2026-2027 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).
Reif Dance presents
The Nutcracker
Friday, December 11, 2026
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)
Clifford The Big Red Dog The Musical
Thursday, January 28, 2027
10am & 12:30pm
Everyone’s favorite Big Red Dog, Clifford, bounds onto the stage in a new musical comedy. Emily Elizabeth adores her tiny red puppy, but her love makes Clifford grow giant! They move to Birdwell Island, where Clifford wishes he was small again. When Emily and her friends get stuck, only Clifford can save them. Clifford The Big Red Dog: The Musical is full of big laughs, joy, and love for young fans and nostalgic parents.
Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Recommended Ages: Pre-K through 2
CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG: THE MUSICAL
Music and Lyrics by Sam Tsui & Casey Breves
Book By Matt Hoverman
™ & © The Norman Bridwell Trust. CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered marks of The Norman Bridwell Trust. SCHOLASTIC and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered marks of Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved.
Director/ Choreographer – Laura Brandel
Scenic Design by Charlie Corcoran
Costume Design by Jen Caprio
Puppet Design by Lake Simons
Lighting Design by Audrey Wubbena
Puppet Director – Ashley Winkfield
Associate Director/ Choreographer – Andrew Coopman
Props Design by Clara Cable
Production Photos by Jeremy Daniel Photography.
2026 Preview Tour Cast: Jimmy Henderson, Izzy Figueroa, Chrissa Weir, Janna Linae, Mateo Lizcano, Markia Nicole Smith
Study Guide (coming soon)
Once Upon A Time: Cinderella & Jack and the Beanstalk
Thursday, March 4, 2027
10am & 12:30pm
Join Lenny and Mabel, “The Greatest Actors in the World,” as they bring two classic tales to the stage. Dance at the ball with Cinderella and challenge the giant with Jack and the Beanstalk as these stories come to life in front of your very eyes! Fun and interactive, this show is great for younger audiences or anyone who is young at heart.
Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Recommended Ages: Grades Pre-K – 3
Study Guide (coming soon)
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
Thursday, March 18, 2027
10am & 12:30pm
This is a beautiful wintery tale about a boy who learns the importance of the truth and finds a place for himself (and his imagination) in his warm woolly community. Inspired by Aesop’s famous fable, a gifted ensemble of actor musicians play instruments and sing live as they embody all the characters, including mischievous sheep and even a scary wolf or two.
“Reaching out through imaginative storytelling and hilarious characterisation, the show is alive with creative ensembles of music and dancing … There is a fun, folky edge to this yarn.” – York Mix
Approximate Running Time: 60 Minutes
Recommended Ages: Pre-K through 5
Written by playwright Mike Kenny and inspired by Aesop’s famous fable, this is a wintery tale about a boy who learns that “nobody believes a liar, even when they’re telling the truth.”
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.