Thank you to the following sponsors for their support of the Arts Discovery Educational Series this year:
Through combined resources with our partner organizations, we are able to offer richer arts experiences for our students. We are proud to partner with the following organizations:
Durham Arts Council | Durham Public Schools
University of North Carolina, Carolina Public Humanities, Carolina K-12
This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Thirty years. That's how long the Arts Discovery Educational Series has been bringing students through the doors of the Carolina Theatre of Durham — and as we mark that milestone alongside our Centennial Celebration, this season feels particularly special.
This year's lineup spans the full spectrum of the arts, with something meaningful for every grade level and classroom. We open in October with Ballet Nepantla's Mística, a visually stunning fusion of ballet folklorico and contemporary dance that transports audiences into the traditions of Día de Muertos through blacklight and movement. November brings The Colorful Hat, a wildly entertaining circus and variety show where juggling, acrobatics, and comedy collide. And just in time for the holidays, Triangle Youth Ballet returns with Behind the Curtain: A Nutcracker Adventure — a charming, behind-the-scenes look at bringing a full production to life, accompanied by live music from TYB's Tchaikovsky Virtuosi Orchestra.
Step Afrika! returns with a celebration of percussive dance rooted in African American cultural tradition. February is packed: our returning double feature of February One: The Story of the Greensboro Four and Carolina Theatre's own Breaking the Booth, offering a powerful lens on civil rights history right here in North Carolina, and Jazz Legacy Project — joined by the award-winning Jordan High School Jazz Combo — invites students into the heart of one of America's most vital art forms.
Spring brings even more to discover. Popular favorite Lightwire Theater's Dino-Light! is a glow-in-the-dark spectacle blending puppetry, technology, and storytelling that has wowed audiences around the world. Artrageous turns visual art into live performance, with artists creating massive works of art at breathtaking speed. Rosie Revere, Ada Twist and Iggy Peck: The Questioneers leaps off the page in a STEM-inspired musical that champions curiosity and teamwork. One Noble Journey features the remarkable true story of Henry "Box" Brown, performed by award-winning actor and playwright Mike Wiley in an experience that is as moving as it is unforgettable. And, finally, Grammynominee Uncle Jumbo wraps up our season with an upbeat, joyful concert designed to inspire our youngest learners.
Here's to a century of the Carolina Theatre and thirty years of Arts Discovery!
Yours in discovery,
Laurie Siegel Senior Director of Education & Community Engagement
laurie@carolinatheatre.org
RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT
All school groups, including homeschools, can reserve tickets to Arts Discovery performances through the Carolina Theatre's website with a credit card. If you need an invoice to pay by check, contact efan@carolinatheatre.org. After your reservation is made, there is no need to print tickets — on the day of the event, simply check in at the door by giving your school's name to an usher.
Please note - Reservations close five days before the performance, and all payments must be processed before the performance date.
DURHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS
All Durham Public Schools reservations should be made by the school-designated arts liaison . To inquire about your school’s arts liaison, please contact your school’s principal or Senior Director of Education, Laurie Siegel at laurie@carolinatheatre.org.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations must be made at least three weeks before the performance date. If you need to cancel your reservation within the three weeks before a show, you must contact efan@carolinatheatre.org as soon as possible.
OCTOBER
Wed, Oct 28: Mistica / D, M, T K-12
NOVEMBER
Tue, Nov 10: The Colorful Hat / T, D K-8
DECEMBER
KEY:
D = Dance
F = Film
M = Music
T = Theater
Suggested Grades: K-12
Fri, Dec 11: Behind the Curtain: A Nutcracker Adventure / D, M, T K-6
JANUARY
Thu, Jan 28: Step Afrika! / D, M, T K-12
FEBRUARY
Wed, Feb 3: February One: The Story of the Greensboro Four AND Breaking the Booth (Double Feature) / F 3-12
Tue, Feb 23: Jazz Legacy Project - featuring the award-winning Jordan High School Jazz Combo / M K-12
MARCH
Thu, Mar 4: Lightwire Theater presents Dino-Light! / T, M, D K-8
Tue, Mar 16: Artrageous / T, M K-8
APRIL
Wed, Apr 14: Rosie Revere, Ada Twist and Iggy Peck: The Questioneers / T, M K-5
Wed, Apr 21: One Noble Journey / T 3-12
MAY
Fri, May 7: Uncle Jumbo / M K-3
NC STANDARD COURSE OF STUDY ALIGNMENT BY PERFORMANCE
Performance
Mística
Gr. K–12
Colorful Hat
Gr. K–8
Behind the Curtain
Gr. K–6
Step Afrika!
