portico’s parents are about to divorce. All this stress gives Portico “the frets”, which his mom calls anxiety. Plus, like all superheroes, Portico has an arch-nemesis Herbert determined to prove that there is nothing super about Portico at all.
Stuntboy, In the Meantime is based on Jason Reynolds and Raúl the Third’s award-winning graphic novel of the same name.
Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Recommended Ages: Grades 2 through 5
Book and Lyrics by Melvin Tunstall, III
Music by Greg Dean Borowsky and Melvin Tunstall, III
Direction & Choreography by Banji Aborisade
Based on the book Stuntboy, In the Meantime Text © 2021 by Jason Reynolds, Illustration © 2021 by Raúl the Third
Used with the permission of Pippin Properties, Inc and Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc.
2025 Preview Tour Production Photos by Jeremy Daniel. Cast: Payton Tabb, Markia Nicole Smith, Jackson Kanawha Perry, Manny Houston, Kolter Erickson
Study Guide (coming soon)
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
12:30PM
Buckets N Boards Comedy Percussion Show is a spectacularly imaginative work brought to life by two prolific performers! Matt Levingston and Gareth Sever, two masterful musicians and comedians, bring a joyous charm to this full stage production. The show was born from their shared passion for music and rhythm, but it truly comes to life through the nonstop hilarious interplay between these two characters and their audience. The intricate beats and stunning synchronicity are awesome to behold! The sheer variety of instruments and found objects they are able to manipulate is inspiring! The comedy, centered on the improvisational interactions with the crowd, is the driving force of the show!
Buckets N Boards has performed 10 critically acclaimed summer seasons in Branson, MO, performed with the Kansas City Symphony, and are currently one of the most requested headline acts on Disney Cruise Lines. From their imaginative songs, beautiful harmonies, dazzling tap dancing, crisp beatboxing, body percussion and bucket drumming, to a fresh and unique brand of clean comedy, Buckets N Boards has crafted an original theatrical experience the entire family will enjoy!
Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Recommended Ages: All Ages
Book and Lyrics by Melvin Tunstall, III
Music by Greg Dean Borowsky and Melvin Tunstall, III
Direction & Choreography by Banji Aborisade
Based on the book Stuntboy, In the Meantime Text © 2021 by Jason Reynolds, Illustration © 2021 by Raúl the Third
Used with the permission of Pippin Properties, Inc and Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc.
2025 Preview Tour Production Photos by Jeremy Daniel. Cast: Payton Tabb, Markia Nicole Smith, Jackson Kanawha Perry, Manny Houston, Kolter Erickson
Study Guide (coming soon)
Monday, April 13, 2026
10:00AM & 12:30PM
For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth.
But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus!
Approximate Running Time: 50 Minutes
Recommended Ages: Pre-K through 3
Book and Lyrics by Sarah Hammond
Music by Will Aronson
Based on the Pete the Cat series of books by Kimberly Dean and James Dean
Original Direction and Choreography by Dan Knechtges
Scenic Design by Rob Odorisio
Costume Design by Jen Caprio
Orchestrations by Frank Galgano and Matt Castle
Study Guide (coming soon)
Student Matinee Information
Reserved Seating for Groups
Groups will be assigned seating in advance based on the size of group, accessible seating requirements, and grade level.
Please note that submitting a reservation request does not guarantee seats to a performance. Reservations are first-come first-served, and we will do our best to accommodate your request. You will be notified within three (3) to five (5) business days regarding the status of your order.
Upon reservation confirmation, you will receive an invoice.
- A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total estimated cost is required within two weeks of receiving the invoice / confirmation.
- Final confirmation of numbers and full payment are 30 days prior to the show. If the reservation is made during the 30 day period prior to the performance date, The Reif may request immediate or next day payment.
- Numbers can be increased if there is available seating, but may not be decreased after final payment is made. Tickets are non-refundable.
- Payment may be in the form of cash, credit card, or check. If mailing a check, please indicate the show name, school name, and teacher name.
As we have limited seats, please make your best guess at attendance (be sure to include all teachers, chaperones and students–everyone coming needs a ticket). Please remember, once the invoice is received, the school is responsible to provide payment for all seats requested.
Prices
Field Trip prices are $8 for students/teachers/chaperones.
We encourage you to inquire with your school district for grant funding.
Homeschool Families pay the group rate of $8 with no minimum number required
Performance Attendance
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled performance time.
All school matinee performances are approximately 60 minutes in length, unless otherwise noted.
The Reif strives to provide barrier-free access to performances and events. Please let us know about any accessibility needs your group may have prior to arriving for your performance so we can be prepared to assist.
Home schools are welcome to attend all field trips but may be asked to provide certification documents.
We make every effort to get you and your students back to school in a timely manner. On average, dismissal from a school matinee performance takes 25 minutes from the time the show ends but may take longer depending on the number of schools in attendance. Please plan accordingly.
The Reif is not able to provide space for class lunches.
All performances are subject to change and cancellation. You will be notified of any performance changes.
Location & Parking
The Wilcox Auditorium is located inside The Reif at 720 NW Conifer Drive, Grand Rapids, MN. Parking is free with convenient drop off and pick up of passengers at the main entrance.
Inclement Weather And “Snow Days”
If your school is closed due to inclement weather on the day of your scheduled, in-person field trip, please notify our office prior to show time. Your school will receive credit toward a comparable field trip within the same season.
You must contact The Reif within seven business days of your canceled field trip to receive your credit and schedule an alternate trip.
No refunds will be issued for inclement weather.
Photography and Video Disclaimer
Photos and/or video taken of attendees during school performances may be used for documentation and future promotional and fundraising purposes.
Bus Fund
Reif Reimbursement Program
Thanks to generous support from Reif sponsors, transportation funding is available for area schools.
Bus Funds are based on availability and awarded on a first come, first served basis; funding limits apply. Inquire for details.
To apply, please submit a Bus Fund Reif Reimbursement application.