2023-2024 Student Matinees
The medium of live art is irreplaceable and continues to play an important part in the learning, well-being and social development of young people. This Education Program presents a number of hand-picked shows that will be relevant, engaging and exciting for your students. We encourage you to get in contact and ask questions.
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 begins Wednesday, August 16, at 11 a.m. Reservations can also be taken in-person at the Reif Center Box Office, and over the phone 218-327-5780 during regular business hours. One month before each performance, you will receive an invoice. Remit payment at least one week prior to the show and save $1 per ticket!
Questions? Contact Emily at eslaubaugh@reifcenter.org
To reserve more than one show, please submit additional reservation forms.
Giraffes Can’t Dance
Friday, October 13, 2023
10:00AM
Wilcox Theater
Best Enjoyed by Grades Pre-K – 4
About the Show
Now every year in Africa they hold the Jungle Dance, Where every single animal turns up to skip and prance. And this year when the day arrived, poor Gerald felt so sad, Because when it came to dancing, he was really very bad…Gerald the Giraffe longs to go to the great Jungle Dance, but how can he join in when he doesn’t know how to tango or two-step? Everyone knows that giraffes can’t dance! But with a little help from a wise and kind cricket, Gerald discovers his rhythm – because sometimes when you’re different, you just need a different song! Carrying the important and universal message of acceptance and self belief, the sensitive and nuanced storytelling of Giraffes Can’t Dance is perfect for young children, who will be encouraged to dance to their own tune with Gerald the Giraffe and company of five actors playing warthogs, lions, rhinos chimps and, of course, the violin-playing cricket.
The Reif Dance Presents: The Nutcracker
Friday, December 8, 2023
12:30PM
Wilcox Theater
Best Enjoyed by All Ages
About the Show
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!
The Rainbow Fish
Friday, January 12, 2024
12:30PM
Wilcox Theater
Best Enjoyed by Grades Pre-K-3
About the Show
“The sparkling story that became an international publishing phenomenon!” Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s elegant new show, The Rainbow Fish, will include an original stage adaptation of Marcus Pfister’s colorful story as well two of the author’s companion tales, Rainbow Fish Discovers the Deep Sea and Opposites The first of three tales introduces the most beautiful fish in the sea, whose scales shimmer in all the colours of the rainbow. He is admired – and resented - by the entire underwater world, until a clever octopus advises him to give each fish one of his scales. Further adventures follow as The Rainbow Fish finds the courage to explore the great unknown deep sea, discovering a new world with wonderful sights and friendly creatures of all shapes, sizes and colours who are eager to make his acquaintance. The underworld wonderland is the setting for an introduction to the concept of opposites. As a fitting finale, the story ends with the most satisfying opposite of all—give and take—as Rainbow Fish shares one of his shining scales with a friend.
Dinosaur World Live
Friday, February 9, 2024
12:30PM
Wilcox Theater
Best Enjoyed by Grades Pre-K – 4
About the Show
Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World in this interactive new dino-mite adventure for the whole family! Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing dinosaurs. Using stunning puppetry to bring remarkably life-like dinosaurs to the stage, Dinosaur World Live presents a host of impressive pre-historic creatures roaring across the stage, including a Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus, plus a Triceratops and every child’s favorite giant carnivore, the Tyrannosaurus Rex!
Dot, Dot, Dot the Musical
Thursday, February 22, 2024
10AM & 12:30PM
Wilcox Theater
Best Enjoyed by Grades Pre-K – 4
About the Show
DOT DOT DOT: A New Musical is an exciting new musical based on the Creatrilogy trio of award-winning picture books by New York Times bestselling author Peter H. Reynolds- The Dot, Ish and Sky Color. Adapted by Composers Keelay Gipson and Sam Salmond, the musical, like the series, celebrates the power of originality, self-expression, and opening our eyes to look beyond the expected. When Marisol (Sky Color), a young artist and curator of the Musee de Marisol, decides that her gallery requires more than her own art, her search for emerging talent leads her to Vashti (The Dot), whose dots inspire Ramon (Ish) to become an artist in his own right. The musical follows Marisol’s journey to help her new friends, and her entire community, break free from self-criticism and learn to let their imaginations soar.
Cat Club
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
10AM & 12:30PM
Wilcox Theater
Best Enjoyed by Grades 1-5
About the Show
Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical is a hilarious new production! Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog have started an epic club to teach 21 rambunctious baby frogs how to make their own comics! Their fishy father Flippy is overjoyed that his kids will learn to unleash their creativity, but when the frogs’ constant bickering and outrageous imaginations send their comics comically off the rails, Flippy flips out! Will the club survive? Will the frogs ever get along? And will creativity finally save the day? All will be answered in this madcap musical based on Dav Pilkey’s irreverently hilarious book series. This hilarious musical adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man spin-off series, Cat Kid Comic Club, is written by Kevin Del Aguila and Brad Alexander - the team that brought you DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL! And directed and choreographed by Marlo Hunter!
Koo Koo
Friday, April 19, 2024
10:00 AM
Wilcox Theater
Best Enjoyed by All Ages
About the Show
Koo Koo are a barnstorming dance-a-long comedy show created by Bryan and Neil, two friends who set out to experiment with live music and how to make it as sensationally fun as humanly possible. Armed with nothing more than a bunch of records, two mics, one giant rainbow and some gold sneakers, Koo Koo put on a dance party for the ages.
Charlotte’s Web
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
10AM & 12:30PM
Wilcox Theater
Best Enjoyed by Grades K-5
About the Show
Charlotte's Web is based on E.B. White's loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman. She will create a "miracle." Spinning the words "Some Pig" in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever. This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.
Student Matinee Information
Reserved Seating for Groups
Groups will be assigned seating at the time a reservation is made. Performance seating is assigned 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.
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. Changes to your reservation numbers can be made up until 4 weeks prior to your scheduled performance.
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.
Prices
Field Trip prices are $8 for students/teachers/chaperones.
Remit payment at least one week prior to the show and save $1 per ticket!
One FREE TICKET for Every 15 Tickets Purchased!
Homeschool Families pay the group rate of $8 with no minimum number required
No up front money required for reservations. Simply pay with one check or credit card when you receive an invoice for the final number of tickets you need.
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.
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.
Bus Fund
Reif Reimbursement Program
Thanks to generous support from Reif sponsors, transportation funding is available for area schools.
The program is first come, first serve. To apply, please submit a Bus Fund Reif Reimbursement application.