Gr. K–12
Feb One / Breaking the Booth
Gr. 3–12
Jazz Legacy Project
Gr. K–12
Dino-Light!
Gr. K–8
Artrageous
Gr. K–8
Rosie Revere…
Gr. K–5
One Noble Journey
Gr. 3–12
Uncle Jumbo
Gr. K–3
MÍSTICA
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 10:15 am | Fletcher
“Mística” honors our ancestors by celebrating the creative and spiritual energies of our indigenous, Afro, and Hispanic roots. It commemorates the traditions of Día De Muertos and transports the audience into the afterlife through the use of blacklight and Ballet Nepantla’s unique fusion of ballet folklorico and contemporary dance.
Ballet Nepantla originated from a series of talks between founders Andrea Guajardo and Martín Rodríguez, two artists whose early professional identities emerged from distinct genres: Andrea from classical ballet and contemporary dance, and Martin from traditional Mexican Folklórico. They envisioned a new form of expression that fused the two modalities and an aesthetic that would speak to the historical, cultural, and social realities of a broader narrative of being Mexican, Mexican American, immigrant, and trans-cultural. They chose Nepantla, a Nahuatl term, as the company name. Nepantla means to be in a space of in-betweenness, a liminal space that inspires the company’s creativity.
Hall | Grades K-12 | 60 min
Music Theater Dance
THE COLORFUL HAT
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 10:15 am | Fletcher Hall | Grades K-8 | 60 min
The Colorful Hat Circus & Variety is reinventing Vaudeville — live and on stage — with a high-energy performance showcasing extraordinary skills with everyday objects: hula hoops, juggling balls, jump ropes, and even chairs!
Performed by world-class, award-winning artists whose credits include appearances on The Tonight Show, ESPN, and the Magic Circle Theatre in London, highlights include:
• Chairs stacked to the ceiling!
• Breathtaking balancing acts!
• Acrobatics with hula hoops, jump ropes, and more!
• Dynamic juggling!
• Amazing magic and illusions — including one of Harry Houdini's most famous and fastest escapes!
• High-flying acrobatics on the teeterboard — a giant see-saw!
Throughout the show, students will discover the history of circus, variety, and vaudeville entertainment, and hear the personal stories of how this remarkable cast of performers found their way to the stage.
Theater Dance
BEHIND THE CURTAIN: A NUTCRACKER ADVENTURE
Friday, December 11, 2026 | 11:00 am | Fletcher Hall | Grades K-6 | 60 min
Join us for a captivating performance led by Triangle Youth Ballet’s Artistic Director, Lauren Lorentz De Haas, featuring talented students from the Triangle Youth Ballet (TYB).
This special program offers audiences a rare, behind-the-scenes look at producing a show, providing fun and humorous insight into the ups and downs of putting on a fullscale dance performance.
Using “The Nutcracker” as a centerpiece, the presentation weaves together elements of dance history, music appreciation, and the artistry behind staging a full theatrical production. The experience includes a beautifully costumed live performance of iconic excerpts from “The Nutcracker” as well as other styles of dance and music, accompanied by live music from TYB's very own Tchaikovsky Virtuosi Orchestra, under the direction of Andrew McAffee - this will be a festive treat for all ages.
STEP AFRIKA!
Thursday, January 28, 2027 | 11:00 am
Fletcher Hall | Grades K-12 | 60 min
Experience the world’s leading authority on the art form of stepping. Step Afrika! blends percussive dance traditions of historically African American fraternities and sororities with traditional African dances and contemporary movement—creating a highenergy, inspiring performance for all ages. Join us for an unforgettable celebration of rhythm, culture, and community.
FEBRUARY ONE: THE STORY OF THE GREENSBORO
FOUR AND BREAKING THE BOOTH (DOUBLE FEATURE)
Film STUDY GUIDE AVAILABLE!
Wednesday, February 3, 2027 | 10:15 am | Fletcher Hall | Grades 3-12 | 90 min
February One: The Story of the Greensboro Four
On this remarkable day, February 1, in the year 1960, four college freshmen changed American history. This film depicts Ezell Blair, David Richmond, Franklin McCain and Joseph McNeil—the “Greensboro Four”—as they began a sit-in at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. The restaurant refused service to patrons of color. This demonstration is considered one of the pivotal moments in the American civil rights movement. In the film, protesters recount how the idea for the sit-in grew out of their late-night talks in campus dorms, and how the decision to act changed their lives and history forever. (runtime – 60 minutes)
Breaking the Booth
Before the marches, before the headlines—there were movie tickets. Set in early 1960s Durham, North Carolina, “Breaking the Booth” shines a light on a little-known chapter of the Civil Rights Movement: the local protests to desegregate the Carolina Theatre of Durham. Through intimate interviews, rarely seen archival footage, and cinematic vérité, the film captures how a segregated ticket booth became a flashpoint for resistance. It’s a story about fighting to be seen, told by those who refused to sit in silence. (runtime- 30 minutes)
JAZZ LEGACY PROJECT
Music FEATURING THE AWARD-WINNING JORDAN HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ COMBO
Tuesday, February 23, 2027 | 10:15 am for K-5; 11:45 am for 6-12 | Fletcher Hall Grades K-12 | 60 min
Celebrate the culture, creativity and community of Black History Month by learning more about one of America’s most important art forms! “Jazz Legacy Project” invites students into the vibrant world of jazz through an upbeat, interactive performance designed especially for young audiences.
Led by longtime educator and musician Justin Varnes, who has spent more than 20 years presenting this acclaimed program through the Young Audiences initiative in Atlanta, the show introduces students to the sounds, history, and creative spirit of jazz.
Students will discover how jazz works—rhythm, improvisation, musical conversation— and experience live demonstrations that make these concepts fun and easy to understand. The performance culminates in a lively finale where student volunteers are invited to come up, play, and even dance with the band, creating a joyful, memorable experience.
*Note to teachers – the two performances will be geared towards students of different ages: K-5 at 10:15am and 6-12 at 11:45am. Please choose the appropriate show for your students.
LIGHTWIRE THEATER PRESENTS DINO-LIGHT!
Thursday, March 4, 2027 | 10:15 am and 11:45 am
Fletcher Hall | Grades K-8 | 60 min
DINO-LIGHT was the recipient of the prestigious Jim Henson Foundation Grant and the first feature-length theatrical production created and performed by creators Ian Carney and Corbin Popp. In this original storyline, a famous scientist with magic powers brings a friendly dinosaur to life. When the dinosaur wanders away from home, he discovers a wonderful world full of creatures that light up the darkness and help him find the true meaning of love. This glow-in-the-dark adventure is visually amazing and has been praised for its cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance by audiences all over the world.
ARTRAGEOUS
Tuesday, March 16, 2027 | 10:15 am and 11:45 am | Fletcher Hall | Grades K-8 | 60 min
Ignite your students’ curiosity with “Artrageous,” a high - energy, performance where a team of exceptional artists paints at lightning speed, creating enormous works of art right before their eyes. This 3D visual “concert” blends original music with live, multisensory artmaking, offering students a rare chance to watch creativity unfold in real time.
Designed with young learners in mind, “Artrageous” encourages imagination, collaboration, and critical thinking while showing how music, visual art, and performance can come together to tell a powerful story. This immersive experience leaves students inspired, engaged, and excited about the artistic process.
ROSIE REVERE, ADA TWIST AND IGGY PECK: THE QUESTIONEERS
Music Theater STUDY GUIDE
Wednesday, April 14, 2027 | 11:00 am Fletcher Hall | Grades K-5 | 60 min
This STEM-fueled musical features excellent role models for young scientists, prompting kids to go home and create engineering projects of their own! Based on the books by Andrea Beaty, “Rosie Revere, Ada Twist and Iggy Peck: The Questioneers” is a theatrical adventure that leaps off the page and onto the stage.
Ms. Greer's classroom includes three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers. Rosie Revere has big dreams, Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture, and Ada Twist's curiosity can drive her teacher crazy. On a field trip gone awry, they are faced with the ultimate test of their problem-solving skills that can only be conquered with teamwork.
ONE NOBLE JOURNEY
Theater
Wednesday, April 21, 2027 | 10:15 am
Fletcher Hall | Grades 3-12 | 60 min
“One Noble Journey” is a true story of three slaves who overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to gain a life of freedom. Award-winning actor, playwright and professor Mike Wiley becomes Henry "Box" Brown, a black slave who sees no alternative but to mail himself to freedom in a small crate. Brown's life unfolds like a Mark Twain adventure, perilous and somber at times while humorous and heroic throughout. Audience members join Wiley on stage, quickly becoming characters helping propel the historic action.
STUDY GUIDE AVAILABLE!
UNCLE JUMBO
Music
Friday, May 7, 2027 | 11:00 am
Fletcher Hall | Grades K-3 | 60 min
Grammy-nominee Uncle Jumbo layers heartfelt lyrics with messages of positivity that inspire young minds to dream big and chase their passions. His concert performances include hits from his “Taste the Sky” and “Garden Groove” albums, with upbeat songs and dance-alongs that focus on joy, connection, kindness and wellbeing.
STUDY GUIDE AVAILABLE!
CHAPERONES
Schools receive one free seat for every 20 seats purchased. Additional chaperones, (teachers and parents) can pay at the door on the day of the show, but must be affiliated with a student group. Attendees under the age of two that will be sitting on a parent's lap will receive complimentary entry.
SEATS
Seating arrangements are made prior to the show by theater staff according to group size, grade level, and any special accommodation needed. If you arrive in smaller groups, please wait outside until your entire group is together and can be seated at one time.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Please include any accessibility needs, such as wheelchair access or hearing devices on your reservation. We encourage you to contact us at efan@carolinatheatre.org if you need further seating requirements.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
If your school is delayed or cancelled due to inclement weather on the day of the performance, please notify efan@carolinatheatre.org as soon as possible. If the theater must cancel a show due to weather, every effort will be made to reschedule during the current season, and your tickets will be transferred.
DAY OF PERFORMANCE
Please arrive 30 minutes before show time to allow time for bus parking and seating. Police officers will direct buses for parking — make sure to get your bus driver's name and phone number in case you need to locate your bus after the show.
A group leader should check in with Carolina Theatre staff, and volunteer ushers will direct everyone to their seats. Teachers and chaperones should sit at the ends of rows, so they don't block the view for smaller children seated behind them.
All performances are approximately one hour unless otherwise noted. Eating inside the theater or on the plaza outside is prohibited. Study guides, when provided by the performing artist, are available on each show's individual page on the Carolina Theatre website.
EDUCATION
Each year, we present Arts Discovery Educational Series performances to complement classroom curriculum as designated by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. With a specific focus on arts exposure as part of the Comprehensive Arts Education Framework, you will also find expanded curriculum tie-ins for each show this season. Our goal is to engage our young audiences in grades K-12 through captivating performances to foster learning across multiple subject areas.
OUR VISION
To establish the Carolina Theatre as a leading field trip destination for performing arts experiences.
GOALS
• Present high-quality performing arts — theater, dance, music, and film — for young audiences.
• Enhance teacher awareness of the arts as an effective medium for cultivating student appreciation of creative expression, academic learning, and artistic discipline.
• Provide an affordable field trip destination for performing arts experiences that complement curriculum goals for schools and community organizations serving children and their families.
• Promote the arts as a vehicle for greater understanding and respect for all.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Family Saturday Series, established in 2017, is a family-based program for all ages. This series features local and touring performing artists for one-hour performances on select Saturdays, once a month. Our goal is to provide highquality, affordable arts experiences to introduce young audiences to the magic of live performances, music, storytelling, and more at an affordable price for the community.
The Sensory Friendly Film Series, established in 2023, offers a welcoming and supportive environment for autistic individuals and others in need of sensory accommodations. The series presents films in a comfortable environment once a month. This series is presented to the community free of charge in partnership with the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development.
To see this season’s offerings for both series, please visit the Carolina Theatre of Durham’s website for ticket and reservation information. Family Saturday Series and Sensory Friendly Film Series information can be found on our website under the Education and Film tabs, respectively.
PRESERVE OUR STORY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
When your students experience a performance at the Carolina Theatre of Durham, they become part of the landmark’s 100-year history.
The theater houses three history exhibits, one on each floor of its historic showplace.
A Century Downtown | MAIN LOBBY LEVEL
A look at the Carolina Theatre and the artists and films that have appeared over the years. The launching point for the self-guided tour, this exhibit shows how the theater and downtown Durham have evolved over time.
Restoring Hope | FIRST BALCONY LEVEL
A tribute to the dedicated volunteers of the 1970s and 1980s, this exhibit tells the story of Connie Moses and her quest to resurrect and restore the Carolina Theatre and the ballroom that bears her name.
Confronting Change | SECOND BALCONY LEVEL
Taking “no” for an answer was not an option for the heroes that lined Durham streets in peaceful protest in the 1960s. This exhibit tells the story of the desegregation of the Carolina Theatre and the people dedicated to making certain their theater, and their community, had equal access for all.
Groups of at least 25 guests are eligible for a guided tour. If you are interested in a guided tour of the theater, please visit ctdurham.org/SchoolTours to fill out a short form to schedule a tour in advance.
THE CAROLINA THEATRE OF DURHAM
Built in 1926, the Carolina Theatre (then the Durham Auditorium) has had a front row seat to North Carolina’s social, political, and economic change. Through cinema and live performance, the Carolina Theatre has entertained and enriched our community for generations.
Today, the Carolina Theatre is committed to presenting the best in music, comedy, performing arts, independent cinema and arts education.
